My Nonprofit Reviews

I have been a volunteer at HAWC since 2004. Most of my volunteer work has been with the child clients. One of my favorite activities is the annual back-to-school drive which we begin planning for in February and complete in August. The volunteer committee and I have been fortunate enough to collect new school supplies and backpacks for over 1,200 children each year. All of the items given to the children are donated by many generous individuals, companies and groups in Houston. Continuing education is very important to me for I believe that through education we can overcome ignorance and hopefully help kids obtain the tools they need to break the cycle of domestic abuse when it exists in their families. By providing these supplies and backpacks we are able to give a little “normal” back to these kids and also take away a potential cause for them not to return to school. It is always so wonderful for me to see how happy and excited these kids are when they are able to select their own backpack and other goodies we have collected for them. And I know how appreciative their mothers and fathers are from the feedback we receive. In the end, I always wonder who really gets the most out of this event – the the kids and their families - or the staff and volunteers who help them.

It has been my honor and privilege to work with and get to know several truly exceptional people over the past several years. Of course I am talking about my fellow volunteers who believe in the mission of HAWC as much as I do. Their compassion, dedication, vision and fortitude constantly amazes me and I know I am a better person for having worked beside them in helping as many children as we have. I am confident that the future of our world has been brightened by their acts of hard work, generosity and kindness!

But for me, the real heroes are the members of the staff I get to work with. They never cease to amaze me – how they get up every day and fight to end domestic and sexual violence. These women are in the trenches everyday – standing up for what is right, effecting social change and making an impact on the lives of these children and families. It is apparent these individuals were called to their profession by their words and actions. I truly believe they are making a positive change in our world - one child at a time! HAWC has been a great place for me to volunteer and I have recruited family and friends to help me. I look forward to the opportuntities that await us in 2012.

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