Monday, April 11, 2011

Two outstanding volunteers!


There are many volunteers that come through our doors here at The GreenHouse. But, these two have made a permanent impact on our students and staff. Judy Carlson and Zain Matloob have been selected as our Volunteers of the Week for April 11th and the 18th! Judy Carlson has been with The GreenHouse for so long that she is a part of the family. When she volunteers with our Evergreen elementary program, she has been known to make them smile, become interactive, and feel loved. Seeing her with our students I can see how much the love and adore her.

Zain Matloob is one of our new volunteers, but has demonstrated her commitment to working with students as she has been consistent in her efforts to work with them. At first, Zain was quite and still getting use to working in this particular environment. However, it appeared that over night Zain became this enthused, energetic and playful volunteer for our Evergreen program. Like Judy, Zain's presences has been impactful in the lives of our students. It just has been a blessing to have so many wonderful volunteers here at The GreenHouse.

To get to know Judy a little better read my interview with this lovely woman.

How long have you been a part of or volunteering at The GreenHouse and with what programs?

I have been a part of the GreenHouse for about 8 years. The first 4 years as a volunteer in the summer for a week. I started volunteering weekly about 4 years ago. In addition, my husband and I have contributed financially with one time gifts and have participated in Melvin's Hope at Christmas time.

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

Love NEVER fails! Choose the path of love, turn and run from evil.

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

After college and marriage, I choose to stay home with my sons until they entered school. I worked part-time until 20 years ago. At that time, I started as a paraprofessional at

James McKee Elementary School working in the Learning Center teaching reading to first through sixth graders.

What made you decide to volunteer at The GreenHouse Center?

I decided to volunteer at the GreenHouse because I saw an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children in the community around the church I attended in Natomas.

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

Challenging, but rewarding when you see growth in the children’s lives. (Academically and emotionally)

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

I love to read, travel with my husband, garden, and refinish furniture.

Describe what you do in just three words.

Teach, serve, and mentor

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

The GreenHouse gives volunteers a chance to change the world one child at a time. Children need as many places in their lives where they are loves and feel safe.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were younger?

It’s not about what you accomplish in life, but it’s really about who you had the privilege to love.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Everyone, meet Lisa!




What can I say about Lisa Haydon. Well for starters, she is an amazing individual full of passion and compassion for the students at The GreenHouse. Lisa started out as our Summer Volunteer last year during Adventure Zone. During this time she bonded with not only our young ladies, but also with our young men. She joined them on trips to Sutter's Fort, Rock climbing at Pipe Works, and to several surround parks in the greater Sacramento area.


Unfortunately, due to her school schedule she wasn't able to volunteers with our elementary students. So every now and then during our Evergreen after-school program our students ask "hey where is Lisa? Does she still come?" Thankfully she still volunteers at The GreenHouse. With her new school schedule she Lisa is able to volunteer with our R4 Teen after-school program. Now she is influencing and helping our teens with their school work.

Its volunteers like Lisa who make working, volunteering, and coming to program fun and enjoyable. Thats why she is our Volunteer of the Week for April 4th, 2011! Congratulations Lisa!