Volunteer Spotlight: Genesis Price Gives Back to Youth through Volunteerism
“I have always wanted to be involved with an organization where I could mentor students in K-12, so I am thankful for how I have been able to interact with the children,” said Genesis Price, who volunteers weekly at The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta’s Fuqua Red Shield Youth Center.
In honor of National Volunteer Week, which will be observed from April 27 to May 4, The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta is celebrating all the dedicated volunteers who lend their support by giving their time and talent to those who need it the most. Genesis Price is one of thousands who are making a difference in the community.
Each week Price volunteers at the Youth Center through a program called Achieve M.O.O.R.E., a student-led community service organization at Morehouse College. She helps out wherever there is need while also serving as a mentor to the members.
Price shared that her love of faith, children and education is what inspired her to become a volunteer, but it’s also what she gets in return that keeps her coming back. “Mentorship and service, I have learned, are activities that are two-way streets. While giving back to my community, I am constantly learning from those I serve,” said Price. “I have loved the lessons the members have taught me, which keeps me eager to return. They are incredibly intelligent, talented, and creative. Pouring into them reminds me of my childhood and the resources I wish I had had.”
Serving as a mentor for youth at The Fuqua Red Shield Youth Center is an important role and one that Price doesn’t take lightly. The impact she can have stood out to her even more after a conversation with one of the teens. The teen shared that she was interested in becoming a lawyer and wanted to attend Duke Law School when she graduated. It just so happens that Price has the exact same dream including going to the same law school. At that moment, she realized how important it is for her to not only share guidance as a mentor but also her own story, which might inspire kids as well.
When asked why she wanted to volunteer with The Salvation Army, Price said “Built on faith and humanity, The Salvation Army carries a significant role in our communities. Without service, none of us would be where we are… service is a representative of the heart posture we are ordained to have.”
The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta is incredibly grateful for those in the community who find it in their heart to give back through volunteerism. We could not serve our neighbors in need to the fullest without the support of those who volunteer all year long. Whether you volunteer to ring bells during the holidays, sort and restock shelves at the food pantries, serve meals at Red Shield Services or are a mentor at one of our Youth Centers, you are making a significant impact on your community. To learn more about volunteering, click here.