Sean Handy has been a Just in Time Volunteer and Board Member since 2022. During that time, he has been a consistent and caring volunteer coach to Just in Time participants. As a Financial Reporting Manager at American Assets Trust, his skills and background are incredibly helpful to youth in our Financial Fitness service. In My Life, My Story, his empathy and relatable experiences have helped him forge relationships meaningful relationships with young men in the cohort. 

We recently sat down with Sean to discuss relationships and volunteering with Just in Time.

Q: You could volunteer or be on any board – why Just in Time for Foster Youth?  

A: I really resonate with the values of the organization in helping former foster youth bridge the gap from childhood to adulthood. Being raised by a single mom was very difficult and many times I felt the same feelings that the foster youth did or still do feel – loneliness, unsupported, and incapable of moving forward. It took a loving community of friends, mentors, and colleagues to help me realize my potential, feel seen and heard, and give me an opportunity to achieve goals I never even imagined. JIT is providing a similar community of resources to help these youth feel wanted, appreciated, and motivated to succeed.    

Q: You’ve had various volunteer roles at Just in Time – helping youth file taxes, connecting with male participants through My Life, My Story – Do you have a favorite experience or memory?

A: There has been a lot of great experiences volunteering with JIT. My favorite is probably the Sky Zone event we did with MLMS where the participants and coaches played dodgeball, and I took out most of the other team. After the game, I celebrated with the participants and dabbed up my boy Olan. Later in the event, I tried to dunk the basketball and got stuffed by the rim, so I guess that is karma. 

Q: What kind of skills or knowledge have you been able to share with our participants?  

A: With financial fitness, I was able to share my knowledge of creating a budget, having savings goals, reducing expenses, increasing cash flow, filing taxes, and investing. With MLMS, I was able to share life experiences such as overcoming childhood adversity, relationship advice, financial freedom, and starting a family. Also, listening and empathizing makes them feel heard and understood of their situation and the burdens they carry. I hope in turn they can do the same with their peers as a way of connecting, helping each other out, and building the community. I try to encourage the participants to just be good people, keep themselves accountable, and set goals to keep their paths straight. Joining the board as well hopefully gave a lot of the participants hope that they can achieve things they set their minds to regardless of lacking qualifications and their background.  

Q: What have you learned from the youth you’ve met?  

A: I have learned that these youth have undergone some serious trauma in their lives and still carry so much hope. It is amazing to see their resilience, their determination, and their work ethic to constantly show up to learn, grow, and be mentored by those willing to help. All the youth are very talented and capable of doing great things. The experiences and pain they have been through have made them stronger and more determined to tackle big obstacles in life and I am confident they will find success if they keep on fighting every day. 

 Q: Why is volunteering important to you?  

A: Volunteering is such an important thing to do because it helps someone in need. It is easy to walk in our own lane and go through life on our own terms. It takes selflessness and heart to show others that you care and want to help them wherever they are in life.  Everyone has the means and ability to be giving back their time, treasure, and talent in some capacity. We were not designed to live life alone and we need each other to achieve the things we all desire – prosperity, peace, and love.  

Q: Advice for anyone wanting to give back through volunteering with Just in Time?  

A: If you are thinking about volunteering with Just in Time, just do it. The organization will find a place for you that suits your strengths and abilities. If you are on the fence and questioning it, just remember, it is better to give than receive. You will have direct impact on individuals here and you may change the trajectory of their lives just by showing up.