Youth Spotlight: Madison Matlack

Madison has had a remarkable journey in her six years with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference. As a senior at Union Mine High School, she has been Vice President of the Union Mine Hands4Hope Club for two years. She has also served on the Hands4Hope Youth Board for three years, including co-leading the 2024 Warm and Fuzzy Drive as part of her current role as Placerville Community Engagement Ambassador. In addition, she has been involved with other Hands4Hope events including Empty Bowls, Winter Boutique, and Fall Festival; monthly Community Engagement Opportunities like Twin Lakes Food Bank distribution, Upper Room Dinner Service, and Green Valley Community Church Common Ground; and annual Community Engagement Opportunities like Images of Hope's Party in the Orchards, and Apple Hill Growers Association's dinner. It's no surprise that with all that high-level involvement, she has racked up an impressive 430+ lifetime hours of service.

"Maddi is a joy to work with! She is naturally organized and responsible so it was nice to know that things will get done in a timely manner. Maddi is a strong leader who voices her concerns and opinions but is also able to listen to suggestions from her peers and mentors. She has the biggest heart and always finding ways to lift people up! It was an honor to have the opportunity to be her mentor. She will surely be missed when she graduates this spring!" said Yoko Kono, Hands4Hope Community Engagement Manager.

What motivated you to join Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?

I learned about Hands4Hope from my sister, Mary Matlack, who played a big role while she was participating. I honestly joined because she encouraged me to engage in my community, but I stayed when I realized how much of an impact Hands4Hope made on not only the community but the youth participants as well.

How have your Hands4Hope experiences shaped you into the person you are today?

I have always been a relatively confident and capable person, but Hands4Hope has enhanced my confidence and capability by ten fold. After giving presentations and speeches to large groups of both youth and adults, I am satisfied by my ability to present myself in front of any group of individuals and speak with a strong voice. I can problem solve efficiently and lead people through different situations. Hands4Hope has improved my overall proficiency in life and I am forever grateful.

How has Hands4Hope helped you in school, with your friends and family, and in life?

As a Hands4Hope leader I’ve been through many leadership trainings and have had the opportunity to speak in front of large groups many times. This has improved my confidence and public speaking ability in both school and life. Hands4Hope has prepared me to be presentable in interviews and in front of adults. It has also given me something to be passionate about. When I get asked about my passion I always know I can turn to Hands4Hope and list the many reasons it has impacted my life and why it is such an amazing organization.

What has been your favorite memory so far with Hands4Hope?

My favorite memory with Hands4Hope is when the other Community Engagement Ambassadors and I went to Green Valley Community Church Common Ground and we took pictures, interviewed volunteers, and captured the aspects of the outreach on film. [You can watch it here!] It is my favorite because it felt the most eye opening. They had a clothing boutique, breakfast hall, grocery line, and even a lumber yard to send home cords of wood with people. The outreach was so thought out and all the people seemed to feel comfortable. The adult lead explained in detail how he got started in the outreach and how his experience has been. Everything was so heartwarming that it reminded me why I love Hands4Hope: it provides so many opportunities to engage in our community and see the struggles that most people don’t even notice. As youth we are exposed to the burdens that individuals face daily, and we are given the chance to help those individuals and make an impact on some facets of their lives.

Hands4Hope helped me experience a once in a lifetime opportunity. In my California Girls State interview I talked endlessly about Hands4Hope and the influence it has had on me and my ability to connect with others. The interviewers were very impressed by my commitment and involvement in my community and chose to send me to the 2024 CAGS program. It is a weeklong program made up of the top 1%—academically and civically engaged—of female juniors in California. Together with 424 other girls, I built a mock government from the ground up with little guidance and strong leadership. I formed lasting friendships and memories. It was the best experience of my life.

What would you tell someone who is considering joining Hands4Hope?

If you want to be a part of something bigger than yourself while also gaining the skills to help you in college and your future career, then you should join Hands4Hope. The Education Program walks you through the process of team building and project making. The Community Engagement Program provides a multitude of volunteer events for you to help those in need in your community. In the future, I hope to be a generous yearly donor to Hands4Hope regardless of where I settle. Also, if adult volunteers are needed, I plan to return as an alumni when I am able.

What other activities do you enjoy?

I am the Union Mine High School Varsity Softball Captain. I’ve played softball since I was 9, and have loved both watching and playing the sport. In my spare time I love to binge watch TV shows and movies, and occasionally pick up a book.