Dear Volunteers,
I just want to start by saying thank you—truly.
As a Coach, I get to see firsthand the impact of the small, thoughtful things you do. And I don’t think “small” is even the right word, because for our Scholars, those moments often land in really big ways.
I remember one of the first times it really clicked for me. A Scholar received a wrapped gift, and they paused and said, “No one’s ever given me something like this before… I feel so special.” It was such a simple moment—but it stayed with me. Because it wasn’t just about the gift. It was about feeling seen, considered, and cared for in a way that was new to them.
Whether it’s a birthday gift that makes someone feel celebrated, a handwritten card that shows up right on time, or a care package that reminds them they’re not doing life alone—those gestures matter. They stick. They become part of how our Scholars understand support, consistency, and community.
A lot of our students are navigating spaces that can feel overwhelming or isolating at times. So when they receive something intentional from someone they may not have even met, it shifts something. It tells them: someone is thinking about me, someone believes in me, someone took time for me.
That kind of care builds confidence. It builds connection. And over time, it helps them move through the world a little differently.
I also want to highlight how powerful your involvement is beyond gifts—whether it’s showing up for career conversations, networking opportunities, or just being present in the ecosystem of support. You’re helping expand what feels possible for our Scholars.
So thank you for showing up in all the ways you do. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, your time, and your willingness to be part of something bigger than yourself.
It does not go unnoticed—and it absolutely makes a difference.
With gratitude,
Coach Sosa Samura, MSW
