Impact doesn’t always come through in big moments!
Henry is one of those students who somehow manages to be everywhere at once in our teen center—in the best way. He’s in middle school, but he carries himself with a quiet confidence that makes him easy to overlook if you’re not paying attention. And if you are paying attention, you quickly realize he’s the kind of kid who makes a place feel warmer just by showing up.
Most afternoons, Henry drifts naturally from one space to another. He plays games with friends, settles in to get his homework done, and then circles back to catch up with volunteers and peers alike. He’s a kind friend—quick to include others, quick to listen, and genuinely curious about the people around him. He has a way of asking questions that aren’t rushed, the kind that tells you he actually wants to know the answer.
One of my favorite memories of Henry happened on the very first day back after the school year started. The building was buzzing, everyone was finding their rhythm again, and Henry was deep in conversation with one of our volunteers who was close to 90 years old. With complete seriousness—and a lot of enthusiasm—Henry was explaining every Transformers figure he had gotten for Christmas. He went into detail about names, transformations, and which ones were clearly superior. The volunteer listened intently, nodding along, asking questions, and laughing at the right moments. Watching a middle schooler patiently explain Transformers lore to someone more than seven decades older was one of those small, holy moments you don’t plan for—but never forget.
Every day, without fail, Henry offers to help clean up. Not because he’s asked to, but because he notices. Chairs, trash, spilled snacks—he’s there. Then he’ll ask another question. Or tell a joke. Or linger just long enough to make sure everyone’s okay before heading out.
That’s what our teen center is about. Being open. Being consistent. Creating a space where students like Henry know they belong, where volunteers show up day after day, and relationships are built over time. We don’t force conversations about faith—we offer an invitation. And often, that invitation looks like listening, laughing, and showing up consistently.
Henry reminds me that impact doesn’t always come through big moments. Sometimes it comes through a kid who keeps showing up, keeps helping, and keeps talking about Transformers—because he knows this is a place where he’s seen, valued, and welcome.
Denzel Samuel
Poulsbo Area Director
*This student’s name has been changed for privacy.