Listening First
Nancy Roll at EDGE Teen Center
Sometimes the most important thing a teenager needs is someone willing to listen.
At EDGE Teen Center, that’s where Nancy Roll begins.
“I greet the students and check them into our system,” she says. “I then spend time playing games, puzzles, cards, crafts, talking and a lot of listening.”
EDGE Teen Center serves students in grades 9–12 who need a safe place to go after school. Located within walking distance for teens at Lakota East and West High Schools, the centers stay open until 6 p.m., offering a welcoming space where students can connect, relax and prepare for the future.
Nancy first discovered the opportunity about five years ago while looking for a meaningful way to volunteer. When she saw a social media post from her son-in-law, a member of the EDGE board, she decided to give it a try.
“It didn’t take long to find out it’s more than just checking them in,” she shares. “It’s all about getting to know them and connecting.”
The most meaningful moments often come during quiet conversations.
“Teens are facing more challenges than ever. When they sit one on one with me and carry on a conversation, it’s special,” she says. “If I can help in any way, then that’s a blessing.”
Feeding Families, Feeding Souls
Mayra Castro at Reach Out Lakota
On the surface, our community looks like a place where families have what they need. Good schools. Busy sports fields. Packed grocery stores on weekends. But inside, some parents quietly count dollars, putting back food or school supplies when the total climbs too high.
That reality brings Mayra Castro to Reach Out Lakota.
“The core mission is to provide food and clothing to families in need within the [school] district,” Mayra says. “We want them to feel seen and heard while we help them meet their needs in difficult times.”
Mayra first learned about the pantry when her children were asked to bring a box of cereal or hygiene items for a donation drive.
Over time, she felt called to help.
As a volunteer and translator for families who do not speak English, Mayra helps clients navigate the process. She reviews documentation, explains eligibility requirements and guides families through the clothing department and food pantry.
“No one leaves without receiving help,” she says. “If they don’t qualify for ongoing services, we offer an emergency order and direct them elsewhere.”
Beyond groceries and clothing, Reach Out Lakota organizes seasonal programs that mean just as much to families.
“I believe our community would be surprised to know how much joy you can bring to a child when they get to a place full of backpacks, organized by grade, where they can choose their backpack containing all the supplies needed for the school year,” she says.
For Mayra, the experience is reciprocal.
“At Reach Out Lakota I do my best to provide food for our clients,” she says, “They can’t imagine how much they are feeding my soul.”
A Mission Made Personal
Toni Williams at Hope’s Closet
Most people think clothing insecurity means not having enough clothes. For many children entering foster care, it means arriving with only the clothes on their backs.
At Hope’s Closet—a nonprofit serving children and families in the foster care system—Toni Williams has found the work to be deeply personal.
A retired U.S. Food & Drug Administration employee and foster parent, Toni shares, “I’ve seen firsthand how vulnerable that moment can be and how much it matters for a child to quickly feel safe, comfortable and cared for.”
Hope’s Closet works to restore dignity and stability for children who have experienced trauma while equipping foster families with resources, encouragement and practical support.
As a zone leader, Toni keeps Hope’s Closet stocked with brand-new socks and underwear.
“I receive and sort donations, organize shelves and monitor supply levels so these important items are always available,” she says.
Inside the boutique, the work is steady and intentional.
“Volunteers carefully review each donation to ensure children have access to quality clothing that helps them feel confident and prepared for school and daily life,” she explains.
Volunteering has changed her.
“I’ve always considered myself an introvert, more comfortable working quietly behind the scenes,” she says. “Volunteering inspired me to begin sharing my foster care journey with prospective foster parents.”
She hopes the community understands what’s truly at stake. Properly fitting shoes allow children to run at recess without pain. A coat keeps them warm while waiting for the bus.
At Hope's Closet, shopping becomes therapeutic.
“Children don’t stand in line to receive a bag of donated items. They step into a welcoming space where they choose what feels right to them,” Toni says. “When so much of their lives is decided by court hearings, case plans and sudden moves, choosing their own clothes gives them a small sense of control.”
For those considering volunteering, her advice is simple.
“Just try it,” Toni says. “Give it a day or a week. You cannot fully understand the impact until you see it firsthand. You may find that the experience changes you, too.”
Connecting with a Smile
Leah Aguilar at Boys & Girls Club of West Chester Liberty
The front doors swing open at the Boys & Girls Club of West Chester Liberty. Before homework is unpacked or snacks are served, staff greet students by name as they arrive.
“My time at the club includes the first ‘touch,’ greeting each student with a smile, saying their name, and asking something important about that student,” says volunteer Leah Aguilar. “The genuine care creates connection right from the start.”
