Youth Volunteer Spotlight: Emily

 Emily got involved with Hands4Hope about 2 years ago, after hearing about the organization from her dad, who joined the Hands4Hope Board of Directors. Soon after getting involved, Emily jumped head first into helping develop the Hands4Hope Club at Oak Ridge High School. Last summer, she joined 13 other teens from other high schools at the Hands4Hope Leadership Retreat in Coloma.

“My experience at the Leadership Camp was really unique,” she said. “I was one of the younger ones there and I didn’t know any of the members. We were all from different grades and schools, yet everyone was so welcoming and motivated.” Emily said the camp helped her feel ready to help lead the Oak Ridge Club. 

Emily said the interaction with those she serves is what makes her experience in Hands4Hope so special. She realized how special it was after the first time she volunteered. “I was volunteering at Green Valley Community Church and had never experienced anything like it before. I wasn’t just handing out food and clothes to people, I was having conversations with them. Some would thank me, and I thought, what am I even really doing that deserves such a heartfelt thanks? I had given up one Saturday morning, and by doing so, I was helping families have food on their table.” Emily said she wasn’t new to volunteering, but her experience with Hands4Hope is unique. “The biggest difference in Hands4Hope is how truly hands on it is. I get to see the faces of the people I am helping, and honestly, that makes it so much more inspiring.” 

Emily said being a part of Hands4Hope has taught her a lot about herself. “I’ve come to realize that some of the best rewards from helping others come from seeing all the little things you do come together to fulfill a great cause. Not every act has to be recognized to be meaningful. I’ve learned that once I start something, I definitely intend to finish it. Dedication is one of my core values.” 

Emily loves volunteering with Hands4Hope, and definitely doesn’t intend on stopping any time soon. “There is so much to give and gain from this experience. I have met all of the people involved with Hands4Hope and it’s members (and leaders) are so dedicated and compassionate.. In one of our Team Inspire Meetings, we were all commenting on how we just can’t believe Jennifer (Bassett) does it all. She really is a role model and hero.” 

“It feels great volunteering with people who care about each other and the community,” she said. 

Emily, we appreciate all you do with Hands4Hope. Thank you for being such a dedicated volunteer!

A Unique Youth Partnership

On a chilly December afternoon, local youth from the Hands4Hope youth outreach organization congregated in front of the WIND shelter in Sacramento. Equipped with layers of fleece, the youth entered the shelter, eyeing the place with admiration.

There were teenagers everywhere, playing their instruments, talking amongst themselves, and ultimately having a good time. The walls were decorated with art and inspirational quotes made in graffiti lettering.

The Hands4Hope youth started making blankets for the youth at the WIND shelter, and the WIND kids began to help. Although awkward at first, soon the youth from both organizations worked together and started enjoying themselves, engaging in small talk and starting to form acquaintances.

Events like these benefit the youth at WIND many of whom were and some that still are subjected to life on the streets. Hands4Hope helps the organization frequently, making blankets and providing meals for the WIND youth. On Friday, March 2, 2012, you can help too.

Hands4Hope youth will be holding Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser at Lakehills Church in El Dorado Hills to benefit the underprivileged teens at the WIND shelter in Sacramento. The event will be from 5:30 to 8:30pm and will cater to kids and adults alike. Tickets $12 per adult and children 6 and under are Free. Spaghetti will be served along with salad, garlic bread and lemonade. There will be a dessert auction and raffle and two youth bands will provide entertainment, one from Oak Ridge High School and one from Wind Youth Center. Seventy percent of the proceeds will benefit youth at the WIND shelter in Sacramento. Thirty percent will benefit Hands4Hope’s Team Inspire (high school group) and their local outreach projects.

Attending the event is a great way to learn more about and help Wind Youth Center, www.windyouth.org. Wind is an organization that houses and serves homeless teens. According to the organization’s website, their mission “is to engage youth experiencing homelessness who need safety from the streets and access to resources to help them move from crisis to healthy functioning and independence.” In the past year at WIND, over 100 youth were provided a safe place to sleep, 19,754 meals have were served, 237 youth were engaged in life skills classes, and 179 youth have received advocacy services. The center in Sacramento has classrooms, computers, a music room, showers, and a kitchen to house the WIND kids and ensure a successful life for them. Each youth who stays at the shelter even gets a youth advocate to help them get plan goals and provide assistance. The proceeds from the spaghetti feed event will help sustain the organization and cater to their needs.

-Written By: Samita