In honor of National Volunteer Month, we spoke with Leilani Drake, a Housing Up volunteer from George Washington University’s Urban Health Program. Over the past few months, Leilani has led the kids at Partner Arms II (PA2), one of our affordable housing communities, through a weekly creative writing group. Check out the spotlight below to see what she and the PA2 kids have been up to.

1. First, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi, I am Leilani Drake and I traveled all the way from Dayton, Ohio to attend school and pursue my degree at the George Washington University. I will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health this coming May.

2. Why did you decide to get involved with Housing Up and lead the creative writing group at one of our affordable housing communities, Partner Arms II (PA2)?

Through my work with the GW Urban Health Program, I have been involved with Housing Up for about 2 years now, working with residents and families at Fort View, one of Housing Up’s communities. At the end of last year, I contacted Shahidah, Housing Up’s Community Engagement Manager, to ask about volunteer opportunities within Housing Up.  We were required to volunteer for at least 2 hours a week [outside of Fort View] to foster a meaningful connection with the community. My professor suggested something outside of what we like to call the “Foggy Bottom Bubble.” I immediately thought of Housing Up and the work Nkem, Housing Up’s Director of Resident Services, does. After connecting with Shahidah, she told me, “I have a project for you…how do you feel about creative writing?” I care deeply about Housing Up’s youth and the families I have connected with over the past few years. I knew I would accept any opportunity to help out more with Housing Up. When I arrived, it became so much more than just a project for my course.

3. What does the creative writing group typically look like? What has been your favorite part?

The typical creative writing groups have about 2 to 4 kids each week, and I would have them write a reflection on what we did the week before and ask them to share it with the rest of the group the following week. My favorite part of working with the PA2 kids is seeing how comfortable they are sharing their day with me, and it is important to me that they feel safe and heard. I love that the space we create in the group allows them to be free of any pressures for a moment and to express themselves without judgment. It is incredibly rewarding to see in that moment where they can truly be themselves. I feel like I have genuinely connected with the youth there and look forward to creating more with them!

4. What are you looking forward to over the rest of the creative writing group sessions?

It will be a busy time following graduation, but I would like to show up for the kids in meaningful ways for the rest of my time. I look forward to developing more writing pieces and exploring their own creative process as they develop their songs, poems, and graphic art. By the end of the year, I hope to organize trips to the various museums around DC, giving them the opportunity to engage in art and history in a deeper way. I want to inspire them to envision future growth and creativity through those experiences.

5. What would you say to someone considering joining Housing Up as a volunteer?

To someone joining as a volunteer, Housing Up is truly an organization that is making a difference in people and families’ lives. When working with any of the families, even if you share a similar background with them, you must meet them where they are. These youth and families deserve the patience and consistency that we, as volunteers, can give them. Coming from a place of understanding opens up the door to making a genuine connection and allows the establishment of trust. Housing Up and the fantastic individuals who staff their sites are very connected. If you ever feel overwhelmed or want to talk about how great an event went, there is always someone to talk with. As a volunteer, you are helping to make a difference in meaningful ways, so never diminish the work you do as small, as it can mean a world of difference to the families you work with.