Texas Teen Seeks to Create a Kinder World Through Volunteerism

What makes a person truly empathetic? We know one thing it’s not dependent on: age. At just 16-years-old, Jake Reid’s generous heart and passion for service drive his determination to make a difference in the lives of others. The Spicewood, Texas, native has volunteered with more than 30 organizations – supporting animal shelters, food banks, children’s hospitals, homelessness initiatives, and more. No matter the cause, Jake’s mission of turning actions into positive outcomes for the people around him remains the same.

For the last five years, Jake has volunteered as a coach with his local Special Olympics chapter, making it his priority to ensure that the athletes are having fun. He strives to make sure that his participants enjoy each and every weekly practice, and that they become just as excited to come back as he is to help.

We spoke with Jake to learn about how his passion for service, and his vision for the world we can create together through volunteerism and service.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I’ve volunteered for many different organizations and I think my motivation is the knowledge that I have the power to make a positive impact in people’s lives. For Special Olympics, it started as a whim and turned into the most amazing experience. It’s a form of respect for my peers and appreciating the differences we all bring. To see happiness, success and creating life-long friendships is incredible. The most inspiring part of my volunteer work is the noticeable impact that I make on people’s lives, whether it be by making someone happier, less cold, or less hungry than they were before.

How did you first get involved with Special Olympics, and what is your volunteer role with the organization?

I started as a Special Olympics volunteer coach for our local high school when I was in 7th grade. This upcoming season will be my fifth year volunteering for basketball, cycling and track, and my fourth year for bowling. We are currently in the second season of a newly established swim team. My role as a volunteer coach is to help support and encourage athletes’ during practice for competition, but more importantly my role is to make sure that the athletes are having fun. I hope that they are just as excited to come back as I am to help. When I leave for college, I will find the local Special Olympics chapter in my area. I am a forever volunteer.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

The most rewarding part of my volunteer work is seeing the athletes’ joy and achievements, and I’m honored to join in that celebration with them. I have a great sense of pride in watching them succeed. It’s hard to measure the effect of volunteering for Special Olympics until you do it. It reminds us to have enthusiasm for life, tolerance and acceptance, and to give respect to everyone.

Do you have a fun or favorite memory with Special Olympics to share?

During one of our recent swim practices, Mark, one of our younger athletes, was practicing a new event he was thinking about competing in but was unsure. It was towards the end of practice when the entire swim team, including all the athletes, coaches and volunteers, stopped to watch him. The entire room erupted with cheers of encouragement and he was absolutely ecstatic. When he finished he announced that he would be competing in the event, while smiling from ear to ear.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

Through my experience as a volunteer, I have learned that your time is one of the most important and valuable things that you can give to someone. While a monetary donation can be helpful, the friendships and connections you’ll make are far more meaningful. If you can do nothing else, be nice to someone; even if you have nothing else to give to someone, your kindness will mean the world to them.

Are there any future volunteer opportunities, program or events that you are excited about?

I am excited about the upcoming swim competition to see that all the athletes’ show off all their hard work, and basketball and track seasons since some athletes only participate in those two events. I am also excited for the upcoming volunteer opportunities I’ll have as a new member of National Honor Society this school year.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?

I think giving back can give you different perspectives, and you can realize the challenges others face. With these experiences, you grow and understand how important it is to bring people together and lift them up. I benefit as much, if not more, from my involvement. I think it’s a good example for the next generation to teach others that kindness matters. If everyone in the world was more focused towards helping, we could probably solve many of the world’s problems and improve the quality of life for everyone. Just imagine how wonderful our world could be.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I want people to learn that volunteering can be just as fun as any extracurricular activity and, in my opinion, more important. I hope that from of my story, people will be inspired to make volunteering a more central part of their lives. One person can make a big difference, and every little bit helps.

Brothers Create Products to Help Cancer Patients and Help Raise Money for Pediatric Hodgkin’s Research

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Harry and Heath Bennett. Read their story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

In May of 2016, Harry and Heath Bennett’s friend Timmy was brushing his teeth when he felt a lump on his neck. He was 11 at the time and about to finish the 5th grade when he was diagnosed with Stage 1 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The Malden, Massachusetts brothers could not believe that someone so young, active and healthy could have cancer. They decided then and there that they would do something to help their friend feel better and also raise money for childhood cancer research.

