Volunteer Profile
Harriett Swennes WORKING TOGETHER TO STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY
Harriett Swennes began volunteering at LaAmistad 10 years ago and has seen the program grow from a handful of students and volunteers to a comprehensive program that has served hundreds of students and families. She served as the co-director of LaAmistad for over two years and now volunteers twice a week as a classroom lead.

Harriett is inspired by the love of the children and multi-cultural community that is created at LaAmistad. Students, parents, and volunteers set aside their busy schedules to support a shared goal: breaking out of poverty through academic success. Harriett views LaAmistad as a place where students and parents can learn from volunteers and the volunteers can grow and learn from the families they serve. She believes that "people of different cultures working together are very special" and that working together "fosters trust among Hispanic families and helps us as volunteers understand people of cultures different than our own."

LaAmistad provides an environment in which students, parents, and volunteers can grow together in trust and understanding. The growth of the program in serving both students and families in addition to the daily successes of the students drive Harriett and many other volunteers to support LaAmistad year after year. We are truly blessed to have such devoted and enthusiastic supporters.