Volunteer Profiles
Meet Baylie,
Baylie volunteers with Family & Children’s Services because she’s driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful difference in her community. Volunteering has always been part of her life, but when exploring new opportunities, she sought a role where she could consistently contribute her time and work directly with youth—something she has always loved. Becoming a mentor at FACS offered the perfect match, and she has cherished every moment since.
One of Baylie’s favourite parts of being a mentor is getting to embrace her inner child again. From mini golf and pumpkin carving to gingerbread houses and board games, she finds as much joy in these activities as her mentee does. Rediscovering simple, playful moments has become one of the highlights of her role.
For Baylie, the impact of her work is most visible in the excitement and joy her mentee brings to each visit. Whether they’re sharing an activity or simply spending time together, she sees firsthand how being present and invested can spark happiness and connection. And this is precisely why Baylie encourages new volunteers to fully immerse themselves in the time they give. “Use the time you’re volunteering to unplug from the outside world,” she says. For her, being fully present with her mentee is essential—offering undivided attention not only strengthens their relationship but also provides her with a meaningful escape from the busyness of daily life. It’s a reminder that volunteering benefits both the youth and the volunteer.
A message that has always stayed with Baylie—and continues to guide her commitment to giving back—is: “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
It serves as a constant reminder of gratitude, generosity, and the importance of contributing to the lives of others.
Thank You, Baylie!!!
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Meet Natasha!
Natasha started to volunteer with FACS because she wanted a meaningful way to give back to her community. She has always enjoyed working with youth, and FACS stood out to her as a well‑established organization that provides a safe space for young people to grow. She first got involved by researching organizations that support families. Having heard of FACS for many years, she felt confident it was the right place to volunteer.
Natasha meets with her mentee once a week for two hours and enjoys giving her the chance to share what’s on her mind while exploring the community together. Natasha says it also reminds her to slow down and appreciate those small moments. Natasha sees the impact of her mentorship in everyday moments—cracking jokes, sharing stories, or trying new snacks together. One of her favourite memories is how excited her mentee gets when she beats her at Uno.
For new volunteers, her advice is simple: enjoy your time together. Even small activities, like chatting in a café or walking a trail, can make a big difference.
Reflecting on her experience, Natasha says, “My volunteer experience with FACS has been really great. I was guided through all the stages quickly and easily. FACS and the family I work alongside have been very flexible with my busy schedule. I look forward to each time I volunteer and sharing her updates once a month. It's a fun and rewarding way to give back.”
Thank YOU, Natasha!!!
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Say hello to Emily,
When Emily moved to the Waterloo area for school, she knew she wanted to do more than just attend classes—she wanted to make a meaningful impact in her new community. “I started to volunteer with FACS as soon as I moved to Waterloo,” Emily shares. “I wanted to be part of a team that truly makes a difference.”
Her journey began at her university’s volunteer fair, where she first learned about FACS. Inspired by the organization’s mission, Emily reached out and quickly became involved as a mentor.
For Emily, working with youth is more than just volunteering—it’s about shaping futures. “I believe building bright futures starts with strong self-confidence,” she explains. At just 19 years old, Emily began mentoring a teenager, offering guidance and support during such an important personal growth period of her life.
Some of Emily’s favorite moments are the simplest ones: chatting about school updates, sharing funny weekend stories, and laughing together. It is even better when the weather is warm enough and they can get ice cream from a nearby place and chat in the park. These small joys have created a bond that Emily treasures deeply. “I feel lucky to play a role in her life, and I know she plays a special role in mine.”
Emily’s advice to others is rooted in openness and connection: “We can never stop learning from others. I encourage everyone to let all voices in our community be heard so we can learn from each other.” Her personal motto reflects this belief: “Connection fosters growth, and we can all play a supporting role in each other’s journey.”
Over the past two years, Emily has shown incredible commitment—meeting weekly for a year and now bi-weekly, with only short breaks during summer months. Her dedication is a testament to the power of mentorship and the impact one person can have on another’s life.
Thank you, Emily