Q&A with CRAY! Meet Volunteer Annalise

Many CRAY advocates are community volunteers. These awesome individuals have day jobs AND they donate their time to support young people after hours as they navigate medical visits and law enforcement interviews. We sat down with Annalise, a local legal assistant/paralegal and CRAY volunteer, to ask a few questions.

Why do you volunteer with CRAY?

It is a unique volunteer opportunity to be able to provide advocacy for young people that I would otherwise not encounter in my daily life.

What is a highlight of your volunteer experience with CRAY?

A highlight was definitely getting a couple hugs from the young person that I advocated for at Children’s Hospital. It was a long night, and when I got into my car to leave it was bittersweet knowing I was able to be there for the young person, but almost sad that that was the end of it!

What do you wish the public knew about trafficking and exploitation?

Just that it even goes on, because most have no idea! Also, the signs that there could be trafficking going on, since it’s not always blatantly obvious.

What would you tell others who are interested in volunteering with CRAY?

It’s a great opportunity with other volunteers with big hearts like yours! Things are very well organized, everyone is helpful (and a ton of knowledge is shared), and it is an incredibly rewarding experience to be able to advocate for young people. You leave an accompaniment with your heart so full knowing that the young person felt supported (and it could be one of the few times they have felt that in their life) all because of you!

Interested in learning more about becoming a CRAY volunteer? Browse our Volunteer page and fill out our volunteer interest form.