Celebrating National Volunteer Month at The Jimmy Simpson Foundation & Safehaven

Stephanie Freeman • April 7, 2025

Because Showing Up Changes Everything

At The Jimmy Simpson Foundation, we often say that healing begins with connection. But connection doesn’t just happen—it’s built by people who choose to show up. They show up with open hearts, listening ears, and helping hands. They show up to remind survivors, caregivers, and families navigating life after a traumatic brain injury that they are not alone.

That’s why National Volunteer Month  means so much to us. It’s a time to honor the unsung heroes of our mission— the volunteers  who give generously of their time and energy to help us build a world where dignity, compassion, and hope are woven into every day.

More Than Just Helping Hands

At Safehaven , our long-term care residence for individuals living with traumatic brain injury, volunteers are part of the family. They don’t just drop in to help—they show up to connect. They play games with our residents. They volunteer at fundraisers. They provide much-needed supplies.They pack goodie bags, help organize seasonal activities, cook meals, make phone calls, offer hugs, and simply sit with someone who needs company.

Every act—big or small—becomes part of a larger story of healing. These moments may seem ordinary, but they are nothing short of transformational for our residents and their families.

Volunteers in the Support Group: Creating Safe Space

The same spirit lives on in our Northwest Georgia Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group . Each month, this group gathers as a lifeline for survivors, caregivers, and loved ones. It’s a place of hope, honesty, laughter, and healing—and it wouldn’t be possible without volunteers behind the scenes.

From coordinating transportation to preparing refreshments, setting up materials, or welcoming first-time attendees, our volunteers help create an atmosphere where people feel safe and supported. They offer reassurance through their presence, showing others that connection can still grow—even after injury, even in uncertainty.

The Power of Presence

Some of our volunteers know this journey firsthand—they’ve lived through it as survivors, caregivers, or grieving family members. Others simply feel called to serve. No matter where they come from, they all have one thing in common: they show up.

And when they do, lives are changed.

Their support allows us to stretch resources further, offer more programs, and create meaningful experiences that bring light to even the hardest days. At Safehaven and across all programs of The Jimmy Simpson Foundation, our volunteers help ensure that no one walks this path alone.

Join Us This Month—and Beyond

April is National Volunteer Month, but at Safehaven, we celebrate our volunteers every day. Their presence is a gift. Their service is a blessing. And their impact is immeasurable.

Interested in volunteering?

We would love to connect with you. Whether you have two hours or twenty, we have opportunities to match your talents and heart.

Visit https://safehavenjsf.org  to learn more, or contact Jessica Malone  at jmalone@safehavenjsf.org  to start a conversation about how you can get involved.

Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do…

is simply show up.

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