Andy Card serves as as a Youth Intake Specialist and Life Coach at H.W.A.M.

Why do you feel called to serve at H.W.A.M.?
I have known Kevin Lamson (Executive Director) for over 10 years. I had just finished college and moved back home when Kevin invited me to take a tour of newly built shelter. During the tour, he explained how much God has provided and how excited he was to get the shelter up and running. I, too, was excited to see God work in Southern Oregon and I felt the calling to be a part of Hearts With A Mission. I knew that the shelter would provide opportunities for teens who need a safe place with shelter and food so they can focus on their school work and being kids.

What is your role at the H.W.A.M.?
My official title is Youth Intake Specialist, but I believe that my role at H.W.A.M. is to help the kids here realize their future. I motivate the youth to make goals, whether they are career or educational, and encourage them to always be thinking of ways to accomplish the goals they have made. I am always available to help with studies and I try to promote educational games so the kids are able to associate learning with having fun.

What are your favorite things about working at H.W.A.M.?
My favorite thing about H.W.A.M. is developing relationships with the kids and watching them attain their goals. I come to work expecting to teach the kids about education or life, but in the end, it is me who learns and grows. The kids teach me so much about myself and how to reach the younger generation. The most exciting aspect of my job is to see the kids succeed: getting on track to graduate, finding employment, or being reunited with their family; it gives me fulfillment in life knowing that I have helped a teen and/or the family accomplish goals that may have seemed impossible. .

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I do a lot of traveling, reading, writing, and eating. In fact, I have recently started a blog that incorporates all of my hobbies on a website and allows me to share all of my experiences with my friends and family.

What is one funny thing about yourself?
While in Israel, I was trying to get cheese with a meat plate that I had ordered. The waiter kept looking at me with a frightful look and after a couple more times of asking for that cheese, he started to yell at me in front of everyone. I was extremely embarrassed but confused as to why I was being yelled at until a friend of mine told me that it was not kosher to have meat with cheese in Israel. I was so embarrassed that I forgot that this was taboo in Israel and the fact I was relentless about getting cheese with my dish. Definitely a cultural learning experience.

Hometown: Medford, Oregon
Studied at Northwest Christian College, B.A. Business