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Jessica
Volunteer of the MonthChildServe's volunteer program enables people to offer their time and talents to the children we serve. Whether they are reading a book, going to the zoo, or flipping pancakes at the ChildServe Run 4 the Kids, our volunteers are supporting opportunities for great life.
One of those volunteers, Jessica Worley, has been coming to ChildServe for five years. Jessica feels that volunteering has changed her as a person, "I think it makes me appreciate life more." Jessica, 14, visits the ChildServe Habilitation Center at least once per week. She has volunteered during community outings, swimming, walking groups, respite weekends, pet therapy, the Winter Wonderland Festival and much more. Over the last six months, Jessica has given more than 30 hours of her time to ChildServe.
Her favorite part of volunteering is the overall atmosphere, and she absolutely loves the kids. She really enjoys taking the children out into the community. She likes community outings because they give other people the opportunity to see that the children have the ability and desire to do everyday things. Jessica doesn’t have one particular memory or favorite moment, "I think every moment I'm there is special." She feels as though the children are almost like family. She continually wants to be with them.
Kendra Lerdal, ChildServe recreational therapist, worked with Jessica on her first day as a volunteer and nearly every week since. Jessica’s role as a volunteer is very beneficial to Kendra and other staff. Kendra says that Jessica never has to be asked to accomplish any task. She takes initiative and independently gets the job done. "Jessica is definitely one of the best volunteers we have! She is always happy and willing to participate in all of the different outings we have planned, always on time, and always flexible if we need to change the time of the outing or the place we will be going," Kendra says.
Jessica is currently in the 9th grade, and aside from volunteering she enjoys playing the piano, hanging out with friends and shopping. She plans to be a Special Education Teacher when she grows up. This has been a goal of Jessica's since kindergarten.
The volunteer department greatly appreciates Jessica’s dedication to the children of ChildServe and has chosen her for this month's Volunteer Spotlight. For more information on how you can become a volunteer, please contact Kaylene Steele at 270-2205 or kaylens@childserve.org.
