Virtual Volunteering Crosses Borders

Lynda Audet’s social distancing lifestyle isn’t all that different from her regular lifestyle – she spends her spring and summer days in her cozy Quebec, Canada home far from any other houses, with trees and the Laurentian Mountains all around her.

She doesn’t have to worry about running into people when she goes out for necessities; in fact, she’s more likely to run into deer and moose on a daily basis. But every week, she now has the opportunity to connect with clients from Boca Helping Hands (BHH) who are seeking Job Mentoring. 

Audet has volunteered regularly at BHH during the five to six months of the year that she lives in Florida, which she’s done since 2011. She started out at the Front Desk and later transitioned into mentorship, where she’s helped clients organize their jobs searches, job hunt online, practice their interview skills, and set goals. In the past, Linda wasn’t able to serve as a mentor during the portion of the year when she was out of the country. But with the Job Mentoring program now virtual due to COVID-19, she’s able to continue her volunteer service year-round. 

After BHH launched its Virtual Mentoring Program in April, Audet began volunteering from Canada in May. “I’m optimistic about it developing,” she said. “Sometimes, you just need a hug. But, now my clients have more access to me, and we can communicate anytime, from anywhere.” 

While she says that the face-to-face interactions of in-person mentoring can’t be replaced, she also thinks that the positive differences of virtual mentorship outweigh the negative right now. “One client has an immunocompromised husband and prefers this method,” she said. “I had another client who shared a very personal and emotional story even though we weren’t face to face. The human transaction is transforming, and everyone is adjusting.”  

Even before the pandemic, clients needed encouragement through extremely difficult times, desiring someone to “be their cheerleader” – and Audet has always loved passing along soft skills and lifting them up. “We don’t choose what happens; we just have to do our best.”