In our November Newsletter, we shared “Five Benefits of Volunteering As A Family.” This month, in recognition of “Family Volunteer Day,” we’re shining the Spotlight on one of our Adult Leads, Shirley Maier, who began volunteering with her granddaughter when she was part of a Hands4Hope Service Learning School Club in sixth grade.
“Our family stays involved because being active in our community is important. We are very blessed and giving back is important. Hands4Hope allows our family the opportunity to do that.”
It’s been seven years since Shirley was introduced to Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference and throughout the years it has truly become a family affair!
Read below to find out what Shirley would say to an adult looking to get involved with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference!
Thank you, Shirley, for the time you’ve dedicated to volunteering with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference! As an adult lead/mentor, you play an integral part in providing our youth the opportunity to be inspired and empowered in leadership and service! How long have you been participating with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference to date?
About 7 years! Time flies!
Your granddaughter got involved with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference while she was in sixth grade and over the years, it’s become a family affair! We’ve been blessed to have you, your husband, daughter, and grandchildren support our program in so many ways since you then. What are some of the ways your family continues to be involved since you first joined? What keeps you motivated to stay involved after so many years?
Our family stays involved because being active in our community is important. We are very blessed and giving back is important. Hands4Hope allows our family the opportunity to do that.
I think for me Hands4Hope keeps me motivated because of all the outreach programs that are available. My husband is a woodworker and an Intel executive before retirement. He is always building or putting something together for Hands4Hope. There is something for everyone’s talent.
Family Volunteer Day (November 19) raises awareness about the power of families who work together to support their communities and the people in it. Was volunteering as a family important to you? What are some of the benefits you feel have come out of your experience volunteering together?
Volunteering as a family is important, we have always worked in the community through Intel, but working with our family, especially with our grandkids, I think it has taught them many lessons: kindness, respect and compassion. I have seen them grow when working with our senior outreach programs or volunteering at the Fall Festival. All important, and we make it fun!
You recently served as the Adult Lead for our Fall Festival in October. What other Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference activities have you been involved in and what are some of your favorite memories from your experience?
I also work with Mercy Senior Housing in Folsom on a monthly basis. We prepare dinner every third Wednesday of the month. I love to cook so it’s fun for me. I’ve really enjoyed working with our youth who volunteer and other adult mentors. The seniors always tell us how much they appreciate that we are there.
During your time at Intel Corporation, you had the opportunity to work with college-aged students and interns. At Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference, you have the opportunity to mentor middle and high school youth. What are some of the skills you see our youth learning that will be most valuable as they grow personally and professionally?
They are learning so many skills! Planning the Fall Festival is a great example. When planning the event they learn time management, commitment, budgeting, and working with others, in addition to Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel. One of the most important skills is leadership! I have seen youth on these committees as freshmen and then leading the entire project by the time they are juniors or seniors. My hope is they use these skills throughout their lives.
What would you say to an adult who is interested in getting involved with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
It’s very rewarding doing something for others, finding your niche, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or an executive, everyone has some skill to offer, find your place. Make a difference in our community, and get to know our incredible youth!
Feel free to add anything else you’d like to share with our Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference community.
I just wanted to add, Hands4Hope has an incredible staff, and I love working with them!
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