When I went to college I majored in Criminal Justice, feeling that I would be great in the field, but as I started to pursue a career I realized that I have more to give to ones who really need my help.

I was in the shopping mall one day and ran into an old family friend. We started talking about what we have been doing in our lives, with our children etc. and she brought up that she works for Hope Services as a coordinator with people who have special needs. As our conversation started to end she invited me to come and visit the Hope site.

After my brief visit to Hope and spending time with our clients, I drove home realizing I wanted to be part of this community, working, teaching, and being part of their personal growth.

Working now with this population for 16 years I can say first hand that they are a very talented, dedicated and eager group of individuals. When we are offered a volunteer job from our communities, our clients are ready and excited to learn something new. The dedication this population has for anything given to them is pure and unconditional. This population also teaches us that it is okay to be who we are and love who we are.

Now let’s touch on talent. I was honored to interview one of our clients named Adam, who has been with Hope for 5 years. Adam came to us right after graduating from Hollister High in 2018. Adam is a huge part of the community. He has worked as a volunteer for the Downtown Association, and works for a Non-Profit called “Growing Hearts” where he teaches community members how to plant and grow fruit and veggies along with video blogging for the community’s Farmers Market. Adam also does all the photography for community events. Adam is a big-hearted man who loves to help others and enjoys seeing his peers succeed.

If interested in see Adam’s work visit him at: Facebook @ Adam Bell Photographer

You can also find a recent feature on Adam Bell in the San Benito County News