Volunteer Spotlight: Jennifer Cavins
When you meet Jennifer Cavins, it doesn’t take long to realize that serving others is simply part of who she is.
Jennifer is one of Hand in Hand’s newest childcare volunteers, but she’s certainly no stranger to giving back. Growing up, she watched her parents dedicate their time and talents to organizations that strengthened the community. Her mom was heavily involved with Festival of Trees, while her dad served on several local boards, including Junior Achievement. Those examples left a lasting impression.
Now, as a retired special education teacher and business owner, Jennifer has entered a new chapter of life; one that allows her to spend more time doing what she loves: helping others.
That passion brought her to Hand in Hand.
Jennifer volunteers in our childcare program, where no two days look exactly the same. Some mornings you’ll find her rocking babies and sharing smiles with our youngest learners. Other days she’s helping children plant flowers at the first sight of spring or assisting older students during small group activities. Her background in special education makes her a natural fit, and a valued part of the team.
Hand in Hand is just one of several organizations that benefit from Jennifer’s time and talent. She also volunteers through St. Paul Lutheran Church, supports the John Deere Classic, and is involved with New Kingdom Trailriders.
When she’s not volunteering, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her sons, John and Matthew, as well as her two beloved dogs, a Goldendoodle named Bernice and a Bernedoodle named Charlotte. She loves catching up with friends, taking walks, getting lost in a good book, cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones, and traveling whenever she gets the chance. One of her favorite places to relax is the beach on Sanibel Island.
Ask Jennifer what she enjoys most about volunteering at Hand in Hand, and her answer comes quickly.
“The smiles and the hugs,” she said. “And the knowledge that I’m helping—both the kids and the staff.”
For anyone considering volunteering, Jennifer has simple advice:
“Do it! Worst case, you don’t like it. But you might find that you love it.”
We’re grateful Jennifer found her way to Hand in Hand. If you’d like to join Jennifer in volunteering at Hand in Hand, visit https://www.handinhandqc.org/volunteer.