A look at our new volunteers

It is a blessing to have enthused, energetic, and loving volunteers come through the doors of The GreenHouse. Each year we have those select few of volunteers that, when they come to our after-school programs to be a "Study Buddy" to our awesome students, they are not only happy to be apart of their lives, but they also receive love and appreciation from the students. It is a pleasure to thank and demonstrate our appreciation to our two new volunteers Matthew Puliz and Christian Learned as our Volunteers of the Week.

Matthew is a students at the Christian Brothers High School who volunteers every other Friday

as a leader for our new Computer workshop for our elementary students. Each Friday that this workshop is coordinated, Matthew has demonstrated patiences towards the learning students as well as openly provided his experience to them. Because of Matthew our students are learning new and exciting computer skills. Our devoted and energetic volunteer Christian as been with the GreenHouse for almost two months now and is great with our students. Christian is a full time student at the Universal

Technical Institute of Automotive and Mechanics. During his time at The GreenHouse he has presented a friendly and welcoming demeanor that our students, especially the young boys. It has been a blessing to have these to young men volunteer at our center presenting themselves to be influential men of our future.

We have a lifer...A dedicated volunteer that is.

One of our most enthusiastic, loving, and caring individual has received the Volunteer of the Week award. Her name...Rose Adamson! Rose has been with the GreenHouse since our hearts opened to the community of Northgate/Gardenland. Lets read on and learn about her love and involvement with the GreenHouse. Its volunteers like Rose that touch the lives of the staff, fellow volunteers, and most importantly the youth we serve.

How long have you been a part of or volunteering at The GreenHouse and with what programs? I have been volunteering for 9 years, have been on The GreenHouse Board for 8 years and have volunteered with both the Elementary and Teen Programs.

Words to live by (personal quote or advice for living then good life)

May my heart break for the things that break the heart of God.

In a nutshell, describe your career path since high school.

Business manager to business owner to stay at home mom.

What made you decide to volunteer at The GreenHouse Center?

I was and still am passionate about the renewal and transformation of the GreenHouse neighborhood and families that live there.

Describe a day in your life as a volunteer at The GreenHouse.

Greetings, work and interaction. I find out about their day and week, encourage them to get their work done (help when needed) and interact with them regarding their interest. Music, movies, etc.

When you’re not volunteering, what do you do? What extracurricular activities are you involved in?

I am very busy with my two kids and family. I also volunteer at my sons’ school twice a month as well as with Awana on Wednesday nights.

Describe what you do in just three words.

Mentor, Direct, Encourage

What do you love about your job?

I love the kids! They are amazing! Resilient, courageous and accepting.

In three sentences or less, convince someone that The GreenHouse is a great place to volunteer.

The GreenHouse is a great place to volunteer because it’s so rewarding. The kids don’t require much, but whatever you give them they are grateful! They give you hope in what God is doing in a very tangible way.

Huzzah for Jana!

This weeks Volunteer of the Week is our very own Jana Packham! Jana's sweet and fun spirit has been shining at The GreenHouse going on 3 1/2 years now and has been impacting our students with her love and compassion. With her love for kids she has been one of our Adventure Zone summer camp coordinators, where the summer is filled with fun and games as well as a Study Buddy on our Fun Fridays with the Elementary program Evergreen.

Currently Jana is a Study Bu

ddy for Evergreen during where she is tutoring the students on math, reading proficiency, and their everyday homework.

She is also the mentor of two wonderful girls who adore her. When asked if they wanted to keep meeting with Jana, they responded with "Yes, because she's super fun and she is easy to talk to." "Yeah, because she's super fun and is very kind and is always with me when I need help and she's like a mom for me."

As you can see the girls can't get enough of Jana. Providing them with opportunities to bond and experience some fun outings for the first time, Jana has taken the girls Ice Skating, the mall, chatting it up at Starbucks like young woman...She is the Best!

Recently, with the weather being so cold, several of the students, our Elementary Director, Jana, and a parent had a chance to visit the snow! It was a trip filled with sledding, Snowman making and other creations, and just an overall snow fun filled day. It is truly a blessing to have so many volunteers here at the GreenHouse that are so passionate and committed; and it is even more so to have volunteers like Jana.