Violet Bennett | CPNYC Cares Volunteer
“Volunteering is [about] giving back and I am always comfortable volunteering.”
Ms. Violet stands for a portrait in the Brooklyn gymnasium wearing a white Children of Promise, NYC t-shirt.
Ms. Violet is a lifelong volunteer. She began her volunteer journey in her home country of Jamaica at the Ozanam Home for the Aged in Kingston. When she moved to NYC, she first was a volunteer at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center before being hired a nurse’s aide. She is now retired and spends much of her time volunteering with The Temple of Restoration’s Prison Ministry.
What inspired you to get involved with CPNYC?
I heard about [CPNYC] because of Deacon Marcus Green, who is a member of The Temple of Restoration. I am a part of the Prison Ministry. With the Prison Ministry I have also volunteered for Books Thru Bars and also visit local prisons [before COVID]. We also have regular service in the church.
How have you served as a volunteer?
Just last year I came. When I came we did do the Christmas decorations. And after that I came back to do the coats and bags of food [for CPNYC Cares: Friday Giveaways]. And I came back in the New Year to put away the decorations. One of the students, his name is Mr. Joshua, he helped to take the things down. The children are great, them’s very helpful! I never forget his name. That young man is remarkable!
What advice would you offer to future volunteers?
I would tell you, you can come and try it out and keep your mind open. Volunteering is [about] giving back and I am always comfortable volunteering. I do it for me, no forces me to do it. And when I finish the work I was given, I always ask, “Is there anything more to do?” You can render your time and your service, but if it’s something you don’t like doing, you should speak to the person in charge. And if there’s something I would like to do, I also ask if that’s something I could do. Of course everyone has boundaries in their life, so [it’s important] to say yes or no so you’re not doing something you don’t want to do.