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.
Herralink partners with Springhill Community Village and South County High School (FCPS) to host a monthly tech workshop for older adults.
Volunteers help residents resolve tech issues, learn to use apps like Snapchat to send fun photos to their grandkids, and create Bitmojis. 👻
This events takes place on the 4th Thursday of each month from 4–5 PM. Volunteers can sign up on our website: www.herralink.com
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
Mads and Shirley have been best friends since November 2025.
Mads, a junior at South County High School, drives an hour every Friday to visit Shirley, a resident at Goodwin House Alexandria.
What started as volunteering quickly turned into one of the most meaningful friendships of her life. Turn the audio up and hear their story 💚
If you want a friendship like theirs, sign up for the Friendly Visitor program at www.herralink.com
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #college
Claudia is a recent grad from George Mason University who spends her free time volunteering at @foresthillsofdc & @goodwinliving !
If you’re a student at @au.healthstudies, @mphhoward , or the @udc_cab consider signing up for our ambassador program: https://www.herralink.com/ambassador
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving highschool college
Volunteers from Herralink’s friendly visitor program helped celebrate Janet’s 100th birthday at @goodwinliving
Friendly Visits are one-on-one hangouts between volunteers and older adults. You’ll be matched with a resident based on a short personality quiz and your goal—whether that’s building a friendship or visiting someone who doesn’t get many visitors. Visits are flexible and scheduled around your availability.
Sign up on our website!
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
Volunteers from @paulvicatholic l and residents from @goodwinliving played Beer Pong!
We’re looking for high school and college volunteers to lead activities, recruit friends, and earn service hours. Sign up at www.herralink.com or email herralink@gmail.com to learn about our ambassador program.
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #college
We welcomed students from @thesaintslife at @goodwinliving this week for a New Year activity! Together, they wrote reflections on small slips of paper, placed them into mason jars, and decorated each one.
A special thank you to the students who founded the @goodwinlivingclub !
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
We partnered with Liberty’s Promise to work with Justice & Falls Church High School to create shirts focused on civic issues like gun and drug policy!
Visit herralink.com/register to join activities like this (and earn service hours). 💚
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
Volunteer with Herralink and help brighten someone’s day this holiday season. Visit our website at www.herralink.com
Happy Thanksgiving from our Herralink family to yours 🧡
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
From costumes to pumpkin painting, our volunteers from St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School lit up the Health Care Center at @goodwinliving with Halloween fun! 🎃👻
If you love spending time with older adults and creating memories just like this, join us as a volunteer — sign up online!
#servicehours #volunteering #herralink #goodwinliving #highschool
An afternoon of art, color, and connection with @goodwinlivingclub and older adults from @goodwinliving ! 🎃
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. 🍁
#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
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.