JOHN COFFILL
Department of Corrections - Lancaster Youth Offendor Prison Mentorship
Wanting to help others, I developed an opprotunity to mentore inmates at the Lancaster Youth Offender Prison. My mom had a ministry at the prison and she introduced me to the chaplain of the faith based dormitory. I was asked to speak to the inmates about my failures and successes. I teamed up with Niel Wingfield to visit the prison on a regular basis to teach how to set goals and create a plan to achieve them.
Mentoring the young men helps me as much as it helps them. We create an open discussion environment where we talk about challenges faced by men in today's society. We give our mentees assignments to complete by the time we come back in two weeks. My goal by volunteering at the prison is to positively impact someone else's life through sharing and communicating.
United Way - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Volunteering for VITA and becoming a certified IRS tax preparer is very rewarding. I have the opportunity to meet new people and learn about different types of income. I have volunteered every year since 2013.
It's a credo. A mission. A goal. A constant reminder that when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. We build the strength of our neighborhoods. We bolster the health of our communities. And we change the lives of those who walk by us every day.
Toastmasters International - Gator Toastmasters
I joined Gator Toastmasters with the encouragement of the leader of StorterChilds, Shariq Siraj. I have met new people and stregthened my communication skills. The meetings are organizaed and engaging.
Toastmasters is a place where you develop and grow - both personally and professionally. You join a community of learners, and in Toastmasters meetings we learn by doing. You'll open up a world of new possibilities: giving better work presentations; leading meetings - and participating in them - more confidently; speaking more smoothly off the cuff; even handling one-on-one interactions with family, friends and colleagues more positively.
Civic Engagement
While at SF, I leanred what is civic engagement and why it is important. I look forward to opportunities to serve and help others which is my passion. Leading by example and working with people allows me to effectuvely lead through a coachng style of management. As the leader of my home, I encourage my family to be involved with charities in our community. My family and I like to be involved with outside activities that allow us to spend quality time together while helping others.
Local Involvement
March of Dimes, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, American Cancer Society are all charities that my family and I actively participate in to raise awareness and fundraise. Having the opportunity to help others while teaching my children the value of civic engagement is personally rewarding.
