Author: Leni Alston

People often ask me where I find the energy to keep doing what I do—working with families, navigating healthcare systems, building relationships, and handling the emotional weight that comes with helping people during vulnerable times. The truth is, I don’t always have the answers, and there are definitely hard days. But what keeps me going, what keeps me grounded, is something very simple: volunteering.

Giving back to others—especially through cooking and sharing food, clothes, or just a kind presence—has always been more than a good deed to me. It’s part of who I am. It keeps me connected to why I do this work in the first place.

It Started with a Pot of Food

Some of my most meaningful volunteer experiences haven’t been part of a big program or organization. They started with a phone call or a quiet request—someone from an independent living facility asking for help with groceries or a warm meal.

I didn’t hesitate. I just started cooking.

I’ve always loved being in the kitchen. It reminds me of home, of community, of care. So preparing food and delivering it to those in need felt natural to me. It wasn’t just about filling a belly—it was about showing people that someone saw them, that someone cared. Over time, these small acts became part of my routine.

A Two-Way Street

People often think that when you volunteer, you’re the one doing the giving. But I’ve found that it’s really a two-way street. Yes, I’m providing food or clothing or support—but I’m also receiving something just as powerful in return.

I’ve gained perspective, gratitude, and a deeper connection to the community around me. I’ve learned how resilient people are, even when they’re facing tough circumstances. I’ve heard stories that moved me to tears and reminded me why compassion matters so much.

These moments ground me. They remind me that while I work in the healthcare marketing world, my purpose goes beyond logistics and placements. It’s about humanity.

Volunteering Strengthens My Work

You might think volunteering is separate from my professional life, but the two are actually deeply connected. When I’m out in the community—especially working directly with those who live in independent housing or have limited resources—I gain insight that no meeting or marketing strategy can provide.

I see what people really need. I learn what’s missing in the system. I understand how communication and compassion can bridge gaps that paperwork never could.

That knowledge makes me better at my job. It helps me speak more thoughtfully to families and care providers. It helps me advocate more clearly. And it keeps my heart in the right place.

Staying Humble, Staying Human

Let’s be honest—this field can sometimes become numbers-focused. How many clients? How many placements? How much revenue?

That’s not why I do this.

Volunteering brings me back to the human side of what I do. It reminds me that every person I help is someone’s mother, brother, father, or friend. They’re not just a referral or a case file. They’re real people, with real needs, real fears, and real hopes.

I never want to lose that perspective. Volunteering keeps me humble. It keeps me real.

It’s Also About My Roots

Growing up in the Philippines, I was taught to help others however I could. Community care wasn’t optional—it was part of everyday life. We shared meals. We looked out for one another. That culture of kindness stuck with me.

Now, living in Las Vegas, I try to carry that same spirit. Whether it’s delivering food or just sitting down and talking to someone who’s feeling alone, I see every act of service as a way to honor where I came from—and to pass that kindness on.

It Doesn’t Have to Be Big

People sometimes tell me they wish they could volunteer but don’t have time. I understand that. Life is busy, and not everyone can commit hours each week. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to do something big to make a big difference.

Bringing a meal to one person. Donating a few extra items from your grocery run. Making a phone call to check in on someone. These little actions matter. They add up.

And the more you do them, the more you realize that giving isn’t a task—it’s a mindset. It’s about staying open, staying kind, and being present when someone needs you.

Purpose Isn’t Always Found in a Paycheck

At the end of the day, I love the work I do. Helping families navigate healthcare, making meaningful connections, and supporting care providers is fulfilling in so many ways.

But the part that fills me up the most—the part that reminds me who I am and why I do this—is what happens outside of business hours. It’s in the meals shared, the hugs exchanged, and the quiet thank-yous from someone who just needed a little help.

Volunteering doesn’t take away from my work—it fuels it. It centers me. It softens me. It keeps me focused on what really matters: serving others with integrity, compassion, and heart.

So if you’re ever feeling disconnected or overwhelmed, try giving a little bit of yourself to someone else. You might be surprised at how much it gives back to you.

