SOAR365 Children and Youth Programs Support Volunteer
Meet Kelsey Madden, a senior at Mills E. Godwin High School. Kelsey’s career ambitions began in elementary school when she encountered students with disabilities her own age. “They are some of the most important people in my life right now.” Her passion led her to engage with a variety of organizations that serve people with disabilities, including Miracles in Motion, the Down Syndrome Association, and Young Life Capernaum. As an active member of Teachers for Tomorrow, Kelsey also spends her mornings helping with a self-contained exceptional education preschool class.

Kelsey discovered SOAR365 this past summer and realized that the Children and Youth Program “was the perfect place to interact with and get to know individuals of all abilities,” so that she can eventually fulfill her dream of becoming a Special Education teacher. “SOAR365 has given me knowledge and skills for my future! But my favorite part is just hanging out with the teen participants. They are all AWESOME and I love that I’ve gotten to know each one of them personally.”

What advice does she have for other high school students considering service with SOAR365? “1000% go for it! Volunteering at a new place can be scary, and I was nervous that I would make mistakes or not know what to do. But the staff is wonderful, inclusive, and has made me feel welcome. SOAR365 is the place to be.”