Volunteer Success Stories

Volunteer Success Stories

P. was a middle-aged man living a very isolated life. He is a deaf-mute man living with a mental illness, who has English as a second language. His ability to communicate his thoughts, ideas and wishes was very limited, due to the nature of his ability to speak and hear – and because he understands very little English – his main form of communication was the use of a limited number of Chinese characters.

Staff that work with P. thought that he might benefit from someone that understands Chinese characters, and is able to help him learn some American Sign Language to better communicate his needs.

And along came L., who not only speaks and writes P.’s language – she is a sign language interpreter. Her care and concern for her community led her into volunteering with Coast – and specifically with P.

In a very short time, it was discovered that P. already knew some sign language – and had a lot to say to someone that could understand him. He was able to communicate his interests – which led to his involvement with new activities. He came out of his shell, no longer feeling so completely isolated.

Although L.’s time with P. was short, she was able to help P. to open up, and now his new volunteer knows his interests and is able to work with him in a way that is much more meaningful for P!