I started volunteering with the Ozanam Guild for the same reason most people in their 20s do; for the “community relations brownie points” at my job. I attended a Second Fridays happy hour where I met a lot of young professionals having fun while raising money for a local non-profit. I didn’t know much about the charity, but figured I would start out slowly and learn as I went. HA!
Anyone who has met me, knows I don’t do anything half-way. I threw myself into the Guild, immediately stepping in as Marketing Chair, then taking on the role of Second Fridays Coordinator, and eventually becoming Ozanam Guild President. I fell in love with Ozanam, what it has accomplished for families in the Kansas City community, and what it continues to do for boys and girls each and every day.
I observe such dedication and passion from the volunteers and the staff at Ozanam; devoted to helping teenagers who are struggling, either socially or psychologically, doing whatever they can to get those students back on the right path. I see that those volunteers and staff members actually have a positive impact on lives. I witness first-hand how the Ozanam Guild, just by celebrating birthdays, planning back-to-school bar-b-q cook-outs, playing kick ball, or simply having a one-on-one conversation changes kids’ demeanors. Not just theirs; but mine and my fellow Guild members’, as well.
Of course, being part of this organization and planning special fundraising events, at times, has provided me with sleepless nights and has certainly caused gray hairs, but more importantly, my participation has given back to me in hundreds of other ways. The students at Ozanam personally inspire me! When I have a rough day, I just think about what they have experienced or are currently going through and know that I can push forward and handle anything.
My favorite memory, a time I will always cherish, was at a birthday party hosted by the Guild on the Ozanam campus, when I talked with a 13-year-old girl. She made me laugh while we chatted and then she made me cry when, at the end of the party, she asked me if she could hug me. I was told afterwards that she had been struggling prior to that one-hour party and hadn’t wanted anyone to touch her. The staff was shocked to see her hug me and that is when I realized, (gulp), I am making a difference, too!
You never know what effect you will have on others or if someone or something will have an effect on you. I know that Ozanam has changed me and I will continue to be passionate and actively connected to this cause…and to those students…forever.
- Kalinda Tenborg, President of the Ozanam Guild
For more information about the Ozanam Guild, visit www.ozanamguild.org or click “like” at www.facebook.com/OzanamGuild. To learn more about volunteering at Ozanam, go to www.ozanam.org or call Laurie Minx at (816)508-3608.
Kalinda, you are a ROCK STAR! Thank you, thank you for ALL that you do for the Guild, for Ozanam, and most importantly, for the individual students on campus. The fact that you can actually name most of those kids (and probably one thing about each of them) says so much about why you are so successful in your career and in life. I’m proud to volunteer with you and to call you a friend.