MAM celebrated our volunteers during the week of April 17-23 for volunteer appreciation week! We are extremely thankful for all volunteers who choose to spend their time hanging out with MAM youth, supporting staff, or helping to enhance our sites through cleaning, outdoor work, or even renovations. Following a break due to the pandemic, MAM resumed its volunteer program last August, allowing volunteers to serve directly with youth to offer academic support, mentorship, and assist with coaching during MAM sports leagues. We have some great, committed, and enthusiastic volunteers who give countless hours reading with youth, playing games, conversing over a meal, and building meaningful relationships. Thank you to all who have served in any capacity at one of our sites. It’s as simple as one word spoken that can change a life, so thank you for investing time into the next generation of productive and purpose-filled adults in society.
Volunteer Spotlights:
Ashley Chabot has served at MAM Greenlaw for over six years.
Ashley is a volunteer at MAM Greenlaw whose light shines daily. She helps the youth with their homework, runs the concession stand during the week and at all home basketball games, beats the kids at UNO, and, most importantly, shares the gospel with them. “At ‘The Law,’ Ashley is our emerald that is dependable, dedicated, and delightful. She is a faithful woman of God with the love of Christ and the love of kids,” says Coach Mary, Neighborhood Director at MAM Greenlaw.
Maleka Autman serving Easter brunch at MAM Bethel LaBelle.
It’s rare to receive a volunteer that will stay beyond their assignment, yet Maleka has done just that! She has grown to become one of the most valuable volunteers at MAM Bethel LaBelle. Maleka takes the time to engage and part wisdom with a student every opportunity she gets! She builds relationships with students as well as the coaches. She’s gone from coming once a week to assist with the elementary basketball team to coming daily to lend a hand with whatever is needed. She loves MAM youth wholly and fully, all while showing Jesus to them! Thank you, Maleka!!
Nick Chantara volunteers at MAM Leawood.
Nick has faithfully served at MAM Leawood almost every week of this school year! You’ll find him each Friday afternoon volunteering through a partner organization, Arise2Read. This reading tutoring program allows a volunteer to spend one-on-one time with an elementary student reviewing sight words. Every Friday, Nick meets with Ashly and Norman. While reading on a Friday may not sound exciting to some, he engages each of the students in a personal way which has led to them look forward to the time each week. His consistency has truly been the foundation for relational growth! We’re so thankful for his time and faithfulness!
