Volunteer Spotlight: Team Hope Leaders

We are excited to spotlight Simran Dhami, Marin Cross, and Destry Fitzpatrick, the teen leaders who lead the elementary service learning program - Team Hope. These dynamic youth leaders are fabulous role models for the Team Hope participants. We are grateful to have them as the leaders and mentors of this fun and interactive service learning program!

Simran attends Folsom High School and first learned about Hands4Hope through friends who were already leaders at their school club. Through them, she found that Hands4Hope was something she would like to be a part of and became an officer. “One of my favorite things about H4H is that when they say ‘youth driven’, they mean it.” She appreciates that adult leads are there to guide the way, but still let the youth run the show. Her involvement with Hands4Hope has taught her to become more aware of the needs of others everywhere, even in local communities. Volunteering for Simran means to be active in the community and helping improve it in any way she can. She just recently found us, but in the future she hopes to be more heavily involved, especially in event planning. 

Marin also attends Folsom High School and is currently serving as the  Vice President for the Folsom H4H Club. Marin originally started with Hands4Hope just looking for community service to put on college applications, but found that she stuck with the organization because she genuinely enjoyed spending her time with us. Her favorite part is the independence it allows while still having support from Hands4Hope. “Jennifer and Nicole in particular have really done a great job helping me become a better leader and have given me the resources to create successful projects and be involved in our community, but they have allowed me to lead and act on my own ideas.” Through Hands4Hope, Marin has gained confidence and the skills to work with her peers. She has learned the importance of helping others in the community, and doing it with a positive attitude. Marin says, “Even the smallest things that might not seem like a big deal can really have an impact on someone else. Being able to meet and learn about others in need has also made me more grateful for what I have.”

Destry attends Oak Ridge High School and has been involved with Hands4Hope for three years. He is a dedicated and caring mentor, spending the majority of his time with H4H involved in mentoring projects at; Hope House, The Kids Oasis at GVCC and as a Team Hope Teen Leader. Destry has also been an integral part of the the annual H4H Haunted House. He is quite caring and compassionate, that said any one of the kids he works with will tell you he’s FUN! Liv, a Team Hope member had this to say about Destry “ he’s fun and silly, but still get’s us to listen and do our projects. I always look forward to seeing him at our meetings.”