Harry and Heath learned that cancer patients’ lips and skin can get dry and chapped from chemo treatments, so Harry thought that they should start a lip balm company to raise money. They decided to donate the profits to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, where Timmy was being treated. Bennett Brothers Balm, a not-for-profit company, was born with all of its proceeds going to a fund set up to support the pediatric Hodgkin’s research of Timmy’s doctor, Dr. Amy Billet.

All of the products are handmade by the boys in their home, with help from their family. The brothers take charge of every aspect of the business,  from researching and learning about ingredients, to making the balm, to labeling, packaging, marketing and selling their products online and at local events. The brothers also host special fundraisers for friends, and have collaborated with organizations across the country to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer.  Their lip balm is included in chemo care pouches for Breast Cancer patients at three local cancer centers.

Altogether, Harry and Heath have raise over $12,000 for cancer research in honor of their friend Timmy. They continue to work tirelessly in support of cancer research in their community and are today’s Daily Point of Light award honorees. Points of Light spoke with 13-Year-old Harry and 9-year-old Heath about their commitment to service.

What inspires you to volunteer?

We learned that there so many kids with cancer and that there was a need for more research, especially for childhood cancer. We thought we could help by raising money to donate to local hospitals and cancer organizations to help doctors find a cure.

What has been the most rewarding part of your work?

The most rewarding part is knowing that we are helping people, both by making them feel better with our products and by raising money to help find a cure for cancer.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

We have learned that every second we spend volunteering matters, and that no act of kindness is too small!

Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?

We are very excited for our Light the Night Fundraiser on Oct. 6th, 2018. This is our first time hosting an event like this and we hope that everyone will come so we can raise a lot of money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We are also excited for their Light the Night Walk because we get to walk at night with our friends and it’s a really fun and inspirational event. We are also looking forward to Christmastime because we do a lot of craft fairs then and the places we go usually have free hot chocolate and we love hot chocolate.

Why do you think it is important for others to give back?  

We think it is important for people to give back because when you have more than you need, you should give it to others. Because we are kids, we have a lot of time to give, and we also have a product that can make money that we can give to doctors that need it for their research. Our mom read a quote to us once that we really like, “When you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence.”

What do you want people to learn from your story?

We want other kids to know that we are the face of our generation and together we can make a difference in the world. You are never too young (or old!) to help others. It makes everyone feel good.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Harry and Heath? Find local volunteer opportunities.

Cancer Survivor Brings Joy To Pediatric Cancer Patients With Homemade Pillowcases

Around her hometown of St. Cloud, Florida, Toni Casto is affectionately known as The Pillowcase Lady. While receiving radiation therapy for vocal cord cancer, the now-81-year-old Toni noticed that there were many infants and children around the hospital waiting to receive treatment for their own cancers. The children always brought a smile to Toni’s face during a difficult time, and she promised herself that once she recovered it would be her turn to bring a smile to their faces.

After finishing treatment, Toni began making pillowcases covered in cheerful patterns such as Superman or Hello Kitty to send to pediatric cancer patients. Because of their weakened immune systems, these children usually cannot bring their own stuffed animals or favorite blankets from home to cheer them up. Toni sews each pillowcase by hand using fabric donated by her friends and family, and, to ensure that they are sterile, steams each pillowcase and seals them in a plastic bag. Since retiring in 2014, she has sent over 2300 pillowcases to patients at Nemours Children’s Hospital, putting a smile on the face of countless children. Toni is making a difference in her community, and is today’s Daily Point of Light Award honoree. Points of Light spoke with Toni to learn more about her work. 

What has been the most rewarding part of your work?

Hearing from so many people how their Children loved the pillowcase I made. The hospital even gives them a pillow to take home in case Mom doesn’t have an extra pillow for their case. I pray they get well while I am sewing their pillowcase. The hospital pinned the Halloween Cases I made to their hospital gowns so they could have a Halloween Parade in the hospital.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

That there are so many wonderful people who volunteer to help others. I hope I too can inspire many others to volunteer to help someone, somewhere.

Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?

I hope God keeps me well, long enough to let me keep sewing pillowcases for all these sick children.

Why do you think it is important for others to give back?  

