Volunteer Spotlight - Nicholas Barbella

Quaker School Real World Ready Volunteer

Nick Barbella, Real World Ready Teacher at the Quaker School at Horsham, shared this lovely testimonial about volunteering with the Beds for Kids program and sharing opportunities for service with his students:

I’ve truly enjoyed volunteering with Beds for Kids alongside my students at The Quaker School at Horsham. It’s been especially meaningful to me, as my connection with Beds for Kids goes back to when I was an 8th grader at The Quaker School myself. I first got involved through my church, St. John's Lutheran Evangelical Church in Mayfair, back when operations were run through Gloria Dei Church. I still remember helping deliver beds to families in some of Philadelphia’s most underserved neighborhoods and how deeply grateful those families were. That experience had a profound impact on me—it was another example in my life that displayed the importance of service and impacted my decision to pursue my Master’s in Social Work.

Returning to The Quaker School this year as the new Real World Ready teacher has brought everything full circle. Our program supports young adults in transition, helping them build the skills they need for life beyond school. Part of that includes internships and volunteer work. From the start, I knew that our students needed more than just job training—they needed purpose, something that would make them feel valued and empowered. Beds for Kids was the first opportunity that came to mind.

After speaking with our Director of Outreach, Jessica Zsoldos, we were able to get involved, and it has been an incredible experience. Our students had looked forward to Thursdays to come out and volunteer; it became a highlight of their week. Volunteering with Beds for Kids gave them the chance to make a real difference while also participating in a meaningful and accessible way. They’re discovering that they, too, can contribute to their communities in powerful ways.

Thank you again for the important work you do and for welcoming our students into it - I know our 12th graders who have been involved with volunteering with OHAAT more recently have also enjoyed the experience. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it again—and to pass that same opportunity on to the next generation.