Remembering My Why

REMEMBERING OUR WHY

Volunteers, Donors, and Supporters

Candace Coyne, Volunteer

I started volunteering at Covenant House six months after I retired because I knew that I would miss working with young people. In the course of my career, I’ve used Covenant House as a referral source for youth in need of shelter and care. I was drawn to the program when I retired because I wanted to continue helping youth in crisis.

For the past five years I have been an instructor in the Job Readiness Training Program or JRT. I have taught all of the classes the program offers, including resume building, interviewing skills, professionalism, career planning, networking, retail basics and several others. Over time, JRT has grown into a program tailored to meet the needs of the youth. It has been rewarding to watch the youth grow, gain confidence in themselves, learn new skills and gain employment. This keeps me coming back and wanting to see the program expand. With the addition of two new in-structors, Ms. Terrie and Ms. Karen, along with Ms. Dana, Workforce Development Coordinator, JRT will continue to develop new classes and strategies to ensure the continued success of the programs’ graduates.

The youth at Covenant House are resilient and eager to overcome the obstacles life has put in their pathway in order to become self-sufficient. They are worth my time, my energy and commitment to the program.

Greg Brooks, Volunteer

I started volunteering at Covenant House about 17 years ago when I was introduced to the organization through the Young Professional for Covenant House (YPFCH.)

YPFCH met monthly at local venues. Between 200 to 1,500 attended events. It was a great way to meet new friends. One volunteer often seen at these events, Dr. Tom would say “thanks for helping the kids.” I asked what he meant. He invited me to "Cov Fun Night" where volunteers visited the shelter and participate in monthly activities with the kids.

It was during these visits - I connected with the kids. Why? Because I was one of them. As a young teen, my family circumstances abruptly changed. Homeless, scared, hungry, sick and no where to go - a local Fort Lauderdale shelter took me in. They provided basic needs - food, shelter, clothing, hygiene and medical care. Following, my caseworker helped me complete high school and find a job. I was even provided resources to commute to school, work and the shelter. I was on my way to the road to independence. All thanks to a number on a bus bench, a van picking me up and the love and care of the shelter.

I put that chapter in my life behind me, however the Covenant House reconnected me with my past to make a brighter future for others. I soon became a youth volunteer and began taking the kids out on Sunday nights for dinner and an activity. The kids and I would bond. There were laughs and cries along the way. We were family. We still are.

I sometimes visit the former site of the shelter that took me in. It reminds me of who I am and how far I have come thanks to others who believed in me. I am no longer that frightened and homeless kid. There however are many that are. We can all make a positive difference in these kids lives. Thank you Covenant House Florida for being there.

Murray Fried, Volunteer

Wow, would you believe it's been 20 years that I have been associated with Covenant House? I first came as a snowbird, doing 6 months, one day a week. I started after I retired from my educational career as an educator, counselor and an administrator. I looked at where I could best fit in and I found my home, Covenant House. I was placed with Loderick and so my journey began.

I worked with the substance abuse group, the 12-step program (CHAMP - Covenant House Addiction Management Project). I took the clients to the meetings and then to lunch. It was at lunch that I had an opportunity to counsel (table manners, problem solving). I was fortunate to have done this for many years. Loderick moved me into the intake area as I became a full-time resident in Florida. As the years went on I added a second day.

So where am I now? Hard of hearing and unable to work the phones, not as mobile as I shoudl be so it is time to retire. This experience has helped keep my mind active as well as my body. What a great agency with great values and direction.