All Hands and Hearts

This wasn't my first All Hands and Hearts project so I had high expectations and they were met at every turn! The volunteer community is top notch and the staff are absolutely amazing. I am so glad I was able to join the North Carolina response for 3 months. I made so many new friends; some I've already met up with post program and even more I know I'll keep in touch with for years to come. My highlight was getting to partner with World Central Kitchen and learning how to make enough food to feed 500 people. One day I spent the whole morning making 10gallons of banana bread! You should definitely apply to join the NC team today!

Volunteering with All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) for a week was an unforgettable and transformative experience. As my first time going for such volunteer opportunity, AHAH set an incredible example of meaningful community service combined with cultural exchange. The experience not only allowed me to contribute to a great cause but also provided invaluable exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time with AHAH was working on projects that directly benefited school children. Seeing their smiles and knowing that our efforts were contributing to their future brought me immense happiness and a deep sense of fulfillment. The experience reinforced my belief in the power of education and community-driven initiatives.

AHAH also did a fantastic job of helping volunteers immerse themselves in the local culture through initiatives like Mason’s Day and Friday school visits, where we got the chance to interact with children through games and activities. These moments helped me connect with the local community on a personal level and understand their way of life beyond the worksite.

Beyond the local engagement, interacting with volunteers from around the world was an eye-opening experience. I learned French and German phrases, discovered how to make authentic Italian gnocchi, and exchanged stories about traditions and customs from different parts of the world.

The staff were incredibly friendly and supportive, making it easy to blend in with the team and the locals. While the work was physically demanding at times, the encouragement and camaraderie of my fellow volunteers made every challenge worthwhile.

Suggestions for improvement:
Overall, the program was well-structured, but having more opportunities to engage in longer conversations with local community members could further enrich the cultural exchange.

Rating: 5/5

Cannot say enough about this program and the staff. It is amazing how welcomed I felt and I could easily get involved. I felt like I had a purpose and was shown the proper safe way to work. The staff are very helpful and take their time with you. The on-base activities after work are awesome as well. The atmosphere is really cool and it feels like family. I love meeting people from all over the world and making connections with good hearted people. All Hands and Hearts has a really good system and I would recommend volunteering to anyone who loves to have fun while helping people in need.

I've been a lifelong volunteer, and my experiences with All Hands and Hearts have been some of the most meaningful of my life. I've met people of all sorts while on program, and had the opportunity to be immersed in different cultures while feeling like I'm really making a difference. I felt fully supported and listened to by staff, and the diversity of the other volunteers and the people we served have expanded my understanding.

The communal living and team environment allows each person to bring their unique gifts to each project; you never know who is going to come up with a solution! The AHAH staff are very good at letting teams figure things out and find ways to get the job done. The program informs volunteers on how to be culturally sensitive to the often traumatized people you may be serving, while still allowing for meaningful exchanges.

I look forward to many more trips with AHAH.

Lovely experience assisting with a school build in Southern Leyte in the Philippines. Accomodations are pleasant, food is good, and the fellow homo sapiens are wonderful. Working on a school construction site can be tough work in the Philippine rain and heat, but the knowledge of having a positive impact on the local community outweighs any negative aspects. Felt safe then whole time, as they have a nurse on site for an accidents that may occur. Great experience, and the staff, mason, other volunteers, and locals are all wonderful.