(Posted 2026 May)
Meet Xavier Arana – Hospital Accompaniment Support Advocate Volunteer
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your professional background?
I’m 25 years old. I graduated from Temple University in 2023 with a degree in media production and a certificate in music technology. I currently work as an audio engineer at several music venues in D.C., including the 9:30 Club, Anthem, Lincoln Theater, and the Atlantis.
How long have you been volunteering? What led to your initial desire to volunteer and serve others?
I have been volunteering for about a year and a half now. I began volunteering because, as much as I love my job, I still felt a desire to help others that my work didn’t quite fulfill.
What interested you in volunteering with Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services?
I began looking on the Fairfax County website for volunteering opportunities and DSVS immediately stood out to me as having a very meaningful and important cause. From then on, the more I looked into the opportunities available, the more I knew I wanted to be part of their work. I hadn’t had any experience working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence and was very interested in learning about this topic, as I wasn’t as informed as I would’ve liked to be.
What is the most challenging part of volunteering? How did you overcome this challenge?
Initially I was worried that, as a man, I wouldn’t be equipped to provide the necessary support for some of the female survivors. However, through the excellent training and support from DSVS staff, I eventually felt I had all the tools I needed.
What’s the best part of volunteering? Share your most memorable experience.
The best part of volunteering with DSVS is feeling I have made a difference. I enjoy putting on concerts for people, but my job doesn’t often provide the spiritual fulfillment volunteering brings me. My most memorable experience was my first solo hospital accompaniment. Afterwards, I felt assured I had helped someone and was capable of doing so in the future.
What are your three greatest strengths? How have you been able to display and use these strengths when serving others?
I feel my three greatest strengths are my sincerity, sense of humor, and resourcefulness. I absolutely feel I am able to apply all three of these traits through volunteering. These strengths help me to be a good listener, lighten the mood during intense situations, and provide the survivor with the materials and information they need.
What advice do you have for people who may be thinking about becoming a DSVS volunteer?
It may feel daunting, but the extensive training and assistance DSVS provides will make you feel like you’re not jumping into anything alone. No matter what role you take on and how involved you are, you will take so much away from it.
What do you wish you could do more of as a volunteer?
I do sometimes wish that I could take on more shifts and accompaniments. My schedule can feel restricting, and I sometimes feel I am not involved enough. With that said, I know there are more roles available to me if I ever wish to make a change.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy playing soccer, playing guitar, and reading. I also have been spending some free time learning Spanish. I love music and listen constantly as I try to discover new songs, artists, and genres. I am a big D.C. sports fan as well. Hopefully the Commanders can return to the glory days of 2024 next year!
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).