Krystal is helping distribute grants while learning about organizations that are serving their community.

What kind of philanthropic or volunteer work did you do?

Krystal: The organization that I participate in focuses on nonprofit organizations that specifically target the well-being of the youth in Cuyahoga County. We distribute money to programs that help young teens with living conditions, survival, and education (just to name a few).

What is the name and location of the organization?

Krystal: The name of the organization I participate in is the United Way John K. Mott Youth Fund Distribution Committee in downtown Cleveland, specifically, in the United Way Services Building.

Tell us about the project, especially who benefited from this work.

Krystal: This year's project began in the beginning of this school year with about 35-40 high school juniors and seniors from throughout Cuyahoga County on the panel. We had $39,000 to distribute this year, and the maximum amount allowed to receive/allocate to an organization was $5,000.

Our first step was to establish focus areas that we would center our selections on and therefore be able to narrow down our choices throughout the project. Our focus areas are Preventative Education, General Education, Family Preservation, Basic Needs, Community, and Counseling/Mentoring. Based on these six target areas, we as the committee were able to then go through the 80 or so proposals and figure out which of these organizations fit the target areas, regardless of the amount of money they were asking us for.

After the initial narrowing down of proposals, the next step was to invite those organizations left to come in for interviews. These interviews were a chance for these organizations to come alive, to become more than just a piece of paper. The interviewees had the opportunity to explain their projects and programs so that we, as the panel, could obtain a better, fuller understanding of what exactly each organization has to offer and whether they are organized enough to put our money to good use.

Following the interview meetings was the deliberation meeting. At this meeting we again narrowed our selections down based on their interviews and what we thought and got from them. After we had our final selections, which numbered about 17 organizations (from 80+), we decided which programs would receive full funding or less. Some examples of the organizations we funded are the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center ($1,250), Cleveland Signstage Theater ($2,000), Harvard Community Services Center ($4,000), and The Free Clinic of Greater Cleveland ($5,000).

What inspired you to get involved?

Krystal: My inspiration to get involved was my love for working "behind the scenes" on projects that take a lot of organization and time to do. I was also looking for something to help out in my community, but on a larger scale, rather than something small like soup kitchens or nursing homes. I finally found an area in which I have that "behind the scenes" participation, and yet I'm helping in a totally hands-on atmosphere.

How did you first get involved?

Krystal: I found out about this program through my high school counselor. Also, an upperclassman friend of mine had participated in this program the year before I joined and said it was an excellent opportunity and she loved it herself.

What was the best thing about your experience?

Krystal: The best part about my experience on the YFDC for the last two years has absolutely been finding out and learning about the numerous organizations that my community offers to its residents. It’s amazing how many people are so willing with their time and resources to better our community and the youth that live in the area. And not to mention, when are you in charge of $50,000-$60,000 at age 18?

What was the hardest part?

Krystal: My anticipation for this whole process was that the hardest part would be getting along with so many diverse kids my age and coming to one unanimous or compromised decision .I came to find out later that this would never even become an issue for any of us. The absolute hardest part of being in charge of $50,000 is realizing the fact that yes, that is a whole lot of money, but it’s not nearly enough to go around. It's heartbreaking to me to see so many organizations around the area that are absolutely desperate for money in order to function. Having to turn down these willing, loving, selfless people is even harder. This is the greatest, yet toughest, realization that I have come across while on this committee.

What was the biggest surprise?

Krystal: The biggest surprise for me was more on the smaller scale versus the whole big picture. What surprised me the most was that there were so many young people in Cleveland and its surroundings areas that are so willing to be a part of a committee like this to help other young people who are not as fortunate. It’s a wonderful gift for me to know that there are high school kids like me so willing to better the community that we all share and live in.

What new things have you learned as a result of your experience and how have you changed as a result?

Krystal: I have learned of many organizations that are out there for myself or friends to utilize in times of need. I am now richer because of the knowledge I have because I may be of use or help to someone that may need it. That's a great feeling that I can be help to someone on a much smaller scale than handing out money to organizations. I have learned of the need for these organizations in my area. I've always known that teen clinics are around and soup kitchens are there and after school programs are there too. But for me, I have been fortunate in my life that I have never had to utilize a teen clinic or a homeless shelter or and after school programs. So because of this fact, I have never really been around anyone who has had to utilize such places. I have learned that there are MANY young girls and boys who would have nothing if they had no clinic to go get tested for pregnancy or STDs, or a shelter to sleep in, or a soup kitchen to get a long awaited meal, or somewhere to stay after school when their parents are at work. These programs and organizations have become a reality to me during the duration of this United Way program. This therefore has helped me to stay open-minded to the individuals and volunteers who utilize and run these fantastic and resourceful organizations who benefit people every day.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of getting involved in philanthropy or volunteering?

Krystal: It's not boring like it sounds!! Philanthropy is just the technical term for helping out people around you. You will meet so many genuine people who are there not to obtain something for themselves, but to help others and to benefit THEIR lives, rather than their own. There are so many organizations out there that are just barely making it because there's barely anyone to help out and run the programs. Volunteers are always welcome anywhere and very much appreciated. You have nothing, absolutely nothing to lose when you are out to help someone else. You can only learn and become a better person. Good Luck!