Elgin woman dedicated to helping young volunteers

Judy Cabrera says one of the most rewarding things about running the Youth United Way program in Elgin is seeing her high school mentees carry the volunteerism torch into their adult life.

"I think every person who volunteers, they learn as much as they give," said Cabrera, who co-founded the group in 1997. "There's such a wonderful trade off."

The group, part of United Way of Elgin, comprises 35 to 40 students who learn about, and volunteer for, charitable organizations in Elgin while developing leadership skills.

"For me, it's like teaching them civic responsibility," Cabrera said. "It's like being the conduit to provide the kids with avenues where they can volunteer."

The group won an Image award and was recognized on Extra Mile Day by the city of Elgin this year alone.

"Judy has almost single-handedly run the group - coordinating meetings, helping arrange projects for the students, advising and mentoring them," said Elissa Kojzarek, director of marketing for United Way of Elgin. "Judy is really the force that keeps that group together."

Cabrera, 66, has lived in Elgin for about 38 years. She retired from working as a bilingual diagnostician for Elgin Area School District U-46, but still does some part-time testing for English language learners and gifted students.

She co-founded Youth United Way with Janine Kirkland and Taffy Hoffer in 1997, when all three were on the board of directors of United Way of Elgin, she said.

The students meet monthly at the United Way office and participate in one or two volunteer projects per month. Their contributions over the years span myriad projects, Cabrera said.

They've helped set up events like Fiesta Salsa and Nightmare on Chicago Street in Elgin, they've baked cookies for the homeless, and they've raised money for nonprofits through food drives, concessions sales and dodgeball tournaments, for example.

They also volunteer at the Community Crisis Center in Elgin, where they help kids with homework and playtime.

"Time is the most valuable thing you can contribute, and we really want them to learn about the community and where they can volunteer," she said.

Cabrera has also volunteered for the Elgin Leadership Academy, and has served on the board for the Well Child Center in Elgin, and on committees for the YWCA and Community Crisis Center, among others. She also co-chaired Fiesta Salsa.

As for why she keeps putting in the effort to run Youth United Way, the answer is simple, she says.

"I just relay enjoy working with kids," she said. "I just find it energizing. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and it's a wonderful way to give back."