Volunteering is about being a link in a chain that will become a bigger machine of help in the future. No matter how small a part you play, volunteering helps others and allows movements to become greater over time.
-Frandy Osias-Louis
Frandy Osias-Louis was born in Haiti and after the passing of his father, moved to New York with his sister and mother. In many ways, seeing his mother raise two kids in a new city while working inspired much of where Frandy’s life would go next.
He first got the volunteering bug while at Dominican College in New York, first as a resident assistant and then through a number of other organizations he joined while there. During spring breaks he would go on service trips volunteering in places like post-Katrina New Orleans.
“I got inspired to do something bigger than myself,” said Frandy. “Growing up my mother always tried to do what was best for us, so when I came to college I felt like I was giving back and I wanted to be involved as much as possible.”
His professional career also led him to serve those in need. Working for the state to design and implement individual plans for people with developmental disabilities to ensure they are comfortable and managing behaviors, contacts, and Habilitation plans.
With his wife, Frandy also gives his time to address and advocate around the issue of hunger and homelessness. Twice a year he coordinates a “Midnight Run” consisting of a group of volunteers who bring hot food, toiletries and clothing to people experiencing homelessness in New York City. He is also a regular volunteer with Soup Angels, a program that provides hot meals twice a week to those in need.
“We are in a society where everybody is thinking ‘how can I make the next buck?’” said Frandy. “Volunteering is not about that. Volunteering is about being a link in a chain that will become a bigger machine of help in the future. No matter how small a part you play, volunteering helps others and allows movements to become greater over time.”
Frandy also volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and with Volunteer New York! on a number of initiatives. Frandy will be bringing his wife Elena on the cruise and in their spare time they love to take in Broadway shows, picking up a magnet at each one they get to see.
