Volunteer’s Name
Jay Howell
Daytime occupation
Associate Pastor at Germantown Presbyterian Church
Volunteer Position and MAM Location
Reading Coach at MAM Olivet
Why did you decide to start Volunteering with MAM?
We started a partnership with MAM through the Missions Leadership Team at our church, and MAM asked us to focus at the program at the gym in Olivet. We were impressed by what MAM was (and is) doing, reaching kids with the gospel and shaping them as disciples, and were eager to get started in a way that was most helpful!
How long have you been volunteering with MAM?
In my fourth year now!
Do you have a favorite memory from volunteering?
At the end of the last school year, the MAM staff at MAM Olivet were kind enough to host us and some other volunteers for a small appreciation program. The kids were present too, and they presented us with a bunch of short notes the kids had written. Though a small gesture, it meant the world to me (and our other volunteers), because it confirmed that, yes, a connection had been made! Just hanging out with the kids is always fun, too. Really, we don’t do it for the recognition, but the MAM staff always go out of their way to share their appreciation.
Do you have any advice for someone who might want to start volunteering?
Dive in! It might be a bit awkward at first, because you’ll be feeling things out, and the kids will be figuring you out too, but they’re so ready to welcome you in, and know that you’ll be well supported by the MAM staff.
