At Centro Mater, service is built on presence, consistency, and relationships. For many volunteers, this nonprofit’s commitment to nurturing children and supporting families in Miami-Dade County is deeply personal. This year, Carrollton in particular has connected to the organization through building relationships with the children, learning from their diverse backgrounds, and witnessing the joy and growth that is rooted in the community. Starting this year, Centro Mater Club at Carrollton has the largest amount of volunteers who all serve actively. Volunteers discover that service is transformative not only for those they help, but also for themselves.
For many volunteers, one of the most meaningful parts of serving at Centro Mater is the opportunity to truly listen and learn. “I love that I get to hear the kids’ stories,” said Petra Compton ‘27. “I learn so much about all their diverse cultures, their different perspectives on life, and how they live.”
That sense of connection deepens over time, and for those who have returned semester after semester, Centro Mater has become more than a place to volunteer. Bianca Garcia ’27, who has dedicated nearly four years to the organization, said, “Having been a volunteer for almost four years, Centro Mater has taught us that service is more than volunteering, it’s commitment.”
That commitment is felt every time students walk through the doors. “Every time I go there, I am truly reminded that service is at the heart of everything we do,” said Carlota Giampetruzzi ‘27.
This spirit of purpose extends beyond individual visits and into the way the club operates as a whole. “Through this club, we have learned the importance of leading with compassion, responsibility, and purpose,” said Stella Fernandez ’27, “and we hope to continue creating a lasting impact in our community.”
And perhaps nothing captures the reward of consistent service quite like the moment a child calls you by name. “The most rewarding part of volunteering at Centro is when you go back after going once, and all the kids recognize you by name and give you hugs,” said Gabriella Dimauro ’27. “You really see how much joy you can bring.”
Together, these reflections paint a picture of what Centro Mater truly is: a community where relationships are built one visit at a time, and where the act of showing up consistently becomes its own form of love. For the children and families served by Centro Mater, the presence of Carrollton volunteers brings joy and continuity. For the students themselves, it brings perspective, purpose, and a deeper understanding of what it means to serve.
At the heart of everything Centro Mater does, is its founding belief: that every child MATERs. That belief is not just a slogan, but a call to action, one that Carrollton students have answered with their time, their compassion, and their continued presence. As Carrollton’s partnership with Centro Mater grows, it stands as a testament to the truth that true service is not a single act, but a lasting commitment to showing every child that they matter.
