Volunteer Spotlight: Janessa Henry
This fall, we want to take a moment to recognize one of the many volunteers who make our work at the Clubs possible.
Janessa Henry started volunteering with the Regence Club in June 2019. Before moving to Oregon, she worked with Boys & Girls Clubs in Georgia for 4.5 years, so she knew exactly where she wanted to volunteer her time. Janessa made an immediate impact with our staff and youth, spending the summer working with teens from across our Portland Clubs, and staying on to continue helping us in our teen program this fall.
We asked Janessa to share a little about herself and why she gives her time to the Clubs. See what she had to say below!
Why do you volunteer with Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro?
Although I didn’t grow up in the Boys & Girls Club, this organization was my first job post college and I dedicated 4 ½ years of my life to this organization! It was the first time I was able to give back to communities that were lacking resources and opportunities and I had the privilege to be a part of that change.
I recently relocated to Oregon from Atlanta, GA for work and the first thing I did when I got settled was sign up to volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club. This organization has become a part of my life and who I am, and I have made it a mission to always be involved so that I can continue to make a difference in the lives of our youth.
What do you find meaningful about volunteering at the Club?
Boys & Girls Clubs are very intentional with how they provide experiences to the youth they serve. They also offer space to be creative and unique with programming and I love that about the organization. The youth have a voice to choose where and what they want to learn but also are pushed out of their comfort zones to experience all that life has to offer.
What have you found to be the most fun?
Getting to know the youth and finding out how I can be of service to them. The most important thing I learned while being a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs is learning the names of every kid. It makes a world of difference when you can acknowledge them by their name. It sets the foundation of what that working relationship will be like going forward and ultimately it makes them feel good.
Thank you, Janessa. We are so happy and grateful that you choose to serve the youth in our community, and for all the creativity, care and experience you bring to our Regence Club!
Thank you, Janessa. We are so happy you choose to serve the youth in our North Portland community, and for all the creativity, care and experience you bring to our Regence Club!
