Amanda Lynch Honored as Goodwill Breakthrough Volunteer of the Year

FORT MYERS, Fla. - May 27, 2015 - PRLog -- On May 7 Goodwill named Amanda Lynch their Breakthrough Volunteer of the Year. The annual Breakthrough Awards event recognizes businesses and members in the community who have assisted others, or themselves, in overcoming disabilities or barriers on their path to employment and independence.

When Lynch attended Trailways Camp as a camper in May 2013, she didn’t know she would soon become a valuable member of the Trailways team.

“When Amanda attended camp, she was very upbeat, enthusiastic, and willing to do anything,” says Jesi Cason, Goodwill’s Trailways Camp coordinator. “She was very friendly and welcoming to all the campers as they came in. I didn’t ask her to do that, she was just like that.”

Trailways Camp is a residential camp for adults with disabilities, offered in partnership with The Robert V. & Benjamin G. Miller Fund. The camp, which is run by a small and dedicated staff, relies heavily on volunteer assistance for the four-day experience.

I knew Jesi needed help,” Lynch says. “She can’t do it alone!”

Since attending Trailways, the 29-year-old has now volunteered at four camp sessions.

“She reacts very quickly, which is good because I work quick,” says Cason. “Things come up fast and every time I need something she hops up fast, no questions asked.”

Lynch’s duties range from getting campers acclimated to their new surroundings, and helping with arts and crafts, to assisting campers in the talent show.

“I can help sing if someone is nervous,” says Lynch. “I’ll go up [on stage] with them. I can tell if someone is nervous.”

Lynch’s volunteer service to Goodwill doesn’t stop there. She also has volunteered at Goodwill’s annual fundraiser, the Festival of Trees, for two years. Held at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in the Fort Myers River District, the festival features a showcase of lavishly decorated Christmas trees, a children’s workshop, a black-tie gala and more.

“I volunteer because it’s fun, and I can meet friends, and do anything I want,” laughs Lynch. “I like getting out of the house- I don’t have to be bored. I like helping people.”

Other award winners include Communication & Data Solutions (Breakthrough Business), John Talmage (Breakthrough Employer), Mike Drouin (Breakthrough Graduate), and Jennifer Glawe (Breakthrough Achiever).

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is committed to serving people with disabilities and disadvantages by providing life-changing opportunities to achieve independence.  Revenue generated by Goodwill’s 30 Southwest Florida Retail & Donation Centers is used to support these programs. For more information about Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, visit the agency’s website at http://www.goodwillswfl.org.

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