The Boys & Girls Club of West Chester Liberty provides after-school care and enrichment. The program gives working parents peace of mind while students receive homework help and exposure to workforce experiences through partnerships and mentoring.
As an educator by trade, Leah sees the impact firsthand.
“Having one caring adult outside the family adds to the development of a child,” she says. “It's hard to be a parent. It's harder now with the introduction of social media and technology. And harder still if you’re doing it without a village of support.”
Leah believes the Club’s partnership with local senior citizens strengthens intergenerational ties.
“It changes the conversation among both populations, as school looks nothing like it did when our seniors were in school,” she says. “Their relationships give a stronger connection for our community at large as well.”
Leah is also working to build a mentoring community from retired educators.
She recalls one meaningful moment, when she recruited retired volunteers to shop and wrap gifts alongside students. One volunteer unexpectedly reunited with a former student.
“I traded spots with the volunteer, so she could reconnect with this student that she worked with for several years and off they went, as if no time had passed,” she says. “The conversation, the excitement and joy on both their faces, warms my heart even now.”
Beyond academics, students unwind with art, dance and music. They also gain leadership skills, serving as tour guides during open houses, participating in community service and taking ownership of cooking and mentoring younger members.
For Leah, volunteering is personal.
“Volunteering is an opportunity for me to do what I love with others, to make my community stronger,” she says. “It helps connect not just myself, but others.”
Rooted in Service
Alyssa Louagie at Lakota Local School District
Long before Alyssa Louagie became president of Lakota LEADS or spent time cutting out letters for classroom bulletin boards, she learned the value of volunteering at home.
“I was raised in a family where volunteer work is important,” she says. “My mom has volunteered for many organizations since I was a young child.”
That early example stayed with her. Over the past 16 years, Alyssa has become a familiar face across Lakota Local Schools, stepping in wherever help is needed.
Her volunteer work touches nearly every corner of the district. Alyssa currently serves as president of Lakota LEADS, supporting gifted and high-achieving students through programs like Lakota Pi Day and the Write Challenge. She also volunteers with the Lakota West PTSO and supports the Marching Band, Color Guard and theatre.
In many ways, no two volunteer days look the same.
“Some days, I’m planning events. Some, I’m sewing theatre costumes. Others, I’m taping booths for a craft show or bringing in food for teacher conference dinners,” shares Alyssa. “It just depends on what needs to be done.”
She’s happy to step into whatever role is needed. Over the years, that has included everything from making copies and prepping crafts to handing out snacks and working carnivals.
Volunteers, she says, play a critical role in making many school programs possible.
“There are countless amazing events and opportunities across the district that would never happen without volunteers,” Alyssa says.
She has seen the impact firsthand. One moment that stands out came while helping with Lakota West Theatre productions.
“Seeing the show go from early rehearsals to a truly professional-level production brought tears to my eyes,” she says.
For Alyssa, volunteering is about more than supporting programs. It’s also about supporting the people behind them.
“Education is not the same as it was when I was in school. From technology to expectations to grading scales, so much has changed. Our schools are doing the best they can with the time, resources and facilities they have,” she says. “They want students to grow, thrive and succeed.”
For Alyssa, giving her time is one way to continue a lesson she learned long ago at home.
Small Moments, Big Impact
Gina Johnson at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County, a local affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, pairs adult volunteers with children across the community in one-to-one mentoring relationships built on consistency and trust. Through regular time together and steady encouragement, those relationships help young people build confidence and expand what feels possible.
For Gina Johnson, a full-time Kroger employee, being a Big Sister shows up in small, steady moments. She and her Little meet twice a month for formal outings and stay connected in between through quick texts and check-ins.
“Being a Big has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Gina shares. “It’s special to be part of her world, cheer her on and feel like an extended member of her family.”
Their time together is often simple: lunch and scrapbooking, card games at a coffee shop or baking cookies. They have also visited the Cincinnati Zoo, Miami University hockey games, an FC Cincinnati match and even enjoyed a manicure day.
“Many are first time experiences for my Little, and watching her discover something new is incredibly rewarding,” she says.
Over the past two years, Gina has watched her Little grow.
“Her confidence has soared—from speaking up in public to ordering her own meal—small moments that reflect big progress,” she shares. “Seeing her mindset shift has been incredible. When we first met, she didn’t have much exposure to what life after school could look like. Now she’s much more open to continuing her education.”
For anyone hesitant about the commitment, she offers simple reassurance.
“Don’t be!” she says. “The program allows for flexibility, and the impact you make far outweighs the time required.”
Many thanks to Anjali Fong Photography for capturing the spirit of these super volunteers. Visit Anjali Fong Photography’s website to learn about her I AM ENOUGH Project, a powerful portrait experience celebrating the journey of self-acceptance and courage to be real. AnjaliFong.com