By: Annica Stull-Lane, Winter Intern

The Women’s Community Clinic has always run on the strength, commitment, and passion of our volunteers. Over the years, the Clinic has built a network of volunteers who are passionate about women’s health and dedicated to a grassroots approach to change.

A recent survey reveals that many of our alumnae continue to feel the positive effects of their volunteer experience at the Clinic. The survey indicated that 83% of alumnae see their Clinic experience as extremely valuable and 97% would recommend the Clinic Health Worker volunteer program to their friends.

“What a great experience. I thought I would be helping others but in the end I was really helped so much from what I learned and how I was inspired,” said Nina Hausman, a former Health Worker volunteer who currently works as a Drug Abuse Counselor in Florida.

Since the Clinic’s founding in 1999 we’ve trained over 500 volunteers to provide outreach, administrative, and clinical services. Where are they now?

The survey revealed that over 60% of our volunteer alumnae go on to graduate degree programs in health care. Of those surveyed, 85% indicated that their volunteer experience had a significant impact on their career, either by helping them get a job, helping them get into an academic program or reinforcing their interest in pursuing a career in health care.

“The Clinic has been incredibly important to my life path,” said Maggie Chen, a former Health Worker and current senior at Stanford University. “My experience helped me develop confidence as a young woman as well as tangible health education skills that have helped me pursue a career in public health.”

Regardless of career path, 85% surveyed believe the Clinic’s philosophy of client-centeredness and harm reduction has influenced the way they approach either their professional or personal relationships.