Pamela and John Dennis came to Hands4Hope relatively recently, but it's hard to imagine our programs and activities without them! Since becoming fingerprinted Adult Leads in June 2024, they have served on multiple committees and assisted in numerous ways.
We are so grateful that Pamela and John chose to bring their energy, kindness, and expertise to serve through Hands4Hope!
"Pamela Mello Dennis and John Dennis were our first arrivals at last April's open house, eager to learn more about Hands4Hope and get involved. Their enthusiasm was infectious! Over the past year, they've consistently gone above and beyond, from supporting youth at outreaches and mentoring them through service projects to helping plan our Endless Summer Beach Party fundraiser and assisting staff with various projects. Their dedication, expertise, and warm hearts are truly invaluable," said Jennifer Bassett, Hands4Hope Founder and Executive Director.
What drew you to give your time and talent to Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
After attending the Empty Bowls event in 2024, we were impressed with the youth commitment to keep that program going. Shortly after, we attended an open house at the Hands4Hope Placerville Youth Center and met Jen and some of the youth leaders. We were drawn to volunteer, seeing the opportunity to support youth in our community would be a valuable way to volunteer our time.
What drives your dedication to Hands4Hope as a volunteer?
(Pamela) As a mother of 4 children, I have always enjoyed being involved in my kids’ activities. When children come together for a common cause or activity, the parents become like a larger family. This is how I felt as my children were growing up, and this feeling comes back strong as I interact with the staff and youth in Hands4Hope.
What is one memorable experience you've had so far in your involvement with Hands4Hope?
(John) I enjoyed supporting the tractor-pulled hay rides during the Hands4Hope Fall Festival this last year, donated by the Veerkamp family. I really felt the warmth and love that the participating families were sharing during this festive event.
(Pamela) As a member of this year’s Empty Bowls committee, I saw the growth and development of all the youth skills with minimal guidance from the adult mentors. It brings me joy to see the youth create a hugely successful event that brings hope and help to their community.
What personal skills or experience do you get to flex as you volunteer with Hands4Hope?
(John) As a member of the Endless Summer Beach Party committee, I was able to leverage my strengths and contacts in our area to provide critical support to this event. As a result, the setup and teardown were completed in record time.
(Pamela) With 50 years experience in health care, working often with families and complex situations, I am able to bring a calm, guiding spirit to our youth as they navigate difficult planning and organizational decisions.
What do you want other adults to know about getting involved with Hands4Hope?
If you have a heart for the youth in our region, Hands4Hope is a great place to connect and share in a common effort to learn while serving our community’s needs. The nice thing is, an adult volunteer can offer as much or as little time as they are able. There are no minimum time commitments and there are a great variety of varying projects and outreach events to enjoy.
What other activities do you enjoy?
We enjoy spending time with our kids and grandkids. We like to travel and have a special place in our heart for Lake Tahoe.
Comments