Many Yale community members are active in local non-profits, volunteering their time and talent in the spirit of giving back. YourYale spoke with three Yale staff members about their long-standing volunteer work for local non-profits.
Special Olympics Connecticut
Tom Madera has volunteered for Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) since 1995. His involvement started by chance when a friend asked him to help referee a SOCT soccer game. “It was life-changing, and after that, I was hooked,” said Madera, assistant director of Yale Security. Over almost three decades, he has been a town captain, unified sports partner, and director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, coordinating routes and fundraising.
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Playing alongside the athletes as a unified partner brings him the most joy. “We work to encourage and teach them to understand and respect each other’s abilities. They are full of life and so fun to be around. I’ve known many of them from an early age and now see them as adults. It’s truly been an incredible experience,” said Madera.
For those thinking about volunteering, Madera mentions that SOCT has a variety of opportunities. Adding that “you can do as little or as much as you want, and if you have a specific skill like fundraising or planning, it is always welcome.”
Habitat for Humanity
Tanya Colon started volunteering at age twelve. “My mom used to take me to a local soup kitchen, and we’d serve meals to families,” said Tanya, business operations travel manager for Yale Athletics. Over the years, she has helped many organizations; one that stands out is a house build she did in New Haven as part of Habitat for Humanity. “We built walls, hung doors, and did outdoor landscaping. I worked alongside the individuals who eventually occupied the house. It was an informative experience,” she commented.
Today, Tanya continues to help people in the local community, specifically children and teens, and encourages others to volunteer. “I would recommend joining a cause you are passionate about. Then, ask a friend to participate. If you have someone to share it with, you are more likely to follow through. Habitat for Humanity is a great hands-on program—you may learn a new skill and meet caring people. And what’s better than helping a family find a permanent place to live?” said Tanya.
Camp Rising Sun
Gregg Curran has been volunteering with Camp Rising Sun since 2017. It is a summer outdoor camp for kids ages five to 18 who have or had cancer. “My niece suggested it to me, knowing I loved working with kids. I’m now the head counselor for the high school-aged boys,” said Curran, a detective in the Yale Police Department.
During the weeklong event in Colebrook, CT, he teaches campers how to fish, kayak, and enjoy the outdoors. “They are here to forget about cancer and have fun. We provide all kinds of activities for them, from arts and crafts to learning how to cook over a campfire,” said Curran.
He is involved with Camp Rising Sun throughout the year, training with other counselors, raising awareness, and fundraising. The camp is 100% donation-driven and cost-free to all the campers. “The children who attend can also bring their siblings,” said Curran.
While he enjoys working with the children and teenagers at the camp, Curran said, “If someone wants to help but can’t commit to the one-week camp, they can help fundraise or volunteer during our Annual Night Out event. When you see what these kids had to go through, it puts things into perspective.”
Want to help? Don’t know where to start? Volunteer opportunities abound in the local community and surrounding area. Multiple possibilities exist to help children, families, the environment, or homeless pets with fundraising, coaching, home renovations, dog walking, or kitty cuddling.
To learn more about the volunteer opportunities mentioned above, visit the organizations’ websites:
