Volunteer Opportunities Spark Joy and Change Lives

“I love that Humana supports me in giving back to my community while also doing a little something for my own well-being,” said Anna Hobbs, Corporate Communications Director, Content Team.

Volunteering and acts of kindness are mutually beneficial—by sharing your time, talents, skills and knowledge, you help others prosper while nurturing a greater sense of connectedness for yourself and your community.

Sometimes the most selfless volunteers may be animals, like Hank, a 3-year-old Pomeranian.

A Divine Canines therapy dog since July 2022, Hank works with Anna to bring the love and comfort of a dog to those in need throughout the Austin area. Together they completed Hank’s AKC Canine Good Citizen training and additional therapy dog training before Hank could proudly wear his green Divine Canines vest.

“Hank’s therapy dog training helps us be sure he’s able to handle new and unfamiliar situations,” said Anna. “And it helps me make sure I know how to make sure Hank is comfortable, as well as how to talk to people attending the therapy dog visits.”

One of Hank’s reportedly favorite volunteer activities is offering stress relief breaks at the University of Texas. “Hank spends an hour getting belly rubs and told how handsome and soft he is. It makes me wish I was a dog.”

Humana encourages employees to volunteer by offering paid volunteer time off (VTO). “Hank and I use my VTO to increase the well-being of those in need. We visit assisted living facilities, group homes, hospitals and clinical settings and schools – anywhere that someone might benefit from time spent with a dog.”

Anna schedules two to four volunteer activities with Hank per month, focusing on the locations he likes best. “He really enjoys the memory care wing of an assisted living facility because the residents are quiet and calm and are very happy to simply have Hank sit next to them.”

We asked Anna about how dogs contribute to mental health and well-being. “Dogs are unconditional love, and there are definitely times when that silent and total love is what I need at the end of a bad day. And that’s the true well-being benefit of a dog to me – unconditional love.”

According to the American Heart Association, dogs can reduce stress, anxiety and depression; ease loneliness and provide a better sense of purpose; encourage exercise and improve productivity; offer opportunities for more social connections and improve overall health.

“When we come back from a volunteer event, Hank is usually happy and ready to take a long nap. I almost always feel lighter, like I've done something good for myself and my own well-being by spending an hour talking to people while they are petting my dog.”

The Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana, supports the generosity and volunteerism of employees by matching monetary donations given to eligible non-profit organizations and by offering funds to be donated to an eligible organization of an employee’s choice by logging volunteer hours.

“Everyone is different when it comes to interests and what sort of volunteer opportunities might spark personal joy,” said Anna. “I like that Humana encourages all forms of giving back to your community.”

Learn more about the Humana Foundation’s investment in employees and volunteer network. To learn more about pet therapy and Divine Canines, visit https://divinecanines.org.