As someone who values giving back to the community, I was thrilled to learn about my department's volunteer opportunity to help our Repurpose with Purpose partner, Unshattered, move into their new home. During our time in New York, we had the honor of creating a warm, welcoming, and functional space for the organization’s newly purchased building as they began a 24-month full renovation. Not only was I able to support an incredible cause, but I also had the opportunity to work alongside my Southwest Airlines Cohearts and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Unshattered is a nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is to end the addiction relapse cycle by providing pathways toward economic independence and sustained sobriety. Using donated aircraft seat leather from Southwest, the Possibilities Take Flight collection of sustainable travel bags was designed and handcrafted by women in recovery. When you support Unshattered, you offer women community, employment, and personal and professional development. This combination gives them the opportunity to find their purpose and live an addiction-free life. Just like the handbags, these women are being made new again.
On day one of volunteering, we arrived at Unshattered’s new building ready to work hard. The space needed some serious renovation, but the Southwest team was ready to roll up our sleeves, and the Unshattered team was there to guide us every step of the way. It was incredible to see the transformation happen before our eyes as we worked together to create a space that would serve as the future home for the Unshattered team.
At Unshattered, we helped with tasks including cleaning, painting and constructing furniture, planting and landscape gardening, hanging decor, and helping Unshattered move out of their old building. And, because Southwest can always find a way for an epic surprise and delight opportunity, we made a $10,000 donation to Unshattered to help fund future projects in their new space.
What struck me the most about this experience was how much Heart and passion our Team put into every project. Whether it was ripping up carpet or trimming trees, it was important for my Cohearts and myself to do our best to help the amazing women of Unshattered.
This Global Volunteer Month reminds me of the importance of putting our Heart in action as Southwest Employees. We have the power to make a difference in the lives of those around us, and volunteering with organizations like Unshattered is a tangible way to do just that. By supporting their mission, we are helping women get back on their feet and thrive in recovery. We're honored to be a part of their journey as they become Ambassadors of Possibility, showing what women can do on the other side of addiction.
Volunteering with Unshattered was an incredibly rewarding experience that allowed me to give back to the community, work alongside my Cohearts, and support a life-changing cause. As Southwest Employees, let's continue putting our Heart in action by seeking opportunities to make a difference in the world around us.
