Tiombe Hurd takes First Steps to Become Involved with Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind

In honor of Martin Luther King, Tiombe Hurd attended the volunteer orientation for Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind in Washington, DC. Tiombe, the American Record Holder in the long jump, is a new member to Athletes for Hope. She was extremely excited to go through the orientation process at Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind. The orientation gave her the opportunity to learn more about the mission, programs, and goals of the organization.

Now that Tiombe has completed the orientation process, she plans to volunteer in February with their teen support group. The group is called “Time to Rap” and it offers weekly group meetings for teenagers with low vision or blindness in Prince George’s County, Maryland. This opportunity allows teenagers to discuss issues and concerns, improve social skills and develop better ways of communicating. Students in the group share a meal, volunteer at local agencies, work on special projects and spend time interacting with their peers. Tiombe hopes to do a speaking engagement with the teens, where she talks to them about goals and life lessons she has learned on and off the track.

Tiombe was one of 35 AFH members from across the country who volunteered their services on MLK. Initiated by Congress in 1994, the King Day of Service transforms the federal holiday into a national day of community service grounded in Dr. King’s teachings of nonviolence and social justice. The Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that oversees the nation’s domestic service initiatives, led the annual Martin Luther King Day of Service in partnership with the King Center and nonprofits, community groups, schools, and businesses across the country.

To learn more visit their website.