Matt Martinich said he could tell when his clients really started to "get it." They became more interested in each of his weekly visits and most of all, they began to smile and laugh more often.

Martinich is a Volunteer Youth Advocate for the Mental Health Center of Boulder County. He has been helping young boys in need since October 2006. These boys (clients) have mental or emotional challenges and their home situations can be unpredictable so Martinich plans an away activity with his client each week. "At first the boy might be kind of shy, or be thinking it's some sort of duty to be with me. So maybe we'll play Frisbee in the park, go on a mountain hike, or just hang out. I try to fit the activity to what works for the boy," he said.

Mike Britton, the Outreach Coordinator for the Mental Health Center says, "Matt wants the best for his clients. He always works hard to make sure he has planned fun activities."

Martinich said, "I like to serve as a role model. Like the time I took my client bowling and discovered there were no lanes available. By seeking another activity, we learned to handle disappointment in a more mature, positive way."

The Mental Health Center has a priority of serving individuals and families by training qualified volunteers like Martinich "It helps me in many ways too," he said, "I feel just great when my clients learn more social skills and truly enjoy their activities with me. And I benefit personally by the practical experience in psychology, the field I intend to pursue when I graduate from C. U. this year."

For information about volunteering with the Mental Health Center of Boulder County or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904, or go to our Volunteer Central.