Volunteer Highlight: Hayleigh Thomas

I am a Mississippi native where I grew up in Oak Grove. In 2015 I attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College were I graduated with an Associates of Science. In 2016, I then attended The University of Southern Mississippi where I obtained a bachelors in biological sciences with a minor in chemistry. During my junior year of university, I pursued a volunteer opportunity with Hope Clinic, where I now volunteer as one of the medical receptionist.

At a young age, I had a passion for giving back to the community in all forms. I spent time volunteering at local animal shelters as well as with organizations at my school. The opportunity to volunteer with Hope Clinic, at the time called Pregnancy Choices, came about during my junior year of college; my foundations class required volunteer hours. I found out about the opportunity from a friend. I officially began in October of 2016 and have been with them ever since.

My experience at Hope Clinic has been an unforgettable journey that will forever be imprinted in my life. I have learned so much medically, professionally, and spiritually here. I also have enjoyed participating in the various fundraisers and banquets. My favorite by far was the Hero’s Walk for Hope; it was awesome to see the community support such a fantastic and worthy cause as well as getting to see all of the super hero costumes. The staff at the clinic are amazing and it is an honor to witness their ability to help so many women along their pregnancy journey.

My journey at Hope Clinic has come to an end, but I am inspired to continue to pursue both women ministries as well as volunteering in pregnancy crisis faculties in Fort Worth, TX. I am so blessed to be able to be an advocate for all the hard work, efforts, and so much more that the women of Hope Clinic dedicate each and every day to help the lives of so many women in Hattiesburg and surrounding areas.