Volunteering Boosts Mental Health for Detroit Residents

Lauren Hatto and Steven Prescott didn't start volunteering to improve their own lives, but that's exactly what happened.

Hatto, a senior at Troy High School, leads the Teen Advisory Board at Troy Public Library and created communication boards for people with speech difficulties. Her volunteer work gave her the confidence to represent Girl Scouts at a United Nations conference on women's rights. "If it wasn't for all the work I did here, I never would have gained the courage to take that next step with my advocacy on the global level," she said.

Prescott found his calling after his sister Debbie passed away three years ago. He now volunteers weekly at FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation in Birmingham, supporting people with disabilities. He takes clients to Belle Isle, the Detroit Institute of Art, and local aquariums. "I've learned from them probably more than they've learned from me," Prescott reflects.

Both volunteers describe the experience as uplifting. Prescott calls it "nothing short of a spiritual awakening," while Hatto feels a deep sense of fulfillment from being surrounded by passionate people working toward shared goals.

The Bright Side

The mental health benefits these volunteers experience aren't just anecdotal. The Mayo Clinic reports that volunteering reduces anxiety and stress, especially in adults 65 and older. It creates purpose, teaches valuable skills, and boosts mood and self-esteem while decreasing risks of heart disease, stroke, and depression.

Jessica Van Valkenburgh, a registered somatic movement therapist at FAR, explains the science behind the good feelings. "When you're volunteering and you're in a place that makes you feel like you're doing something impactful, it helps shift your body into the parasympathetic nervous system, which is our rest, comfort and connection place to be."

The more people volunteer, Van Valkenburgh says, the better they become at managing emotions and their fight-or-flight response. Volunteering actually rewires your brain for better emotional regulation. It's healing work, not just for the communities being served, but for the volunteers themselves.

Prescott sums up the reciprocal nature of giving back perfectly. "There's a tremendous truth of life: the more you give out, the more you receive. So not only are you volunteering and helping others, you are in fact helping yourself."

The best part? You don't need special skills or extensive training to start—just the willingness to show up and connect with your community.