Funny how people meet, start a conversation and something clicks. Then it grows. Church and Bible Study brought Dave Stauffer, Program Manager at TVN-Akron, together with Norman Kettenbauer. Kettenbauer snagged Scott Hulet, Derek Decker and Jen Fuss. Today, over 10 people from the Northside Christian Church in Wadsworth volunteer every Tuesday at the Akron network.
Several hours every week for the past three years this dedicated group play games, watch movies, help with homework and just listen to the boys and girls in care at TVN-Akron's residential facility. It's all about making a difference and sharing God's love according to the volunteers.
"We have a strong faith and we're not afraid to get a little dirty," said Kettenbauer, founder of the group. "Working with these boys and girls is not a sanitary situation. You take some pain, give some joy, laugh, cry and sometimes ring your hands."
Kettenbauer was not familiar with TVN before he met Stauffer but he was well acquainted with the system. At 16, he was in a similar situation. He vividly remembers the people who made a difference in his life and he recalls the things said to him like it was yesterday.
"I was comfortable with the agency environment and knew what to expect," said Kettenbauer. "Most of the other volunteers had never been to a facility like TVN."
Hulet admitted the idea of working with troubled youth seemed daunting. But after his first visit he was hooked. He realized, just as the others who volunteer at TVN-Akron, creating trust takes time and commitment.
"The kids want to make sure you are the real deal before they begin to trust," said Hulet. "They are geared to look for an ulterior motive. Once they see a consistency and realize you are giving of yourself and not getting paid to visit, things change."
Decker has been volunteering for about a year now. He remembers when Hulet and Fuss approached his class, a second Bible Group of slightly younger adults, and pitched the TVN-Akron volunteer program. There was an immediate excitement about the opportunity according to Decker and several of us joined the group.
That's how Brandon and Rachel Newcomer got involved. The newlyweds volunteer every-other month so they have 4 weeks in a row and then a break. It fits with their work schedules and still gives them time to develop relationships with the youth.
At the end of a recent volunteer session one of the girls living at TVN-Akron came rushing into the activity room. Her excitement was contagious as she said, "Guess what! I'm going home tomorrow! Yeah!"
Hulet replied, "That's good news! But sad for us. We will miss you."
The volunteer group from Northside Christian Church, Wadsworth is motivated by their faith. Some of our volunteers are motivated by a need to help at-risk children. Others are called to action because they know first-hand how guiding hands can change a life. Whatever your inspiration, please take the time to call Jenny Fowler, Volunteer Services at 330.202.3811.
