(Posted 2025 October)
Meet Lynne Shapiro, Hotline Volunteer
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your professional background?
After growing up in the NYC area, I met the love of my life, and we ended up living in Central Pennsylvania for 36 years. We have three adult children, plus a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law to-be, and two grandchildren ages 3 and 5. For the last 22 years before I retired, I worked in health care, specifically for an ear, nose, and throat medical practice. I was an audiology technician, which means I did hearing and balance testing on patients who were suffering from hearing loss and/or vertigo. I worked with patients aged 0-100! I loved working with the patients there and trying to make them feel comfortable in a potentially stressful moment in their health care journey.
How long have you been volunteering? What led to your initial desire to volunteer and serve others?
I’ve been volunteering for about 35 years in a variety of settings. But my larger volunteer commitments were delivering Meals on Wheels for about 25 years and managing a community theater box office for about 20 years. I felt drawn to serve others because I felt truly blessed with family, friends, health, and financial security, and knew I needed to “pay it forward.”
What interested you in volunteering with Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services?
When my husband and I moved to the DMV two-and-a-half years ago, I knew I would need to find new ways to give of myself. In the past five years, due to news stories and the media in general, domestic violence has become a focus. I came to the realization that being safe in home and work environments was nothing to take for granted and was bothered by the fact that so many people did not have that basic comfort. As I was searching one day on the Fairfax County volunteer website, I came upon the DSVS opportunities. It immediately lit up for me as something I needed to look into.
What is the most challenging part of volunteering? How did you overcome this challenge?
Initially, the hardest part was showing up for SV Tier One. Entering a room of 65 to 70 people all somehow connected to this work in one way or another and wondering what I was doing there! I felt similarly after I had completed Hotline training and opened my queue for my very first shift--definite imposter syndrome! Both times, I overcame that feeling by just pushing through it and knowing I had to do this. The other challenging part of working on the Hotline is self-analyzing after a call and considering answers I wish I had given or additional information I might have provided--in other words, second guessing myself. The thing I try to tell myself is that after the “self-analysis” is over, it’s really important for a caller to hear a caring voice on the phone. I know I’m not perfect and never will be, but I really try to project that caring heart to the caller.
What’s the best part of volunteering? Share your most memorable experience.
The best part of volunteering is knowing you’re part of a team trying to help people suffering--not living the life they should be living--due to domestic violence and sexual violence situations. It’s gratifying knowing you’re part of a hotline that has been in existence for, like, 45 years. It would be amazing to live in a world that doesn’t need a DSVS hotline, but that’s not how it works. So, I feel lucky to be a part of this long line of people, past and present, doing this important work. And I truly feel honored when I’m on a shift, and someone is sharing their story with me.
What has been your favorite training? What did you like about it? What did you learn?
I have loved all the trainings and learned something valuable from each one. At this point, in the third act of my life, I definitely consider myself a lifelong learner! But I would say the one that was important to me (even though it’s a super dark topic) was the QPR-Suicide Awareness training. I’ve always worried about missing cues about someone’s suffering and possible intentions, whether on the Hotline or just in my own community, and felt it was important information to learn.
What are your three greatest strengths? How have you been able to display and use these strengths when serving others?
Hmm, that’s tough. 1) I try to be a good listener; 2) I think I have an empathetic heart and try to find the good in everyone I meet; and 3) Perseverance: I never give up.
What advice do you have for people who may be thinking about becoming a DSVS volunteer?
Just do it. If this is an issue you care about, you will find your place there.
What do you wish you could do more of as a volunteer?
I wish I had the time to work in every area: HASA, CASA, the office, outreach, etc.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I love to sew, cook, run/workout, do yoga, read, and be at the beach! I also have two dogs and am obsessed with dogs. I need to “meet” every single one I pass on the street.
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).