Oliver recently lent us his Ph.D expertise and skills, transforming our sign-in procedure by developing a database to better track the information we collect each night at Teen Feed’s sign-in. Oliver has also been a Sunday night advocate with his wife, Lindsey, for the past nine months. Oliver has taken his relationship with Teen Feed’s youth “beyond the meal”, offering his skills to help us to do our best work behind the scenes. We chatted with Oliver to find out what motivates him to be an advocate at Teen Feed…

Why/how did you get involved with Teen Feed?

My wife Lindsey began volunteering first and encouraged me to volunteer as well. It’s been great. It’s given me a chance to work with youth who may be struggling, who still have an opportunity to have a positive experience and place in society.  I really enjoy meeting youth and talking to them, seeing their achievements and seeing Teen Feed’s role in their lives. The meals and the case management – Teen Feed is something stable and reliable.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering at Teen Feed?

The fact that when I go to program I learn from our guests. I learn so much about various topics and what people are interested in through conversation. They have so much knowledge.

What do you like to do outside of volunteering?

Last summer Lindsey and I went hiking and camping in the surrounding national parks. I used to play the trumpet and am planning on picking it up again.

What did you eat today?

A cinnamon roll that Lindsey made. Also some bread, roasted vegetables and pesto, Lindsey also made this. I’m quite spoiled.

What have you learned from volunteering at Teen Feed?

I see in practice the notion of the saying “there is a person behind every face”. I have never been outside of my comfort zone (speaking to people I don’t normally meet). I see this saying in reality and up until now I was in school, meeting people like me, doing similar things. Teen Feed gives me the opportunity to experience “the person” in this saying, at every meal.

…and we enjoyed getting to know you, “the person” who is Oliver!

If you are interested in becoming an advocate or learning more about ways to become involved with Teen Feed click here or email volunteer@teenfeed.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

She also sold pieces of pie to her co-workers to raise money for Teen Feed during the half marathon fundraiser. What I’m trying to say is Kiyomi infuses her commitment to advocacy for homeless youth from program into her life and community. She is intuitive, genuine and insightful. And, girl can run, fast! We sat down with Kiyomi to ask her about her experience as an advocate volunteer at Teen Feed…

How long have you been volunteering with Teen Feed?

15 months.

Why/how did you get involved with Teen Feed?

I graduated from college and was working in retail (which I still am) and I wanted to start doing volunteer work. My BFF, Stephan Goodman, had been volunteering with Teen Feed and I started coming with him. I loved it.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering at Teen Feed?

Volunteering at Teen Feed has been the number one way of continuing my education outside of college. I have learned about myself, other people and social issues. It has also made me more aware of the way people talk about homelessness. When I hear people speak in stereotypes outside of Teen Feed I am able to advocate for youth based on the real conversations that I have with them at dinner. These conversations have also taught me about my own biases.

What do you like to do outside of volunteering?

I like to run, read novels and the Sunday Times, get crafty, and daydream about travelling.

What did you eat today?

A breakfast burrito for lunch.

What have you learned from volunteering at Teen Feed?

That helping people helps yourself.

Thanks for being an awesome advocate Kiyomi! If you are interested in learning more or becoming a Teen Feed volunteer, please reach us at volunteer@teenfeed.org or click here.

Get out that snappy holiday gear, shine up your shoes and swoon the night away at the Annual Imaginary Girls Holiday Wintertime Spectacular on Friday, December 16th at Columbia City Theater!

This year’s show features none other than Clem Snide’s Eef Barzelay, along with Mal de Mer,  Heligoats and a special new addition of Temp Score! Santa himself, John Roderick, will be holding photobooth court with the esteemed Laura Musselman in the Bourbon Bar for the earlier part of the evening.  There will also be a special Teen Feed sock drive, so be sure to bring a pair of socks or three for youth in need.

So and get ready to spread some holiday cheer this Friday. Tickets are only $11 and are available for purchase over at Brown Paper Tickets. And if you’re as excited as we are, you can RSVP over at the Facebook event page too.

…and don’t forget those socks!

In this season of giving, consider holding a supply drive for youth. A supply drive may be collecting coats and sleeping at your office or asking guests to bring a pair of socks to your holiday open house at home or sending an email to friends requesting travel toiletries. Whatever a supply drive may look like to you, know the youth we serve desperately need cold weather items this winter.

We make it easy. Below is a list of downloadable resources specially created to help you with with your Sock or Basic Needs Drives.

Supply Drive Tool Kit:

• SUPPLY LIST (& Drop-Off Schedule)
• TEEN FEED Overview
• Sock Drive Sign
• Sock Drive Flyers
• Basic Needs Drive Sign
• Basic Needs Drive Flyers

Need help, brochures or an item not featured here? We are happy to create something custom for your group.
Please reach Suzanne at suzanne@teenfeed.org or 206.446.1075 for more information.

As Teen Feed continues to meet the needs of youth on the streets, we have a growing need for support in the Teen Feed office. It is a busy time at Teen Feed as we gear up for our 25th Anniversary, undergo a database upgrade and increase programs. We are looking for both general volunteers and/or a development intern to assist with data entry, donor recognition, mail appeals and general office tasks.  There are additional  development opportunities available if desired.

Desired Qualifications:

• Detail-oriented, capable and dependable
• Ability to commit to 4 hours a week minimum in a pre-determined schedule
• Be present at the Teen Feed office (University District)
• Familiar with data entry
• Ability to begin January 2012

Optional:

• Familiarity with Salesforce or other database applications
• Interest in fund development

If you are interested, please email your availability and area(s) of interest to Suzanne Sullivan, Director of Development and Communications, at suzanne@teenfeed.org. We look forward to hearing from you.