Volunteer of the Month
San Francisco Bay Area Volunteer Spotlight: Alan Ng – May 2012
How long have you been a CoachArt Volunteer? I have been a CoachArt volunteer since January 2012.
What made you decide to volunteer with CoachArt? CoachArt offers a really flexible schedule that allows people with busy schedules to participate.
What do you like most about volunteering with CoachArt? I love the idea of using art to improve lives and also help others find their own creative talents.
What type of activities have you done at CoachArt? I’ve done crafts that include ocean dioramas, paper mache and origami, and art pieces that include painting/watercolor, pastel, charcoal and color pencil.
Why do you volunteer with CoachArt? CoachArt has allowed me to work with kids that enjoy art just as much as I do. I was able to revisit some of the art projects I have done as a kid and share it with my CoachArt student. Through working with my CoachArt student my meaning of art has changed dramatically. I see art from a very different perspective now and also realize how art can really impact lives! Art is not just a piece of paper and color; it’s the story and expression behind the work, that makes it truly beautiful!
What advice would you give to a new CoachArt volunteer? Share your talent with CoachArt, you will make huge difference in someone’s life.
Would you recommend CoachArt to friends? Yes!
What other volunteer activities are you involved in? I helped out with another organization to paint pottery and plant seeds.
What would you like for our readers to know about you? My profession has nothing to do with art! I just really enjoy art!
How can CoachArt improve its’ services? How about an outdoors/hiking and art session…
Southern California Volunteer Spotlight: Nikki Frey, May 2012
Nikki Frey, Volunteer since 2011
1. How did you hear about CoachArt?
Through Volunteer Match on the Internet.
2. How long have you been a CoachArt Volunteer?
Less than a year. I also volunteered with Free Arts for Abused Children
3. What made you decide to volunteer with CoachArt?
It sounded like a way to participate in art, which I love. I specialize in portraits.
4. What do you like most about volunteering with CoachArt?
We (the 2 children and I) actually made something – a small quilt that they use
while watching TV or sitting on the sofa.
5. What type of activities have you done at CoachArt?
Just the one with my students where we did sewing and other projects: I brought some wooden cigar boxes that they decorated, I brought T-shirts which they drew on with artist pens (felt-tip pens), I brought in beads and they made bracelets, and I took their pictures (with parent’s permission) and they decorated the cardboard picture frames that I made for the pictures.
6. What has been the single most impacting experience working with a CoachArt student?
That we actually made something they can use – a small quilt.
7. Why do you volunteer with CoachArt?
I like to do art and sew, work with kids, and help people. I would also like to work
with adults.
8. If you had to write an ad to recruit volunteers for CoachArt, how would it read?
Emphasize something fun the volunteer can get out of it. They can get their
picture in the newsletter, get a fun day at a picnic, maybe food – emphasize fun!
9. How has CoachArt affected your life?
I realized I can do more of a variety of projects than I thought.
10. Would you recommend CoachArt to friends? If yes, why?
Yes, if they have free time, but most people think they’re too busy, even if
they’re not.
11. What would you like for our readers to know about you?
I do portraits and hand-painted clothing.
12. How can CoachArt improve its’ services?
Make it more clear what opportunities are available, and directly contact
volunteers more often for activities. I was only contacted once (for my current
students). You have to poke people!
San Francisco Bay Volunteer Spotlight: Heather Curtis, April 2012
How did you hear about CoachArt? I heard about CoachArt through Volunteer Match online. I was looking for a placement to fill some required volunteer hours through my school as well as get more involved in the Bay Area
How long have you been involved at CoachArt? I have been a Coachart Volunteer since January 2012.
What made you decide to volunteer with CoachArt? I loved the structure and the use of a person’s passions/hobbies as a way to connect with youths’ interests. I realized sometimes it is hard for adults to schedule in time for their own hobbies, art, cooking, sports, etc. If they can find a space to become actively involved in their interests as well as give the opportunity to teach a child or teen in need, everyone benefits!
What do you like most about volunteering with CoachArt? So far, just being involved in the mentorship program has been a blast! I like how well organized Coachart is. On my first day meeting my match I had a CoachArt representative waiting to transition me into the family. It was a great intro! Also, I believe that all people have hobbies that should be utilized to create a sense of self, community giving, and mindfulness- Coachart embodies this. It is great to see how fast CoachArt is growing in the Bay Area!
What type of activities have you done at CoachArt? So far my match and I have had cooking lessons together. We have made different foods such as peach cobbler to pizza and pretzels to pineapple upside down cake. Also, my match has expressed an interest in learning drawing skills and we will begin to incorporate this as our meetings carry on.
What has been the single most impacting experience working with a CoachArt student? One afternoon as we were waiting for our cake to finish, we played the board game Sorry! It was a great chance to connect with a family in a lighthearted setting. We were able to laugh, work together, and have fun. Also, I have appreciated the help and conversation with my matches family. When I meet with my match it is also a warm welcoming into a wonderful family. I hope to continue to provide new and exciting lessons for my match.
