Volunteer Spotlight: Turning Hours into Impact

Laura Iwasaki first got involved at Hope Builders by participating in Mock Interviews with trainees preparing to enter the workforce. What began as a single volunteer experience quickly became a meaningful connection to young adults working towards a brighter future.

One moment that stayed with her was hearing a trainee share how growing up in generational poverty shaped his early life, and how completing the training program changed his future. “His story really stuck with me,” she says. “It showed how deep the impact goes.”

Inspired by that impact, Laura also began supporting the mission financially in honor of her grandparents, Jibo and Fumi Satow, who came to the U.S. with very little and showed her how access to a good job can transform a family’s future.

As an employee of Disneyland Resort, she also discovered another way to help: submitting her volunteer hours through the company’s matching program. Many companies turn employee volunteer hours into charitable donations, multiplying the impact of time spent serving. “Disney encourages employees to give back,” she explains. “They offer a variety of ways to get a company match to the program of our choice. The process is very simple and allows me to maximize my giving.”

Laura’s advice to volunteers is simple: “Take a chance on others to give someone in our community a second chance.”  

If your company offers volunteer-hour matching, consider submitting your hours. Hope Builders is happy to help you with any information you may need. Your time could unlock even more support for young adults working toward brighter futures.

Hope Builders is grateful to Laura for investing her time and talent to help to transform the lives of our trainees. “These youth are our future,” Laura reflects. “Join me to help them succeed.”

Please contact Krista Langford at klangford@tsjhopebuilders.org to learn more about corporate giving and volunteer opportunities.