Touching Young Lives — One Volunteer’s Story

When Laura Clemons was laid off from her job in the media and entertainment digital technology field, she decided to take some time off to enjoy the holidays. She also decided it was time to find an opportunity to give back to the community.

While searching on the Internet for volunteer opportunities, Laura came across LINC Cares and its call for volunteers to help at the Village at Beechwood’s after-school program. She inquired and within a few weeks, she was spending each Tuesday afternoon working with the children in Lancaster.

“I was looking for an opportunity to work with children from low-income families, and the LINC Cares program was a good match,” said Laura.

 
Laura spent her time helping the coordinators with snack, homework assistance, and arts and crafts. “I enjoyed interacting with the kids and seeing them have breakthroughs on their homework,” she said. “Also, I have a background in fine arts, so it was fun to see the kids apply themselves to the art projects. Sometimes it seems kids have short attention spans and would rather be in front of the TV or play video games. It’s rewarding to see them engage in the arts, to really focus and use their creativity.”

For Valentine’s Day, Laura donated supplies so the children could make cards for their families and friends. “They really got into it,” said Laura. “It was fun to see them enjoying themselves and expressing their creativity. When they focus and apply themselves, they get excited about what they can do.”

Laura remembers her afternoons at Beechwood fondly. She especially remembers one seven-year-old girl who comes from a home with two deaf parents. She connected with Laura and always got a big smile when she arrived and found Laura there. “She seemed to crave adult attention, and I’m happy I was there to give it to her,” Laura said. They played “school” often, however, Laura was the student and the young girl was the teacher. Laura laughed and said, “She taught me a new phrase I use all the time now — ‘let’s get busy,’ something her teacher at school always says.”

Laura also noticed a change in some of the younger boys. “When I first started volunteering, these little boys, 5 and 6 years old, had on their tough façades, something necessary for survival in tough neighborhoods. After a few weeks, I noticed that their style and manners started to change, to soften up. The walls came down. It feels great to be a part of something like that.”