The Power of Volunteering: Why I Chose The One Life Project

Volunteering is one of the simplest, yet most powerful ways we can show up for one another. Giving even a small amount of your time to a cause you believe in doesn’t just help others; it shapes you into a stronger, more compassionate person. In a world where so many people are struggling silently, choosing to help matters more than ever.

Countless organizations are doing important work, but one that holds a particularly deep meaning for me is the One Life Project, founded by Alexander Kovarovic. This organization is dedicated to supporting teens, college students, and young adults who are facing mental health challenges, while actively working to prevent suicide and break the stigma surrounding mental illness.

At its core, the One Life Project is driven by a powerful mission: to create a kinder world through education, advocacy, and support. The organization focuses on ensuring that young people never feel alone in their struggles, and that they know help, understanding, and hope are always within reach.

My connection to this work didn’t start here. Several years ago, I volunteered with another nonprofit led by Alex. That experience left a lasting impact on me. I believed in his mission then, and I believe in it even more now. Joining the One Life Project felt like a natural next step; an opportunity to take my own advocacy further and contribute to something even bigger than myself.

As someone who uses my own platform to fight stigma, educate others, and encourage recovery, this work is deeply personal. Volunteering with the One Life Project allows me to turn those values into action - reaching more people and creating real impact.

(Image: Aimee Eddy, Director of Education and Research, left, and Alexander Kovarovic,

Executive Director, right, volunteer at a food pantry distribution site in Albany, NY.)

Today, I serve as the Senior Director of Education and Advocacy within the organization’s education and research efforts. In this role, I help lead and guide research initiatives, contribute content, and support the development of educational resources that are shared with the public. This work is incredibly important. The more accurate, accessible information we can provide, the more we can help people understand mental health, navigate challenges, and ultimately save lives.

One of the most important things to understand about volunteering is that it doesn’t require you to give up your entire life. You don’t have to sacrifice time with your family, your studies, or your job. I volunteer on my days off, and even a few hours can make a meaningful difference. Whether you can give one day a week or just a small amount of time, your contribution matters.

There are so many ways to get involved with the One Life Project. From education and outreach to events and advocacy, every role plays a part in building a stronger, more supportive community. If you’re looking for a way to make a difference, this is your chance to help others learn, grow, and feel less alone.

Mental health does not exist in isolation. Issues like bullying, relationship violence, trauma, and suicide are deeply interconnected. The One Life Project takes a comprehensive approach - educating communities, providing resources, and creating spaces where these conversations can happen openly and honestly. Through events, campaigns, and digital outreach, the organization works every day to bring awareness and understanding to these critical issues.

And the need for this work is undeniable. According to the World Health Organization, one in seven adolescents worldwide experiences a mental health disorder. That represents millions of young people navigating challenges that can feel overwhelming and isolating. But it also represents an opportunity - an opportunity for us to step in, to support, and to make a difference.

When young people feel like there is no way out, it’s often because they don’t see the support around them. By raising awareness and building stronger communities, we can help change that. We can remind them that there are other paths forward; that their lives matter, and that help is always possible.

That’s what volunteering is really about. It’s about showing up, for one person, for a community, for a cause that matters. Whether your impact reaches one individual or hundreds, it matters.

The One Life Project’s message says it best: Be true. Be you. Be kind. It’s a reminder that creating a more understanding and compassionate world starts with each of us.

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, consider this your sign. Your time, your voice, and your willingness to care could make all the difference.