On April 11, about 90 community members from across the region gathered for The Grapevine and Avenue A’s volunteer celebration at the Antrim Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. The event celebrated more than 60 volunteers who make the organization’s programs possible. Teens from Avenue A’s T.A.C.O. cooking program made and served a soup dinner for the event, and tables were decorated with paper fans made by the teens. 

Volunteers present included Grapevine board members, wood bank and free tax-prep volunteers and volunteers who lead youth programs, including art, writing, mountain-biking, pickup basketball, hiking and woodworking. An award ceremony followed the dinner, featuring remarks delivered by youth from Avenue A programs. 

Middle-schooler, Savannah Delacruz-Perry spoke about the impact that after-school club volunteers Dave and Judy DeWitt have made. The DeWitts are known for bringing activities – from giant bubbles to STEM challenges – to Avenue A’s weekly after-school group.

“It’s impossible to put into words everything that Dave and Judy do for us,” Savannah said. “They make Avenue A better.”

Desean Penny, a high-schooler from Avenue A’s Write Out! program, acknowledged Adam Arnone and Diana Muxworthy-Feige’s contributions to young writers.

“They taught us the power to put words to meaning. Not just the ability to write but the ability to present that writing to others and to never apologize when we think we are not good enough because failure is not a downfall, failure is an invitation to improve,” Desean said. “It is one of the greatest gifts I have ever been given.” 

Grapevine Director of Teen Programs Jacqueline Roland described how volunteers shape the culture of Avenue A.

“Teens know that our volunteers want to be here,” she said. “Their presence sends a message of value and acceptance – ‘We want to invest in you. You matter.’ That’s a gift to every teen.”