Page 70 - Tennessee Teen Volunteer Judge's Book 2022

What can you do during your Tenure of Service as a Titleholder to impact your community?
This title would facilitate making a bigger difference in the lives of those impacted by child abuse. I am passionate about helping kids and teachers learn the signs of child abuse so that the kids will learn that what is happening at home isn’t normal. Having this title would help me spread awareness by going into schools to educate children and teachers to ultimately get victims the help they need.
What has been your involvement with your platform?
Everything I do with my platform has been driven by my passion to help kids grow up in a loving and supportive environment. Volunteering at Carl Perkins Center for abuse has allowed me to show love to the kids who need it most. This includes baking for the kids undergoing therapy, helping the staff at the center decorate for Halloween, collecting food for the kids so they don’t go home hungry, attending the Christmas party for the children served by Carl Perkins, and hosting fundraiser pageant, “Miss Cherry Blossom” for the Carl Perkins Center.
What inspired you to first become involved in your platform?
After having people in my life become victims of child abuse and watching the heartbreaking Netflix documentary, “The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez,” I became inspired to help children in dire circumstances. In case you have not had the opportunity to watch it, his was a case of severe abuse. With this title I believe I can reach others to bring more awareness to the general public and benefit kids in our community. Since becoming a title holder, and sharing my platform, I have had victims tell me their stories and the importance of spreading awareness.
If you are selected as the winner, how would you mobilize and market your platform nationally?
I would be eager to partner with the various associations, the area school systems, and Carl Perkins Centers to mobilize my platform so more people can be involved. I would like to help raise funds for operational fees, education opportunities for parents, kids, and the community, and legal fees for the Carl Perkins Center for Abuse. Additionally, social media, speaking at schools, and posting information of signs and where to seek help in the schools would help raise awareness and drive others to help victims of child abuse.