Trent Hill Center is grateful to be a part of a community that exudes boundless generosity. As our Executive Director, Scottie Hill, has said, “There’s something about this community that when called upon to step up to help and serve, they just do it. Every time we need anything, and oftentimes before we know we need it, someone in the community anticipates it and steps up to serve us and to serve the kids that we take care of.” Lyn Joyce is a prime example of this eager, anticipatory community volunteerism. Read on to learn more about why she volunteers her time and expertise with Trent Hill Center residents.

Q: How did you become involved with THC's Independent Living Program?

A: I’ve been a teacher, an Upward Bound counselor, a GSSMCollege Counselor, and a Student Success Coach at Coker. I jumped at the chance to help the THC team in developing its Independent Living program. I value the team’s enthusiasm and commitment to meet students where they are and then encourage responsibility and growth.

Q: What about this program makes you excited?

A: As a mom and educator, I’ve always enjoyed having conversations with young people about their goals and aspirations. This program supports students as they encounter adult decision-making in many areas:educational, emotional, social, vocational, financial, and more.

Q: How would you describe the benefits that this program promises to offer to youth in our community?

A: By facilitating a smoother transition to independence, this program aims to shore up any cracks in the foundation before launching these young people into the real world.

Q: How can others get involved with THC's Independent Living Program?

A: Everyone in our community has something we can teach or share because we all have failed and succeeded at something. Maybe you can teach a cooking lesson, demonstrate how to change a tire, allow a student to shadow you at work, share your advice on staying healthy, or model professional telephone skills. Those life experiences are valuable teaching tools and shared experiences strengthen the community.