02.08.2017

Foster Care Alumna Tahirih Takes Action

As an alumna of the foster care system, Treehouse volunteer Tahirih has seen and experienced many of the same challenges Treehouse youth face. Giving back to a cause so near and dear to her heart was a key factor when she decided to become a Treehouse Wearhouse volunteer this past summer.

Until recently, Tahirih’s busy career had caused her to move frequently limiting her ability to commit to volunteer opportunities. She was thrilled to finally get settled in Seattle this year, start planting some roots, and begin volunteering more regularly. “With so much going on in the world right now, it is easy to sit back and complain about everything. I decided that I wanted to take action, start giving my time to an organization doing great things, and be a part of the change I’d like to see happen in our community,” Tahirih shared.

Starting her Treehouse experience in the Wearhouse was a great fit for Tahirih; the Saturday shifts are ideal with her work schedule and she enjoys being able to interact directly with Treehouse families, helping them find everything they need in the store. “It has been really rewarding to see caregivers getting so many items their kids need. They are so appreciative of everything Treehouse provides,” Tahirih shared.

After just a few weeks of volunteering in the store, Tahirih deepened her involvement. She volunteered at a “Life Skills” workshop for Treehouse youth, helping teens learn how to network and look for jobs online. She co-hosted a Treehouse table in her building at Microsoft to help build awareness and collect donations for youth in foster care during the Microsoft Give campaign this past fall. She also volunteered to answer phones for not one, but three shifts during Treehouse’s KIRO Radio Holiday Magic radiothon in December, helping provide gifts for 5,500 kids in care across the state. Through volunteering, Tahirih takes action and makes an impact.

Volunteers like Tahirih expand Treehouse’s ability to serve youth in foster care by answering phones, staffing events, tutoring students, sorting donations in the Wearhouse, and much more.

Want to get involved? Learn more about becoming a Treehouse volunteer.