ONE BIG COMMUNITY
ONE BIG COMMUNITY
Changing to Serve
My Experience as a Chocolate
Facialist
When Sandy Enriquez first started volunteering with the home , she did not set out to be a chocolate facialist . But her desire to put a smile on the residents ’ faces led her to adopt the project with gusto . She shares her experience here .
“ I OFFICIALLY joined the volunteer programme at St Joseph ’ s Home on 6th June 2017 . My three sisters had already been volunteering with the home , doing nail art for the residents . So when I joined , I started with that too .
During the sessions , it was heartwarming to see the residents ’ faces light up as they examine their freshly painted nails . Over the weeks , as we interacted with them , we saw how they were in better spirits and were more responsive and receptive toward us .
As the weeks turned into months , I longed to reach out to the residents who were immobile . So when presented with the opportunity to do the chocolate facials with them , I took the chance . One resident whom I met this way was Mdm A . When I first saw her , she was a sorry sight . Stricken with stroke , she had lost her mobility and speech . She looked so despondent , helpless and in a state of disquiet . As I talked to her , she barely responded . Today , a few months later , Mdm A is more cognizant of her surroundings , responds by nodding or shaking her head and has a calmer disposition . To God be all Glory .
I joined this programme thinking that in a small way , I could give back to society . But in reality , I have received immeasurably more than I have given . As you volunteer , you inadvertently touch , heal and transform lives in more ways than one .” clockwise from far left - Sandy , her sisters Audrey , Vera , Barbara and Gina and St Joseph ’ s Home resident Ami .
Sandy and her sisters enjoying a Christmas meal with some resident
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