First, it sets an example for all the young people around to see you showing kindness and helping others. Second, God made me well for a reason and you need to help others to thank God and hope it makes others better people.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I hope they learn to help anyone that could use their help. Not everyone sews, but they can read a story to a child or help an older person to walk up the stairs. There are so many things that people can do to help others every day. When you have the time, all hospitals can use volunteers.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Toni Casto? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

After Mother’s Death, Illinois Woman Champions Brain Cancer Awareness

Amanda Smith was told on April Fools’ Day that her mother was sick, but it wasn’t a joke. She remembers the call to this day, learning that her mom was forgetting where things were. At first, the family thought her mother had suffered a stroke. Later, they received the devastating diagnosis, that doctors had found a gioblastoma multiforme brain tumor in her head the size of a golf ball. Doctors did their best, but even after treatment, her mother’s health declined, and Amanda’s mom passed away at the age of 64-years-old.

Amanda says she attended her first Mark Linder Walk for the Mind, an annual walk held in Peoria, Illinois which raises awareness of and supports brain tumor research, but she’d felt incredibly alone during her mother’s battle with cancer. Never wanting another person to feel as isolated as she had, Amanda powered through her grief, and joined the Mark Linder Walk for the Mind community.

Putting in at least 40 hours the week of the event and helping the Mark Linder Walk for the Mind raise over half-a-milliondollars for brain tumor research, Amanda is committed to serving as a support system for others battling brain tumors and cancer, and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Amanda to learn more about her work with Mark Linder Walk for the Mind.

What inspires you to volunteer?

So that people don’t have to go through what we did with my mom, that’s what keeps us going each day. Right now, there’s not much treatment available for brain tumors – it’s basically either radiation or chemotherapy – but these therapies really just prolong your life. Your chances of survival are low, and the quality of life isn’t the greatest while you’re undergoing treatment. I’m that person a patient or their family can just talk to, because I’ve been on the journey they are now on.

Describe your volunteer role with Mark Linder Walk for the Mind.

This is a bare-boned operation. We really had to sit there and learn how to build things ourselves, we didn’t have money to pay people to do things for us. I taught myself how to build our online presence, I’m currently updating and upgrading the website. I manage our social media sites, and also answer questions that come in to the organization. I maintain our sponsors database, and I’m on the executive board.

What would your Mom say to you, if she was here to see all of your service?

I know she would be proud of me. My dad tells me that every day. She knew I would be doing something to help in the fight against brain cancer. I couldn’t just stand by and not help all these people who were just like my mom. When there’s a need, the organization knows they can turn to me.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

I enjoy talking and listening to people. Last year, I was on vacation in Texas, and I took two phone calls from people who were referred to me through the organization. We were on the phone for a few hours (laughs). Some on our committee are survivors – I usually talk to the parents, moms, wives, because I know what they’re going through.

Do you have any future events that you are excited about?

The 16th annual Mark Linder Walk for the Mind is this September 29, 2018. Please check our website for more information about how you can help.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

I know I’ve changed. When I first started, I didn’t think I was able, or could do much to help this cause. I was a stay-at-home mom before I got involved with the organization. When I first joined, they asked if I could come up with children’s activities for the walk. The activities went well and we’re still doing them. I pushed myself to learn things, like web design and graphics for our website, because someone needed to get it done.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

If we weren’t raising awareness and fundraising, we’d be back at square one. The walk is named after a man named Mark Linder, who founded the walk in 2003 as a brain tumor survivor. Mark lost his battle in 2005, but thought he was alone at the time. There was no walk in the area, and he took it upon himself to bring awareness to brain tumor research. Now that we are all fighting together, people know where to go for help. We’re a community.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

Take that first step and ask somebody if you can help. At first, after my mother’s death, I was very shy and didn’t want to go outward to help. You don’t realize most of these groups can use more help and volunteers. Even if you don’t have a lot of time to give, your time will be put to good use.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Amanda Smith? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

Hospice Volunteer Lends Strength and Support to Terminally Ill Individuals and Their Families

Inez Lewis is a fount of compassion and support for individuals and families during one of the most difficult times of their lives, as they embark on their end-of-life journeys. Having taken this journey with her own husband, Inez knows just how challenging it can be, and she is committed to helping others navigate it. 

