For teenagers, a caring adult can change lives. Cat is an Echo volunteer who told us about how the middle-schoolers she works with flipped the script and changed her life as well.
My connection to Woodland Hills began in 2020 right after George Floyd was murdered. I was a high school math teacher, talking with the teacher across the hall—we were both shocked—and she told me she was a member of Woodland Hills Church and that when Philando Castile was killed, her church addressed it. She thought they would do the same now and invited me to watch the streaming of Sunday services. I have been at Woodland ever since.
Before then, I was Catholic, and actively involved with youth of all ages from kindergarten to high school. After COVID, we did not return to the Catholic church and my husband and I decided to become Covenant Partners at Woodland.
Last year, when our second oldest started 7th grade, I asked Echo about volunteering. Although you don’t need to be a teacher to volunteer, the application was rigorous (which I appreciated as a parent), and took some time to complete. Once I was accepted, I shadowed two other women who lead a 7th/8th grade group and it has been a wonderful year being a part of this community.
My favorite part about working with the Echo students is watching the Journey Group (a small group split up by age and gender) bond throughout the year. They listened to each other, laughed with each other and prayed with and for each other. I saw them lift each other up and it gave me so much hope for how they look after each other.
My son had so much fun in the guys group. They experienced joy and I am hopeful they will keep that joy, even through the tough challenges as they grow up.
I have not taught in a middle school classroom since student teaching in 1998 and I wasn’t sure how it would be to work with middle schoolers, but these leaders and girls changed the course of my life. When a job opening came up in my district, I applied for a middle school position. I shared my nervousness with the group and they cheered me on—especially one young lady, Lana, who gave me all the courage I needed in that moment. I think she may be a teacher herself some day! For now, she is preparing to be a Catalyst (an Echo student leader)!
Now that I have shadowed other volunteers for a year, I’m ready to take on a group with someone next year. It really does feel like I joined a family of volunteers—I have seen older teens mentor younger ones, young people filled with joy and silliness, and kindness and patience from adult leaders. There is space for everyone to grow as we love these kids and are willing to share and grow in the faith!
Thank you, Cat, for being part of that Echo family!
We are looking for more adult volunteers—especially men—so if you’d also like to make a difference in our students’ lives check out ore information here or contact Amelia at aboatman@whchurch.org.
