Monica Stoffregen

I decided to volunteer at Greenwood because I want to help injured wildlife.  It's my belief that people have pushed wildlife to extreme circumstances by our development of land and agriculture and have made it harder and harder for a lot of species to survive. 
Many animals and birds have adapted to living closer to humans than ever before, but with this new proximity comes more interaction than before as well.  Sometimes our interactions cause injury to wildlife or perhaps an interruption of their normal way of life.  I want to give wildlife as much opportunity to survive as possible and I believe that we do that at Greenwood.
Since starting there last August I have felt a pull anytime I'm away from the center.  I've learned a lot by observation of the animals themselves, as well as, from the staff and other volunteers.  The energy there is always upbeat, but also calming.  It's nurturing for my soul as much as for the wildlife who temporarily reside there.  I've never felt that the work I do there is work - it's so satisfying for me to be helping and making life as good as can be for the patients.  Volunteering at Greenwood gives me joy.  I believe my experience there has allowed me to find my passion in life, and for that I am so grateful.