Hands On Hartford

Reflection of a YASC Member

August 20, 2019

This August, we bid a fond farewell to Kyle Williams, who served with Hands On Hartford as a Young Adult Service Community member, sponsored by First Church of Christ in Simsbury.  Kyle reflected on his time with us recently:

Kyle celebrating with Temple Beth Hillel kitchen-to-pantry volunteers

It is hard to believe that nearly a year has passed since I first started at Hands on Hartford. From day one I felt that my placement here was the perfect fit. I quickly became a jack of all trades helping out wherever I was needed from leading volunteers down at Community Meals, organizing Kitchen to Pantry, Foodshare runs, and delivering backpacks for the Backpack Program. Staff and guests will both confirm that I am an introvert, yet one of my favorite experiences at Hands on Hartford was leading volunteers. The interactions I had with my volunteers shaped my time here. I heard countless stories about the city and received recommendations on where to get the best Jamaican beef patties. Each volunteer comes with their own unique background and skillset, but they all share the common goal of helping those in need. Without our volunteers it would be nearly impossible to offer everything we do. This year I have learned a lot about working the non-profit and about myself. I will forever cherish and value the relationships I have built here with staff, guests, and volunteers. It is extremely hard to leave, but I am sure I will be back. Goodbye Hartford, for now.

This post was written by Kate Shafer, Communications Manager at Hands On Hartford. You may contact the author at kshafer@handsonhartford.org.