Resilience in Action: Volunteer Making A Difference At Mecum House
When asked what inspired them to begin volunteering with Lighthouse, Kat remembers meeting a member of Lighthouse’s outreach team who was presenting Lighthouse’s services at a local mosque. The message resonated deeply and sparked a desire to support the mission firsthand, “I was inspired to reach out and learn how I could support the mission.”
That decision opened the door to an experience they describe in one powerful word: resilience.
Volunteering at Lighthouse, she explains, is not easy. It brings volunteers face-to-face with the very real and difficult paths that young people navigate every day in their pursuit of safety and stability. “You see the back and forth of the struggle,” Kat says, “And the difficulty of the work is balanced by the vibrance of youth and the commitment of staff.”
Amid heavy circumstances, moments of laughter, talent, intelligence, and hope shine through. Those moments have reshaped her understanding of success and of Cincinnati’s young people themselves. “I’ve learned youth are not their circumstances. There are youth living in unimaginable circumstances who are resilient, talented, and hopeful for their future. They advocate for each other, share wisdom, and offer practical advice.”
One moment that stands out came during the holiday season at Mecum House, when staff created a surprise video dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. The result? A room full of laughter and connection between staff and youth—a reminder that joy can exist even in the hardest seasons.
When asked what she would say to someone considering volunteering, “I usually leave my shifts feeling heavy, but deeply purposeful. The heaviness comes from witnessing systems that weren’t built for young people to win. The purpose comes from being present anyway, from showing up in a world where these youth are often reduced to statistics. Your presence as a volunteer says, ‘I see you, and you are worth my time.’ If you’re looking for work that actually matters, there is nowhere more important to be.”
William, a supervisor at Mecum House, says Kat is one of those rare individuals whose presence you feel the moment she walks in, not because she demands attention, but because she gives so much of herself so naturally. “She has been part of this space for a long time, long enough to have seen where we started and how far we have come. She can tell the story of this organization not from what she has heard, but from what she has lived. She has watched youth grow, staff evolve, and systems improve, and she has played a meaningful role in all of it.
What stands out most is her consistency. She shows up. Not just in body, but in spirit. She is present with the youth in a way that makes them feel seen and respected. She listens, she challenges, and she cares deeply. Whether she is cooking a meal, cleaning up, leading a group, or having a one-on-one conversation, she treats every moment like it matters, because to her, it does.
She has a strong sense of integrity and is not afraid to speak up when it is needed. The youth trust her because they know she is honest with them, even when it is not easy. At the same time, she brings warmth and optimism that helps them keep going. She balances accountability with compassion in a way that is not easy to teach.
She also has a sharp eye. She notices things others might miss and takes the time to understand what is really going on. The way she observes and gathers information, while still leading with a genuine heart for the youth, has supported some important growth within our work.
She communicates well with everyone around her, youth, staff, and partners. There is a respect in how she carries herself that builds strong relationships across the board. People listen to her because they know she is coming from a real place.
More than anything, she gives her time with intention. She is not just volunteering; she is investing her life into something bigger than herself. Her presence is something you cannot replace or replicate. It is felt in the atmosphere, in the culture, and in the way the youth respond to her.
Until then, we are grateful for every moment she chooses to give here.”
Thank you, Kat, for all you do!
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, an opportunity to highlight the importance of volunteers in building stronger communities and expressing sincere gratitude. Volunteers make Lighthouse’s work possible.
Interested in getting involved? Now is a great time! Volunteer Coordinator Lyndsey Cross is ready to help you find the perfect fit. You can reach her at 513-487-7122 or lcross@lys.org.