Hands4Hope: Youth Volunteer Spotlight: Julia

Julia, a sophomore at Ponderosa High School, was introduced by one of her good friends to Hands4Hope a few years ago. She volunteered a couple of times at our Food Blitz for the Hungry before jumping in head first last year and helping to plan a Fashion Show Fundraiser with a few of her friends.

Their Fashion Show was wildly successful, raising more than $2,000 for The Glass Slipper, a local program to help build self-esteem in young women. "There were a lot of challenges planning this," said Julia. "Learning to work together and be responsible was hard. But, we learned a lot about leadership and for me, I learned how to talk to people, especially businesses and adults, and I am definitely more comfortable doing that now."

Last year, Julia and her friends were approached to take on leading the Ponderosa High School Hands4Hope Club. They accepted and joined the Youth Board and went to the leadership retreat to kick off the year. "It was a lot of fun. I especially have enjoyed getting to know everyone from the different schools. I have made friends that I wouldn't have known otherwise."

The Ponderosa H4H Club has two main focuses for the year. In November, all 17 members worked together to plan a Homeless Outreach in Placerville. They got the food donated and caravanned to the outreach together. "It was really cool how everyone was willing to meet up on a Saturday in the pouring rain," she said. "It was a great opportunity to spend time together and for us all to see what Hands4Hope is all about."

Coming up on May 8th, the club is hosting Family Fiesta Night at the United Methodist Baptist Church in Cameron Park. Their goal is to raise $1,000 for New Morning Shelter Youth & Family Services in Placerville.

Julia enjoys doing several of the Outreaches Hands4Hope offers. She said each one of them are fun for different reasons, but she really enjoys the direct interaction she gets to have with those she is serving at the events like the Homeless Outreach and Green Valley Community Church Saturday and Kid's Cafe.

"I have gained a lot out of Hands4Hope," she said. "Most importantly, I have learned that I like being in leadership. I never knew that about myself before and I had no experience with it. I have learned how to take a project, break it down and make it happen."

When asked why she enjoys getting others involved with Hands4Hope, she said it's all about spreading the compassion. "I want people to realize what others in our community go through. Before I got involved with Hands4Hope, I did not understand. Most importantly, when you're involved (with Hands4Hope) you can actually make a difference in people's lives!"

Julia, thank you for your dedication to Hands4Hope, we are so lucky to have you!