Volunteering a ‘profound’ way to give back

Meet the United Way’s Volunteer of the Month.

Lifelong Daytonian Michael Wadham may have started volunteering at Catholic Social Services as part of his schooling, but he kept volunteering there for a deeper purpose.

Wadham is being spotlighted during the month of February as the United Way of Greater Dayton Area’s Community Volunteer of the Month.

After returning to school to earn a degree in social work, a professor in a social welfare class required an internship at a social service organization. By May 2014, Wadham had fulfilled his required hours at Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley but stayed on as a volunteer because the work led him to believe he was “fulfilling a purpose,” according to the United Way’s Volunteer Connection.

Wadham’s duties include assisting on research projects and serving as a case manager and case aide.

“There are few days that pass where I don’t feel blessed,” Wadham told the United Way. “I have amazing things going on in my life, and volunteering is a profound way to give back.”

Learn more about Wadham's other volunteer endeavors and read what Catholic Social Services representatives had to say about him on the United Way's website.

Wadham is also active in the local theater community, including as an artistic director with Vandalia Youth Theatre and in the theater departments of several local schools. He also has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.

“Michael has been such an integral part to our Family Stabilization and Support program,” said Michelle Leonard of Catholic Social Services. “He is genuine and brings empathy and compassion when engaging with everyone in the agency.”

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