At Action Wellness, our volunteers, staff, and board members are the lifeblood of our organization. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to our mission help fuel the incredible work we do every day. Action Wellness is please to introduce Action Heroes, a new series dedicated to highlighting the incredible people behind Action Wellness. This month, read our interview with Jimmy O, a long-time Buddy volunteer and group leader with an unwavering commitment to helping our clients.

AW: How long have you been an Action Wellness Buddy? When and why did you transition into being a Buddy group leader?

Jimmy: “I have been an ActionAIDS/Action Wellness volunteer for 31 years. My partner, Antonio, had been diagnosed with HIV back in 1986. When he was diagnosed, he had a mental breakdown and I had to place him in hospital for a month. When he was well and left hospital, he wanted to help others with the same diagnosis. He joined ActionAIDS to train as a Buddy. However, he got too sick too quickly to take on the role. I took care of him for the next few years until his death on November 2nd, 1990. Three weeks after he passed, I signed up to be trained as a Buddy volunteer in his name and memory.
Shortly after I was trained, I was invited to join the Training Team and have been on that team for at least 30 years and trained dozens of volunteers. Several years ago, the Facilitator of Team 13 to which I belong, moved out West and I was asked to be the new Facilitator of our Team.”

AW: What has been your favorite memory of being a Buddy for Action Wellness?

Jimmy: “My favorite memory has probably been all the Clients that I have served, each with their own needs and backgrounds. I have had nine Clients to this date. It has given me a real sense of purpose in my life. And I wouldn’t trade a moment of all that time. I’ve also gotten to meet other Volunteers who are also committed to helping others. It’s a great family.”

AW: Why do you think more people should volunteer with Action Wellness? How can people get involved?

Jimmy: “More people should get involved because, although the landscape of HIV has dramatically changed over the past couple decades, Clients still need the care and concern that a Buddy Volunteer can bring. They can feel isolated and/or cut off from family and friends and a social life. That’s where a Buddy Volunteer can come into the picture. It is extremely rewarding, both for your Client, and you as the Volunteer.”

Action Heroes - Jimmy O

Stay tuned for more stories and highlights of our incredible Action Heroes.