The Joy of Volunteers
Tennessee isn’t called the Volunteer State for nothing—and at Rejoice, we see that spirit come to life every day through the generosity, creativity, and dedication of our volunteers. From our board members to costume crafters, to corporate partners and family members, these incredible individuals help keep the heart of Rejoice beating strong.
Board Members: Leading with Heart
All nonprofit organizations rely on volunteers, starting with their board members. At Rejoice, each board member is a passionate volunteer dedicated to the services we provide to families. These committed community members invest three to six years into our growth, stability, and mission, offering valuable insights and expertise from their professional backgrounds. By the end of their term, they’ve truly become like family to us.
Showing Up with Open Hands
Rejoice also hosts volunteer events that create an entry point for members of the community to engage with our work. Consider the attorney who signed up for his church's service day, unaware that he would end up crafting a costume headpiece for a six-year-old’s upcoming performance. These unsung heroes may only volunteer for one day, but their contributions are powerful. They step in where we may lack staff, provide fresh perspectives, and leave us feeling energized.
Each year, we are fortunate to partner with individuals from Westminster Presbyterian Church through their Hands On Ministries. Last year, for their Faith Works Day, volunteers completed all the alterations for our Spring Showcase costumes. And yes, that attorney and his friends did indeed make costume headpieces—saving us over a thousand dollars in labor in just three hours.
Impact That Lasts
Many volunteer opportunities are ongoing or occur annually. Occasionally, volunteers play a crucial role in projects that benefit Rejoice families for years to come. Three years ago, volunteers from Girls Give, an organization founded by board members of The Women’s Fund, attended our Tea and Tutus event one Saturday morning. This intergenerational group of volunteers—grandmothers, daughters, and granddaughters—created 45 no-sew children’s tutus for our Children’s Ballet Showcase. This December will mark the fourth year our youngest dancers wear those beautiful tutus on stage.
We’ve also had the support of local corporations like Geodis and HCA, who work diligently to create opportunities for their employees to give back. From checking in participants at Bowling for Ballet to serving cookies and helping at open houses, their extra manpower keeps our events running smoothly. We’re excited to host HCA employees later this month to help sort and organize our costume storage.
Family-Powered, Mission-Driven
Sometimes, volunteering starts right at home. Family members of our dancers often show up to assist at Rejoice performances. Teenage brothers or older siblings home from college are frequently "voluntold" by their parents that they’ll be helping Rejoice that day—and we’re always glad to have them!
Why We Rejoice
Volunteers are woven into the very fabric of Rejoice. They lift us up, pitch in when it matters most, and bring joy to our dancers, families, and staff. Whether they’re here for a few hours or a few years, they make a lasting impact—and we’re endlessly thankful.