Meet Our Intern, Hailey!
This month, we got to know social media intern, Hailey Bohmaker. Read on to hear about Hailey and her contributions to Youth Homes as a Volunteer!
What inspired you to volunteer at Youth Homes?
During my junior year of college, I was looking for a meaningful internship where I could gain professional experience and also give back to the community. After some searching, I came across Youth Homes’ website and immediately reached out to see if they were in need of any new volunteers and I have been volunteering as a social media intern since then! I am currently studying sociology and was inspired to use my knowledge to help those who are in need and I thought it was especially important to do so during the pandemic when so many people are struggling in our own community.
One of Hailey’s social media posts, featuring her dog in a Youth Homes’ t-shirt!
What inspired you about the Youth Homes’ mission?
I’m inspired by the mission because not only does Youth Homes seek to support and provide stability for foster youth, but they also are passionate about creating a better future for this vulnerable population. I think it is so awesome that Youth Homes has an entire program to create a support system for transition-age youth and assist young adults with professional development. They understand the complex situation of transition-age youth and help to expand the opportunities available to them. Youth Homes sets themselves apart by truly empowering their youth to become their best selves and providing them with the resources to do so.
What does a typical week of volunteering look like for you?
My role is mainly to produce content for Youth Homes’ Instagram and Facebook accounts! I typically plan and create content a week in advance and I try to post around three times per week. I work with Youth Homes Marketing and Communications Director, Odette Vandaveer, to create content that showcases Youth Homes’ impact, and highlights our amazing community.
What is one of your favorite posts/achievements at Youth Homes?
One of my favorite achievements at YH is that since I have been running the social media accounts I have increased our Instagram following by 15%. I have never been responsible for an organization’s social media account before so it is awesome to see that people are enjoying the content!
What would you say to other volunteers wanting to help?
Reach out!! Non-profits are so important in creating change and they need volunteers to help support them! Youth Homes’ is an amazing organization to volunteer at and they have so many different opportunities and projects that you can be apart of. For example, I recently joined the web development team and now I get to help revamp the website which I am really excited about.
Hailey & her biggest inspiration: her Mom!
Who is your inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is my mom. She has always been a role model to me and she is my biggest supporter. No matter what I am going through in life she always lifts me up and pushes me to be my best self and I can honestly say that she is my best friend. My mom taught me the importance of being kind and giving back at a very young age and that is one of the main reasons I love volunteering now. Overall, my mom is a successful, strong, and amazing woman and I hope that one day I am just like her!
What are your plans for the future?
I will be graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo at the end of March and starting my career as a recruiter in Walnut creek in May! I will continue to be a resource for Youth Homes and support them in any way that I can :)
