United Saints Long-Term Volunteer: Valentina Torres
Valentina Torres is from Berkeley, California. She volunteered with the United Saints Recovery Project in New Orleans this summer for five weeks.
“I decided to take some time off work as an early childhood mental health specialist in Oakland, Cal. I wanted to volunteer and help out communities in need. I found United Saints online and respected their mission and the work they were doing in New Orleans.
My time with United Saints was wonderful and extremely fulfilling. The work is challenging, [however] meeting the people being helped [made] it all worth it!
United Saints’ staff is very friendly and patient. [Initially] I had no real construction knowledge, [but] the staff, supervisors & team leaders taught and encouraged me. The work they do is truly selfless and inspiring!
I fell in love with the culture, food and people of New Orleans. Despite all the hardships the city had to endure, they shine on! That made volunteering there even more unique and life changing. Although I came to give my time and service to the city and its poorest communities, the people gave me so much more in return.
I am eternally grateful to United Saints for giving me this opportunity and look forward to volunteering again in the future.
I encourage everyone to do the same!”
Valentina Torres
Berkeley, CA
August 2012