Being a volunteer with The Promise has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Grounding myself back into my community has reminded me that serving and working for others is something I want to do for the rest of my life. At UNLV I am studying Fine Arts and Psychology and will be applying for Master’s programs in Counseling and Art Therapy in the coming years. After working with The Promise I can see myself becoming more involved in the nonprofit world. In the time between being accepted to a graduate program I will be dedicating more time to approaching non profits for employment, such as case manager positions.
Giving back through community aid, though not directly tied to art therapy, shares a lot of common ground with advocating for mental health. You get to know the people in your community and hear about their day to day lives and struggles. It is a pleasure to meet so many kind and good spirited people, from the community members to fellow volunteers. The photo above was shot by Mike, and was taken after our check ins that wrap up a service.
There's something to be said about people like Diana and Mike, the founders of The Promise, that see themselves in the people they wish to help. Through hard work and community outreach they are able to cultivate a caring space where every Sunday one gets to be free from worries. Every Promise Keeper wants to see people thrive and feel safe, and it's amazing to be surrounded by like minded people.
As volunteers we reach out to our own inner circle for resources, and distribute them while speaking with the community. I believe if this program were to expand, training would be helpful, but as is we all follow simple guidelines to ensure service runs smoothly. If anyone is interested in joining us, The Promise is always seeking new volunteers to stop by for Sunday service. Just bring your best self and you’ll have a blast!
Your reflection on volunteering with The Promise is truly inspiring! . . It’s wonderful to see how your studies in Fine Arts and Psychology are intertwining. Your commitment to mental health advocacy through art therapy is commendable, and it’s clear that you’re eager to make a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector. The sense of community you describe, along with the dedication of founders like Diana and Mike, highlights the power of collective effort. Keep up the fantastic work. Your enthusiasm is truly uplifting!