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Volunteer Spotlight
Allie Lieber
Allie is one of Shanti’s most involved Peer Support Volunteers. She has been a part of the Shanti community for just over 2 years and along with the support she’s been providing her client of a year, she’s been active in volunteering with us at our Breast Cancer Program Annual Event, marching with us in Pride and holding a workshop for the Breast Cancer’s Wellness Program. Allie has been a great addition to our Peer Support Program by being a part of our training team as a volunteer facilitator and most recently has become a co-facilitator for one of our Peer Support Volunteer support groups.
How did you hear about Shanti and what prompted you to reach out to become a Peer Support Volunteer?
After graduating from college and living in San Francisco for a few months, I felt like I was missing something. I used to do a lot of volunteering and participating in peer support programs and was also very involved in women’s health initiatives. But what I was missing most of all was being a part of something I cared about. I hopped online and did a search on volunteermatch for women’s health organizations near the Lower Haight. Shanti was the first match and applications were due the following week!
In the time you have been matched with your client, what is one of your most memorable moments with her? And are there any valuable lessons you've learned from her?
One day during early summer Ida and I stumbled into a free opera show in Golden Gate Park. We bought sandwiches from the food truck and had a picnic under a tree. We didn’t bring a blanket or anything so we just made ourselves comfortable in the grass. Reclining back, hands folded across her stomach with an ever so gentle grin on her face, she had an air of calmness and peace about her. I really felt connected to her and her just-enjoy-and-don’t-take-life-too-seriously spirit.
How does being a Shanti volunteer contribute to your day-to-day life?
I have brought listening more intentionally and fully into my day-to-day life. It really adds another dimension to my understanding of myself—both my boundaries and my openness, and of others. I also feel like part of a really amazing community.
Last fall, you participated in the Breast Cancer Program’s Wellness Activities, facilitating a jewelry making workshop. Can you tell us what drew you to the Wellness Program and what was the most rewarding part for you?
Whitney, the Wellness Coordinator whom I met through Shanti and is now one of my best friends, told me about the program and I starting wondering what I could offer. Because I have been making jewelry for years, I thought it would be a lot of fun to lead a workshop! It absolutely was. It was incredibly rewarding to take time out of my work day to visit with Shanti clients and help them make something beautiful.
What is a fun fact you can tell us about yourself?
I was in 12 musicals by the time I was 12 years old!