Giving

SHOREVIEW, MN (April 30, 2026) — If you spent your breakfast wondering how to add a few more high-quality years to your life, you might want to put down the kale smoothie for a moment and pick up a volunteer sign-up sheet! And there’s no better time to start. April is National Volunteer Month, a time dedicated to celebrating service and encouraging more people to get involved in their communities.

We often focus on gym routines, supplements, and the latest wellness trends when it comes to longevity. Research, however, points to something just as powerful – a sense of purpose. Feeling that your life has direction and meaning can play a role in how long and how well you live. For many people, volunteering offers a natural, fulfilling way to build a sense of purpose.

There’s something energizing about waking up with a reason to get out of bed. You might mentor a student, serve meals at a local shelter, or help a neighbor through a tough week. That sense of purpose doesn’t just lift your mood in the moment; it may also support your long-term health and longevity.

Let’s take a closer look at what science says and why purpose may be one of the most underrated drivers of longevity.

Why Purpose Matters More Than You Think

Purpose does more than just make you feel good; it can influence your biology. Purpose gives structure to your days. It shapes your decisions, strengthens your relationships, and helps you navigate stress.

Researchers have found that people with a strong sense of purpose tend to experience better mental and physical health outcomes. A landmark study published by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health followed nearly 7,000 adults ages 50 and older. The team discovered that volunteering and other acts of kindness support both emotional well-being and long-term health, partly because they reduce loneliness and stress, which are two major risk factors for disease and early death.

Social connection also plays a huge role. Strong relationships and meaningful interactions lower the risk of conditions such as heart disease, depression, and even dementia. On the flip side, social isolation can increase the risk of premature death by up to 29%.

Purpose, in other words, connects you to people, to community, and to something bigger than yourself.

Research on Volunteering and Longevity

Volunteering sits right at the intersection of purpose and connection. The Mayo Clinic reports that volunteering offers three primary health benefits:

• Physical Activity: Many volunteer roles keep you moving, stretching, and walking.
• Social Connection: Regular interaction with a community builds a protective social buffer.
• The Helper’s High: Helping others releases dopamine, reducing stress and increasing feelings of relaxation.
  

Ask yourself:

• Which causes matter most to me?
• Do I enjoy working with people, animals, or the environment?
• How much time can I realistically commit each week?
  

You don’t need a packed schedule to make an impact. Even a few hours a month can create connection, build purpose, and improve how you feel day to day.

Ecumen offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, making it easy to find a role that fits your interests and schedule.

• Being a friendly visitor and providing companionship
• Calling Bingo or helping with puzzles and board games
• Leading or assisting with spiritual services or Bible studies
• Lending your green thumb skills to care for indoor and outdoor plants
• Providing unstructured pet therapy visits for residents
• Sharing a musical talent through a performance or leading sing-alongs
• Sharing an artistic talent by leading an art activity
• Sharing your special talent or passion with our residents—feel free to give us a call to discuss your activity ideas!
  

Find purpose in sharing your time and talents through volunteering. You’ll feel good, make a lasting impact on others, and maybe even improve your health!

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Volunteering with Ecumen is an opportunity to share your gifts, build relationships, and be part of something greater.

Take the next step—explore volunteer opportunities today.

SHOREVIEW, MN (April 20, 2026) — On Monday mornings, something special happens at Ecumen St. Benedict’s Community in St. Cloud. The doors open, paws hit the floor, and a ripple of smiles follows. Amie arrives with her therapy dog, Bella, generously giving their time to brighten residents’ day.

In the spirit of National Volunteer Week, April 19 to April 25, Ecumen celebrates volunteers like Amie and Bella who put their generosity into action and bring heart to our communities for three years.

To residents living at St. Benedict’s, Bella is a familiar friend, a source of comfort, and a moment of pure joy. Bella knows the routine when she arrives. She joyfully bursts inside and runs to friends awaiting her visit. “She has people that she sees on a regular basis,” Amie shares, “She just loves being here. It’s fun to walk down the hall and everybody knows who she is and everybody says, ‘Bella’s here!’”

For residents who cherish the joy of a pet, having one of their own is not always possible. Bella’s visits help fill that space with warmth and companionship. “For Bella to visit and fill that void of not having a pet, even if it’s just her coming into the room and saying hi, can make a day better.”

Amie understands the science behind it. “The companionship that a pet brings can have psychological benefits,” she says. The calming presence of animals is known to reduce stress and anxiety and bring about feelings of greater emotional well-being. This is another way that Ecumen, through the dedication of service and therapy animals, provides holistic and integrative care to address all residents’ needs.

One moment in particular stays with Amie and the care team. A resident who once eagerly awaited Bella’s visits began to decline and withdraw. On one visit, Amie gently asked if she wanted to see Bella. She opened her eyes and started laughing, stunning team members! This resident hadn’t shown so much emotion in a very long time, but that brief moment with Bella brought laughter, touch, and connection back into the room. “It’s just amazing to have that impact.”

For Amie, volunteering is not an obligation, it is a gift she protects fiercely. “I always say Mondays are my day for therapy. I’m not giving up Mondays.” Bella naturally leans into the role, seeming to know exactly who needs her companionship the most.

Amie is continually moved by the residents’ warmth. “The residents are so gracious and they’re so welcoming and they want to know how your day is going.” And as she puts it, “The joy of coming here to volunteer is unbelievable…You get way more than you give.”

Thanks to generous volunteers, moments like these are possible. You create spaces of connection and joy, sometimes arriving on four legs with a wagging tail!

See Bella in action! Watch this video.