Why do you volunteer with CoachArt? Although I initially looked for this placement to fill field placement hours, I realize how important it is to connect and become involved in my community. I forgot how important it is to engage with youth and take a step out of my own generation. I am inspired by my matches personality and even though my week may be all over the place, it is nice to have the routine to connect with my match.
What advice would you give to a new CoachArt volunteer? Have flexibility and be okay with changing your plan. Plan out your lessons but don’t fret and be afraid to change mid course to what would fit the match better.
Would you recommend CoachArt to friends? Yes, absolutely! This would also be a great opportunity for companies to get groups of employees to give back to the community. I highly recommend! As a student who is collecting placement hours- it fits my needs and is really adaptable to what works for all parties involved.
What other volunteer activities are you involved in? I volunteered in the past through Hospice and Glide Memorial Church. I have also volunteered on the peninsula through my school, participating in open art studios for Homeless Shelters.
What would you like for our readers to know about you? I am currently studying Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy at Notre Dame De Namur. I believe that art can change lives. Also, it has been really nice to be in a recreational program such as CoachArt to switch up my week from therapy-based activities.
How can CoachArt improve its services? So far this experience has been great! Maybe develop a partnership with larger companies to recruit more volunteers. At Glide Memorial Church there were company team days that would have volunteers help with special events. This may be happening already in CoachArt, but if not that would be awesome! Great job CoachArt and keep it up- what a great resource!
Southern California Volunteer Spotlight: Remy Junio, April 2012
Remi Junio, Volunteer Since Summer 20120
How did you hear about CoachArt? Through a great website, Idealist.
How long have you been a CoachArt Volunteer? Since the summer of 2010.
What made you decide to volunteer with CoachArt? Volunteering with CoachArt is a great way to help with a lasting positive impact through arts and athletics.
What do you like most about volunteering with CoachArt? I enjoy that CoachArt originates from a sincere place of helping chronically ill kids and their siblings through the arts and athletics. Both are so important to the development of youth.
What type of activities have you done at CoachArt? I have participated in a variety of activities ranging from arts and crafts to cooking through in-hospital workshops, mentoring and special events.
What has been the single most impacting experience working with a CoachArt student? Making that connection with kids, seeing their eyes light up and brain turn when learning something new. During one activity, I felt like I was made a part of the family when I walked away with drawings and dinner.
Why do you volunteer with CoachArt? I love kids and I love the arts and athletics.
If you had to write an ad to recruit volunteers for CoachArt, how would it read? Do you love athletics? How about the arts? Bring out that sense of spirit while making a difference!
What advice would you give to a new CoachArt volunteer? Remember this: “open heart; open mind.” Have fun with it!
How has CoachArt affected your life? It reminds and inspires me every time that; we are all fighters and achievers if we are first believers.
Would you recommend CoachArt to friends? If yes, why? Yes! It is a great program, inside and out. Everyone has a talent to share and you can make a difference!
What other volunteer activities are you involved in? I am involved in a lot of activities. This fall, I will be going to Mexico to help build a home for a family for the third consecutive year.
What would you like for our readers to know about you? I always love a good challenge. “Be the change you want to see in the world.” –Gandhi
How can CoachArt improve its’ services? You are all great! I love the one-on-one feedback.
San Francisco Bay Volunteer Spotlight: Ellen Black, March 2012
Southern California Volunteer Spotlight: Armond Hartounians, March 2012
Armond Hartounians, VOLUNTEER SINCE JUNE 2010
1. How did you hear about CoachArt? From my College’s volunteer department.
2. How long have you been a CoachArt volunteer? Since June, 2010.
3. What made you decide to volunteer with CoachArt? I am an art major student and volunteering with CoachArt gives me the opportunity to work with kids and help them gain more knowledge about art.
4. What do you like most about volunteering with CoachArt? That I can work with kids and teach them about art.
5. What type of activities have you done at CoachArt? Every time I work with CoachArt, I participate in new and different activities with the kids from drawing together, making crafts, and even playing sports.
6. What has been the single most impacting experience working with a CoachArt student? At a CoachArt event at UCLA last year where I was a volunteer, a little girl that I had worked with the whole day grabbed my hand and said “I wish I could’ve stayed here for the rest of my life.” That moment was heart touching for me.
7. Why do you volunteer with CoachArt? Because I enjoy every moment working with the kids. I feel like I am making a difference for these kids and they enjoy the time they spend with me.
8. If you had to write an ad to recruit volunteers for CoachArt, how would it read? I would definitely start it by using this quote from the Bible that says, “ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another.”
9. What advice would you give to a new CoachArt volunteer? My advice to a new CoachArt volunteer is to make the best out of this experience. There is a lot they can learn from these kids and of course they have a lot to teach these kids.
10. How has CoachArt affected your life? Volunteering with CoachArt made me feel useful. It also taught me that there is a lot more to experience and learn in life.
11. Would you recommend CoachArt to friends? If yes, why? I would definitely recommend CoachArt to friends because it is a fun and different experience.