A Community Hospice volunteer for 11 years, Inez visits patients in end-of-life care at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House, as well as pediatric patients and patients in their homes or other nursing facilities. She is also a passionate educator, traveling to numerous community events to meet with and educate community members.

Inez forms a personal connection with each individual she visits, working tirelessly to support them and to bring a sliver of joy to their end-of-life journeys. She is making a difference in her community, and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke with Inez to learn more about her work with Community Hospice. 

What inspired you to give back?

Community Hospice was so good with my husband, even though he was not on services very long. I wanted to give back.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned through your experience as a volunteer?

I’ve learned so many things. That each family accepts and experiences death a little different, but that’s okay. It’s okay to grieve and experience death in your own way.

How can people learn more about Community Hospice or help? 

We have a website. They can learn more about Community Hospice there.  

Why do you think it’s important for other people to volunteer?

So many people need support and need someone to spend time talking to them and to encourage them to accept their feelings and know that it’s ok to feel how they feel.  I feel that I have met so many people that I would never have met if I had not been volunteering with Community Hospice, so many families and patients, and knowing that I have done something to help them, makes me feel good inside. 

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Inez Lewis? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Florida Woman Remembers Her Sister Every Day Through American Cancer Society Volunteerism

As Maryanne Bolduc’s sister neared the end of her four-year battle with cancer, she asked Maryanne to keep a promise: that their commitment to finding a cure for cancer would remain alive, even long after her death. Maryanne’s sister eventually lost her battle to cancer, but Maryanne continues fighting in her sister’s memory and for her sister’s three daughters each and every day.

Since 2010, Maryanne has been involved in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and in the past four years, Maryanne has served as the event lead for the Venice, Florida Relay for Life where she has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and is encouraging others to get involved.

Dedicated to serving her community and helping to fund programs for cancer research, Maryanne is making a difference in her community by raising awareness about ACS and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Maryanne to learn more about her work with ACS.

After your sister’s death, what continues to inspire you to volunteer? 

It means everything to me now. It truly does, because I know what a different my service is making and it’s also inspiring the next generation.

Describe your volunteer role with American Cancer Society.

I primarily fundraise and raise awareness. Our Venice, Florida Relay ranked fifth in the state for total fundraising last year, raising over $200,000. That amount of money means we can sustain programs for participants  whether it’s providing patients transportation to and from their cancer treatments, or free lodging for cancer patients and their caregivers in locations nationwide while they’re receiving treatment.

What’s your life motto?

My mother always taught me to do for others as you would want to be done for you. I take care of the next person not expecting anything back, and that’s what I’ve always tried to instill in others around me as well.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

Keeping my promise to my sister is huge. I also teach my granddaughter to think about and be there for others, even if you don’t know them. Some of the most amazing people I could have ever hoped to meet are ACS volunteers. We all believe in the same mission: someday, we want to be able to say that cancer is gone.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

There are a lot of people out there that want to volunteer and are passionate about making a difference, they sometimes just don’t know where to start. It’s really important to volunteer no matter what cause you identify with.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

Every one of us can make a difference. Whether you are a 70-year-old cancer survivor, or a 7-year-old Girl Scout. We all can make a difference.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Maryanne Bolduc? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

Domestic Violence Advocate SERV-es and Empowers Survivors

53-year-old Judy Alvelo is a safe resource for domestic violence survivors who are often scared and unsure about who to turn to for help. As an advocate, the Westville, New Jersey resident says helping victims navigate the journey to a safer, healthier life is a path she is intimately familiar with as a former domestic violence victim.

As a volunteer domestic violence response team advocate with Services Empowering Rights of Victims (SERV), Judy responds to victims of domestic violence at local police departments or hospitals. Responsible for crisis intervention, safety planning and serving as a bridge builder for longer term services, Judy and other SERV volunteers provide support to hundreds of survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking each year. 

Protecting the rights of survivors in their time of need, Judy is making a difference in her community, and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Judy to learn more about her work with SERV.

What inspires you to volunteer?

Unfortunately, in today’s world, domestic violence and sexual assault are not spoken about because there’s a stigma attached to these issues. By volunteering and advocating for survivors, I am encouraging more people to talk about these issues so that they’re not as taboo. The more awareness people have about our program and what we do, the more people we can help.

