Volunteer Appreciation: Catherine from Softchoice Calls You to Volunteer
At Services for the UnderServed (S:US), we are proud to recognize the many individuals and groups who contribute their time and skills in support of our mission. Volunteers play an essential role in enhancing the lives of the people we serve. Their involvement helps strengthen our programs and create a more connected, inclusive community.
This Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are pleased to spotlight Catherine Malezis, District Sales Leader at Softchoice, whose ongoing support since 2022 exemplifies the meaningful impact of sustained volunteer engagement. Her continued support throughout the years illustrates the benefits of volunteering for all involved.
Catherine moving shopping carts to create starter kits at Starhill, supportive housing in the Bronx, in April 2025.
Catherine has participated in a wide range of volunteer opportunities with S:US and has led a gambit of projects. From Urban Farms gardening projects, to Holiday Gift Project gift wrapping, to preparing Starhill home starter kits two weeks ago, Catherine has been committed to helping S:US wherever she can.
Catherine wrapping presents for the 2023 Holiday Gift Project.
Over the past three years, she and her colleagues at Softchoice have actively supported several Urban Farm projects by transporting more than 350 bags of soil and mulch, building over 10 garden beds, and working in five of our program gardens to plant, weed, and prepare beds for growing fresh produce. weeded and planted in 5 of our program gardens. Catherine shared:
“These spaces offer more than just food; they provide healing, empowerment, and a sense of ownership for the residents. Being able to contribute to something so tangible and meaningful has been an incredible experience.”
Catherine enjoying her second volunteer experience at Undercliff, supportive housing, in 2022.
In addition to supporting S:US programs, Catherine notes that the experience of volunteering has had a positive and lasting effect on her team:
“Volunteering with S:US has become a cornerstone of our team culture. It’s not just about service—it’s about connection. These experiences have strengthened our bonds, built cross-functional collaboration, and reminded us of the bigger picture. It’s helped reinforce our company’s values of taking care of each other and the communities we work in.”
Catherine and her team in 2021 preparing the garden at Beach 85th, supportive housing.
Catherine also reflected on the personal impact of volunteering, emphasizing the importance of how service teaches you to value and learn from other’s lived experiences.
“Volunteering is a powerful way to give back when you’ve been fortunate in life. I recognize the privilege I’ve had, and giving my time and energy to support others is deeply fulfilling. Volunteering with S:US has broadened my awareness of how interconnected social issues like food security, housing, and mental health are—and how grassroots support can truly move the needle for those affected.”
Feeling connected with your community and team can be especially fulfilling and enlightening about your own position in life:
“I’ve learned that helping others is a privilege, not a chore. As a team largely made up of immigrants, we’re especially grateful for the opportunity to live and work in the U.S. Being healthy and able-bodied enough to give our time is a gift—and S:US reminds us never to take that for granted.”
When asked what she would say to others considering volunteering, Catherine shared:
“If you’re looking for a volunteer experience where your impact is immediate, meaningful, and deeply human—this is it. S:US does an incredible job of aligning mission with action, and you walk away feeling like your time truly mattered. Just show up, roll up your sleeves, and you’ll see what I mean.”
We are deeply grateful to volunteers like Catherine and the SoftChoice team who have tirelessly given us her time, effort, and joy to support S:US and all it does. We would not be able to support tens of thousands of New Yorkers without your continued service over the past three years!
For more information on how you can volunteer at S:US, please visit our Volunteer page or contact [email protected].
Click here, here, here, and here to see more photos.
