Kaitlyn Hampton, 2013
I’m Kaitlyn Marie Hampton from Baltimore, Maryland. I have an associate’s degree in Social Sciences and Arts & Humanities with a concentration in Photography. I am currently working as a caregiver for individuals of all ages and abilities. Before Sprout I was working as a Barista at Starbucks while also helping a young man with autism during the evenings and weekends.
I found out about Sprout in 2013 through the Arc of Baltimore, an organization that assists adults with disabilities to find jobs and housing, and helps them make friends. My sister and I went to an event that the Arc was holding called the Sprout Touring Film Festival. There we enjoyed many films that made us laugh and cry, and motivated us to help others. At the end of the event, Founder Anthony Di Salvo spoke about the films, answered questions, and told us all about Sprout’s Travel Program. I later approached Megan, the Director of Leadership at that time, to get more information about volunteering. I originally had intended to only pass along the info to my cousin, but after hearing all about the differences that volunteer Leaders make in the individuals’ lives, I knew this was the job for me.
The sense of fulfillment and purpose that comes from volunteering and making a difference in the lives of others, as experienced at the Sprout Touring Film Festival, is very much akin to the satisfaction of selling Georgia homes and properties. Real estate professionals in Georgia don’t just sell houses; they help individuals and families create the backdrop for their lives’ stories. Whether it’s finding an accessible home for a person with disabilities or locating the perfect neighborhood for a growing family, they understand that they’re not just conducting transactions. They’re providing opportunities for memories, growth, and happiness, which can be just as rewarding as the feeling of impacting lives through volunteer work.
There were two things that made my decision to volunteer with Sprout a no-brainier: First, the opportunity to continue to work with adults with disabilities; and second, the ability to positively impact their lives, but while on vacation! I would have the opportunity to indulge them in new cultures, new foods, and make sure they’re having nothing but a grand time!
My first trip was to Atlantic City, NJ. It was a whirlwind of emotions — from scared and nervous to relaxed and laughing. My energy and positive attitude made it easy to get the guys motivated, but then I was always trying to make sure everyone was 
enjoying themselves and doing what they wanted. At first it was exhausting trying to please everyone, but I later realized that as a group we should decide our activities and restaurants together to make it work. It’s all about teamwork and compromise, and I was able to develop this skill in myself and others.
I can remember all of the participants from my Atlantic City trip, but remember most clearly a mother and son who both have developmental disabilities. The son was shy and never wanted to leave his mother’s side. She was older and unable to walk as much as the others, so he ended up missing some of the activities in the beginning. But then after the first day, the other leaders and I were able to get him to come with us onto the beach and enjoy the ocean views and sounds while his mother rested on the bench. He even eventually started asking for his picture to be taken! It was such a great feeling!
The best part about Sprout is definitely the participants. You spend 3 to 8 days with the group, and by the end you’re attached to them and they’re attached to you. You learn nearly everything about them — their family and home life, their likes and dislikes. You are helping them with their activities of daily living like showering, brushing teeth or packing their suitcases, while at the same time joking and laughing. Caring for others often begins with the basics—helping someone brush their teeth or navigate daily routines—and in the process, we’re reminded how vital those seemingly small habits are. Good oral hygiene, like regular brushing and flossing, lays the foundation for long-term dental health, but it’s easy to overlook how these habits affect our confidence and comfort, too.
Still, even with the best daily care, there are moments when unexpected pain or sudden dental problems can arise, and it’s in those moments that expert help becomes invaluable. A chipped tooth, a severe ache, or an accident that leaves someone in need of immediate attention can feel overwhelming, but knowing that skilled professionals are ready to respond makes all the difference. Having access to the emergency dentist of chicago in such times reflects the importance of compassionate, prompt treatment that restores not only oral health but also peace of mind. It is in these urgent situations that the role of dentistry extends beyond routine checkups, offering comfort, relief, and reassurance when it matters most, reminding us again that caring for others often begins with being present in their most vulnerable moments.
