Volunteers
Our volunteer opportunities are grounded in the belief that consistent support and encouragement from community members ensures young people can thrive.
Like our programs, our volunteer opportunities are designed to be meaningful and impactful experiences. From virtual to in-person, we offer a variety of ways for our community to connect with young people and play a meaningful role in their journey to self-sufficiency.
For Michael, volunteering with Foster Success began with a chance encounter.
Michael was flying to California. He gave a polite nod to his seatmate, a young woman, before they settled into their seats. They didn’t speak during the flight, but when they landed, conversation struck as they waited to deplane.
He learned the young woman’s name was Shalise, a Foster Success participant. She was traveling to accept an award for her advocacy for older foster youth — an achievement she credited reaching because of Foster Success’s support. He told her that he retired two years ago after practicing as an attorney for 40 years.
In his retirement, he was looking for more volunteer opportunities, and Foster Success aligned with his passion to support young people. From there, they exchanged information.
“We were meant to sit next to each other,” Michael laughed.
Since then, Michael has continued to show up whenever there’s an opportunity. From packing graduation boxes for participants in our Education & Training Voucher (ETV) program to assembling Basic Needs program hygiene kits, each experience provides the breadth and depth of the impact Michael aims to make.
He most recently participated as a mock interviewer for Works Wonders®, a career coaching and job readiness skill building program. As he sat across the table from young people, Michael noticed “just how smart and sophisticated they were. I was impressed by how they embraced feedback. They wanted constructive criticism, and they took it to heart.”
For Michael, the best part about volunteering is the warm environment created by young people and staff; the sincerity of his interactions is rewarding.
“[Foster Success] is a magnet for volunteers. Once you see how well they operate in all aspects of the organization, you want to be a part of their missions in any way they may need.” he said.
Volunteers like Michael are integral to the community of support surrounding young people. Every carefully packed box, handwritten encouragement card, and genuine conversation reminds young people there’s a community invested in their success.