I am looking forward to having more opportunities to work with the youth. These young people are dynamic, creative, engaging, and act as if they’re fearless. Every time I interact with one of them I learn something new.
Tell us about your background and your position on our Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference Board of Directors.
Hi, I'm Dolly Wager. I joined the Hands4Hope Board in 2021 and I am also part of the Placerville Steering Committee. I have owned an accounting business for the last 40 years.
I love what I do and it keeps me pretty busy but I carve out time to be a part of this organization because it is truly special to me.
How did you hear about Hands4Hope-Youth Making A Difference and how long have you been involved?
A little over two years ago I was introduced to Hands4Hope – Youth Making a Difference. I knew very little about the organization at the time but thought the concept was interesting. Everything is youth-driven.
As I began to get involved a little more, I started to realize the true impact that Hands4Hope was making on youth and our community. The adult mentors not only encourage youth to do need-based work and give back to their community, but they empower them by giving them the tools to do so.
Everything is youth-driven. The adult mentors not only encourage youth to do need-based work and give back to their community, but they empower them by giving them the tools to do so.
We know you could dedicate your time to many other boards/non-profits in the community - what motivated you to get involved with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
I had the pleasure of observing their summer leadership camp and that’s when I fell in love with Hands4Hope.
These youth are amazing; they are evaluating needs, planning projects and seeing them through, all the while gaining amazing leadership skills. They elect leaders, learn how to run a meeting and engage their peers (even the ones that sit in the corner).
I know that for some of them, the natural confidence they show developed with time, practice, and support from their adult mentors. Observing how the adult mentors interacted with the youth - the way they encouraged them and let them lead - made me step back and reconsider how I interacted with the youth as well.
We adults could learn a lot by watching these youth in action!
What are you looking forward to doing most while on the Board?
I am looking forward to having more opportunities to work with the youth. These young people are dynamic, creative, engaging, and act as if they’re fearless. Every time I interact with one of them I learn something new.
I am also looking forward to supporting and spreading the word about Hands4Hope’s mission to everyone who has not had the opportunity to know about them yet! I can’t express in this short paragraph how enthusiastic I am about this organization and the people (youth and adults) involved in it.
Is there anything else that you would like to add about your experiences with Hands4Hope?
I’m much better at talking than writing, so feel free to reach out to me or explore their website to learn more about this amazing organization!