As we celebrate National Volunteer Week 2025, we spotlight three of our volunteers at A.G. Rhodes. Learn more about what inspires their desire to serve.
Serving Across Generations
Volunteer Spotlight: Oliver Chen
At an age when most teens have full and hectic schedules of school and extracurricular activities, Oliver Chen dedicates several hours each week to serving others. A 16-year-old junior at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Oliver began volunteering at A.G. Rhodes Cobb last summer and since then, he’s become a reliable Sunday afternoon presence.
From delivering treats on the mobile ice cream cart in the summer, serving hot chocolate in the winter, leading games like Uno, and participating in various holiday events, Oliver is open to volunteering in any way that will support the elders. He even shares his singing talents through his school’s music service club.
“I just love getting to know all the people there, and I feel like I’ve made a lot of friends. From the people who work there to the people who live there and their families, it’s good getting to know their stories and what they like, and also, being able to help them out.”
Oliver was born in the United States, but until he moved back three years ago, he spent his childhood in China in a multi-generational home where his grandparents also lived; a cultural norm for Chinese families.
“It’s like being around my grandparents again,” Oliver said as he reflected on his close relationship with his grandparents and his time volunteering at A.G. Rhodes.
Oliver says that volunteering at A.G. Rhodes is also therapeutic.
“It’s so much fun to go there every Sunday,” he said. “As a high schooler, it can get pretty stressful and taking these three or four hours out each week and spending it on something I’m passionate about, I just think it’s good I get to help others while also getting to relax myself.”
In addition to volunteering at A.G. Rhodes, Oliver also volunteers each Monday in an after-school art program for children in grades K–5, which ties into his career interest of becoming an architect one day.
Whether he’s volunteering with seniors or teaching art to kids, Oliver is building meaningful connections and leaving lasting impressions across the generations.
A Decade of Gospel and Service
Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Nathan Grigsby
In 2015 when Dr. Nathan Grigsby, the longtime director of Agnes Scott’s Joyful Noise Gospel Choir, went to A.G. Rhodes Atlanta to see his mother-in-law who was in rehab recovering from an injury, it opened the door to a decade of shared joy, music, and ministry.
“When I visited, I ran into a former music student who I used to teach when he was in high school. He was singing at A.G. Rhodes’ monthly Sing-a-Long.”
That chance encounter sparked two ideas Dr. Grigsby had for how he could bring his love of ministry, music, service and teaching to A.G. Rhodes. He began bringing the Joyful Noise Gospel Choir—which is comprised of Agnes Scott college students who like to sing gospel music—to perform at A.G. Rhodes. And, he started volunteering monthly at A.G. Rhodes playing piano alongside fellow musicians from local churches, offering praise and worship to residents.
For the Choir, the group performs twice a year at A.G. Rhodes, once each semester, to debut their seasonal concerts for the residents before they perform the concerts on campus. Dr. Grigsby says it’s more than a musical performance; it’s serving.
“Young people come to college for different experiences, and the Joyful Noise Choir—while they do earn class credit—specifically joined the choir to sing gospel music,” he said. “As a Gospel Choir, we are singing about the word of God, and our main mission is to serve. As we minister this music, we’re serving, and there’s no greater feeling.”
Dr. Grigsby says he can see that the performances have a profound impact on his students as they witness the impact the concerts have on the elders.
“It’s an honor for them to be able to spread the good news at A.G. Rhodes. To see the residents’ expressions—them raising their hands, clapping, and even crying—it’s a very tangible and meaningful experience.”
And during his monthly visits leading praise and worship with other volunteers, Dr. Grigsby said it further exemplifies the importance of serving others, especially seniors.
“I’ve had countless encounters with the residents to tell us how much they appreciate us coming out every month,” he said. “It is a priceless experience. The feeling that you get in serving and ministering to our seniors is like no other.”
Building Community through Music
Volunteer Spotlight: Russell Wohl
For Emory University senior Russell Wohl, music isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to connect with and serve elders at A.G. Rhodes Wesley Woods.
“I started volunteering at A.G. Rhodes because I wanted a way to support my community through music,” Russell said.
Russell also occasionally volunteers with a LEGO activity led by another volunteer, but since he started coming to A.G. Rhodes in January, he’s mostly been applying his musical talents of playing piano, cello and some percussion instruments during weekly music therapy sessions led by the Director of Music Therapy.
Before playing, Russell will hand out percussion instruments like tambourines, shakers, and bongos to the residents to create an opportunity where they don’t just listen to music, they become a part of it.
“It’s touching whenever residents communicate their gratitude for the music therapy sessions; it makes me realize the impact of what we’re doing and how we are enhancing their experience,” Russell said. “It’s also touching to see the residents sing to each other during the sessions, harmonize with the melody, or even do light dancing in the center of our circle.”
Originally from White Plains, New York, Russell is studying chemistry and Spanish and will soon be applying to medical school. He says his time at A.G. Rhodes has given him a deeper appreciation for elders and he encourages others to consider volunteering with older adults.
“People should consider volunteering with elders because the time spent with them is incredibly fulfilling, both for them and for us. I think it also provides a new perspective on life and the importance of building a strong community.”
April 2025