A Veteran Volunteer Makes a Meaningful Impact

At Elara Caring, our volunteers offer more than their time — they bring heart, experience and a commitment to caring for others. Among these remarkable individuals is Lori, a U.S. Army veteran, mother and local barber whose compassion has made a lasting difference for the patients she serves.

For Lori, volunteering is more than a commitment — it’s a calling. She uses her skills to create meaningful moments of connection and dignity. What may look like a simple haircut often becomes a powerful act of care. On Veterans Day morning, Lori traveled an hour each way to provide a haircut and shave to an Air Force veteran who had not left his home in more than three years, making her visit profoundly significant.

Reflecting on her experience, Lori shared that volunteering as a barber with Elara Caring has been one of the most meaningful experiences of her life. “As a veteran myself, I understand what simple acts of care and connection can mean, especially to those who have served our country or who may feel isolated. Providing haircuts is more than just grooming; it’s a chance to restore dignity, spark conversation and bring a sense of normalcy and comfort to someone’s day,” she said.

Misty A., Volunteer Coordinator, shares that Lori’s impact extends far beyond the barber chair. With 17 years of U.S. Army service, two children and her own barber shop, Lori brings a rare blend of discipline, warmth and generosity to her hospice volunteer work. Misty adds, “Lori reminds us that compassion can be hands-on, and that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off; it simply takes on new meaning.”

Lori’s story is a powerful reminder that service doesn’t end when military duty does. We are deeply grateful for veteran volunteers like Lori who continue to serve others through the gift of volunteering.