Bridget (back row center) with some of her Holston MS Team.
YOKE is more than just a program or volunteer opportunity; it’s a family. While volunteering with YOKE is an opportunity to serve the community by positively impacting middle school students, it is also an opportunity to develop meaningful relationships that will last for years to come. The start of a new school year is the perfect time to enter into this community—especially as we prepare to launch programs at three new schools, bringing our total to 30 schools in 5 counties.
YOKE is seeking adults (typically college-age) that have a few hours each week to devote to positively impacting middle school kids. These volunteers – known as YOKE Folk – are responsible for helping to lead a weekly club at the school they are assigned to, spending quality time with middle school kids, and attending a weekend camp at the end of the semester.
Time and time again, we hear stories of how serving with YOKE is just as impactful for our leaders as it is for the kids. Bridget Newcomb, who started out as a YOKE kid in middle school and now serves as Team Leader at Holston Middle School, referenced Luke 6:38a when asked about YOKE’s impact on her life: “Give, and it will be given to you.”
“My goal when I started YOKE was to be a Christ-like role model and to make a difference in a young teen’s life,” said Bridget. “I didn’t expect YOKE to make a lasting change in my own life. By volunteering with YOKE, God has given me encouragement and love in my time of need, and a life-long community of friends.”
We are excited to be able to bring the YOKE community to new places this year as we launch programs at Gibbs Middle School, Hardin Valley Middle School, and Montgomery Ridge Intermediate School.
If you are interested in joining our community by serving at one of these schools (or at any of our other schools in Knox, Blount, Jefferson, Anderson, or Grainger counties), now is the time to take action. Call (865) 522-6907 or email yoke@yokeyouth.com. To inquire specifically about our new schools, use the information below:
Gibbs Middle School: Stephanie Enger – stephanie@yokeyouth.com
Hardin Valley Middle School: Leah Carter – leah@yokeyouth.com
Montgomery Ridge Intermediate School: Eli Smith – eli.smith@yokeyouth.com