—by Tunika Onnekikami
Giving Back: K.P./INROADS Interns Attend INROADS National Day of Service
One way INROADS interns live out KP’s Promise to improve the total health of our communities is by participating in the National Day of Service at the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier. This year, more than 25 interns attended the National Day of Service on July 21st to mentor teens and inspire them to prepare for their futures. The partnership with the Boys & Girls Club began three years ago and continues to thrive with with interns giving these teens a glimpse into their future selves.
The Day of Service began with an ice-breaker, a small activity designed to get people talking. Interns and teens paired up to participate in a “Speed Networking” game and, after asking and responding to some thought-provoking questions, they learned more about one another. Afterward, a panel of interns shared their challenging yet inspiring journeys to college and into INROADS.
Angel Lozano, INROADS intern in Financial Planning/Analysis at KP Walnut Center, summarized the panel stating, “It was a profound experience to hear the adversity and struggles that my fellow peers had to endure and overcome.” For me, each story was impactful and I believe that the trials some interns have endured ultimately landed them one step closer to their dreams.
INROADS Senior Program Manager, MayLynn Melendez, also spoke about the importance of INROADS community service, which strongly aligns with KP’s Promise and commitment to its communities. “It’s a National Day of Service so we can give back to the community and remember where INROADS came from—the spirit of Frank C. Carr, our founder, who was inspired to give back and help others,” Melendez said. “We want to continue that spirit and legacy with the Boys & Girls Club of America, and hopefully inspire the youth that is going to come up behind us.”
Marlisha Burris, Community Benefit/Public Affairs INROADS intern at KP LAMC, believes that it is never too early for teens to prepare for their future. “Our National Day of Service is important because of INROADS commitment to community leadership and Kaiser Permanente’s goal to provide resources that will address social and economic inequity,” says Burris. “It is our duty as interns and new alumni to join both INROADS and Kaiser Permanente to live out their promises.”
Many interns, both new and returning, found the National Day of Service to be impactful and hoped the teens were just as inspired. This day continues to fulfill the KP Promise and exemplifies the commitment INROADS interns made to their communities.
For National Day of Service Home Page click here.