April Volunteer of the Month: Alastair Churchward

This month, we honor Alastair Churchward as an “everyday hero.” After serving in the Peace Corps, Alastair returned to Atlanta and sought out volunteer opportunities to re-acclimate to living in the United States.

For more than a year, Alastair has provided much-needed support in our Pathways to Bright Futures afterschool program by tutoring, participating in recreational activities and mentoring our middle school students.  The program supports students through a crucial period of their lives by offering English language and tutoring services as well as a safe place to learn, grow and play.

As a strong mentor and positive role model, Alastair became a volunteer in the afterschool program to help kids adjust to living in the United States. “The personal growth and maturity that you can see happening over a period of time – whether it’s how they approach their homework, how they interact with others or how they deal with authority,” he says, “you can really see them grow and learn.”  One of Alastair’s most memorable moments in the afterschool program was when he was teaching a student how to throw a football. The student threw a perfect spiral all the way across the gym…and hit another kid in the head with it.

Alastair also served as an intern in our Advancement Department while working toward his Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. Alastair gained valuable experience working in a nonprofit organization that will benefit him as moves into the world of nonprofit management – and he has been an integral member of the New American Pathways’ family.

Alastair decided to increase his commitment because: “Personally, I wanted to work at an organization that has a meaningful impact on those it serves. Professionally, I wanted to learn more about a career path in Development to supplement my experience with grant writing and strategic planning.” He has found that staff members are always prepared to answer any questions and help him learn.

We are pleased to honor Alastair’s work as both a volunteer and intern, and his dedication to our mission. We congratulate Alastair on his upcoming graduation and know he will go on to accomplish great things!