10 Years of Serving Youth as a Volunteer

I am so thankful to work alongside amazing volunteers like Doug. It is incredibly encouraging to see the impact volunteers have on the youth, as well as the impact the youth have on volunteers. Here, Doug shares his experience as a volunteer:

"Well, it’s been over 10 years since I have volunteered with OIM, meeting every week with homeless or at-risk youth. There are other volunteers who have been here even longer than I have, so what keeps us coming back?

I’ll admit initially it was to fill the time in retirement, after a successful career, but it quickly became so much more. These youth have experienced significant trauma and life-changing events. They display so much courage and strength on a daily basis, it’s truly inspiring. Youth who suffer from severe anxiety and addictions have learned coping skills and have overcome their addictions and fears to get jobs and support each other.  I believe the Innercity Arts program, through the medium of music and art, really does help to build confidence in a safe and nurturing atmosphere.

So where does faith play a role? Well, most of the youth have a multiplicity of spiritual beliefs. We come alongside and listen, and when we can, we then tell them what we believe in. We try to show our faith by demonstrating the fruits of the spirit in everything we do: “Love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” In some cases, once addictions are reduced or eliminated, they are much more receptive to hearing the good news of the Gospel. Prayer by the leaders and volunteers is critical to keeping them safe and giving them the strength to fight their daily battles.

We measure success by the many changes we see in the youth. Once they see that they are not being judged and feel comfortable in the peaceful surroundings of OIM, their true personalities shine. Honesty, creativity, and determination are just some of the traits that I have been taught by these youth. The Innercity Arts program offered at Ottawa Innercity Ministries on Wednesday and Thursday nights truly is a life-altering program for both volunteers and the youth that attend.

Doug Cooper, ICA Volunteer"

I am thankful that God is using the Youth Arts Program to make a difference in people’s lives. I hope you are as encouraged as I am when you read about Doug’s experience as a tenured volunteer. I pray that God puts the youth in our city on your hearts. I ask for your prayers for these youth, for this program, the volunteers, and for OIM and its leadership.

Blessings,

~ Jordan, Youth Program Coordinator