How does it make you feel knowing that your service may save someone’s life?

It’s extremely fulfilling because it makes me feel like I’m making a difference at a time in their lives when it’s really hard to get someone to help you. These survivors know I’m here to help them for no other reason but what comes from my heart.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

There are a couple of stories that have stuck with me. Sometimes, to raise awareness of SERV we’ll work at tables at community events, and I occasionally see a survivor I helped previously. The person will recognize me, but say they don’t remember how. I don’t reveal how we know each other. Sometimes when I’m volunteering, these individuals are going through such a traumatic time that they might not even remember my face or who I am. It’s fulfilling to me that I am simply a friendly face, even if they can’t place where they know me from. I’ll just ask them how they’re doing, and it’s great to hear them say that they’re doing well and that the kids are okay.

How can people learn more about SERV or help?

Please check our website for more information about SERV and how you can help.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

It’s made me more realistic to the world and how victims are sometimes treated. We are there to help survivors and there are many like us who want to help, but then there is the other spectrum that wouldn’t even offer these individuals a cup of water. I once helped a prostitute who had been assaulted, and the responding officer was giving me lip about the situation and asking why I was standing up for the individual. I’m there to remind people that she’s a person and she has rights.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

The world needs more kindness and more of a personal touch. Today, everyone is so scared of getting involved and being there for one another. Service just makes a better world.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

If you are blessed and you have time to dedicate to a program or system that is giving back to the world, you are going to find a fulfillment that you’ve never found before. Volunteering gives you fulfillment that is unexplainable. It brings inner peace to know that you are doing something for someone else for nothing in return.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Judy Alvelo? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

Volunteer Cleaning the Beaches of Hawaii from Coast to Coast

A former New Yorker, Joy Ibarra is a Hawaii transplant who says she didn’t give much thought about the environmental issues the 50^th state faced until she volunteered to clean a beach through a corporate-sponsored event one afternoon.

Collecting nearly 200 pounds of garbage that day with resources provided by 808 Cleanups, an organization dedicated to restoring Hawaii’s natural beauty by empowering volunteers to conduct decentralized cleanups across the island, Joy was hooked. Her mind racing with ideas on how else she could help rid Hawaii’s beaches of trash and debris, Joy conducted another work-sponsored cleanup event through her company where she currently works as a business analyst. Joy has refused to give up on her clean up mission.

Since 2015, Joy has collected more than 30 thousand pounds of trash and debris from Kahuku Beach on Oahu, and spearheads monthly cleanups with a growing number of volunteers. Joy is making a difference in her community by keeping Hawaii’s beaches clean and inspiring others to consider how they are impacting the environment, and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Joy to learn more about her work with 808 Cleanups.

What inspires you to volunteer?

In the first cleanup I hosted on my own in 2016, we had 12 volunteers in total. We took 700 pounds of trash and debris off Kahuku Beach that day. That’s as much weight as two lions. The experience showed us that even with a little amount of time and a really small number of people, we could make a big difference. We are getting beaches back to their natural state and sharing the message of not littering.

Describe your volunteer role with 808 Cleanups

I work with 808 Cleanups to get proper permits for us to conduct cleanups at Kahuku Beach, as it is city property.  I coordinate our cleanup session and the volunteer group that will be joining us that day. I also manage all the supplies that 808 provides to us. Ahead of each cleanup, I provide a briefing to let everyone know the history of why we’re at the beach, and what we may find.

What’s something you’ve found at a beach recently that surprised you?
The last time we were at Kahuku Beach, we found a monk seal. They’re an endangered species of the earless seal, and they live in really remote areas along beaches that aren’t frequented by many people. That sighting was a sign to us of why we are doing these cleanups because there are animals like the monk seal and other living things that depend on us. 

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

Seeing our effect on other people and inspiring them to start their own cleanups. We’re not just cleaning up beaches and sending people on their way. We’re imparting real knowledge about the environment and sharing a passion for curbing consumption. Our volunteers realize they may be a part of the problem, and they can help to be the solution as well.

Give us the scoop. What is your favorite beach in Hawaii?

