Clarisa Velazquez

Clarisa was a Youth Alliance student 10 years ago, began volunteering with the organization, and is now a Program Leader.

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“During my elementary school years I joined the Power School program, not knowing how much of an impact it would have on my life today. The program provided a safe environment for me and all of my program leaders were always willing to help me through any hardships I had. Whether it was something as simple as putting a smile on my face to checking in on me and listening to how I felt. My program leaders had a positive impact on my life, and till this day many of them continue to impact me in positive ways that have helped me grow as a person. With that being said, I decided to volunteer in the program as a Youth Mentor and it gave me the experience of helping students with homework and being able to create a bond with them, that showed them I was willing to listen to them and support them. Now, I am a program leader and in the past few months, I have truly enjoyed being able to carry on that safe environment and support the children that the program provided for me in the past.”

-Clarisa Velazquez