“It’s extremely rewarding to see the satisfaction on a student’s face when they realize they understand the material and they have the confidence to continue on their own—and to know that you’re making their day a little better and a little brighter.”
– Jody Baum, BGCB’s 2024 Individual Volunteer of the Year
In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are recognizing our volunteers of the year for their service throughout 2023.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston is incredibly excited to announce that Jody Baum has been named 2024 Individual Volunteer of the Year. Jody’s first involvement with BGCB was as a participant in a group volunteer project with her company at Charlestown Club in 2017, and from there the rest is history.
Jody has become a fixture in the Club’s Education Center, volunteering on a weekly basis, and has been making learning fun for Club members for the past seven years.
Learn more about Jody and how she is serving and inspiring the young people of Charlestown as a volunteer in the below interview.
Get to know Jody Baum, BGCB's 2024 Individual Volunteer of the Year:
Jody Baum, BGCB’s 2024 Individual Volunteer of the Year
How did you first get involved as a volunteer at Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston?
In 2017, I was part of a small corporate group of volunteers that came to the Charlestown Club to paint the tunnel that connects the two Charlestown Club buildings. Once we had finished painting, John Killoran, the Club’s Director of Community Partnerships, gave our volunteer group a tour. One of our stops was the Club’s Education Room. John explained how the room is used and how it benefits Club members. He mentioned that the Club is always looking for volunteers to help students with homework, and I thought it would be a great way to get more involved. I told John of my interest, and he directed me to the Club’s volunteer coordinator. I was thrilled to begin volunteering on a regular basis soon after that.
What do you hope to achieve through your time and effort as a volunteer at the Club?
As a volunteer at the Club, I hope to set a good example for Club members and to be a welcome resource as they work through their homework and other school assignments. I hope to make learning fun and inspire them to be their best selves.
What does a typical day of volunteering look like for you?
On a typical day, I enjoy hearing about the Club members’ school days, recent events in their lives, what they’re looking forward to and what might be weighing heavily on them. As they do their schoolwork, I try to explain—and make more understandable—the questions and topics that are challenging for them, inspire confidence, and show a genuine interest in them. I want Club members to know they can count on me to help and that I care about them.
Jody Baum with a Charlestown Club member
What has kept you coming back as a volunteer?
Derek Gallagher, the Charlestown Club’s Executive Director, and his team have created a very welcoming and supportive environment. As a result, I always look forward to walking through the Club’s doors and spending an afternoon with Club members. It’s extremely rewarding to see the satisfaction on a student’s face when they realize they understand the material and they have the confidence to continue on their own—and to know that you’re making their day a little better and a little brighter. It’s the highlight of my week.
What has been your top highlight from the past year as a volunteer?
As a volunteer, my top highlight from the past year has been seeing a student who struggled with math—and was convinced she couldn’t do it—confidently complete her math homework and know that she can do it.
What would you recommend about Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston to others out there who are looking for organizations to support and get involved with?
Volunteering at Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston is a wonderful way to make a difference in the lives of Club members and their families, and to give back to the community. The Club is an amazing organization that offers a wide variety of opportunities and resources to support the learning and growth of its members. It also offers many areas in which to volunteer. After school, students can participate in sports, art, music, dance and games, and receive support, as needed, when completing their schoolwork. In addition, there are many great evening programs, as well as swim teams and other competitive opportunities, for those who would like to participate. I’ve volunteered at a variety of organizations, and for me, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston feels like home.
