​​Why did I join Stanford Settlement?

Way back in college, I formed an organization to help orphaned Sudanese refugees earn college degrees. As I worked with these refugees, I was inspired by their stories of overcoming the struggles of war, starvation, and adjustment into a foreign society. Their experiences helped put my own struggles into perspective and it was exciting to watch them succeed.  
 
In the decade and a half following my involvement with that organization, I became fully engrossed in my own professional interests and self-development as I went through law school, started a family, and focused on developing my legal career. I eventually began to yearn for a way to give back and serve those with limited opportunities, as I was able to do with the orphaned refugees. I was determined to find—and join—the organization that was having the most significant impact for good in the lives of the disadvantaged and disenfranchised. That search led me to Stanford Settlement.    
 
Stanford Settlement is a hands-on social services organization with roots stretching back to the early years of Sacramento. It is fully integrated into the community and provides a range of family-oriented services to all community members in need, including but not limited to the aged, children, youth, and those suffering from the effects of poverty.
 
What impresses me most about Stanford Settlement is the personalized care and attention Stanford Settlement’s talented staff members consistently give to community members in need. As a Board Member, I’ve witnessed the drive of staff and fellow Board Members as they are always somehow able to find creative ways to quickly adjust to changing needs and tackle the problems facing the community. Countless bellies have been filled, relationships formed, teen delinquencies prevented, and much more, all due to Stanford Settlement’s efforts.
 
Thanks for reading my story. If Stanford Settlement’s mission resonates with you—as it did me—please help contribute by following this link: donate to Stanford Settlement.