Meet Fred Berry: Investing in Young Lives, One Small Step at a Time

For Fred Berry, volunteering is about one thing: helping kids.

After spending 36 years working as a business administrator, Fred retired and began looking for ways to give back to the young people in his community. For the past three years, he has volunteered with Freedom City's After-School Program, where he works directly with students on their academic skills and encourages them along the way.

His commitment to young people extends well beyond Freedom City. Fred has served as a Reading Buddy with Oklahoma City Public Schools, and he and his wife, Debbie, have mentored two students in Putnam City Schools for the past two years. Through his church, he helps cook and deliver Mobile Meals, assists with a weekly food pantry, and takes on various projects around the church.

For Fred, volunteering is simply a way to contribute.

"The potential to help kids in our greater community" is what inspired him to volunteer with Freedom City.

He believes communities have a responsibility to help young people navigate not only school, but life.

"Our society and our communities have to take a more active role in helping our young people navigate through life in general, and through school specifically."

At Freedom City, Fred has seen firsthand how much can happen when an adult takes the time to work patiently with a child.

One of his favorite memories came while helping a student with math. The student was struggling to add a two-digit number to a three-digit number. Fred worked with him until it finally clicked.

"He was confused but was really excited when it all came together for him," Fred recalled.

Another meaningful experience came after spending nine months working with a student on reading. Over time, Fred saw a noticeable improvement in the student's ability.

Those moments may seem small, but Fred understands that meaningful growth doesn't always happen overnight.

In fact, he compares volunteering with children to filling a glass of water with an eyedropper.

"For me, progress is measured in extremely small increments."

There will be great days, Fred says, and there will be days that aren't quite as great. But that doesn't make the work any less important.

Fred has learned that children don't always need someone to have all the answers. Sometimes, they simply need someone willing to listen.

"Sometimes kids just want someone to bounce questions and ideas off of; Freedom City offers kids a place to do so."

That opportunity to have a caring adult nearby is one of the reasons Fred believes organizations like Freedom City are so important.

"Raising kids is a constant challenge," he said, "and anyone who can pitch-in to help should be considered a very beneficial and important part of the community."

For someone considering volunteering with Freedom City, Fred offers honest advice. Working with children requires patience, consistency, and a genuine desire to serve.

"You're there for the kids, not yourself."

It's a simple philosophy, but it's one Fred has put into practice for years.

At Freedom City, we're grateful for volunteers like Fred who understand that changing a child's life doesn't always happen through one big moment. Sometimes, it happens through a math problem that finally makes sense, a few extra minutes spent practicing reading, or simply having an adult who is willing to listen.

One small step at a time, those moments add up.

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Want to Be Part of the Story?

You don't have to make a financial gift to make a difference at Freedom City.

Sometimes, the most valuable thing you can give a child is your time, your experience, and your encouragement.

Our volunteers help students with academics, support our teachers, mentor young people, introduce students to new careers and experiences, and perhaps most importantly, show our students that there are adults in their community who believe in them.

And volunteering with Freedom City doesn't require a weekly commitment. Freedom City staff always support our volunteers, so you can volunteer for a single session, an occasional activity, or more regularly when your schedule allows.

Your time matters. Your talent matters. Your presence matters.

Interested in volunteering with us? We'd love to have you. Learn more or call 405-655-8763.