THE FOUNDERS OF VOLUNTEENS!

Melanie & Jennifer Bloom, co-founders and former presidents of Volunteens.com (2000-2002) graduated May 2006 from Duke University and Yale University (respectively). They are currently Investment Banking analysts in New York City.

Below is the information that appeared on Volunteens.com when they first founded the site as a way to help foster teen involvement in the community and in the world.

We founded Volunteens.com as a result of our own experience and our own search for a community service project. Although the community service coordinator at our school gave us some suggestions, we did a lot of research to determine what would interest us. We didn’t want to just fulfill the school requirement; we wanted to really make a difference. To do that, we had to find an opportunity that would match our interests and skills.

Unfortunately, there was very little information to go by. All we had was a short description of some volunteer opportunities available locally. We wondered what others had to say about each of these activities. What values did they bring to the volunteer work, and what benefits did they derive? Which volunteer activities were the most rewarding? The most fun? The most time-consuming? We didn’t know. But we decided then and there to find out this information and in this way, help the teens who will follow in our footsteps.

We researched the opportunities in the local area and the suggestions of area schools. Volunteering takes time and commitment. But when you enjoy what you do, and you see the difference you can make in your community and in the world, it is worth the effort!

We hope VolunTeens.com helps you find the volunteer opportunities that are right for you!

MELANIE BLOOM
JENIFER BLOOM
JACKIE SCHNEIDER
MELISA MILICH
JORDAN MILICH
SAMANTHA FRENCHMAN