In a world where division and challenges often dominate the headlines, stories of connection, love, and giving back shine brightly as beacons of hope. The journey of Michelle Hoffman and Carmen Moultrie-Turner is one such story—a testament to the transformative power of volunteerism, the lasting impact of service, and the deep joy found in making a difference in the lives of others.
**A Blessed Beginning**
Michelle Hoffman’s story starts with a simple yet profound sentiment: “I hit the adoption lottery with my parents and have had such a great life because of my parents.” From the beginning, Michelle’s parents instilled in her the values of service and generosity. One of the most significant moments came when she was just a child. Instead of celebrating the holidays in the typical fashion, her parents dedicated their time to charity.
“No, we’re going to celebrate next week. Daddy and I are going to work.”
This pivotal moment set the foundation for Michelle’s lifelong journey of volunteerism, a path that would lead her to touch countless lives. The family’s decision to serve at local charities, allowing others to be with their families during the holidays, made a lasting impression on Michelle. It was an early lesson in putting others before oneself.
**Growing Up With Volunteerism**
By nine, Michelle was already making a difference in her community. She helped an elderly couple—survivors of the Holocaust—by mowing their lawn and shoveling their snow. As she grew older, her acts of service expanded. Throughout high school, she was actively involved in fundraising efforts and supporting charitable events, always wanting to give back and contribute meaningfully to her community.
**From Small Tasks to Lifelong Passion**
Reflecting on her early experiences with volunteerism, Michelle often recalls how these formative moments shaped her trajectory. Her sense of giving did not end after high school. After graduation, Michelle worked in the for-profit sector but soon realized her true calling lay elsewhere.
“That’s when you know if this is your trajectory, or is this something that’s kind of expected?”
Her heart was drawn to service, and it was a natural shift for her to dedicate over two decades to working in the nonprofit sector, where her passion for helping others truly flourished.
**Leadership at the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing**
Carmen’s commitment to serving others peaked when she became CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing. There, she spent over twenty years guiding and nurturing an organization dedicated to empowering young people. Under her leadership, the Club became a beacon of hope and opportunity for many young lives.
**The Impact of Small Acts**
Carmen has always believed in the power of small acts of kindness and understanding their far-reaching effects. She shares a powerful insight on the impact of ripple of service:
“Some people put a small value on touching a person’s life, but what you don’t understand is if you touch that person’s life, you are touching generations, which changes the dynamic.”
These words encapsulate the idea that a tiny act of service can change not just a single life but generations to come. It is the little things that add up to make a monumental difference.
**A Call to Action: Do It**
Carmen’s message to anyone considering volunteering is simple yet impactful: “Just do it.” She encourages people to take action in a world that often seems filled with excuses and limitations. Even if finding time to volunteer feels difficult, she reminds us that donations are another valuable way to contribute.
**Cultivating a Community of Change**
What stands out in Carmen’s story is not just her journey but the community she has helped foster. It’s a community built on the idea that everyone has a role in improving the world. As Carmen says:
“It’s what brings the community together. Everybody’s doing their part.”
Together, individuals can create a formidable force for change.
**Conclusion**
Their lives exemplify the profound power of volunteerism and the incredible impact one person can have on countless others. Their story reminds us that service isn’t always about grand gestures but often the simple, everyday acts of kindness that can change lives. Whether through volunteering or making donations, their message is clear: Help others in any way you can. Each small effort contributes to building a better world.
