Dear L.O.V.E.: Why I Volunteer

Without this program, I would have never found my greater purpose or been blessed with a second family. After years of wanting to make a difference, you came into my life and allowed me a means to do so I could have never imagined. I would like to take this opportunity to tell the world what it is about Leave out Violence that keeps me striving to do and be more.

As someone with a disability, I have often been helped in my life while longing to give and having to face the limitation of my capabilities. I spent twenty-one years trying to find out what I could contribute that would make a personal difference in the lives of others. I approached Dennis Adams, RSW and after hearing about what L.O.V.E. does for at-risk youth, that it gives them the opportunity to use their voice, I could not help but feel compelled to do what I could. Though I was hesitant at first from the disbelief that I could do anything, the pull in my heart was too overwhelming to ignore.

My first visit to the PJP program that met every Tuesday and Thursday at King’s, now called MAP, was a lot to take in. I had never been in an environment like this one before, where everyone was so open and honest with their feelings and judgement wasn’t something to be feared. I’m shy by nature so this made me feel vulnerable, but I was amazed by the writing skills of youth as young as 14. As a writer, I was excited for the opportunity to read their works and give my feedback. As the weeks went on, they inspired me without even knowing it. Soon, listening to the hearts of others and sharing my own became as natural as sitting down to put my complicated emotions into words.

There are some people in Society likes to focus on the trouble that our youth get into without even knowing a single thing about them or what they have had to endure. They don’t see the bravery, the longing to change, the fight to be understood. It’s a fight I’m somewhat familiar with myself. Over the past five years these amazing individuals have given me an amazing gift in showing me that the intelligence of a young mind can make a huge impact on themselves and their peers. They are fortunate enough to find a place such as L.O.V.E. where they are not only supported to be themselves, but wholly encouraged to embrace one another and never be afraid to hide their truth.

My bond with these youth has taught me to be grateful for what I have and all the opportunities I have been given. They have showed me that my strength and positivity are needed and can be what gives them that little bit of hope on a bad day. The organization has allowed me to give my words and my heart and spread my arms out to reach youth from half way across the world and be a part of their dream trip to London. During a time where the days are long and progress is slow, they have given me a place to go each week where I can make even a small change with my words, a listening ear, and a consistent presence. I believe in them and love them even when they don’t believe in or love themselves, because isn’t that what we all long for as human beings?

Thank you my L.O.V.E. family, you will always be a part of my heart.

Love,

Carrie Gilbert