Volunteer Month

Why Volunteering Matters in Waukesha County

At Waukesha County Health and Human Services (HHS), we know strong communities are built by people who show up for one another—and our volunteers have been doing just that for more than 45 years. For decades, volunteers have been an essential part of how we serve Waukesha County. They’ve stepped in wherever help is needed, offering their time, energy, and compassion to support neighbors across our community. Their contributions have evolved over the years, but one thing has remained the same: a shared commitment to helping others.

What makes volunteering so special here is the impact it has, not just on HHS, but on the entire county and the people who call it home.

Our volunteers bring services to life in meaningful ways. They deliver meals and check in on older adults, provide rides to appointments, support substance use recovery groups, assist with youth initiatives, help strengthen emergency preparedness, and much more. Just as importantly, they offer a friendly face, a listening ear, and a sense of connection that can brighten someone’s day.

For the residents we serve, those moments matter. One client shared, “When volunteers come to deliver my meal, they always have a little something to say to me. It brightens my day!” Another wrote, “Every day I look forward to their friendly greetings and smiles… it has made my lonely world so much easier to take.”

Volunteers also help expand what’s possible for Waukesha County. Their support allows services to reach more residents, helps reduce isolation, improves access to care, and strengthens programs that people rely on every day. At the same time, their involvement allows HHS staff to stay focused on specialized services while knowing that residents are still receiving thoughtful, consistent support.

The impact is real. In 2025 alone, 460 active volunteers contributed more than 29,000 hours of service, representing over $1.3 million in value to our community.

But for us, volunteering is about more than numbers. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors, building connections, and strengthening trust across Waukesha County. We are incredibly grateful for the volunteers who have been part of this work for more than four decades, and for those who continue to join us. At its heart, volunteering is about something simple but powerful: choosing to be kind, to show up, and to care for one another. Those everyday acts of goodness are what build stronger communities and make Waukesha County a place where people feel supported and valued. Together, through kindness and service, we’re making a difference every day.

For more information on our volunteer program, please visit: www.waukeshacounty.gov/HHSvolunteer

-Waukesha County HHS Volunteer Services Program Specialists