St. Therese, a Catholic senior care and housing organization, awarded two $2,000 scholarships to youth volunteers for their service to seniors.
Kylie Nevells, 17, a student at Benilde-St. Margaret’s in St. Louis Park, and Nicholas Jackson, 18, who attends Robbinsdale Cooper High School, received the organization’s Youth Volunteer Scholarship for their “demonstrated commitment to seniors and the ability to communicate the impact of volunteering with older adults,” a press release stated.
Nevells and Jackson were honored during a celebration April 19 at St. Therese of New Hope, where they both volunteer.
Nevells said she found a new sense of respect and admiration for seniors once she started volunteering as an escort and bingo assistant.
“[The residents I volunteer with] changed my perspective and continually show me what it means to be a part of something bigger,” Nevells said.
Jackson began volunteering through a student program sponsored by Robbinsdale Cooper High School. Through his involvement, he said he developed lasting friendships and an ongoing appreciation for seniors. His passion turned into a part-time job in the campus dining room.
“As I prepare for college, my experiences at St. Therese have forever shaped me. They have given me the gift of knowing it is truly more blessed to give than to receive,” he said.
The Catholic nonprofit also has senior care facilities in Brooklyn Park, Robbinsdale, Shoreview and Woodbury.
