Jan had a steady rhythm to her days. Her work as a massage therapist was hands-on, meaningful, and rooted in care. Helping people feel better wasn’t just her job – it was who she was.
Then, in early 2025, an injury led to back surgery, and that rhythm came to a sudden stop. The work she loved was no longer possible, and Jan found herself facing an unexpected pause that asked her to slow down, heal, and reimagine what came next.
Recovery wasn’t just physical. It was emotional too. Jan felt the loss of routine, purpose, and connection. While exploring new paths, she knew she needed something immediate – something grounding. She needed structure. She needed community. And she needed a way to give back while honouring her body’s healing process.
Just ten weeks after surgery, in July 2025, Jan began volunteering at Siloam Mission.
She signed up for kitchen shifts, thinking it would be a manageable way to stay active. What she didn’t expect was how much the work would touch her heart and the lives of others.
Today, Jan volunteers about twice a week, and she absolutely loves it. The steady rhythm of the kitchen, the shared laughter, and the teamwork all come together to keep things running smoothly – making it possible for staff and volunteers to focus on supporting people in need.
“Volunteering gave me more than something to do. It gave me somewhere to belong,” Jan shares.
Through her work, Jan is helping others feel supported and cared for, while quietly making a difference behind the scenes. Her presence shows how small, consistent acts of care can strengthen a community, giving people the space and support they need to thrive.
For Jan, volunteering isn’t just about serving and preparing food. It’s about showing up with kindness, offering a listening ear, and being a familiar, welcoming presence. It’s about helping others while quietly piecing herself back together – physically, emotionally, and socially.
“My recovery didn’t just happen physically. It happened through connection, through showing up, being useful, and feeling part of a community again.”
Jan shows us that healing can happen in many ways. Sometimes it happens through the connections we make. Sometimes it happens through the care we give others.
If Jan’s story inspires you, consider volunteering at Siloam Mission. To learn how you can help, reach out to Volunteer Services at volunteer@siloam.ca.
