(Posted 2024 May)
Meet Sudha Bhat, Hotline Volunteer and ADAPT Co-Facilitator
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your professional background?
My name is Sudha Bhat. I am an engineer by profession. I have lived in Fairfax County for over 15 years now and feel so lucky to be a part of this great community.
How long have you been volunteering? What led to your initial desire to volunteer and serve others?
It feels like I have been volunteering for as long as I can remember. Compassion and service were two core values in my home growing up, so my parents made sure to emphasize the importance of serving others. These are values I’ve kept with me, even as I moved away from India, and values I kept as I established my own family. Therefore, volunteering regularly has always been important to me, and I think it is an invaluable way to spend your time.
What interested you in volunteering with Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services?
I feel like domestic and sexual violence are taboo subjects for many communities, which is heartbreaking because interpersonal violence is experienced by 25% of women and 13% of men in the U.S. I wanted to volunteer with Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services to help address this problem and help those who are stigmatized and affected by violence. Given that many of the victims may not have the support or resources to get help, I wanted to volunteer to help bridge that gap and connect them to the support or resources they may need.
What is the most challenging part of volunteering? How did you overcome this challenge?
The most challenging part of volunteering was incorporating the commute time into my busy schedule. However, thanks to COVID, many opportunities now have a virtual component, so I can serve much more frequently. Ultimately, it’s about finding an opportunity that fits into your schedule best, and now, with so many virtual options as well, it feels like there are so many opportunities that 24 hours is not enough in a day.
What's the best part of volunteering? Share your most memorable experience.
The best part of volunteering is how grounding the whole experience is. Every encounter reminds me of the profound impact each interaction can have on ourselves and the people we serve.
What has been your favorite training? What did you like about it? What did you learn?
The hotline and ADAPT training were my favorites because they shed light on active, compassionate, and non-judgmental listening. I learned how crucial and effective it is in building trust and that it is honestly a life skill that is needed in and applicable to all interactions.
What are your three greatest strengths? How have you been able to display and use these strengths when serving others?
Active listening, attention to detail, and time management. Active listening, along with attention to details, helps me listen to the full story and respond without judgment. Time management helps me to be able to volunteer while working full time and managing a family.
What advice do you have for people who may be thinking about becoming DSVS volunteers?
Just do it! It may seem overwhelming at first, but just like any other new task, there is a learning curve you will surely overcome. As you volunteer more, you will become more and more comfortable serving, and DSVS is an incredibly rewarding and essential area to which you should dedicate your time.
What do you wish you could do more of as a volunteer?
I wish I could build relationships with the clients I serve so I know they are OK after time has passed. I find myself very invested in the client’s well-being, and the nature of my service now is that there isn’t long-term client contact. I wish I could preserve that longer-term relationship with all the clients I serve and check in on them over time.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
As a major introvert, I love to read and enjoy my quiet time with artistic endeavors. My goal is to learn a little bit about traditional tribal visual art forms from all the different states of India, the country I grew up in. I am also interested in cooking and experimenting with new recipes for my family to try.
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).