December 2022

Damián, an 8th grader at Grafton Middle, has only recently gotten involved with YVC but has quickly become one of our most dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers! From the Sand Dune Stabilization Project and Challenger Baseball League to Sleep in Heavenly Peace and C.H.A.T.S., he is an invested and enthusiastic member of the YVCHR family.

Damián says he loves using his free time to help others. He has trouble picking a favorite host site because he "equally love(s) the work the organizations are doing and enjoy(s) helping in all events." He recounts multiple meaningful moments he has already had as a YVC volunteer. Providing companionship to the residents at The Gardens of Warwick Forest made him realize how important it is for the elderly and those in convalescent care to have visitors and feel connected with others. He also enjoyed getting to run and play with the athletes in the Challenger Baseball League. "Seeing their faces light up" each week was inspiring and rewarding!

When asked how his experience with YVC will help him in the future, Damián said volunteering is "helping me become a better person, expanding my horizons, and making me a more outgoing and overall content individual."

Outside of YVC, Damián (pictured above at Challenger Baseball) loves to spend time with his family and friends and continues to work towards his 2nd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo!

Service Through STEM is YVCHR’s newest service-learning program, which is made possible through a grant from the City of Newport News. This initiative emphasizes community impact through mentoring and STEM activities. The theme for this year’s program is ELEVATE and focuses on the social-emotional aspects of “elevating” self and others (self-care, mental health, advocating for those in need, serving the community), as well as the STEM concepts associated with “elevating” objects (levers, rigging, etc.). High school students have participated in two excursions to partnering elementary schools to build catapults, bridges and towers with their mentees!

Bank of America

Student Leaders Program



Student Leaders® recognizes those who lead and serve in their own communities and beyond. Bank of America will connect Student Leaders to tools and resources that will help them make communities better.

Student Leaders:

• Work as a paid intern at a local nonprofit for eight weeks in the summer

• Attend the week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.

• Develop leadership and career skills

• Connect with like-minded students from their community and across the country

Juniors and Seniors may apply from now until January 13, 2023.

Community Partner Spotlight