At Youth for Change, we’re fortunate to have volunteers who give their time, energy, and care to making our work possible. Lisa Stawasz is one of those people, and we’re proud to have nominated her for the City of Westfield’s Volunteer of the Year award.
Lisa has been part of Youth for Change since our founding in 2021, serving as an active member of our fundraising committee. As our first fundraising lead, she helped build the foundation for the fundraising efforts that allow us to support local causes and create opportunities for young people to get involved in their community.
Today, Lisa continues to be an important part of the team. She has helped us grow from small fundraisers bringing in a few hundred dollars to larger community events, including our most recent Designer Purse Bingo, which raised nearly $10,000. That kind of growth takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work, and Lisa has consistently been there to help make it happen.
But her commitment goes well beyond fundraising.
For the past five years, Lisa has volunteered for the entire 25 hours of our annual Charity All-Nighter. She shows up ready to help wherever she’s needed, never looking for recognition or asking for special assignments. Whether she’s helping with event logistics, attending fundraising meetings, or supporting participants throughout the night, Lisa gives her time because she genuinely cares about the people around her.
That care is especially evident in the way she looks out for our young participants. Lisa pays attention to what’s happening around her, recognizes when someone may need support, and takes action when something isn’t right. She understands that creating a positive experience means more than planning fun activities — it means making sure young people feel safe, included, and supported.
Lisa also brings that same commitment to other organizations in the community, including Vacation Bible Experience at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament and the Westfield High School Special Olympics team. Her involvement reflects something we value deeply at Youth for Change: a willingness to show up wherever help is needed.
Through her time, dedication, and generosity, Lisa helps make it possible for Youth for Change to raise funds for local causes and give young people opportunities to build connections, get involved, and discover the impact they can have in their community.
As a whole, Westfield is full of people who make a difference without asking for anything in return. Lisa is one of them, and we’re proud to have her on our team. Congratulations, Lisa, on your well-deserved recognition!
