Reviews

 

Anna Knestaut-New Philadelphia, OH

I have been home for nearly eight weeks after traveling with The Call to Serve on our summer trip and still the memories from the short time we spent on the road are just as vivid in my mind every day, as they were during the moments we were creating them. At this time next year I will have graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in social work and I can honestly say my sixteen years of education will never compare to the learning experience I received during my nineteen days with The Call to Serve team. I learned more about myself and about the world we all live in than I could have ever imagined.

I am extremely blessed to have had such a life changing experience and even more privileged to be a part of such an innovative cause, giving nine young volunteers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those we served, in the communities in which we stayed, as well as in the hearts and minds of each other. Never in my life have I experienced such a feeling of contentment and fulfillment as I did during the days I spent traveling the country serving others. Being with the alpha class and contributing to the mission of The Call to Serve provided me with the greatest joy and the deepest sense of appreciation. Words cannot express the amount of gratitude I owe the eight people who have blessed my life through this experience, starting this journey as strangers and continuing it in the future as a new family. I cannot thank Adam and Andrew enough for their incredible vision, inspiring perseverance and invigorating energy. I can only hope that I am able to inspire others the way they have inspired me, to find happiness through reaching out to others. This experience has become much more than just something I accomplished but a whole new part of who I am and the person I strive to be – a person dedicated to the service of others and the spirit of volunteerism. Thank you Call to Serve for giving me such an amazing opportunity.

Tyler McCloskey-Altoona, PA

The Call to Serve’s mission has gained much momentum in little time. Not only were the lives of those who we served touched, but the lives of the volunteers had transformed, and the communities in which we served resounded with support and a motivation to help as well.  The nature of the organization attracted attention to network with heavy hitters such as Luis Clemente and American Eagle.  All this from two RVs, nine volunteers, and the soul of giving.

I had done some volunteering here and there before I joined AmeriCorps this past year:  Cancer Society, Reef Environmental Education Foundation, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, etc.  I then joined The Call to Serve.  I must admit that the experience has really fostered my passion for service.  It made me realize that this is something I want to continue to be fully involved in from here on out. I will be leaving to serve with the Peace Corps in the Philippines in the environmental sector of Coastal Resource Management.  The Call to Serve experience has really helped this budding volunteer to bloom.

I found later in the trip, that though the CTS mission is ambitious, it is also modest.  Modest because the impact of the organization is much greater than I had anticipated.  This is not to say that I had low expectations.  Much to the contrary, I foresaw a trip filled with personal challenges and gratifying successes.  And I saw this even more in the other volunteers on the team who may or may not have been so exposed to the intangible benefits of volunteerism.  Watching it hit home on the faces of the team through the viewfinder on my camera got me all choked up and reminded me why I began volunteering in the first place.  I think it’s a safe bet to say that this group of volunteers will go on through life with a fresh and humbled perspective and a renewed set of priorities in life.

I am proud to be a part of the Alpha class of The Call to Serve.  Good begets good.  I hope to be a part of future projects.  This organization and these volunteers I hold close to my heart with the utmost respect and reverence.

Katie Fritsch-Allison Park, PA

I can’t even express how grateful I am for CTS and for giving me the opportunity to join you on the trip. The trip has inspired new hopes and maybe a whole new direction for my future. The three weeks gave me a new sense for what is important and our service to the organizations and individuals filled me with total peacefulness and purpose. It cleared my mind and put it in focus all at once. I also never laughed so much or ate so many potato chips! CTS is changing our generation. The alpha class means more to me than a lot of people I have known my entire life.

Alex Brecht-Jeanette, PA

Most of my fellow CTS Alpha Class may agree with me that 19 days wasn’t enough.  You know what I have come to realize?  It isn’t over!  The Call to Serve has instilled within me a lifetime desire to volunteer.   I will always be with CTS! If I’m volunteering with a new CTS class or  with a whole new organization I know that The Call to Serve is with me in every moment of that project and my life.

The Call to Serve has inspired me to change my path of direction right now.  Instead of going to South Korea I want to continue a life of selflessness and benevolent acts.  As you know I have set out to get a job with Americorps.  Americorps will allow me to work in the realm of selfless acts (but with a little living stipend!).

Just like everyone else I want to say thank you.  Thanks to CTS.

Charity Stoltzfoos-Bird in Hand, PA

After hearing about Adam and Andrew’s adventuresome trip last year, I was immediately intrigued by their vision. When I was given the opportunity to apply, I jumped on board. It is not easy to express on paper how this trip transformed me. And it may not be something I’ll be able to express in words even tomorrow, but when it does trigger emotion, I’ll recall CTS 2010. Undoubtedly without the momentum of a team of 9 strangers, this trip would not have been the same. What a unique approach in simultaneously bringing together people to volunteer, with nothing less in common than a heart to serve.

I am so thrilled to have been a part of the original team that was able to travel and serve the country through volunteering. It really opened my eyes to see that small service organizations really are making a difference. Being home again has given me the chance to notice these non-profits. As the owner of a small deli, I am excited to be in contact with food banks in my area to contribute what and where I can. I have always enjoyed serving others, so I’m also excited to see where else this may lead my heart to serve.

The easy tasks or conveniences I take for granted amid my hectic lifestyle, proved to be consistent humbling reminders, as we went from project to project. Most people are okay and will make it, but some are having a rough time getting by. Never have smiles of gratitude and a simple thank-you touched me deeper. Through one person’s volunteering, change can happen. Through one person’s listening ear, a heart is put at ease. And through a simple smile, the world can truly become a happier place. What a unique opportunity CTS has captured by providing young adults with the chance to take time out of life to volunteer. Thank you CTS for giving me that chance.

David Thies-Houston, TX

The Call to Serve was a beautiful experience and adventure. I now know from my own experience that it is in giving that we receive. I went on the road to give love and hope to strangers. I did not know that this experience would renew my own heart and fill my own life with love and hope.