Volunteer Spotlight: Making a Difference with Sam
At Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center, our volunteers are the heart of our mission, giving their time and energy to support children and families in need. This month, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Sam Corso, a dedicated member of our volunteer team. We sat down with Sam to learn more about their experience and what motivates them to give back.
Q: What inspired you to start volunteering at Braveheart?
Sam: The hard work and dedication of the Braveheart team towards their goal of helping the community is inspiring. I believe in their mission, and I want to help any way I can. Volunteering some of my time seems like the least I can do to help Braveheart assist the community.
Q: What kind of volunteer activities have you participated in at Braveheart?
Sam: I’ve volunteered at fundraising events and at information tables that local agencies have invited Braveheart to. I also assist with Braveheart’s clean-up days. In fact, the Fall Clean Up Day in Bureau County is coming up soon, and I’ll be there to lend a hand!
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of your volunteer experience?
Sam: The most rewarding part of volunteering at Braveheart is knowing that members of the community are being helped. If you want to change the world, start local. Knowing that my time is making a difference right here at home feels incredibly fulfilling.
Q: Do you have a memorable moment from your time volunteering?
Sam: One memorable moment for me was helping with Braveheart’s Annual SuperHero 5K. Seeing the excitement and determination on the faces of community members participating in something bigger than themselves was so inspiring. It reminded me that there are plenty of real-life superheroes among us.
Q: How have you seen Braveheart make a difference in the community?
Sam: The difference the Braveheart team makes is far-reaching. They do an incredibly important job that not many could do. To me, the biggest indicator of their impact is seeing the excitement on children’s faces when they come up to Braveheart staff and share updates on their lives. It’s those little moments that truly show how much Braveheart means to the families they help.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering at Braveheart?
Sam: If you want to volunteer for an organization that helps shape the future of our communities, then Braveheart is the place to be. There are plenty of opportunities, from the upcoming Fall Clean Up Day in Bureau County to the SuperHero 5K in the spring. They regularly post volunteer opportunities on their website and Facebook page, and any little bit helps.
Q: What makes Braveheart unique compared to other organizations?
Sam: Braveheart is unique because they don’t do an easy job, and it’s often a thankless one. The staff works tirelessly on these tough cases because they know it’s the right thing to do. They are real-life superheroes. As a kid, I always wanted to work with superheroes, and now, by volunteering for Braveheart, I feel like I’m part of a real-life Justice League.
Q: Why do you think it’s important for the community to support children and families facing trauma?
Sam: Trauma is extremely difficult to handle, and talking about it can be very isolating. But knowing you’re not alone and havi
ng a strong support network in your community is essential for healing. The children and families that Braveheart helps are not alone. It really does take a village to support healing.
Q: How do you see volunteering with Braveheart making a lasting impact?
Sam: Supporting your community with Braveheart gives you a chance to make a lasting, positive impact on the future—not only in our local communities but worldwide. To the Braveheart team, I want to say: keep doing the good work. What you do truly makes a difference.
We are so grateful for Sam and all our amazing volunteers who make Braveheart’s mission possible. If you’re interested in volunteering, be sure to check out our upcoming opportunities on our website or Facebook page!