empowered WOMEN
SERVING all CHILDREN
While serving children's initiatives has become synonymous with Tri Sigma, these three members have made it their personal mission to make sure it includes children who are sometimes overlooked. Sierra Lykins, Eta Kappa, visited with these women to learn more about the children and causes they serve. that provide enrichment for youth and help meet the needs of the community.
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Professionally and as a volunteer, I work with boys ages 13-17 on juvenile probation who are court ordered to live in a residential facility and maintain connections with them as a supportive and caring adult after they leave the program. Some have been involved with gangs, some have felonies on their records, many live in poverty, some have been expelled or have been in trouble at Delta Delta–University of school, some have been in North Carolina at Chapel Hill foster care—but almost all of them have experienced trauma and loss, and they all need a second chance to find success. What organization do you volunteer with? What inspires you to continue working with I volunteer with 0 Eckerd Connects in various formerly incarcerated youth? I love seeing capacities, throughout the community and as them gain confidence, overcome challenges, needs arise. I also work with various other improve decision making, build communication local organizations. and coping skills, and learn to trust people. The transformation is amazing to watch. I also What is the mission of Eckerd Connects? love seeing them laugh and enjoy childhood in To provide and share solutions that promote ways they haven't been able to in the past. the well-being of those in need and strives
Mary Catherine Steed Hartley
to ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed. This speaks to me in both my career and volunteer work.
How did you get involved with Eckerd Connects? I learned about the organization through a colleague and began volunteering for them while serving on our county's Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. I joined their staff for about 7 years and continued as a volunteer afterward. When looking at the various community projects, we select opportunities 10
FALL 2023
What role has Tri Sigma played in your volunteerism? Since joining Tri Sigma, I have learned the importance of consistency in volunteering. It is so rewarding to see longer-term results of volunteer efforts. What is your favorite part about volunteering with Eckerd Connects? I love hearing from those who are no longer in the program. Many contact us to share success stories—like getting their first jobs, joining a school team, graduating from high school, attending college,
giving back to their own communities, and becoming parents. Sometimes they call us when they are struggling and this reinforces the bonds of trust that we have created. They know they can count on us to support them and not judge their situation. What is something Eckerd Connects has accomplished that you are proud of? The thing that makes me the most proud is to see how the youth are impacted by the power of volunteer work. We have an annual event where we package and distribute 10,000 meals to local families in need (it's not always who you think!) and provide holiday gifts for 300 children. I have seen teenage boys tearful and transformed by their experiences helping others. Their commitment to helping others in their own communities is inspiring. How can someone get involved with Eckerd Connects? Eckerd Connects is in many states and is always looking for volunteers and mentors for its youth and adult programs. A potential volunteer can contact the local office to request info about the community's needs. What is something you wish people knew about formerly incarcerated youth? I wish people understood they are just kids who have made poor decisions. They have been judged only by their actions and not their true character. When you get to know them, you meet boys who are smart, creative, funny, talented, athletic, artistic, loving, protective, and articulate. They have big dreams for their lives. Each of them deserves to be treated with respect and given the opportunity to succeed.
