(Posted 2023 August)
Meet Levette Fondaumiere, Hospital Accompaniment Support Advocate
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your professional background?
I am a Christian woman who values my roles as a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of eight. I am also actively involved in mentoring others and advocating for my community. In my professional background, I have experience and expertise as a budget analyst within the federal government. This role involves financial planning, budgeting, and analysis, and I contribute to managing and optimizing financial resources for efficient operations and effective allocation of funds.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
Singing, acting, discovering new music, volunteering, mentoring, adult coloring, bowling, watching documentaries, and traveling.
How long have you been volunteering? What led to your initial desire to volunteer and serve others?
I have been actively volunteering throughout my entire life and specifically with Fairfax County for 10 years. The catalyst for my desire to volunteer was a tragic incident I experienced when I was 14. I witnessed the loss of my grandmother due to domestic violence. Since that fateful day, I have been determined to assist individuals facing domestic or challenging situations, helping them find the support and resources they need to overcome those hardships.
What interested you in volunteering with Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division?
I witnessed numerous young girls and women going through tragic situations. It was disheartening to see the challenges they faced, and I felt a desire to be part of the solution. Volunteering with DSVS allowed me to contribute to helping these individuals and working toward creating a supportive environment for those affected by domestic and sexual violence.
What is the most challenging part of volunteering? How did you overcome this challenge?
For me, hearing the stories of the victims and wanting to provide comfort and assurance that everything will be all right. It can be emotionally demanding to be strong for them, offer encouragement, and try to restore hope in their lives. I often urge them to seek counseling to navigate this difficult time and assure them they have the resilience to overcome their circumstances. To address this challenge, I have pursued training and support from experienced professionals to enhance my skills in offering emotional support and maintain a compassionate approach.
What’s the best part of volunteering? Share your most memorable experience.
The best part of volunteering is the opportunity to connect with people. It is incredibly fulfilling to form meaningful connections with individuals in need and be able to offer them support, strength, compassion, and understanding. A positive impact on somebody’s life, even in a small way, is deeply rewarding and reaffirms the power of human connection and kindness. One of my most memorable experiences as a volunteer was when I had the chance to assist a victim by providing the support she needed. What made this experience remarkable was when she expressed gratitude for my nonjudgmental approach. This encounter reinforced the importance of empathy and support, a constant reminder of why I volunteer.
What has been your favorite training? What did you like about it? What did you learn?
Hospital accompaniment training, which enables me to engage directly with individuals. The training equips me with the skills to help survivors accurately document the facts of the event, minimizing the need for repeated questioning and ensuring their accounts are properly recorded. I also learned individuals exposed to domestic violence often undergo physical, mental, or spiritual shifts that can persist or worsen if left unaddressed. This realization emphasized the importance of addressing the immediate aftermath of the traumatic event, its long-term effects, and the need for comprehensive support services. I particularly like the opportunity to have face-to-face interactions with survivors and assist them in a more personal and immediate manner.
What are your three greatest strengths? How have you been able to use these strengths when serving others?
Listening, communication, and empathy. These strengths have been instrumental in my ability to serve others effectively. My strong listening skills allow me to hear and understand the needs, concerns, and experiences of the individuals I serve. I can create a safe space for them to express themselves and feel heard and validated. Being able to articulate information clearly and sensitively has helped me explain resources and guide individuals toward solutions. Clear communication fosters trust and ensures that those I serve have a solid understanding of the support and options available.
Empathy allows me to connect with individuals on a deeper level, offering comfort and reassurance during difficult times. It helps me build rapport and foster a sense of trust, which is crucial to providing assistance and guidance.
What advice do you have for people who may be thinking about becoming a DSVS volunteer?
I offer this advice: 1) Take time to educate yourself about the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence, the resources and support systems in your community; 2) Develop empathy and active listening skills, essential when working with survivors; 3) Seek training and support. Training programs equip you with knowledge, tools, and techniques to help survivors navigate challenges; 4) Recognize the power of your role. You have the potential to make a significant difference in somebody’s life. You can be a source of strength and hope; and 5) Take care of yourself. Volunteering in this field can be emotionally demanding, so prioritize self-care.
What do you wish you could do more of as a volunteer?
I wish I could provide long-term support and follow-up care. The nature of volunteering often means my involvement is limited. I would love to continue being there for survivors beyond the initial interaction.
Additionally, I wish I could have more resources and capacity to address the systemic issues of domestic and sexual violence. My efforts are valuable, but contributing to larger-scale initiatives that aim to prevent violence, raise awareness, and promote healthy relationships would be incredibly fulfilling.
This article posting is part of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services' Volunteer Voices monthly newsletter for current and potential volunteers. If you're not already a volunteer, learn how to get involved. Find out about upcoming trainings, volunteer trainings, happenings around the DSVS office and information about articles, books, media recommendations and more.
Learn more about the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS).