“There is a family I know that has 6 children who are all adopted, every child of theirs has special needs. Four of them have a rare skin disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa or “EB”. With this disease, the kids have blisters forming on their skin constantly, and the skin is very fragile and can rip off easily while just doing normal activities. Because of this disease, these children can’t do a lot of things that kids normally can do. I help this family by going over to their house every day for an hour. I help two of the girls with their daily physical therapy exercises that they do, and I help take care of the kids so their mom has time to make dinner and do whatever she needs to do for the day. It is a crazy job and life that they live, but doing this service for them, has been the most rewarding thing I could ever have hoped for.” – Quinn Christiansen
“I have enjoyed volunteering throughout Salt Lake, and I didn’t quite realize before Youthlinc just how important volunteering was to me. I didn’t realize that I could make a difference in my own community and do it while having fun. I don’t think I’ll ever stop volunteering now; it has become my new hobby and new joy. I am learning so much from the people I help and volunteer with, it has truly opened my heart and made me happier. When I hear from the people I help that I’m making a difference, it is the greatest feeling and makes me want to help more.” -Anna Gallegos
“I volunteer at South Davis Community Hospital in Bountiful. I have grown to love the not only the children there, but the elderly patients as well. They so loving. When I am there I let the patients decide what they want to do, and we either play games, read books, do a puzzle, or I help them move around. I have really enjoyed spending time with them and getting to know various people there. They have helped me realize how important life is. I am so thankful for this opportunity.” – Ally Weber
“I v
olunteer with special needs adults at the Friends Clubhouse. We teach them everyday skills that they need to know in the world such as communication manners, eating manners, and how to deal with emotions. It is really fun. I enjoy it a lot and have learned so much from them. They are the nicest people, and some really have been through a lot and are still smiling.” –Ashley Hancock