Written by: Angela Barbosa In many ways, our May Featured Volunteer Anna Kate Roberson is your average teenager. She attends high school and plays in the band. She plays soccer and enjoys drawing, reading, and being around animals, including riding and grooming horses. Anna Kate also has an autism level 1 diagnosis. It makes mastering school subjects more difficult for … [Read more...] about Volunteering: Not always glamorous, but always rewarding
Offering Opportunities, Reaching Potential
Growing up with a sister with Down Syndrome, Elizabeth Graham Pistole has a strong passion for helping individuals with special needs grow and develop. Her first experience volunteering was at her local church on “Special Saturdays” to serve church-goers living with disabilities broaden emotionally and spiritually. “The first time volunteering . . . was way more … [Read more...] about Offering Opportunities, Reaching Potential
Just Go for it!
Written by: Terri Seydel It was an elementary holiday event that sparked an interest in her to help children in need. In 4th grade, Taylor Rowe and her classmates enlisted in the Salvation Army Angel program which pairs people with a child in need. She was excited to participate but surprised to learn this would likely be the only gift that these children received. Up … [Read more...] about Just Go for it!
Volunteering with Friends – It’s Just Fun!
Written by: Terri Seydel In many ways, Phillip Hyams is a typical American teenager, balancing his time between school, sports, and friends. He attends Brentwood High school and participates in the school’s sports program with the track, cross country, and basketball teams. Where he stands apart from other teenagers, is in what he chooses to do with his spare … [Read more...] about Volunteering with Friends – It’s Just Fun!
Giving the Gift of Time
Life experiences are often the best teachers and influencers of how we form our values and priorities. This has become powerfully evident in the mindful way that Fatema Chaklasi and her family volunteer within their own community of middle Tennessee. Inspired by their own modest origins in Mumbai and their move to the United States to continue their education, Fatema and her … [Read more...] about Giving the Gift of Time
A Mother’s Story
“I get more from volunteering than I give,” says Denise Stewart. “It gives me joy to watch how much NAMI’s programs that I teach, train and present help others.” NAMI Tennessee is the Tennessee chapter of the National Alliance of Middle Tennessee. She serves so people who want help with mental illness can get it. Her service as a volunteer is more than what she learned from … [Read more...] about A Mother’s Story
Featured Volunteer: Robin Cole
Our featured volunteer Robin shares her story of why she volunteers with Read to Succeed! … [Read more...] about Featured Volunteer: Robin Cole
Out of Blessings Came a Call to Volunteer
Written by: Terri Seydel Volunteers don't often have the privilege of knowing the positive impacts of their work. This is not the case for Bill Kroemer. Many years ago, Bill and his family started donating to the Nashville Rescue Mission as they felt very blessed in their lives and wanted to give back to their community. This organization provides food, … [Read more...] about Out of Blessings Came a Call to Volunteer
Featured Volunteer
Volunteering to Change the Course of a Life
Written by: Terri Seydel Would you like to change any of the decisions you made as a teenager? We'd probably all like to turn the clock back on a few of our choices. But for some young people, choices can mean the difference between life and death. Carroll Hill (left in photo) grew up in South Central Los Angeles during a time when gangs were dominating many areas … [Read more...] about Volunteering to Change the Course of a Life