Volunteer

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.