NewsDrop-February-2024

EAC | EDWARDS AQUIFER CONSERVANCY A DEEP LOVE OF VOLUNTEERING

NY: Coming to the EAA with a lengthy history in volunteerism, how have you been able to integrate your passion for community service into your role here?

By: Nikki Young , Sr. Community Engagement Administrator

DC: Fortunately, the EAA has provided a supportive environment for my passion for volunteerism. I’ve been able to continue my previous volunteer efforts and even bring forth initiatives like the Workplace Mentoring program with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the annual Salvation Army Angel Tree project. It’s a privilege to contribute to the com munity while working for an organization that values and encourages such endeavors. NY: Your active and long-term involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Salvation Army Angel Tree project is truly remarkable. Can you please share how these specific volunteer/philanthropic efforts have impacted both the community and your colleagues at the EAA? DC: These initiatives have been fulfilling on multiple levels. The Workplace Mentoring program fosters personal development and establishes a connection between the EAA and the younger generation. The Angel Tree project brings joy to families in need during the holiday season. Witnessing my colleagues pour out their support for these efforts not only strengthens our company culture but also showcases the very best in each of them.

IN THE RHYTHMIC PULSE OF COMMUNITY COLLABORATION NIKKI YOUNG ENGAGES IN A HEARTFELT INTERVIEW WITH DAMON CHILDS, EAHCP CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR WHERE THEY EXPLORE DAMON’S COMMITMENT TO VOLUNTEERING AND THE IMPACT IT HAS ON BOTH THE EAA AND THE BROADER COMMUNITY.

Inspired by his uncle, Damon Childs, Oliver Foster age 14, volunteers annually at the H-E-B Feast of Sharing event through “EAA Gives Back”.

Nikki Young (NY): Damon, it’s a pleasure to visit with you for a special Valentine’s Day-themed conversation about your ‘love of volunteering’ at the EAA. Let’s start by exploring the roots of your dedication to volunteering. What does the concept of leaving something better than when you started mean to you, and how does it apply to your work in our community? Damon Childs (DC): Nikki, thank you for inviting me to share with you my thoughts and experiences about serv ing our community. The idea of leaving something better is a guiding principle in my life, and when it comes to our community, it’s about making a positive impact that extends beyond personal endeavors. Working for an agency with service at its core, like the Edwards Aquifer Authority, allows me to align my personal values with my professional life.

NY: As part of the “EAA Gives Back” initiative, you’ve been actively involved in the H-E-B Feast of Sharing event, a longstanding tradition at the EAA since 2018. Can you please recount one of these events, sharing the impact of witnessing over 10,000 people being served by a dedicated team of volunteers? Additionally, could you please elaborate on what this event personally means to you? DC: Volunteering at the H-E-B Feast of Sharing event was truly a sight to see, especially in the spirit of giving during the holiday season. Being there with my teenage nephew and our EAA staff, experiencing the collective effort to serve thousands of people a holiday meal was awe-inspiring. The sole intent was to provide them with a great day of food and fellowship. It not only showcased the power of volunteering but also left a lasting impression on everyone involved, especially my nephew, Oliver, whom this experience inspired him to sow into others as they have done for him. Oliver now regularly volunteers at the community kitchen at Haven for Hope which is ran by the San Antonio Food Bank.

NY: Your passion and enthusiasm for volunteering is obviously contagious, and as we embrace the season of love, it’s heartening to hear about your positive impact. Looking ahead, what are your anticipations for more opportunities to serve alongside your EAA family?

NY: Your perspective on community service is genuinely thoughtful and heartwarming, particularly as we embrace the sea son of love. In what ways has the EAA’s commitment to safeguarding the Edwards Aquifer shaped your approach to making a meaningful impact on the 2.5 million individuals we serve in other meaningful ways? DC: The primary duty of the EAA is to steward the Edwards Aquifer, an exceptional water resource. The metaphorical sig nificance of the Contributing Zone in the Edwards Aquifer system beautifully illustrates our active involvement and ongo ing “contribution” to the community through volunteerism. This approach underscores a holistic impact, assuring that our service extends to various aspects of our community, positively shaping the lives of our constituents in meaningful ways.

DC: I look forward to many more opportunities to serve alongside my EAA family. The spirit of volunteerism not only enriches our community but also brings us closer together. It creates lasting bonds and memories that define the heart of the Edwards Aquifer Authority. I’m eager to continue making a positive impact in the lives of our constituents and reinforcing the sense of community within our organization and encourage those reading this to sign up to volunteer today!

Learn more about future volunteer opportunities by visiting https://www.eaconservancy.org and exploring the Contributing Zone page under the “Get Involved” tab.

Edwards Aquifer Authority staff members serve as Big Brothers and Big Sisters through the Workplace Mentoring program.

Damon Childs (pictured center in red sweater) facilitates the EAA’s annual participation in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

18

19