As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Chris Gray (pictured in the middle with her two daughters) on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe.
Q&A with Chris
Tell us about you…
I am Chris Gray. I am married and my husband, David, and I now live on two acres outside of Manhattan, Kan. We raised two daughters in Texas and Newton, Kan. Both are now married and are raising families of their own. I have worked in public schools with blind and visually impaired students since 2004. First, I worked in Newton, and then in the Kansas City metro area. I became a braille transcriber in January of 2009. I received my certification as a braille transcriber from the Library of Congress in 2013. I have been working in Field Service as a braille transcriber for the Kansas State School for the Blind since March of 2020.
Why do you volunteer at Alphapointe?
I volunteer because I was raised to give back to my community. It was an important part of my life growing up. When I found Alphapointe – I knew I had found a place where I could make a difference in the lives of youth and a place I loved to volunteer.
I have volunteered at Alphapointe since 2011. The youth programs at Alphapointe have given countless young people the opportunity to have experiences they may not have gotten otherwise. Over the last 10 years I have been part of trips to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Tactile Tour, Christmas Caroling, Royals baseball games, skiing at Snow Creek, Christmas parties at Alphapointe, Technology Camp and for seven years at Adventure Camp. There are probably some I have forgotten to mention!
What do you take away when you leave Alphapointe?
I believe Alphapointe is committed to providing experiences to youth and being a part of that has given me great joy and satisfaction. Being at Adventure Camp and seeing the campers have fun, challenge themselves, make new friends, learn independence and gain confidence has been an amazing journey for me.
My experience with Alphapointe has been my involvement with the youth. I have also seen their facilities and they provide employment opportunities to adults and can assist a person with a visual impairment of any age to navigate the world in so many ways. Thank you for all that you do and thank you for letting me be a part of that!
Interested in helping Alphapointe? Learn more about our volunteer program!