In the spirit of National Volunteer Week (#NVW2016), join us as we celebrate service. This week we will highlight volunteers who are Success Coaches supporting our ServiceWorks program in Newark. NJ. These inspiring individuals are paving the way and leading our Scholars to the onramps they need to lead a fulfilling life. ServiceWorks is a three-year, nationwide initiative that uses community engagement and volunteer service to help underserved youth and young adults develop the skills they need to prepare for college and careers. Jersey Cares is one of ten nationwide host sites for this initiative facilitated through a grant received by Points of Light and funded by Citi Foundation through their “Pathways to Progress, a three-year $50 million initiative to unlock economic opportunity for 100,000 low-income youth in 15 cities across the United States.” If you would like to learn more about joining this remarkable team of passionate volunteer leaders, please contact Thomas Dougherty.

Take 5 With ServiceWorks

Volunteer Name:

Cheryl Turman

At which ServiceWorks site are you a volunteer?

Rutgers University

How long have you been a ServiceWorks volunteer?

5 months

Why did you decide to volunteer with ServiceWorks? 

It was an opportunity to continue to use my professional skills in counseling and career advisement in another forum.

In what ways have you seen Service Scholars grow and develop because of ServiceWorks?

I am so excited about the career potential I have seen developed in two of my mentees. They actually had light bulb moments as we discussed ways to gain experience and insight into their chosen professions.

What has been your most memorable or inspiring moment as a ServiceWorks volunteer?

When one of my mentees thought outside of the box, about gaining experience and utilized his contacts at the college.

How has being a ServiceWorks volunteer impacted you personally?

I felt like I made a difference in a young person’s college experience.

In three words or less, describe what it’s like to be a ServiceWorks volunteer.

Meaningful, Insightful and Educational