As Christian Flores begins his academic journey at the University of Notre Dame this fall, he reflects on how his volunteer work in the Waukegan office of Catholic Charities prepared him for his future.
“What I like the most about volunteering is when you’re able to help people, give them hope, and actually deliver a solution or point them in the right direction,” said Christian, 18, a 2025 graduate of Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep in Waukegan. “The work here is so fulfilling; whatever I do in the future, I want to have an element of working with people and having an impact.”
As part of a corporate work study program at his high school, Christian volunteered once a week during the last year in both the reception area and food pantry in the Waukegan office. He worked directly with those in need, referring clients to case managers, counseling, and support services. He found satisfaction when he connected with the people served by Catholic Charities.
“When you have a positive interaction and it ends with a client giving you a smile and being filled with hope, and you’re sending them where they can find help, that’s really fulfilling,” Christian said. “That makes me feel happy, and it makes me remember that even when these clients get frustrated, it’s best not to match that energy but instead, just try to deliver a service with a smile on your face so they will feel that way, too.”
Making an impact
His impact was felt by his staff mentor, Stephanie Monroy-Bautista, a Catholic Charities program coordinator. She guided Christian as he learned how to talk, listen, and interact with the more than 50 clients who visit the reception area each weekday. At reception, she said, the goal is to be patient, listen to the clients’ concerns, give them options and choices about their next steps so they feel they are in control.
“Christian has taken on a very important role with our mission,” Stephanie said. “Everyone at the front desk has to have empathy; take the time to listen, be patient, and go above and beyond to get them where they need to go.
“Christian followed through on that role very naturally,” she said. “His personality, his compassion, and empathy perfectly fit in with that role.”
After serving for 10 years as a Catholic Charities employee, Stephanie recognizes the importance of inspiring and teaching student volunteers how to deescalate and listen to those clients in need who often just want their story heard.
“When we talk to a client for those five to 10 minutes, their problem is our problem,” she explained. “For those five to 10 minutes, it’s a ‘we’ — what are we going to do, where are we going to go. We’ll try to assist, research whatever we can so they can get to the right place.”
Christian said he worked hard in this front desk role and also enjoyed his work in the Waukegan food pantry, stocking shelves and shopping with visitors.
Giving people in need a choice
“We’re giving people a choice, and there’s something restorative to these people’s dignity by giving them the basic option of choosing their own meals,” Christian said. “It can really uplift them.”
Throughout his work at Catholic Charities, he witnessed the accompaniment provided by both staff and volunteers. But he also discovered that so much more is needed.
“I’ve grown in learning how to empathize with people and being able to listen more,” he said, referencing the powerful encounters he had with people he served. “It helps me better reflect on the overall need in this community.
“There is so much need in this community but there’s so many people willing to help,” Christian said. “You see so many volunteers show up every week, every month to events and they are so committed to helping. There should be more advocacy for the youth to engage in their community.”
Christian invited his brother, friends, and classmates to join him in volunteering, and he feels confident that they’ll enjoy the opportunity.
“It’s such a great experience for them,” Stephanie said of working with high school students. She’s worked with more than a half dozen students in recent years and watched how it’s impacted them.
“One student was very quiet, not outspoken, and she completely transformed after volunteering here,” Stephanie said. “She started doing things with empathy and compassion that she encouraged within herself. I witnessed a complete transformation.”