12. What other volunteer activities are you involved in? I used to teach art to kids in the Church near my house and also, I volunteered for a soccer team.
13. What would you like for our readers to know about you? I am a very positive thinking and happy person. I love to laugh and enjoy life. Every time that I meet others, my main goal of the day is to put a smile on their beautiful face and make them happy. Life is too short, therefore we need to learn to appreciate and enjoy every moment of it even if we have only one more day left to live. I love kids and as an animation major student, It is my life long dream to be able to create an animation/cartoon character one day, that would make every kid across the world to laugh and be happy by simply watching it. I believe that every individual is created with a gift and a unique ability, and the purpose of our lives is to learn to use that gift/ ability to serve and help each other.
14. How can CoachArt improve its’ services? CoachArt is one of the most amazing organizations that I have ever had the privilege to join; everything we do is to serve our community by helping to enhance lives of youth who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or gender. CoachArt has made it possible for me and a number of other volunteers to use our unique talents, and abilities to serve others. Therefore I think that in order for us to be able to expand our organization to do more services, we might need to do more fundraising events.
San Francisco Bay Volunteer Spotlight; Corina Dalzell -February 2012
Corina Dalzell, VOLUNTEER SINCE JANUARY 2012
How did you hear about CoachArt? I am currently studying arts education and mediation at Bennington College. For my 7week Field Work Term in Oakland I wanted to work with arts education organizations and CoachArt appeared on a search engine for volunteer opportunities in the arts.Volunteering for CoachArt has me inspired and excited for the professional world. There are people out there doing the good work! I plan to join them.
Southern California Volunteer Spotlight: Suzanne Gibson, February 2012
Southern California Volunteer Spotlight
Suzanne Gibson, VOLUNTEER SINCE AUGUST 2009
How did you hear about CoachArt? I heard of CoachArt through an on-line orientation announcement. I did a little research and checked my schedule and a week later I was at the L.A. Office in an orientation meeting.• Are you a Musician, or a Magician with something wonderful to share?
• There are Children waiting to meet you, and ready to learn from you.
• Yoga, Ballet, Photography… Baseball, Soccer, or Hockey…
• Whatever your discipline, your talents are wanted, and needed.
• Adventures in Art (Towers Elementary – Torrance)
• Friends of Madrona Marsh – Torrance – Teaching Crafts – Arts & Nature
• Growing Great – Health and Nutrition Education
a. I am a wife, mother of 3 children, and an artist.
b. I enjoy art, cooking and travel.
c. Bringing Art into the hands of children, regardless of their skill or limitations is a passion for me.
d. Throughout the year I teach art at the school, or privately. And in the warmer months teach “Art in the Park” and “Butterfly Art Studio”. I also teach summer art studio for kids from ages 5 – 15, focusing on building studio skills and portfolios. http://artlessonsbysuzanne.blogspot.com/
e. I am now working with the Artlife Gallery – El Segundo, representing South Bay artists in various mediums. We are working to build a foundation to continue to bring Arts into the hands of the youth in the South Bay. We are currently working on a joint fund-raising effort with CoachArt… “Art in your Heart” project.
f. Of course I am waiting to create art for my clients: Murals, Paintings, Canvas, Cards… you just need to ask me: http://suzannegibson.blogspot.com/
Bay Area Volunteer Spotlight: Bert Yip, January 2012
San Francisco Bay Area Spotlight
Bert Yip, VOLUNTEER SINCE November 2011
Bert Yip is one of CoachArt’s newer volunteers, but right after his Orientation in late November 2011, Bert jumped in to become the Bay Area’s first matched mentor. Bert and Ricky have been making art together since then, even engaging Ricky’s family to be creative with them.
How did you hear about CoachArt? I heard about CoachArt from Lauren Banister (a rad friend), who posted
about it on her facebook.
How long have you been a CoachArt Volunteer? For about a month now, I’m new!
What made you decide to volunteer with CoachArt? I had been wanting to volunteer and contribute more, and was actually looking into various opportunities to do so when I saw that Lauren was looking for volunteers… it was perfect timing.
What do you like most about volunteering with CoachArt? Interacting with the kids and their siblings. Getting to share our love for creating together is pretty rad!
What type of activities have you done at CoachArt? So far, we have worked on drawing exercises and making polymer clay sculptures. We are starting a paint and sculpture diorama project next.
Why do you volunteer with CoachArt? I have always enjoyed doing what I can to make people happier, so being a volunteer helps fill that hankering to help.
What advice would you give to a new CoachArt volunteer? Hmmm…Just to have fun with it, and share what you love!
What would you like for our readers to know about you? I am hopeful for humankind and the future of our world.
Southern California Volunteer Spotlight: Carla Yarbrough, January 2012
Southern California Volunteer Spotlight
Carla Yarbrough, VOLUNTEER SINCE AUGUST 2011
How did you hear about CoachArt? My friend joined CoachArt as Volunteer Supervisor this year and we were talking about her new position. I was really excited for her, but when she began talking about the program I was immediately drawn to work with the children.