Make a difference in their lives. And yours.
Lending a helping hand provides more than support in the moment, it can make someone’s day. At Goodwin Living, we’re 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 we’ve grown through the years, we’ve 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 volunteering—Herralink and Goodwin Hospice.
Herralink connects compassionate volunteers—ranging from high school students to retirees—with 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 covers—care 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 Bailey’s 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. We’ve 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 Herralink’s impact
In only two years, we’ve made a real impact in the lives of students and older adults. And we’re 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.
The varsity ⚽️ team from @episcopalsoccer_ joined residents at @goodwinliving for their weekly discussion. This week’s conversation centered on the vital role of women’s 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! 🎃
#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. 🎶
#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! 🎃
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
We need volunteers to run bingo on Saturdays at 2:00 pm at @goodwinliving
Go to herralink.com to get started! We have over 15 activities available for volunteers.
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
Are you a college student at @novacommunitycollege @nova_alexandria_campus ? We need volunteers to lead activities on weekends.
Find us at job fairs or visit at herralink.com to get started.
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
We’re looking for more volunteers to join us on Saturdays from 2–3 pm to help call numbers, cheer on residents, and share the fun.
Sign up and be the reason someone smiles this weekend! Visit our website for more info on how to get started.
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
Herralink volunteers at @kensingtonseniorliving for the 2nd Annual Community Symposium on Aging Well. 👵🍁
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
Herralink, a volunteer program by @goodwinliving, is pleased to partner with @thesaintslife to connect students with older adults!
Nearly 100 students have signed up for the Goodwin Living Club and will be visiting Goodwin House Baileys Crossroads & Alexandria monthly for art workshops and game tournaments!
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
Thank you @novacommunitycollege students for volunteering with Herralink by @goodwinliving
Want to earn service hours while doing something meaningful? Visit herralink.com.
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
Herralink is an intergenerational program by @goodwinliving that connects volunteers of all ages with residents in senior communities. We connect volunteers with older adults through activities like music, arts & crafts, games, and much more.
Herralink volunteers reduce loneliness, give back to their local community, and create lasting friendships. Sign up today by visiting herralink.com!
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
1.) Fill out and submit the Google Form at herralink.com/register
2.) Choose your volunteer type (Guest, Short-Term, or Long-Term)
3.) Submit required documents
4.) Once approved, you can sign up for opportunities at The View Alexandria, Goodwin House Alexandria, or Bailey’s Crossroads
Goodwin Hospice Volunteer Program
More than important. Imperative.
At Goodwin Hospice, volunteers are more than helpers—they 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 patient’s 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?
We’re excited to connect with you. If you’re interested in becoming a hospice volunteer, please complete the short volunteer form and a member of our team will follow up with you.