Providence’s service immersion programs empower caregivers to give back through volunteerism 

Caregivers Erin Purnell and Beatrice Felix-Micalizio participate in a local service program through the Providence’s Activation Network.

Each year, caregiver-led committees in Providence’s Activation Network plan and lead immersive community engagement initiatives in their service area. Partners include local nonprofits, like Catholic Charities or Habitat for Humanity, and initiatives address community health needs like housing, food insecurity or the environment. In 2023, more than 130 caregivers participated in 10 immersion events.   

Caregivers interested in community service find local service immersion opportunities on Providence’s Action Hub, an online clearinghouse of volunteer events and initiatives.  

“Our goal is that caregivers participate in a service immersion, learn more about the needs of our communities and reflect on their experiences,” said Melissa Tiberio, manager of domestic engagement. “Our day-long immersions are designed to encourage continued service.”   

One caregiver who did just that is Beatrice Felix-Micalizio, a human resources business partner who first participated in a service trip six years ago.  

“That sparked my commitment and interest in continuing service immersion,” she said.     

Since then, Felix-Micalizio has volunteered routinely and was recently chosen to be the co-chair of the Southern California Activation Network, where she coordinates volunteer events and encourages colleagues to join service days. Recently, she led a group service immersion at a Catholic Charities distribution center to address food insecurity in Orange County. Caregivers sorted and bagged non-perishable foods for 800 people each day.  

“Beatrice is a great example of someone who continued to volunteer and has become a leader in this space,” Tiberio said.  

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