Volunteer Spotlight: Caitlin Brady beyond-the-meal-logo

SVMOW Social Call Volunteer

“Once you make someone feel like that, you know it’s the best work there is.”

Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Caitlin received her MFA in New York and now works as a writer in Los Angeles.

Q: How did you come to volunteer for St. Vincent Meals on Wheels?
A: I was living in New York when I first started volunteering—I started as a social call volunteer during the pandemic and lockdown because I was living alone and struggling very much with the isolation. My call buddy at the time was Robin, despite how bleak the world looked at times, we made each other laugh. I’m still in touch with her family!

Q. What has been the most challenging aspect of your social call volunteer experience?
A. Well, I wish I could meet up with my social call friends more. I have met up with my SVMOW social call friend, Pat, a few times. It’s really rewarding. Building that connection without seeing each other takes trust and time, and being able to cook or share a meal together and talk in person is great if possible.

Q. What have you found the most fulfilling about your experience as a social call volunteer?
A. The connection, for sure. I love learning about other people’s lives and experiences. Pat and Robin, both have helped me to laugh, get perspective, and feel heard even after very tough days or weeks. Listening and feeling heard is so invaluable.

Q. Can you tell us what it is about volunteering in general that you enjoy and why it is important to give back in this way?
A. I have one memory that captures it. It was Thanksgiving 2020, rainy and cold. I went to deliver meals. At one of them, the man took a long time to come to the door. He had requested to have his meal left for him, and only spoke to me through the screen. He told me it was his birthday, but he hadn’t been able to see his family in over a year due to the pandemic. I sang happy birthday to him as loud as I could, and he smiled so much. Once you make someone feel like that, you know it’s the best work there is.