The laughter of infants, the excitement of story time, and the comfort of a familiar face may seem like small moments, but at Fuller Center, those interactions create the foundation for a child’s future.
Every day, volunteers bring their time, talents, and compassion to Fuller Center, helping children feel seen, supported, and encouraged as they learn and grow. This year, more than 370 volunteers and mentors have strengthened programs across the organization, creating meaningful connections that leave a lasting impact on both children and families.
Among them are Dana Rossi, a Wee Dream Ball Committee member, and Christina Maltman, a Fuller Center Board Member. Both spend time volunteering in Fuller Center’s infant and toddler classrooms, where they read stories, play games, and take part in the everyday moments that are so important during a child’s earliest years.
“I come for storytime, cuddles, and smiles, but I leave with so much more,” Dana shared. “Watching these little ones learn, grow, and feel safe reminds me just how important early support is for a child’s future.”
For Christina, it is the children’s joy that keeps her coming back.
“What I love most about volunteering at Fuller Center is the kids,” she said. “The joy in their eyes is contagious, and getting to be even a small part of their lives is such a gift.”
Their experiences offer a glimpse into the heart of Fuller Center’s volunteer program. While volunteers support classrooms, special events, and mentoring opportunities throughout the organization, their greatest impact often comes through the simple act of showing up consistently for a child.
Through her time in the classroom, Dana has gained a deeper understanding of the role Fuller Center plays in the community.
“What many people don’t realize is that Fuller Center does so much more than childcare,” she said. “They serve nearly 1,000 children and 700 families annually, helping families access quality education, healthy meals, mentorship, and critical support services from infancy through young adulthood.”
Dana is particularly inspired by Fuller Center’s commitment to working families. By providing high-quality, affordable care and educational programs for children beginning at just six weeks old, “Parents can go to work knowing their children are safe, learning, and surrounded by people who genuinely care about them,” she said. “That peace of mind is invaluable.”
Beyond the early learning classrooms, volunteers contribute throughout Fuller Center’s programs, from supporting special events to mentoring students as they navigate academic, personal, and career goals. These relationships provide encouragement, guidance, and positive role models that help young people build confidence and discover their potential.
According to Fuller Center CEO Eric Roby, those connections are often just as important as the programs themselves.
“Children thrive when they are surrounded by caring adults who believe in them,” Roby said. “Our volunteers and mentors provide encouragement, stability, and positive experiences that help young people build confidence and realize their potential. The time they invest today helps shape the leaders, parents, and professionals of tomorrow.”
Become Part of the Story
Every child deserves caring adults who help them believe in what is possible. At Fuller Center, volunteers and mentors make that happen every day.
Whether you have an hour a week to read with a child, share your professional expertise with a teen, assist at a special event, or mentor a student, there are countless ways to make a meaningful difference. Join the more than 370 volunteers and mentors who are helping build stronger children, stronger families, and a stronger community.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities or make a contribution to support Fuller Center’s mission, visit www.fullercenterfl.org, and check out Dana Rossi’s video testimony below. Together, we can help every child feel embraced, educated, and empowered to reach their full potential.
