A Talent for Music, A Passion for Giving Back: Isabella’s Story
Everyone has something special they can share. Through Circle of Care’s Talent Volunteer Program, our volunteers turn their passions into meaningful experiences for seniors. From engaging performances to interactive workshops, volunteers can give back in a more personal and creative way—sharing what matters most to them.
For Isabella, that passion is music. Inspired by the opportunity to connect with others in a unique way, she joined the Talent Volunteer Program, eager to share an important part of her life with the community.
As a classically trained pianist and vocalist, Isabella is already bringing joy and connection to senior clients in our Adult Day Program through her music. She shares how this experience has deepened her sense of connection and the impact she hopes to continue making through her volunteer journey.
Tell us about yourself and your volunteer role.
Music has always been a huge part of who I am. I come from a very musical family. Currently, I sing at Sunday Mass at my parish, where I also direct both the children’s and adult choirs. I also teach piano and voice at a local music school. Whether I am performing, directing, or teaching, I love being able to use music to connect with people and bring a little joy into their day.
As a fourth-year biomedical science student, I also have a dream of pursuing a career in healthcare. My past experiences as a volunteer—at my parish, at Mackenzie Health, and at a brain-health-focused charity—have all given me the chance to meet people from many different backgrounds, strengthening my passion for working with and helping others.
I am excited to bring my love of music to Circle of Care as a Talent Volunteer at the Adult Day Program. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to share something I love while getting to know the clients and becoming part of a welcoming community.
What do you enjoy most about sharing your talent with others?
Sharing music with others has always been especially meaningful to me because of the connection it creates. Music has a unique ability to bring people together, and it is incredibly rewarding to see clients respond to a familiar song by smiling, singing along, clapping, or simply enjoying my performance.
The most memorable part so far has been the conversations I have had with clients following my performances. The music often becomes a starting point for much broader conversations about their lives, families, interests, and memories. I have really enjoyed hearing their stories and learning more about who they are beyond the short time we spend together during the program.
I especially appreciate how the Talent Volunteer program creates opportunities for volunteers to connect with clients through shared interests, creativity, and conversation. It has also encouraged me to explore music from different generations and expand my own repertoire based on the songs and artists that clients find the most familiar and meaningful.
Why did you decide to volunteer at Circle of Care? What personal goals do you hope to achieve through your experience here?
I have volunteered in hospital settings in the past, and while those opportunities were very meaningful to me, I was looking for a more personal way to become involved in the community. Circle of Care gives me the opportunity to see the same clients over time, build genuine relationships, and get to know them beyond a single interaction. The Talent Volunteer role also allows me to bring music into those relationships, which made Circle of Care feel like a natural fit for me.
A personal goal of mine is to make volunteering a consistent and lasting part of my life rather than something I do temporarily. I hope to become someone the program can rely on, gradually taking on more responsibilities. Over time, I would also love to find new ways to contribute beyond my current role and become more involved with my community.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in volunteering with Circle of Care?
Never underestimate the impact that volunteering can have on your own life. The people you meet, the stories you hear, and the moments you share can change your perspective in ways you may not expect.
Circle of Care offers many different volunteer roles, so I would encourage anyone interested to find an opportunity that aligns with their own passions, interests, and strengths. When you choose a role that is genuinely meaningful to you, you are more likely to thrive in it and bring the best version of yourself to the people you are serving. You may begin volunteering hoping to make a difference in someone else’s life and find that, along the way, they make a difference in yours as well.
Volunteers like Isabella are helping us bring more music into the Adult Day Program, creating opportunities for recognition and connection. For seniors living with dementia, musical memories often stay intact throughout cognitive changes, making volunteer performances especially impactful.
Isabella’s experience reflects the broader impact of our Talent Volunteer Program. As the program continues to grow, volunteers are helping us expand the range of activities available to our clients, supporting their interests and enriching their lives through meaningful, personalized experiences.
This International Volunteer Year, we’re reminded that giving back can take many forms. Whether it’s supporting programs that help seniors stay connected and maintain their independence, or sharing a special talent with those who appreciate it the most, every volunteer contribution makes a difference.
If you have a talent, skill, or passion you’d like to share, we invite you to volunteer with us today.
