April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. What better time to spotlight our HVAF employees as they share, in their own words, their unique volunteer experiences in the community. All month long, we’ll be sharing their stories on the HVAF blog.

Meet: Bryan Dysert. He’s HVAF’s Director of Programs and Services.

In 2006, I volunteered with the Special Olympics and served as a coach on a basketball team for kids around the age of 10. It was so much fun! We held practice two times a week and I would coach the kids through basic basketball drills. It gave me a chance to spend time with boys and help them through more than basketball skills. I was able to talk with them, mentor when needed, and just be a constant, positive force in their lives. As the season progressed, I was able to be more involved with the kids and their families. Most of the interaction was centered on basketball, but sometimes I was able to help with school, too. I also got to know their families through basketball games and practices. We ended up winning the State Championship one year! Even more, the kids made an impact on me and I could tell that I also had made an impact on them. The kids all got together and made a photo collage of our time together throughout the season of the championship win and gave it to me. It was extremely thoughtful and I often wonder what they are up to now.