How ordinary actions can make an extraordinary difference

This piece is sponsored by DakotAbilities.

If your New Year’s resolutions include better relationships, learning new skills or finding ways to step away from the screen, volunteering at DakotAbilities is your chance to turn those goals into real impact.

You don’t need any prior experience — just bring your energy, curiosity and a genuine heart for others. Every moment you spend will make a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities and, not surprisingly, in yours.

Here are the top five life-changing experiences you will gain as a DakotAbilities volunteer:

1. You discover people’s true strengths and talents.
   When you put aside preconceived notions, you begin to see individuals for who they really are, not who you assumed they might be. This opens the door to recognizing unique skills, perspectives, humor, creativity and resilience that may have been overlooked. Relationships become richer when they are built on genuine understanding rather than assumptions.
2. Relationships become more authentic and meaningful.
   Letting go of assumptions allows conversations and connections to unfold naturally. Instead of filtering interactions through expectations, you engage with curiosity and openness. This authenticity fosters deeper trust, mutual respect and emotional connection, making relationships more fulfilling for everyone involved.
3. You grow personally and emotionally.
   Challenging preconceived ideas encourages self-reflection and personal growth. As you listen, learn and adapt, you become more empathetic and open-minded. These experiences expand your worldview, strengthen emotional intelligence and help you build healthier relationships across all areas of life.
4. Misunderstandings and barriers are reduced.
   Preconceived notions often create unnecessary distance or tension. When they are set aside, communication improves and misunderstandings decrease. People feel seen and valued, which leads to more positive interactions and a greater sense of belonging on both sides of the relationship.
5. You experience the joy of genuine connection.
   One of the greatest rewards of approaching relationships without assumptions is the joy that comes from true human connection. Shared laughter, mutual support and meaningful moments become possible when relationships are rooted in openness. These connections often bring unexpected happiness and remind us of the value of seeing each other as equals.

“I was a volunteer for three years in the early 2000s, but discontinued my weekly visits because of an increased workload. I am now retired from 33 years of nonprofit service. … My goal is to bring a little joy,” said Joe, a DakotAbilities volunteer.

Many of DakotAbilities’ volunteers have skills they enjoy teaching and sharing such as sewing, jewelry making, drawing and painting. Other volunteers spend time playing board games or sharing a favorite book. Some bring licensed therapy dogs. Some enjoy gardening and spending time outside. The point is that if you enjoy doing something, there is a 100 percent chance that someone supported by DakotAbilities shares that same interest.

“Our volunteers don’t fit into any one category or demographic,” said Joe Dvorak, director of day services.

“We have groups of kids from elementary schools who join us for music and games, and groups from area businesses who spend an hour with us playing bingo over coffee and doughnuts. We have individual volunteers who play board games or shoot hoops. It’s about relationships and connections, and those things work together to break down barriers and misunderstandings about people with disabilities, and that carries over into the world outside of our walls.”

Volunteers “are a huge part of the DakotAbilities family,” Dvorak continued. “They brighten people’s days by being here. We can’t thank our volunteers enough for what they bring to our Meaningful Day program.”

Whether you volunteer with a group or on your own, as the old saying goes, you’ll get more than you’ll give.

For information on volunteering at DakotAbilities, click here.