Working in healthcare marketing—especially when it involves helping families through emotional, complicated decisions—is incredibly rewarding. But I won’t lie: it can also be overwhelming. Some days are long, some conversations are heavy, and some situations don’t have easy answers. That’s the nature of this work. It’s people-centered, heart-centered, and constantly changing.

Over the years, I’ve learned that to keep showing up fully for others, I have to take care of myself too. It’s not selfish—it’s necessary. Staying grounded is what allows me to keep going, even on the hard days. And it’s something I’ve had to be intentional about.

If you’re in a field like this—or even just juggling a lot in life—maybe some of what works for me will speak to you, too.

Starting with Purpose

For me, everything starts with remembering why I do what I do. When things get stressful, I take a step back and think about the families I’ve helped—the look on a daughter’s face when she knows her mom is in safe hands, or the sigh of relief from a caregiver who finally feels supported.

That sense of purpose keeps me grounded. It reminds me that even when I’m tired, what I’m doing matters. It’s easy to get caught up in daily tasks, but reconnecting with my “why” helps me push through with heart and focus.

Making Time for Quiet

In such a fast-paced industry, there’s always something calling for my attention—emails, phone calls, updates, follow-ups. It would be easy to stay in “go mode” from morning to night. But I’ve learned that if I don’t make time for quiet, my mind starts to spiral.

Every day, even if it’s just for 10 or 15 minutes, I create space to breathe. Sometimes it’s prayer. Sometimes it’s just sitting in silence. Other times, I journal out my thoughts. That quiet time helps me reset, clear my head, and approach the rest of the day with more calm and clarity.

Leaning on My Faith

Faith has always been my anchor. When things feel out of control or when I’m unsure of what to do, I turn to prayer. It helps me feel less alone. I don’t have all the answers, but I believe I’m being guided—and that gives me peace in the chaos.

There are moments when I’ve faced really tough decisions or emotional situations with families, and I’ve had to pause, pray, and trust that I’ll be shown the next step. That quiet strength has gotten me through more days than I can count.

Having a Support System

I may work independently a lot, but I don’t do this work alone. I have people I trust—friends, family, mentors—who I can talk to when I need to decompress or just be real for a minute. Sometimes all it takes is a quick chat, a shared laugh, or someone saying, “You’re doing great. Keep going.”

Having that support reminds me that I don’t have to carry everything by myself. And it makes the hard days feel a little lighter.

Staying Organized to Stay Sane

Stress can come from uncertainty or feeling like everything is piling up. That’s why I keep things as organized as possible. I rely on simple systems—notes, calendars, and daily task lists—to stay on top of everything.

Knowing what I need to do and having a clear plan helps keep the overwhelm down. I might not get through every task perfectly, but having structure makes it all feel more manageable.

Doing Something Just for Me

It took me a while to learn this, but one of the best ways I manage stress is by making time for the things I enjoy—outside of work. For me, that’s cooking. There’s something so grounding about chopping ingredients, mixing flavors, and creating something nourishing with my hands. It slows me down and helps me reconnect with myself.

Whether I’m cooking for my own family or preparing meals to donate to a local independent living facility, it’s a way to give love and care in a different form. It fills me up, which helps me keep showing up for others.

Taking One Step at a Time

When things get overwhelming, I don’t try to solve everything at once. I focus on the next best step. Sometimes that means making one phone call, responding to one message, or checking in with one family. I remind myself that progress doesn’t always have to be fast—it just has to be steady.

I’ve also learned to be gentle with myself. I’m human. I won’t get everything right. But if I show up with integrity and heart, that’s enough.

It’s Okay to Pause

In this line of work, it’s easy to feel like you have to keep pushing no matter what. But I’ve learned that rest isn’t a reward—it’s part of being responsible. If I don’t take care of myself, I can’t serve others the way they deserve.

Staying grounded isn’t about being perfect or always having it together. It’s about building habits and having tools that help you come back to center—especially when life gets noisy.

So to anyone feeling overwhelmed in their work or life: give yourself permission to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what matters most. You’ll find your strength there.