Volunteer Spotlight: Sondra Morton Leads With Compassion

Meet Sondra Morton, a dedicated volunteer from Jacksonville, Florida, whose life story is woven with threads of compassion and service.

“My background is marked by a profound dedication to caregiving and a strong sense of empathy and compassion instilled in me through life experiences,” shares Sondra, reflecting on her upbringing in Jacksonville. “I have served in nurturing roles throughout my life, including raising children and providing care for family members within my community. After retiring, I devoted myself to caring for my aging father until his passing, and subsequently supported my husband of over 40 years until his recent passing.”

These experiences have afforded her a profound understanding of the importance of empathy and grace, especially towards older adults facing challenges in their later years.

Sondra draws inspiration from her maternal grandmother, whose acts of kindness left an indelible mark on her family and community. It was her grandmother's unwavering faith that ignited Sondra's enthusiasm for helping others, regardless of age or circumstance.

“In my local community, I've been actively involved in disseminating vital information on various topics, including fraud prevention, brain health, and family caregiving,” emphasizes Sondra. “This past February, I was afforded an opportunity to travel to Tallahassee during a Legislative Week as an AARP Florida Advocacy Volunteer, which was a very rewarding experience.”

Sondra is also passionate about environmental sustainability and participates in grassroots efforts to promote eco-friendly practices and preserve natural resources. Through her involvement in community activism, she strives to create a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant society for current and future generations.

As an active volunteer with AARP, Sondra channels her passion for service into assisting older adults in her community. Her approach is practical and grounded, focusing on tangible ways to make a difference in the lives of those she serves. She feels volunteering with AARP has been enriching on multiple fronts, not only has she gained valuable experience and expanded her knowledge, but she has also formed meaningful connections with new friends. Sondra notes that the small interactions with those she serves are particularly memorable, as they brighten her day with banter and appreciation.

For Sondra, volunteering is not just about making a difference—it's about standing up for others and taking action to support those in need. She believes that volunteering with sincerity and passion inevitably reflects in one's performance and makes a difference in the lives of others.

Sondra's message to aspiring volunteers: “Find what moves you and make a difference. Ensure that your decision to volunteer stems from a genuine passion and desire to make a positive impact. Avoid volunteering solely because others are doing it; instead, let your enthusiasm and dedication shine through.," she encourages.

Sondra's dedication to service and compassion exemplifies the best of what it means to be a community member. Through her volunteer work with AARP and beyond, she has demonstrated the transformative power of empathy and practical action. Sondra's legacy of kindness and support will endure inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and make a difference in the lives of those around them.

Her example serves as a guiding light, reminding us of all the profound impact we can have when we come together in service of a common good. With hearts open and hands ready to help, we can build a brighter, more compassionate future for generations to come.

If you are interested in volunteering, visit our Florida Volunteer Webpage. AARP Florida offers a wide range of opportunities for volunteers, from advocates to community educators.