Nick and Matt: Turning Inspiration into Action

Nick's Story:

I joined Hands4Hope in sixth grade, convinced easily by my middle school club’s President and Vice President. At the time I thought it would be just something to do with my time in middle school, but gradually I got really excited about all of the opportunities to help my community. 

I started my journey in 2022 and haven't looked back. Now I'm finishing my freshman year, and still involved. I really look forward to grow with this organization and continue a long and prosperous journey with Hands4Hope.

Hands4Hope has encouraged and inspired me for so long now. After I joined Hands4Hope, I also started volunteering at a local dog rescue. I have never regretted working with that rescue and I will never regret all of the time spent at Hands4Hope. This organization has truthfully and fully impacted my life so much for the better! I could not be happier to be a part of it.

The Big Day of Giving is very important, not just to me, but to everyone who wants to better their community as me and Matt do. If Hands4Hope can make me feel inspired to help my community, think of all the people that this organization has inspired too! The Big Day of Giving helps Hands4Hope continue the great work they set out to do.

Matt’s Story:

I joined Hands4Hope at the end of 2025 as a Board Director, but I’ve been closely connected to the organization for many years. My daughter became a youth participant in sixth grade and is now a graduating senior at Ponderosa High School. Over the past seven years, I’ve had a front-row seat to the impact Hands4Hope has on both the youth it serves and the broader community. I’ve watched students grow in confidence, step into leadership roles, and develop a genuine commitment to service—skills that will shape not only their futures, but the future of our community as a whole.

What makes Hands4Hope special to me is its youth-driven model. This isn’t an organization where adults simply tell young people how to serve—it’s a place where youth identify needs, design solutions, and lead meaningful projects from start to finish. That ownership creates a level of engagement and personal growth that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. It empowers students to see themselves as capable leaders today and well into the future.

Participating in the Big Day of Giving is important to me because it directly supports these opportunities. Every contribution helps expand programs, reach more students, and deepen the impact Hands4Hope can have across the region. As both a parent and a board member, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative this experience can be. Supporting Hands4Hope is an investment in the next generation of leaders—and in a stronger, more connected community for all of us.

About Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference

Hands4Hope is a youth-driven organization that has served Sacramento and El Dorado Counties since 2008 through Education and Outreach programs. Working alongside adult mentors and using a service-learning strategy, we equip youth with the knowledge and skills to be civic minded and socially responsible.