Volunteers founded Hubbard House in 1976, and today our volunteers continue to serve a vital role in every aspect of the agency. Why are volunteers so important to Hubbard House? Volunteers contribute their time and energy, their ideas and their ideals. They increase our visibility in the community, expand our capacity to provide services, and send a strong message of caring to our clients.
It is because of the support and generosity given by Hubbard House volunteers and donors that we are able to provide services to more than 6,000 women, children, and men annually and ensure that their hope for peace, dreams of tomorrow, and strength for their children are not lost.
This volunteer spotlight focuses on Robin Barr, agency manager at CIT, who bakes cakes or cupcakes each month for the birthday parties held for the children staying at the Hubbard House shelter.
She started volunteering as part of a group effort with her employer CIT. They typically do spring cleaning. Then last summer she reached out individually to share her talent of baking. She has been making cakes or cupcakes for Hubbard House since July. She decorates the cake or cupcakes to match the theme of the birthday party, like Halloween, Balloons, Hollywood, etc.
We asked Robin a few questions about her experience volunteering at Hubbard House:
Why did you decide to donate time and resources to Hubbard House?
I love to make people smile and who better to do that with – kids! These kids are in a tough situation and I just want to put a smile on their face and do something special for them to remind them that they are special and loved, no matter where they are living.
What made you get connected with Hubbard House?
I am a member of ICES – International Cake Exploration Society and there is a young lady in Texas who is also a part of ICES who does the same thing for women shelters in her city. I read an article in our monthly newsletter last year and I thought it would be great to do that here in my city. It was also a way for me to be able to give back to the community doing something I love to do. Also the company I work for – CIT Finance LLC, does volunteer work at Hubbard House during our Global Volunteer Month.
What has the volunteering experience meant to you?
It has meant a lot to me. When I give it makes me feel good inside. It humbles me. After attending my first party with the kids at the shelter and receiving beautiful handmade thank you cards, it made me more determined to keep doing what I’m doing.
Do you wish to remain involved with Hubbard House? If yes, how?
Yes. For as long as God continues to bless me with the ability to do this for these kids, I will be proving the kids at Hubbard House with a sweet treat each month to celebrate them and make them smile.
Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities available at Hubbard House or contact Tracy Knight at (904) 354-0076 ext. 251 or tknight@hubbardhouse.org.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship please call the Hubbard House 24-hour domestic violence hotline at (904) 354-3114 or (800) 500-1119. Hubbard House can help.
ABOUT HUBBARD HOUSE: Founded as the first domestic violence shelter in Florida in 1976, Hubbard House is a certified, comprehensive domestic violence center providing programs and services to more than 6,000 women, children, and men annually in Duval and Baker counties. While Hubbard House is most known for its emergency shelter, the agency also provides extensive adult and youth outreach services, school-based education, therapeutic childcare, batterers’ intervention programs, court advocacy and volunteer and community education opportunities. Visit www.hubbardhouse.org to learn more.