(Posted 2023 September)
Meet Sammar Butt, ADAPT Co-Facilitator
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your professional background?
My name is Sammar, originally from Pakistan, and I have lived in Virginia for more than 16 years with my three sons: 20, almost 19, and 11. I am a proud mother of a firefighter/EMT, a freshman Hokie, and a rising 6th grader. My education is an MPH from the University of New England; I work as a health counselor with the Department of Disease Prevention at the state level. I work exclusively with HIV and STIs.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I am an intermediate knitter and enjoy reading FBI thrillers.
How long have you been volunteering? What led to your initial desire to volunteer and serve others?
I have been volunteering with DSVS for almost 4 years as an ADAPT co-facilitator, but volunteering is in my nature, especially when it comes to working with underserved populations.
What interested you in volunteering with Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services?
To know more about counseling services, resources, and opportunities for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. A friend of mine was going through a bitter divorce, and I did not know how or where to start. I started looking into resources, and it just brought me to DSVS.
What is the most challenging part of volunteering? How did you overcome this challenge?
To ensure there is enough time for volunteering. Being a full-time mom and having a full-time job make it a little harder to volunteer as much as I want to devote my time. I was very hesitant and shy in the beginning, especially seeing people from my cultural background. With help from the volunteer coordinator and a DSVS counselor, I was able to overcome that fear.
What’s the best part of volunteering? Share your most memorable experience.
The ADAPT program is an 18-week-long interaction with people of all backgrounds. I enjoy seeing the change and acceptance that come with time. The letters that are written as part of an assignment are the best.
What has been your favorite training? What did you like about it? What did you learn?
I don't know if it counts, but the movie "The Mask You Live In" was an eye opener since I have three growing young men. It made me understand that it's OK for a man to cry. Overall ADAPT, as a whole, is a training worth attending for everyone.
What advice do you have for people who may be thinking about becoming a DSVS volunteer?
Stories impact you inside and out. So one baby step at a time. It’s a lot to learn and digest. But starting slow and taking time out for yourself is what you need to keep going.
What do you wish you could do more of as a volunteer?
I wish I could devote more time.
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).