A Volunteer is a Friend

Greenville Breakfast Rotary has been working with Generations Group Homes for about 4 years.  GGH is our primary benefactor of all our fundraisers. I can’t think of a better organization for our Rotary Club to be aligned with.

Paul V. Kumler, P.E. / Greenville Breakfast Rotary

What do we get out volunteering at Generations? Time with the boys to encourage them and let them know they’re cared about... the support and love the boys (and staff) show us through conversations and thank you cards… the feeling that we have an extended family… and a place we can leave a legacy. In our hearts we have adopted a few boys… about 50 or so of them. Not having children of our own, we get to feel what it's like to be a proud parent when the boys excel and graduate the program. In two words? A blessing.

Jeff and Sandy Bowers /  Piedmont, SC    

When I first “signed up” to volunteer at GGH, it was with my ladies’ Bible Study Group.  Four of us committed to hosting a Star Party every other month. We received such a blessing from those wonderful young men at GGH, that before long we had 8-10 ladies in our group that would come whenever possible. Some of us also volunteer individually when the opportunity arises. After hearing me talk about what a great program they have there, my husband recommended GGH as a volunteer project to our couples’ small group Bible Study. We ended up working on the “Make and House a Home project” and painted the majority of the boys' housing on both campuses! Truly, if I did not absolutely have to work, I would volunteer at Generations full-time!

Karla Littleton / Simpsonville, SC
Brookwood Dare to Dream (Ladies) and Szabo Small Group (Couples)

I was pleased to attend the event (May 13th Luncheon for Second Chances), and thought that it was extremely well done. The dance presentation and speakers were very inspiring. As a school district coordinator for classrooms in group homes all over the county, I commend Generations for being, in my opinion, the most effective program and caring setting, with the highest quality of educational services, for the population that we serve.

Shannan Fastzkie / Greenville, SC
 

I have been working on two areas that I hope will benefit the young men who will become some of our future leaders and solid citizens. I have great expectations for them.

First, I am rewarded by monitoring them working on their math and reinforcing their good work habits to help build their self-esteem.  Just like Miss Karen does, I joke around with these young men in an attempt to make math class more enjoyable and hopefully something to look forward to. It is also a treat to read a good novel with the students. After all, at this age they have already learned to read; now they must read to learn.

Outside the classroom, sharing a movie with the guys at a Friday night Star Party is a hoot. Given an opportunity to award prizes is a real treat for my wife and me. We hope the young men feel good about winning a new shirt or model car.
The best part of GGH is making new friends with these great young men.

George Vest / Mauldin, SC
Retired High School Principal