Editor’s note: Each day this week the Dispatch will profile a community volunteer as part of National Volunteer Week. National Volunteer Week, April 10-16, is about recognizing volunteers and encouraging others to make a difference in the community.
Like a lot of 17-year-olds, Johanna Jones Uwusu isn’t entirely sure what she’ll ultimately do for a living.
Uwusu graduates from New Hope High School next month.
“I’ll probably take some course online first, just to get my footing a little,” she says. “I’m not sure exactly what’s after that as far as school goes.”
Whatever career path she ultimately embarks upon, it is likely to include a job helping others.
For several years now, Uwusu has been a reliable, enthusiastic volunteer at The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, Contact Helpline and Abundant Life Child Care Center.
Each organization appeals to a specific aspect of her personality, she says.
“I usually try to volunteer at places where I enjoy the work the most,” she says. “At the library, I worked organizing the books and materials in the children’s library. I’ve always liked books and just the whole library atmosphere, so it makes sense.”
Her work at Contact Helpline, a non-profit devoted to providing a “listening ear” to people in the community who may feel isolated, is also something that comes naturally to her. In fact, her volunteer work with Contact Helpline has now evolved into a part-time job.
“I work maybe six-to-eight hours a week there,” she says.
But her favorite volunteer job is working with the infants at Abundant Life Child Care Center, where she volunteers three days a week for four hours per day.
“Just being around the children, getting to know them, taking care of them, it’s my absolute favorite thing to do,” she says. “I’ve already filled out a (job) application there, but I can’t be hired until I turn 18.”
Uwusu turns 18 on May 28. She hopes she’ll be working full-time at the child care center soon after.
No matter what her career path turns out to be, Uwusu says she can’t imagine not doing some volunteer work.
“All of the places I’ve volunteered have needs,” she says. “But for me, I think it’s very mutual. I get back so much in return. I love volunteering, not just because there is a need for volunteers, but for what it means to me, too.”
Slim Smith is a columnist and feature writer for The Dispatch. His email address is [email protected].
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
