Jillian Frakes

Volunteer Experiences:

• While getting my associate's, I was part of a group of students who were involved in student retention and engagement. I organized an event offering the student body and the local community the opportunity to be tested for HIV, and assisted the Health Department to schedule counseling pending results. I also collaborated with the advisors and admins regarding setting up community outreach events, service learning opportunities, and volunteer opportunities.
• While earning my bachelor's, I served as a Lead Ambassador for the college's Office of LGBTQ Programs and Services, and was tasked with developing and facilitating "Ally Zone" workshops to educate community members, first responders, college leadership, and medical professionals about the hurdles our community faces regarding barriers to treatment and the importance of everyone having a seat at the table. I was also tasked with training and mentoring new Ambassadors.
• For many years I was fortunate to be a school-based mentor at a high school located in a low socioeconomic area. My students identified on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, and it was an honor to see them find themselves and to help them move forward, learning to navigate the world post-high school.
• At Transitions, I rallied local communities to donate clothing, shoes, clean bedding, and hygiene supplies for patients ready to make a clean start. It was called "The Go Bag Project" and if a patient completed the program, found a sober living house, scheduled their first IOP session, and had job interviews lined up, they would get a big duffel bag with 3 sets of clothing, a pair of shoes, undergarments and socks, clean bedding and a pillow, a clean towel, and hygiene supplies.