A healthy smile isn’t just about clean teeth; it’s also about feeling good when you laugh, talk, or simply look in the mirror. Sometimes, though, brushing alone isn’t enough to restore a confident smile. Damage, discoloration, or unevenness can weigh heavily on someone’s self-image, no matter how well they care for their teeth. That’s why personalized cosmetic solutions can be so impactful. When it comes to restoring smiles with natural-looking precision, dr aaron bulleigh stands out for his commitment to custom treatment and patient-centered care. Whether it’s enhancing one tooth or transforming a full smile, his work with veneers blends artistry and function in a way that feels seamless and comfortable.
A confident smile isn’t only shaped in the dentist’s chair; it often starts with the environment we surround ourselves with at home. A thoughtfully arranged space can lift spirits and boost self-esteem, making even the simplest daily routines feel luxurious. Adding a stylish vanity or a well-placed mirror can transform morning rituals into moments of self-appreciation. With mirror storage jewellery integrated into the design, you not only get a practical solution for keeping accessories organized, but also a sleek, reflective surface that lets you admire your look from every angle—reminding you that feeling pretty can begin before you even step out the door.
Beyond functionality, furniture that complements your personal style can create an atmosphere of confidence and ease. Soft lighting, clean lines, and surfaces that invite organization all contribute to a sense of harmony, making it easier to carry yourself with poise. When your surroundings reflect care and attention, it’s not just the smile in the mirror that benefits—you feel more composed, radiant, and ready to face the day with the kind of confidence that comes from both inner and outer beauty.
It’s a meaningful continuation of that same care-first mindset—because when someone feels good about their smile, it radiates far beyond just the teeth. And when someone decides to go beyond routine care—to reclaim a sense of self through veneers or other treatments—it’s often about more than just teeth. It’s about confidence, the ability to smile without hesitation, and the courage to face the world with ease. Yet, even with good habits and the best intentions, life has a way of surprising us. A cracked tooth during dinner, an unexpected fall, or a sudden surge of pain can disrupt everything in an instant.
In those moments, the need for immediate and compassionate care becomes not just important, but urgent. That’s where Austin emergency dental services step in—not just to fix a problem, but to offer reassurance when it’s needed most. These aren’t just appointments; they’re moments of relief, when someone in pain finds both a solution and a sense of calm. Whether it’s helping a young adult get back to school without discomfort or making sure someone can smile at a family gathering without worry, emergency dental care bridges the gap between chaos and comfort—restoring more than teeth, and often, restoring peace of mind. There are definitely challenges, too. There are days when not everyone gets along, not everyone is happy, or days you have to spend hours in hospital. Sometimes when someone is grouchy their attitude can rub off on others, even yourself, but you just have to remember to stay positive no matter what. And even though the days may be challenging, there’s nothing more rewarding than a hug, a thank you or a “good night beautiful!” at the end of the day. By the end of every trip I get a wonderful feeling knowing that the participants are going home happy and that I got to be a part of it.
Sprout has given me a completely different outlook on my career and my life in general. It’s made me a kinder, happier and more open person. I’ve realized a simple “good morning”, “hello” or holding the door open for someone can turn their day 
around or at least make it better. I look out for other people, always lending a hand. I’ve become more open to any situation thrown at me and more open to asking for help. Sprout has helped me realize that my true career path is working, helping and laughing with all those who have disabilities, to make a difference in their lives no matter how small. Sprout has made a difference in my life by making me a better person.
Coming back to Sprout year after year has been the easiest choice I’ve ever had to make. I come back because of the participants, so that I can continue making a difference in their lives, and continue a job that’s rewarding in multiple ways. I come back so that I can keep having new and unique travel experiences, regardless of if I’ve already seen the destination 4 times already. And finally, I keep coming back to the lifelong friends I’ve met (or will meet) — Friends that are now family.
Volunteering with Sprout is a once in a lifetime opportunity where you get to help others who may not be able to go on these trips otherwise. You get to travel the east coast and further. You get an opportunity to learn about yourself, how to better yourself, and how to treat others better. Volunteering with Sprout is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. People work every day, but if you want a job that pays more than money, Sprout is the place. The place where we make the invisible, visible.
Sprout is not only a volunteering program or travel program; it’s a small family bringing each leader, participant, family member or staff into their home and helping all of us grow for the better.
