Make a difference in their lives. And yours.
Lending a helping hand provides more than support in the moment, it can make someoneโs day. At Goodwin Living, weโre always looking for generous individuals to spend some of their time to help uplift the lives of those we serve.
Two paths. One purpose.
As weโve grown through the years, weโve found new and transformative ways to support our mission and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve every day. Our volunteer program is no different. Goodwin Living offers two ways to uplift lives through volunteeringโHerralink and Goodwin Hospice.
Herralink connects compassionate volunteersโranging from high school students to retireesโwith residents in senior living communities. Powered by Goodwin Living, the program fosters meaningful relationships through shared activities like games, music and art, enriching lives across generations with friendship, purpose and connection.
Volunteers are essential to the comfort, dignity and holistic care Goodwin Hospice provides to patients and families. Friendly Visitors, Threshold Choir members, pet therapy providers and end-of-life doulas are just a few ways volunteers bring emotional support and connection beyond what insurance coversโcare sustained through the Goodwin Living Foundation Hospice Fund at no additional cost.
Herralink
A bridge to a greater purpose
Founded in 2023 by Isabella Solano and now part of Goodwin Living, Herralink connects volunteers of all ages with older adults to ease loneliness, earn service hours and spark genuine friendships across generations.
Volunteers can choose from three ways to serve: one-time projects, group activities or the signature 1:1 program, which pairs one volunteer with one resident for regular visits that foster trust, joy and lasting bonds. So far, Herralink has brought together more than 900 volunteers and residents across a dozen Northern Virginia locations and continues to expand to every Goodwin Living campus and beyond.
Guest volunteer
Perfect for one-time visits or trying out a new experience.
- Sign up for one activity only
- No background check or training required
Short-term volunteer
Ideal for those looking to volunteer regularly with a flexible, part-time commitment.
- Volunteer from 1 to 10 hours/month
- Short phone screening
- Background check
- Volunteer orientation
Long-term volunteer
Designed for dedicated volunteers ready to commit 10 or more hours each month.
- Volunteer 10+ hours/month
- Phone screening
- Background check
- Tuberculosis screening and test
- Volunteer orientation
How to become a Herralink Volunteer
- Register to Volunteer
To begin volunteering, first choose your volunteer type: Guest, Short-Term, or Long-Term. Select the option that best fits your availability and interest. - Required Documents
Upload required documents, which may include a background check, health forms, and any relevant training certificates. Once submitted, our team will review and approve your application. - Start Volunteering
Once approved, browse available activities and sign up for volunteer opportunities at The View Alexandria, Goodwin House Alexandria, or Goodwin House Baileyโs Crossroads.
Volunteer Stories
Herralink Volunteers Form Friendships
In just under three years, Herralink has shown that it only takes one person to change a life. Weโve witnessed our high school volunteers turn senior living facilities into homes with a newfound sense of community. These visits allow the gradual progression from strangers to the best of friends.
HERRALINK STATS
The numbers behind Herralinkโs impact
In only two years, weโve made a real impact in the lives of students and older adults. And weโre just getting started.
2000
Older adults impacted with friendly interactions
900
Registered Herralink volunteers
40
High schools in Northern Virginia
15
Senior communities in Northern Virginia
New friends always have a lot to say.
Social Media
Connect with Herralink on Instagram
Follow us on social media to see real-time updates, stories and behind-the-scenes moments from the Goodwin Living team.
Volunteer with Herralink and help brighten someoneโs day this holiday season. Visit our website at www.herralink.com
Happy Thanksgiving from our Herralink family to yours ๐งก
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
From costumes to pumpkin painting, our volunteers from St. Stephenโs and St. Agnes School lit up the Health Care Center at @goodwinliving with Halloween fun! ๐๐ป
If you love spending time with older adults and creating memories just like this, join us as a volunteer โ sign up online!
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
An afternoon of art, color, and connection with @goodwinlivingclub and older adults from @goodwinliving ! ๐
Volunteers guided residents through pumpkin painting, shared stories, and created a warm, lively atmosphere that lit up the room.
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
On Monday, students from @bishopiretonhs formed new friendships with residents at @goodwinliving . Through conversations, shared stories, and fall crafts, they built meaningful connections across generations. ๐
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
Students from @lp.justice & @lp.fallschurch visited @goodwinliving to talk about climate change and gun violence. Together, they made shirts on these topics to help raise awareness!
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
Volunteering isnโt just helping, itโs hanging out, making new friends, and creating moments like this. Join Herralink and make someoneโs day (and yours).
Visit herralink.com to get started!
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
The @goodwinliving club at @thesaintslife visited Goodwin Living to decorate pumpkins. ๐
@goodwinlivingclub See you all next month for Thanksgiving! ๐ฆ
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
Residents at @goodwinliving helped @alexcitytitans students review resumes and practice for interviews. ๐
Thank you @lpcebellachs for helping coordinate this event!
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
The varsity โฝ๏ธ team from @episcopalsoccer_ joined residents at @goodwinliving for their weekly discussion. This weekโs conversation centered on the vital role of womenโs leadership in shaping culture and the workplace.
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
@thesaintslife visited @goodwinliving residents for Halloween! The middle school students painted pumpkins and went trick-or-treating at the health care center.
See you next month! ๐
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
@goodwinliving residents welcomed @arlingtonchorale to sing Disney songs, opera, and much more.
Thank you to all the students from @thesaintslife & H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program who helped make tonight special. ๐ถ
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
@thesaintslife created the first Goodwin Living club! Members will visit @goodwinliving once a month for activities with older adults including arts & crafts, games, music, and more.
For our first event we painted pumpkins for the spooky season! ๐
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
Goodwin Hospice Volunteer Program
More than important. Imperative.
At Goodwin Hospice, volunteers are more than helpersโthey are integral partners in providing compassionate end-of-life care. From companionship and conversation to errands, phone check-ins or moments of quiet presence, hospice volunteers bring peace and connection when it matters most. Friendly Visitors sit with patients, share stories or music, help caregivers take breaks and simply reassure through human presence. Other volunteer roles include pet companionship, spiritual care, administrative support, end-of-life vigils, musical activities and bereavement outreach.
Ways to Volunteer with Goodwin Hospice
Goodwin Hospice offers a variety of ways for volunteers to share their time and talents:
Friendly Visitors
spend time with patients through conversation, reading or simply being present.
Threshold Choir
sing gentle, comforting songs at the bedside.
Pet Therapy
bring trained pets to offer joy and companionship.
End-of-Life Doulas
provide comfort and presence in a patientโs final hours.
Bereavement Support
walk alongside families through their grief journey.
Administrative Support
assist behind the scenes with office tasks and coordination
Ready to volunteer?
Weโre excited to connect with you. If youโre interested in becoming a hospice volunteer, please complete the short volunteer form and a member of our team will follow up with you.