On June 4th, thanks to the generosity of Mountain Whitewater Descents, we were able to take 6 youth along with 3 staff members for an exciting half-day rafting trip on the Cache la Poudre River. The water was high and fast and the rafting was excellent.

This was the first whitewater rafting experience for most if not all of the youth – and once we all got over looking silly in our wetsuits and the few butterflys that had congregated in our stomachs after seeing all the rapids on the bus-ride up the canyon – a great time was had by all. This was a great chance to see the importance of working together and to face and overcome fears.

In April, the staff at the Matthews House began a new monthly habit in order to recognize some of our most amazing volunteers. Each month the staff will nominate and vote on a Volunteer of the Month.

So, for our very first honoree, we’ve chosen Stefanie Womack. (Incidentally, we also nominate our choice as a potential United Way of Larimer County Volunteer of the Month and both Stefanie and May’s honoree, the Ignite Leaders Challenge group from Fossil Ridge High School, were also chosen by United Way of Larimer County as their Volunteers of the Month.)

We asked Stefanie a few questions about herself and her volunteering experience. Here’s what we found out.

What are your name, age and occupation?

Stefanie Womack, 30, Engineer

Where did you grow up?

Albuquerque, NM

In what ways do you like to volunteer?

I feel I am doing exactly what I should be doing, loving on people.

What made you choose to volunteer at the Matthews House?

I liked how the Matthews House helped the kids in the community.  The approach taken to do this is refreshing.

What do you like best about volunteering?

Being involved in so many lives in so many different ways.  I hope that I can be the loving adult in these kids lives that I had in my life at their age.

What’s the best/most fun thing that’s ever happened while you were volunteering?

The friendships I have formed with the kiddo’s is the best part.

Stefanie, thank you for giving back in your community and truly impacting the lives of youth. Your ability to listen and be intentional with youth is wonderful and you have been a significant support to many of them.  We need more people like you!

For May, we chose a Volunteer Group of the month rather than an individual:

Ignite Leader’s Challenge (approximately 16 members) from Fossil Ridge High School

Here’s what they told us.

Why did Ignite choose to volunteer at Matthews House?

Due to a strong desire to positively impact fellow youth in their community. They especially wanted to help impoverished and disadvantaged youth.

Where else has Ignite helped out in the past year?

Nursing homes such as Chateau Desmons and Columbine Health, spreading awareness for the Invisible Children movement

What has Ignite done for the Matthews House?

In the past couple of months Ignite has contributed over 300 hours collectively to help gather in-kind donations and organize an awareness and fundraising barbecue. Ignite has helped us collect many household and office items that we would have had to pay for otherwise. In addition, they planned, marketed and implemented a barbecue that helped raise money and spread awareness. In all, Ignite helped raise over $300 cash for the Matthews House.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ignite Group for their hard work and dedication to impacting youth in our community. We appreciate your desire to help in areas where there are actual needs. You guys did a great job and I encourage you to keep pursuing opportunities in your community. Thanks!