Lanikai Beach on Oahu is my favorite. It’s sugar-soft sand and it’s just beautiful there. Only people who are in-the-know go there. The water is clear and steady; perfect water for swimming. Recently at Lanikai, we’ve noticed trash and debris. The last time I was there swimming, I had a piece of plastic floating next to me. It was so disturbing to see that truly everywhere on the island is affected, but we can do something about it.

How can others join your effort?

Please visit our Facebook page for more information as I post information about each cleanup here.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

I’ve learned more about our planet and what we can do and how much we are being affected by it. I’ve also learned how to educate, which has been the biggest surprise  because I never considered myself a teacher. I feel like I’m making a constructive difference and aiding my community.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

It’s important to give back to your community because there’s a sense of purpose that comes with volunteerism and a sense of fulfillment. It makes me feel better as a person that I’m giving back to the world.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

Any little bit helps. You can’t say, “Oh, it’s there for later,” or “someone else will get to it.” Take care of the problem now before it accumulates over time. What little bit you can do now will really impact who you’re trying to help down the road.

Do you want to make a difference in your community Joy Ibarra? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

For Teen, Sandwich with Homeless Man Leads to Broader Help Through Support 313

18-year-old Quinn Favret was on a lunch break during his internship in downtown Detroit when he noticed a homeless man sitting in the median of the road. Day after day, the man remained in the median – and Quinn noticed person after person passing him. One day, Quinn packed two sandwiches, and crossed the street, sitting down next to the homeless man in the median, and offered his extra lunch.

As the two shared lunch, Quinn says he listened to what the man had to say. Learning he had a family and friends, and was homeless as a result of an unfortunate experience, Quinn decided he needed to do more to help the greater homeless population in his community.

In 2017, he launched Support 313  with several other individuals, aiming to spark engagement with the homeless population of Detroit through conversations, serving meals and playing sports. Recognizing homeless individuals with the respect they are sometimes not afforded, Quinn is making a difference in his community by promoting humanity for all, and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Quinn to learn more about his work with Support 313.

What inspires you to volunteer? 

I’d done a decent amount of volunteering before Support 313, but this specific non-profit was a way for me to give a hand-up instead of a hand-out. I really work towards helping homeless individuals see how to help themselves, as opposed to being dependent upon an organization to provide them materials. 

Describe your volunteer role with Support 313.

As I’m heading off to college in the fall, we are transitioning to new leadership. I’ll be a freshman at the University of Michigan in the fall, and I’m hoping to start a new chapter of Support 313 in Ann Arbor. 

Homelessness is a problem nationwide. How can people help in their own communities?

I used to be in the same position – feeling like I didn’t know what to do, or how to help. Through my experiences, I’ve learned that making that personal connection is most important. I will introduce myself, ask them how their day is. Simple connections just make them feel like a human.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

We met a 6-year-old named Davion, and have had the opportunity to provide support and resources to him. He just learned how to ride a bike – one we were able to secure for him after partnering with another non-profit based out of Detroit. Davion waits for us when he knows Support 313 is coming to visit, and will run up when he sees us. We’ve developed a relationship, and are making an impact on his life.

How has sharing your lunch one day changed ability to make a difference on a bigger scale?

I’m thankful that the encounter happened. Seeing that man in the median was what originally opened my eyes to what this segment of the population faces on a daily basis. I couldn’t believe how easily someone could just fall into a rut like that. 

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer? 

I’ve discovered my own individual privilege from growing up in stable home life, not having economic concerns or having to worry about education. Working with Support 313 opened my eyes to struggles other individuals go through. Through volunteering, I’ve been able to identify how I can use my privilege to benefit others and give back. 

How are you sharing what you’re doing to help the homeless population?

We started an Instagram account called “People of Cass Park” – it’s similar to the idea behind “Humans of New York”. Our account is geared towards sharing the stories of the underprivileged in Cass Park in Detroit. You can see the posts here.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

Some people are just one job or one bill away from losing everything. It could be any one of us, that’s why it’s so important to assist those experiencing homelessness. It’s about helping those in the community as opposed to helping yourself. 

What do you want people to learn from your story?

Anyone has the ability to make a change in their community. When someone sees an injustice, whether it’s someone walking by a homeless man, or witnessing someone being called something derogatory. Only one person has a chance to make a difference. And that’s you.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Quinn Favret? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.