Purdue's United Way volunteers: Ruben Ramanathan

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This week, Purdue Today will offer short profiles of Purdue faculty, staff and students who are making a difference by volunteering at a United Way agency or program. Today, Purdue Today is featuring Ruben Ramanathan, a junior studying supply chain management technology from Scottsdale, Arizona. Ramanathan volunteers at Lafayette Transitional Housing Center, which began in 1989 to develop housing, offer supportive services, and other opportunities to foster self-sufficiency for the homeless.

How long have you volunteered at Lafayette Transitional Housing?

I started volunteering at LTHC in January 2016, right after the spring semester started. 

How did you get involved with the agency?

I volunteered back in high school, and for the spring semester, I was determined to become more involved not just at school but also with the community. I researched several organizations in Lafayette and West Lafayette. I came across United Way's website, and I liked LTHC. I went in and met with the volunteer coordinator at the time, Tami Hurd. From then on, I have been volunteering there ever since. 

What do you do at Lafayette Transitional Housing when you’re there to volunteer?

I am the unofficial administrative assistant to the case managers at the LTHC. These wonderful people are overworked with so many clients to help, so I try to ease their workload by doing their clerical tasks so they can focus on their clients. I do clerical tasks such as filing, scanning, data entry, collating, and so on. I also help organize the donations closet. Sometimes, I work the reception desk, so I am the person that someone comes to if they want a towel or a basic toiletry item (we keep toiletries and other donations at the reception desk also). I assist the case managers with whatever they need. 

Why did you decide to volunteer?

I decided to volunteer because I wanted to be engaged in a project that was rewarding and meaningful, however cheesy as that sounds. I feel that volunteering is a great way to keep myself grounded while at the same time making a difference. LTHC is a great organization because I get to help the people who actually make a difference. The employees at the LTHC are actually trying to help the homeless or at-risk individuals secure jobs and housing. They are actually trying to ensure that these individuals get a second chance at life. Not only that, they make sure that this chance is sustainable and long-term so they will not be put in the same situation again. 

Another reason I enjoy volunteering with the LTHC is the wonderful employees. Everybody at LTHC have been super friendly and welcoming. Even though I am a volunteer, they treat me like I am more than just a volunteer, which is why I enjoy being there every time. 

What would you like to tell someone who is considering volunteering at a United Way agency?

I would tell this person to be open-minded in regards to volunteering. Not only does it look good on your resume, you also learn many skills that can prove essential to your future job field. Being a supply chain major, I have learned many skills that would be useful to my future career. Being the only assistant to the case managers means that I have learned how to function in a fast-paced environment, and I also learned how to be efficient and organized, two crucial skills required in supply chain.

How to help

The United Way of Greater Lafayette lists volunteer opportunities online on its Volunteer Center page.

Faculty, staff and retirees also may contribute to the Purdue United Way Campaign by going online and logging into the ePledge system. Donors can choose among several methods -- payroll deduction, one-time credit card donation or recurring monthly donations, or by check.