(Posted 2024 November)
Meet Leanne Meyers, Hotline Volunteer
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your professional background? I am honored to be highlighted in this month’s newsletter. My background is primarily in education, both elementary education and parent coaching. I am also a certified fitness instructor and personal trainer. I have always had a passion for fitness and health as well as teaching in this arena. When we moved to McLean, Virginia, 14 years ago, I started my own in-home personal training business. My clients are primarily people who want to exercise but do not want to go to a conventional gym and need individualized instruction. I saw an opportunity and started my business. I do something called “functional training” either in my home gym or at my clients’ homes.
How long have you been volunteering? What led to your initial desire to volunteer and serve others? About 4 years ago I learned about the DSVS Hotline volunteer opportunity through one of my clients at the time. She has been a hotline volunteer for many years. I was intrigued by what she was doing and wanted to learn more about becoming a volunteer myself. So, I took the necessary steps, went through Tier 1 training and became a hotline volunteer 3-1/2 years ago. I am so happy I did this because it is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my adult life.
What interested you in volunteering with Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services? I realized many years ago that there are so many people suffering in our world, and I have always had a desire to give back and try to help others in need of support. Working on the hotline brings about a variety of emotions in me. I feel mostly fulfilled by being able to give back to our community and help those who need the wonderful services we offer in Fairfax County.
What is the most challenging part of volunteering? How did you overcome this challenge? One of the most challenging parts of volunteering is that I can only do so much for the callers of the hotline. I often wish I could give more input, more advice, or counseling, but that is not what volunteering allows me to do, nor am I professionally trained in that arena. I wish I could follow up and find out if the callers contacted the resources I provided, if they got into the shelter, if they got the protective order, etc. Sometimes it can be challenging to maintain distance and not become affected by the caller’s sense of urgency. Over time, I have developed the ability to maintain emotional detachment during calls on the hotline. To manage the emotional impact of the work, I typically exercise either before or after my shift.
What’s the best part of volunteering? Share your most memorable experience. I think one of the best parts about volunteering is knowing I’m making a difference in the lives of other people. I am always touched when the caller thanks me for listening to their story or for giving them helpful resources. One of the most memorable calls I’ve had was with a young man who was calling to get information on the ADAPT program. He told me he was calling on his own volition because he was afraid of what he may do to his girlfriend when he gets angry. He wanted to get help so he could save his relationship. I was impressed he had the courage to admit he had a problem and wanted to seek help. This caller left a lasting impression on me because most of the calls I’ve received are with people seeking help because they are or have been harmed, not because they are the person that has caused harm.
What has been your favorite training? What did you like about it? What did you learn? I recently attended a training in human sex and labor trafficking. I found this training to be incredibly educational, eye-opening, as well as depressing. I had no idea how monumental a problem this is in our community and the country at large. I learned about some of the signs to look for and listen for, which was very informative. I was struck by how some of these predators “catch their prey” using social media and brainwashing tactics. It is an incredibly scary situation.
What are your three greatest strengths? How have you been able to display and use these strengths when serving others? I think my greatest strengths are my communication and listening skills, my intuition and instinct, and my compassion for others. I have always found human behavior fascinating and knowing I can help people by providing them with the right tools fulfills me. I enjoy helping others on a path to a healthier life, and I am always happy when a caller feels safe and comfortable sharing their stories and confidences with me. I feel my strengths have helped me as a hotline volunteer with DSVS.
What advice do you have for people who may be thinking about becoming a DSVS volunteer? My advice for anyone who is thinking about becoming a DSVS volunteer is to make sure they have a good self-care routine in place. Some hotline calls are emotionally impactful, and I feel it’s good to have healthy, positive outlets for our minds and bodies. That is my mantra in life, but it has become especially crucial as a DSVS hotline volunteer. I also would recommend that anyone who is considering becoming a volunteer to ask a lot of questions. Some of what we do is on-the-job training, but much of what we need to know is easily answered by the wonderful professional team in place.
What do you wish you could do more of as a volunteer? As a volunteer, I really hope to do more outreach in our schools and the greater community. Getting our program information and resources out in front of the population in every way possible is so important to the safety and healing of those suffering. I want to be a part of the team that spreads the word about what DSVS offers and how we can help. As a result of my rewarding volunteer work for DSVS, I have decided to pursue a master’s in social work in 2025.
What are some of your hobbies and interests? I love exercising outdoors when weather permits, hiking, and taking long walks with my two golden retrievers—some of my favorite hobbies. I also love to cook, travel, read historical and non-fiction novels, watch movies, and spend quality time with my family, who live on both the east and west coasts.
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).