12/31/2025
🌟 Volunteer Spotlight: Katelynn 🌟
Katelynn is a reminder that real impact doesn’t come from having all the right words — it comes from being willing to "be there".
For Katelynn, the heart of volunteering with TIP is the human connection — sitting with someone in their pain, reminding them they matter, and letting them know they aren’t alone when everything feels unbearable.
Since starting her volunteer work, Katelyn has grown tremendously in her ability to comfort people in crisis. Through TIP’s training, she’s learned how to offer calm, compassionate support not only to strangers, but also to friends, family, and her community. She’s also gained a deeper understanding of the death process — from what happens at mortuaries to the role of medical examiners and the steps families face after a loss — allowing her to guide others with accurate information during some of the hardest moments of their lives.
Some of Katelynn’s most meaningful moments have come simply from being told by survivors that her presence helped — especially when sitting with older individuals who have just lost a spouse after many years together, listening as they share stories of a lifetime of love.
For anyone considering volunteering with TIP, Katelyn says:
"You don’t have to have all the right words — just being there makes a huge difference. You’ll learn about crisis work, people, compassion, and yourself. It’s emotional, but it’s some of the most meaningful work you’ll ever do."
Thank you, Katelyn, for your empathy, your patience, and your heart for this community. 💙
