WHAT IS THE YOUNG FRIENDS COUNCIL?
YFC is a diverse group of emerging leaders between the ages of 21 and 40 who are dedicated to supporting the mission of Home Sweet Home. YFC will provide leadership and support for fundraising efforts, volunteer recruitment, and increase the awareness of Home Sweet Home in our community.
HOW DO I JOIN?
Simply fill out the commitment form to be added to our Young Friends roster! We do ask that all Young Friends commit to attending volunteer and social activities as they can and pledging a financial donation to Home Sweet Home (whatever is in your budget). We will send regular communications regarding volunteering opportunities, updates, and events, so be sure to check your email!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF JOINING?
By becoming a Young Friend, you will meet other passionate young people, get involved in an amazing nonprofit, and give back to the St. Louis Community. This includes:
- leadership opportunities
- social events
- volunteer opportunities
- educational programming
- a connection to Home Sweet Home as a larger organization
- and MORE!
UPCOMING EVENTS
First Saturday Volunteer Events
Depending on the month, we will be delivering furniture or volunteering in the warehouse. If you haven’t volunteered with HSH before, you will also have the opportunity to participate in volunteer training. Young people interested in HSH or YFC are welcome to join us to learn more!
Where: 10 Sunnen Drive, Suite 100, Maplewood, MO 63143
When: First Saturday of the Month at 9am; volunteering is expected to wrap up between 11am and 12pm
RSVP below to volunteer on First Saturdays
WHAT DOES VOLUNTEERING LOOK LIKE?
Young Friends most often volunteer during “First Saturdays,” which take place on the first Saturday morning of each month when Home Sweet Home is open. Depending on the month, volunteers may work in the warehouse on a variety of tasks or assist with client deliveries by transporting furniture and household items directly to clients’ homes. Young Friends also support Home Sweet Home by volunteering at events such as Trivia Night and by planning and hosting their own fundraising activities.
WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YFC?
We are happy to answer any questions you have about Young Friends Council. You can reach us at youngfriends@homesweethomestl.org.
MEET YOUR 2026 YFC CO-CHAIRS
Hannah Smith
Assistant Director in Student Financial Services at Saint Louis University
hannah.smith0801@gmail.com
Hannah has been involved in Young Friends since 2022 and loves Home Sweet Home for allowing her to feel more connected and at home after moving to STL in 2021. She values the opportunity to support the mission of Home Sweet Home while finding other service-minded folks. Service + good people + fun – what more could you ask for?!
Outside of Home Sweet Home, Hannah also serves in the Young Professionals group for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and is pursuing her Masters degree at Saint Louis University.
You can find Hannah around STL exploring her favorite vintage stores with her fiancé, hanging out with her pups, or catching a show at The Muny or The Fox.
Mandy McDermott
Employee Experience Leader at Graybar
Mandy first learned about Home Sweet Home when looking for a charity that accepted furniture donations. After a few minutes of reading the website, she signed up to join our Young Friends Councils.
She loves how Young Friends has allowed her to support Home Sweet Home’s mission and help provide the community with all the comforts of home everyone deserves. She also has enjoyed meeting all of the wonderful people who work at, volunteer at, and support Home Sweet Home.
When she’s not volunteering, Mandy spends time with her husband, dog, friends, and family. She plays guitar, collects vinyl, reads, and likes to travel.