Sophia and Lynn: From Shy to Standout Leader

Meet Sophia!

Hello! I’m Sophia Thomas. I have been involved with Hands4Hope since I was in 7th grade. When I started middle school, I always knew I wanted to be a part of the club, but I was too shy to join. In 7th grade, I finally mustered up the courage. When I was in 8th grade, I became the president of Edwin Markham Middle School’s Hands4Hope Club. From there I was able to meet with amazing people that all wanted to give back to the community. I was able to lead our school's fundraiser to raise money for a local dog rescue. Over the summer, I helped serve food at Images of Hope’s White on White as part of a Hands4Hope community outreach. 

In August, I started high school and joined the school’s Hands4Hope Club. In November, we did a Neighborhood Blitz where we collected food items for our Essentials Closet on campus where kids can come and get food or clothes if they need it. 

This year as a Sophomore, I served as Treasurer for my school's Hands4Hope club, helping to raise funds for Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer.  Through this year alone, I was asked to give four presentations with Hands4Hope. I was even asked to give presentations in South Lake Tahoe for Hands4Hope's expansion up there. I also recently joined the Placerville Steering Committee as a youth member. Next year, I will be on the Hands4Hope Youth Board Executive Committee as the Youth Community Outreach Ambassador for Placerville and serving as Vice-President for my school club.

Hands4Hope has helped build my confidence that I didn’t know I had and has allowed me to connect with others in my community that I wouldn't have been able to connect with if I didn’t join. Hands4Hope has really given a lot to me, and I can’t wait to keep working with this great organization!

Meet Lynn!

Hello! I’m Lynn Fedoryk, one of the adult volunteers with Hands4Hope. After retiring from teaching and moving to Placerville, I discovered this amazing organization. Because the thing I missed most about teaching was the students, I realized that this would be the perfect opportunity for me to engage with motivated young people who are passionate about serving their community…and I was right!

The more time I spend with the Hands4Hope youth, the more impressed I am with their passion for their community and their fearlessness for taking on projects that will make that community a better place to live. Hands4Hope gives them the opportunity to develop the leadership skills and tools that they will need to follow their passions and really make a difference in the world. 

I got to know Sophia at Edwin Markham Middle School when she was the Hands4Hope Club President. My initial impression of her was that she was very sweet, but a bit shy. So I was so impressed when she got up in front of the club to lead the meetings. Being shy myself, I knew that it was probably outside of her comfort zone to get up there, but she did it anyway because it was important to her that she help others in need...and she was awesome!  Since then, I have had the privilege of watching her flourish in her high school club, on the various committees that she has served on, and as a public speaker raising awareness for the Hands4Hope organization. Witnessing how Sophia has grown and thrived has reminded me how vital these types of opportunities are for our future leaders so that they can gain the confidence and skills that they will need to make a difference in the world. Please donate so that Hands4Hope can continue their mission!

About Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference

Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference is a non-profit, youth-driven organization based in the El Dorado and Sacramento county regions. Our mission is to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service. Hands4Hope youth participants explore social issues surrounding them, take action by choosing and designing service projects, then lead these projects from start to finish.  Along the way, they gain experience and skills essential to success in college, the workforce and in life. Please donate to help Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference continue to provide the opportunity for youth to become leaders in their communities!