Why Alvis?
I was drawn to Alvis after my company sponsored the organization as our quarterly non-profit group. I met with Molly shortly after to discuss volunteer opportunities and knew from the get go that Alvis' mission was one that resonated with me. I love that Alvis is an organization that gives their clients the resources they need to live up the their God given potential. I firmly believe that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their socioeconomic status or the mistakes they have made in their past. Alvis gives their clients the resources and tools they need to succeed and thrive after they have served their time.
What is the impact you can make?
Tutoring Math allows Alvis clients to get one on one or small group attention. The impact of this individual attention can mean the difference between a pass and fail on their GED tests. I leave tutoring every Thursday knowing if I helped them understand just one problem on the exam that it could make the difference between a pass and a fail. A pass opens a whole new set of opportunities for them that will inevitably better their lives. For me, the chance to impact clients by helping them open new doors in their life is the single most rewarding experience I've had as a volunteer at any organization.
Importance of volunteer work for the community?
Volunteer work is especially important because it helps us build up the communities in which we live. The old saying goes, a rising tide raises all boats. It's our duty as members of the Columbus community to do what we can to make sure the rising tide is raising all boats. Our Columbus community is what we make it, and by giving back we can make a huge difference in the lives of our fellow Ohioans.
Any memorable moment you experienced while working as a volunteer at Alvis that you can share?
To be honest every tutoring session is memorable for me. It reminds me that despite a national climate that seems to try to divide us by gender or race or socioeconomic status, we have so much more in common than we do different. We might be doing math problems, but in between we talk about what's going on in our lives, joke, smile, and laugh. Those small moments are what make my volunteer time special.
Any message you want to send to donors? clients? staff? community?
I've probably never appropriately praised the staff for all the hard work they do. It's those folks that do the thankless work day in and day out, so thank you!
Thank you for all you do Kevin!! We all appreciate you!!