Volunteer Spotlight: Debbie Jae

 

Debbie Jae an Advocate by Nature

Last April Debbie was looking for a way to help out in her community. With several teens at home, Teen Feed felt like a natural choice. Since volunteering at Teen Feed, Debbie has begun working for herself as a medical communicator. Debbie found that because of her medical background and her reassuring and supportive personality, helping people get the most out of difficult doctor appointments and communicate clearly with their physicians, was a natural and rewarding career move. We are absolutely thrilled that Debbie has combined her love for raising her own teens at home and her naturally supportive personality to become an outstanding Monday advocate volunteer with Teen Feed. Debbie you are a natural choice for our volunteer spotlight.

How long have you been volunteering with Teen Feed?

I started in April so just over seven months.

Why/ how did you get involved with Teen Feed?

I had some free time after my job ended. I started looking around for some place to help out in the community. I have some teens at home so I thought Teen Feed would be a great match. While I am raising my own teens I could help out some other teens as well.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering at Teen Feed?

Definitely sitting down and talking with teens and hearing about how their day has been. Especially hearing about when their day went well. I think it is really helpful just to have somebody ask about your day and listen. And it is really great to see the same people week after week and build a relationship.

What do you like to do outside of Teen Feed?

Anything with my kids and my partner. Any kind of family event. And after that kayaking. I am also starting a patient advocacy business so that takes up a lot of my time.

What did you eat today?

Cereal and a cup of tea. And now a hot chocolate, thanks Teen Feed.

What have you learned from volunteering at Teen Feed?

That people are people regardless of where they are in life. We all have the same needs and desires and anybody can wind up in a tough situation. And it is great that there are organizations offering support to people that need it.

Debbie, your good nature helps youth grow at Teen Feed. To learn more about Teen Feed’s Advocate, Ally, and Meal Team volunteer programs, click here. To support Teen Feed’s work and the lives of homeless young people , click here.