Melissa Marshallserves as a Youth Intake/Life Coach and Meal Speacialist H.W.A.M.

Why do you feel called to serve at H.W.A.M.?
In 2008, I was in a car accident where my car was declared totaled yet I walked away without a scratch. I had always wondered why I had lived. Today, I can tell you why. God’s plan for me wasn’t for me to die but instead find my calling in life to help youth. When I started in December 2009, I fell in love and knew life was going to be different. I knew that my life experiences would benefit some of the kids in some way or another. I wanted them to know that even though you have had hard experiences in the past, you can still have a shot at a good life. Romans 8:25 states: "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." I like this verse because I had waited 2 years after the car wreck to find the path that God had planned for me. His plan was for me to share with the kiddos His love.

What is your role at the H.W.A.M.?
I am a Youth Intake Specialist/Meal Specialist. I love interacting with the youth so much. I love to let them know that you're never too old to have a childhood.

What are your favorite things about working at H.W.A.M.?
I love coming to work because of the positive atmosphere. I come to work not only to be around the kiddos but because the rest of the staff has created a family and has made it very enjoyable to come in.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Some of my favorite things to do in my free time is to hang out with friends, being outdoors and hanging out with my with my family.

What is one funny thing about yourself?
Oh there are too many funny stories to tell. I would say that sometimes I am a very shy person and get really embarrassed pretty easily. In summer 2010, we took the kids on a camping trip for Memorial weekend. This was the first trip we, as staff members, all hung out outside of the shelter so you can imagine that I was super nervous. Well, one morning after everyone had been up for a while I decided to go take a seat by the fire. I sat down thinking, “no big deal”. All of a sudden I knew I was going down and there was no stopping it. There in front of all my co-workers and the kiddos the chair collapsed! I didn't fall straigth back. Noo!! The chair shut around me in sort of a “taco” position with my legs and arms straight in the air. Hmm…humiliating. What made it better is another staff member came rushing to me and I was crying and laughing! Not because it hurt but because I was so mortified.

Hometown: Santa Ana, California