About 90 community members from across the region filled the Antrim Town Hall for The Grapevine and Avenue A’s recent annual volunteer celebration. Teens came together to put on the event, recognizing the 75 volunteers who make the organization’s programs possible. Youth from Avenue A’s T.A.C.O cooking program made dessert for attendees. Teens also created handmade cards for volunteers and gathered to decorate the Town Hall.
The celebration recognized volunteers who help behind-the-scenes and those who lead youth programs including art, writing, mountain biking, hiking, woodworking, yoga, and more. Youth from Avenue A programs delivered short speeches thanking volunteers for their support.
Josh Matteson spoke about how Avenue A’s Leadership Program volunteers have supported him: “Thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone. Thank you for letting me be me. You are like family to me.”
Peyton Haught, a member of Avenue A’s Write Out! program, acknowledged Adam Arnone and Diana Muxworthy-Feige’s support of young writers, sharing that, “Writing Club is one of my favorite days of the week.”
Grapevine Director of Teen Programs Jacqueline Roland, explained how volunteers impact youth: “At Avenue A, teens meet adults from our community who value youth. Our volunteers send a powerful message: ‘We see you. You matter.’”