Volunteerism comes in all forms at Atlantic Street Center. From helping out during After-School to supporting events, Atlantic Street Center (ASC) has been fortunate to get to know many generous volunteers.
An obvious benefit of volunteering at ASC is the tangible impact someone has on their community. That work can also positively effect those who show up to make that impact.
Real World Classroom
“Through visit and volunteering for our partner social service organizations, such as Atlantic Street Center, our students learn about nonprofits, about the challenges they address,” says Social Studies & Service-Learning Teacher Jeff Blair.
In December of 2025, Jeff’s Service-Learning Class from Lake Washington Middle School for Girls organized hundreds of donated toys and books for ASC youth ahead of a major gift-giving event. Not only did the students’ efforts make a difference on event day, but their time with ASC gave then a deeper appreciation for volunteerism.
“They [the students] develop their capacities for empathy and feel empowered as they see that they can make a positive difference,” continues Blair. “They were inspired and reassured by the generosity that all these donations represented…”
Returners Bring a Bright Light
Volunteering in groups can be a bonding experience while simultaneously create maximized impact. SMG Model Management are veteran volunteers when it comes to ASC’s annual Juneteenth event. The celebration is a big one; close to 600 people attend every year. Volunteer groups like SMG bring a heightened level of support for our team as well as new and helpful perspective. These volunteers’ observations help ASC format future events so they continue grow to meet the needs of the community. We couldn’t do that without the lens of passionate volunteers.
“It reminds us to stay connected to the real world and the community around us and not get too caught up in our own bubble,” says Tiare B, SMG’s Social Media Manager. “It also reinforces that our time and presence can have a real impact, even in simple ways.”
By taking time out of their regular day, a volunteer group similar to SMG helps to build upon a foundation driven to lift up children, youth, and families in need. These actions, coupled with the validation of doing something good, follow volunteers back to school, home, and the office.
“When we learned about ASC’s commitment to underserved families and social justice, it felt like a natural fit,” Tiare mentions. “We loved seeing everyone coming together in a space that felt safe, welcoming, and affirming. It’s also been a reminder that our presence can matter, even in simple ways.”
A Dedicated Decade
Just as large groups of volunteers make a difference, so do the individuals. ASC thrives on the support that single volunteers bring to the table.
Meet Nellie, or “Mom” as she likes to be called by ASC staff. What started off as assisting her daughter, Nelrica, at work, has turned into a decade of volunteerism. That’s right: a decade.
Nelrica works as part of ASC’s Early Learning Program where she assists families and toddlers with in-home learning tactics so that both kiddo and guardians are prepared for pre-school, pre-k, and beyond. Nellie assists this program as well as our Youth Development groups, including helping students with school work and achieving their next reading grade level.
In addition to supporting the work ASC does, Nellie has developed a new-found purpose for herself.
“I recently lost my husband, so this community not only helps me, but I enjoy helping them,” Nellie explains. “I love how it makes me feel to be part of Atlantic Street Center. I love to converse with everyone and learn from each other. I especially enjoy when they all call me, ‘Mom.’ They all get hugs for that.”
Atlantic Street Center is lucky to have a community that supports community. This is a progressive cycle that algins with us all as we move through different stages in our lives. No matter where we are – seeking mental health care, brushing up on our social skills, or looking for support in raising a family – none of us succeed without the help of others. This includes volunteers and their unlimited selflessness.
As an organization that benefits from volunteers, we at ASC hope our supporters get back just as much as they give.
Nellie – Mom – puts it like this, “The friends I have made[at ASC] are all considered my family now. There is a saying in the for Filipinos, “Utang Na Loob.” It means a debt of oneself gives back gratitude to those who care for us.
