“This is so much fun!” I cherish those words I heard from students on my first day as a volunteer at Ericson Saturday Sports!

ENP’s mission is to “to connect churches and community partners to elementary schools and to equip them to serve through their active presence in every neighborhood.” What it boils down to is being a better neighbor.

Last year, I heard about Saturday Sports from Richter Center  and I was very interested in finding out more because I had a desire to complete my personal service hours working with kids. Then on a Thursday night at my church’s college gathering, there were sign-ups going around for Saturday Sports at Ericson which was going to be led by one of my former internship staff members, Daniel, and his wife Brenda. I was excited about the opportunity, but also worried that I would be inconsistent in my attendance and use “being a busy college student” as an excuse. However, I wanted to try.

The first Saturday in September was a hot one (typical Fresno weather.) I showed up early and I was hopeful it would be a good day.  We did not expect the overflow of children at 9 am, but that is what we got. Nearly 30 children showed up for a first Saturday Sports. We played soccer, flag football, colored, sculpted with Play Dough, and more. Kids were elated and never short of energy. Parents even joined in on the games. It was a great morning! One of the girls gave me a picture of a turtle she had colored. I pinned it to a wall in my room!

A few weeks ago after Saturday Saturday Sports, volunteers were invited to an ENP equipping event. We met the staff of ENP, heard their history, and their vision for the city of Fresno. At the training, we discussed engaging parents in our program as part of theFive Step Process. This was of particular interest for me because I want to build relationships with the families attending our program. One takeaway from that discussion was it’s not about us (the volunteers) imposing our ways and our thoughts of what makes a “good neighborhood.” It’s about our neighbors, both parents and kids! Parents especially have many valuable assets because they know more about the neighborhood than we do. It’s encouraged to let parents lead activities and share their skills with us and the students, even if it is something as simple as teaching a student how to play checkers.

It has been seven weeks since the first Saturday Sports. I now recognize faces each time I go and remember names. They are no longer just the boys from Daniel and Brenda’s apartments, the artistic girl in middle school, or the twins who like to play badminton. They are Kevin, Jesus, Jorgie, Skye, Jay’den, and Dav’ion. I know their teachers’ names, what type of music they like, how many siblings they have, and more! No Saturday has been the same. The kids always find a way to inspire me and show little glimpses of God’s presence and each Saturday taught me something new about “service”.

. . . . . . . . .

What are you doing to serve your neighborhood?

What volunteer experiences have made an impact on your life?

Erika Castanon
Fresno State Student Volunteer
at Ericson Saturday Sports
& Richter Center student leader