Community service is often viewed as a way to give back, but it can also be a deeply transformative experience. Organizations like Ozone House offer an opportunity to not only make a difference in the lives of others but also to grow personally. Working on the Ozone House Crisis Line, I’ve learned that by helping others navigate through their most challenging moments, you gain valuable insights about yourself, your community, and the power of empathy.
Ozone House is a nonprofit organization in Ann Arbor that provides free, confidential support to young people in crisis as well as a 24-hour crisis line available to anyone looking for support. From helping teens experiencing homelessness to offering counseling services, Ozone House aims to provide the resources and support community members need. For volunteers, the experience is both rewarding and eye-opening. The Crisis Line, in particular, serves as a lifeline for those seeking help, often acting as the first point of contact for individuals in distress or less fortunate situations.
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned from volunteering at the Ozone House Crisis Line is the importance of active listening. As a volunteer, you’re not there to “solve” someone’s problems, but to provide a compassionate ear, validate their feelings, and guide them toward resources. This skill has been invaluable not only in crisis intervention but in everyday interactions with friends, family, and classmates. The ability to listen without judgment and provide a safe space for someone to express their feelings is a powerful tool that fosters trust and connection.
Every call that comes through the Crisis Line is different. Some are from individuals looking for basic resources like food and shelter, while others are grappling with mental health crises, relationship issues, or family dynamics. Through this experience, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of how multifaceted crises can be. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and often the best help you can offer is to empower the caller by helping them identify their next steps.
Working at the Crisis Line has encouraged me to reflect on my own life and privilege. It’s easy to take for granted the resources and support systems many of us have, especially within the bubble of a college campus. Listening to callers who are navigating homelessness, trauma, or family rejection has broadened my perspective and strengthened my commitment to advocacy. It has also taught me the importance of self-care; in order to be present for others, you have to make time to check in with yourself and process the emotions that arise from working in such a sensitive environment.
As a student pursuing a career in healthcare, the lessons learned from the Ozone House have been invaluable. The ability to communicate compassionately, understand the barriers to care that marginalized populations face, and recognize the importance of mental health in overall well-being are critical skills for any future healthcare provider. Volunteering has reinforced my belief in the importance of holistic care—where mental, emotional, and social factors are just as important as physical health.
For those interested in community service but unsure where to start, I encourage exploring opportunities like the Ozone House Crisis Line. While it can be emotionally challenging, the experience is incredibly fulfilling. Volunteering not only allows you to make a tangible difference in someone’s life but also helps you develop essential life skills that will serve you long after your time at UofM. Visit their website to learn more.
Volunteering at the Ozone House Crisis Line has shaped me in ways I never anticipated. It has taught me to be a more empathetic listener, a stronger advocate, and a more reflective person. Community service, at its core, is not just about helping others—it’s about learning from those you help and allowing those experiences to transform how you see the world. For UofM students looking to make an impact, there are few better ways to do so than by getting involved in the community and learning these life-changing lessons firsthand.