Daniel Monreal, 18, was enjoying his senior year of high school. He was working hard to get good grades and applied for the Presidential Scholarship that would pay for two years tuition at Glendale Community College, where he wants to study engineering. And he won! Volunteering every day at a non-profit was not in his summer plans.
Toward the end of his senior year, Daniel took a sociology class that required 20 hours of community service, which he completed at St. Mary’s Food Bank. However, he had also applied to volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul. He later received an email from SVdP asking if he was still interested. He jumped at the chance.
“I didn’t want to be a couch potato and stay at home all day and afternoon [during the summer]. I decided I wanted to come here and spend time with kids and help them out.”
When Daniel first walked in, he was told he could work in the Family Dining Room. He made his way over and the first person he saw was Cynthia Bach, SVdP’s Dream Center Supervisor. Needless to say, he never made it over to the kitchen.
In the Dream Center, Daniel has quickly become a leader and steadfast volunteer. In his role, he spends time with the children, whether it’s tutoring them, playing games with them, or organizing activities and events for the Dream Center. And he’s done all this in only four months.
“Daniel has quickly proven himself to be a very dedicated and trustworthy leader in the Dream Center, and he is extremely helpful to Miss Cynthia and all of the children. In his short time here he has become a great leader,” says Fernando Ureña, SVdP Volunteer Services Coordinator.
According to Fernando, other Dream Center volunteers look up to him and he even takes charge and manages the center when Cynthia is out, which is no small feat.
Daniel has become so invested in this work that he scheduled all of his upcoming college classes in the morning so he can continue coming each day. Coming from a family of 10, Daniel is no stranger to helping others and being around a strong, supportive community.
“It’s like a family here. No one is excluded. No one is treated differently.”
And Daniel’s favorite part about volunteering?
“That’s easy, it’s the kids. As a volunteer the kids want to learn about you. And you want to learn about them. Sharing stories and asking questions…these little conversations every day just lead to a better relationship.”
Daniel says he has learned a lot over the summer during his time at SVdP and hopes he can make a difference in the lives of the Dream Center children.
“I like to encourage them to keep trying when things seem hard or they are struggling with their homework. I tell them they can succeed if they keep trying.”
Interested in volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul? There are many different opportunities available. Visit our website to learn more and start your volunteer application today!
