In the Volunteer Spotlight we recognize a Youth Service, Inc. volunteer making an impact in the communities we serve. Murielle and Miriah (Seed for Success) volunteer at Youth Emergency Service (YES).

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourselves and your backgrounds.

Murielle: I was born in Brooklyn, NY but have been a resident of Philadelphia since the Summer of 2000. Currently I am a psychology major at the Community College of Philadelphia and president of Seed for Success. In the near future I aspire to become a clinical psychologist/marriage and family therapist.

Miriah: I am a Philadelphia native. I currently attend the Community College of Philadelphia as a behavioral health and human services major and vice president of Seed for Success. Upon completing my studies, I plan to become a therapist and continue my work as a youth advocate.

Q: How long have you been volunteering at YSI?

We’ve been volunteering at YSI for a few months now and have enjoyed bringing smiles and self awareness to each individual we have worked with.

Q: Why did you choose YSI when you were looking for a place to volunteer?

Our passion for positive change within our community inspired the creation of Seed for Success; a nonprofit organization geared towards young adults. Our mission is to rehabilitate and reconnect young adults to society with the goal of securing stable housing, financial security and education, essentially securing a more purposeful life. Through this organization we’ve volunteered at numerous charitable events; where we’ve been blessed to have met Lavon Howard (Founder of Path to Greatness) in November of 2018. Mr. Howard further peaked our enthusiasm and commitment to providing stability to young members of our community and referred us to YSI. YSI has allowed us to not only build individual connections with the youth but also provide personal change in their lives. Volunteering at YSI has further inspired our determination to continue to provide long lasting resources for the youth in our community that promote individual accountability, wellness, safety, and academic development.

Q: Why do you think it is important to volunteer?

Volunteering provides a chance to network with others, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.

To nominate a volunteer for our Volunteer Spotlight or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact us at volunteer@ysiphila.org.