Volunteer Spotlight: Celebrating Martha Negash

At ECLA, we are incredibly fortunate to have an extraordinary volunteer like Martha, whose unwavering commitment and boundless energy truly set her apart. Martha is the kind of person who steps up wherever needed, whether it’s organizing materials, initiating and participating in fundraising campaigns, or recruiting new members weekly. She is always ready to lend a hand, going above and beyond to ensure that our organization has what it needs to thrive.

Martha is a forward thinker, constantly on the lookout for ways to save money, make money, and strengthen our efforts. Her strategic mindset and proactive approach have helped us seize countless opportunities, and her generosity knows no bounds. She can galvanize those around her whenever we are in a bind, ensuring that we have the resources to succeed.

Her passion for promoting our mission is evident at every gathering she attends, where she enthusiastically shares our vision and recruits new supporters. Martha’s dedication is truly selfless, and her contributions have made a lasting impact on both our team and the communities we serve. We are beyond grateful for Martha's tireless efforts and her unwavering belief in our cause. Thank you, Martha, for being the heart and soul of our volunteer team!

Volunteer Spotlight: Celebrating Selam Yehdego - A True Advocate for Mental Health

At our organization, we are privileged to work with volunteers who go above and beyond for our community, and Selam is a shining example of that dedication. Her passion for mental health is not just her chosen field but a calling that drives her to make a real difference in the lives of others. Selam has been an invaluable leader, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the world was in crisis, she stepped up without hesitation to address the urgent mental health needs of our community. Her ability to find solutions for clients is unmatched, whether it’s through direct support or by connecting them with the resources they need. Her networking skills are exceptional, and she has a unique gift for bringing mental health professionals together to collaborate and strengthen the services we provide.

Most recently, Selam played a key role in launching mental health support groups—an initiative that has already begun making a profound impact in the caliber of professionals it has attracted. Leading her mental health team with compassion and efficiency, she ensures that every client’s needs are met with care. Even with her busy life, she finds time to prioritize the well-being of others, a testament to her commitment to our mission. Not only does Selam take the initiative in all that she does, but she also makes the extra effort to interpret at workshops, ensuring that language is never a barrier to receiving help. Her ability to create bilingual documents for the organization further ensures that our services are inclusive and accessible to all members of our community.

Her kind, supportive nature resonates throughout the organization. She is always there for her fellow volunteers, offering a helping hand or words of encouragement, making her an essential part of our family. Selam, thank you for your unwavering dedication, leadership, and compassion. You truly embody the spirit of volunteerism, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you on our team.