Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Amy, Parent Stress Line Counselor
At Parents Helping Parents (PHP), our incredible volunteers make a difference every day. This month, we’re excited to introduce Amy, a dedicated Parent Stress Counselor with a deep history of supporting parents and children.
A Career of Caring
Amy is no stranger to helping families navigate challenges. After a career in nonprofit management of children’s mental health services and public school special education administration, she’s now enjoying retirement while staying involved in meaningful work. As the parent of two adult children and a proud grandparent of a fabulous 7-year-old, Amy’s personal and professional experiences have made her an empathetic and thoughtful resource for parents reaching out to the Stress Line.
The Journey to PHP
Amy’s connection to PHP goes back decades—she first learned about and supported the organization in the early 1980s. For many years, she admired the work PHP was doing but hadn’t volunteered herself. When she completed a term on the board of another nonprofit, she began exploring new volunteer opportunities. That’s when an email from PHP arrived, recruiting volunteers for the Stress Line. Recognizing a chance to align her skills and passions, Amy decided to get involved. A little over a year later, she’s become a valued member of the Stress Line team, offering support and understanding to parents in need.
Why Amy Volunteers
Amy finds her role on the Stress Line both challenging and rewarding. She shared, “I have always been sympathetic to parents and their challenges, and most callers to the Line express their appreciation directly. The PHP staff and other volunteers and interns are extremely supportive and inspiring.”
She’s also found the experience personally enriching. Talking with parents from all walks of life has broadened her perspective, and she finds great meaning in providing support during difficult moments. “It means a lot to be able to give back to the greater community of parents and children,” she said.
Making an Impact
Parenting can be isolating, and Amy understands the unique stressors parents face when they lack a support system. Through her work on the Stress Line, she offers callers a safe space to share their experiences, always finding something positive to highlight in their efforts. “I think that can mean a great deal to someone experiencing stress,” she explained. “Ultimately, I feel I am helping their children by helping the callers.”
Advice for New Volunteers
For anyone considering volunteering with PHP, Amy offers this encouragement: “It is very fulfilling! Take advantage of all the training and support offered. Trust yourself. It felt a little scary to me in the beginning, and it might to you. But it won’t take long before you are more confident and comfortable, and callers will be expressing their thanks.”
A Fun Creative Outlet
When Amy isn’t volunteering, she enjoys creating French Beaded Flowers with glass seed beads and wire—a skill she’s perfected over time. She even crafted wedding bouquets for both of her daughters-in-law, adding a personal and artistic touch to their special days.
Amy’s dedication, empathy, and creativity are just a few of the reasons we’re so grateful to have her as part of the PHP family. Thank you, Amy, for the incredible impact you make!
Interested in volunteering with PHP? Learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference.
