Working with the Best Team of People: Karla Goss’ Testimonal

Photo: The QVS East Coast Fellows 2023-2024 Shay, Karla, Emma, Kat Naren at a retreat on Cape Cod.

I first heard of Quaker Voluntary Service when I was a Senior in college. I was a part of the Quaker Leadership Scholarship Program at Guilford College in North Carolina. One of the alumni Fellows came on a recruitment trip and spoke about their experience with QVS. My attention was really sparked when they talked about their experience with their Spiritual Nurturer. They talked about going to the museum, having tea/coffee dates, and walking around. It was a hard last year at college and being paired with a  spiritual nurturer sounded amazing. However,  that is not what I will be talking about in my testimony. 

When applying for QVS I interviewed with one site placement, my first choice, and was accepted to work there pretty quickly. It was a shorter process than most. I was placed at Massachusetts Bail Fund, an non-profit organization that raises money for those who need assistance in paying pre-trial bail up to 1,000 dollars. When I first started, the team was small but mighty with three staff members. I was on the team as a QVS fellow and there was a social work intern named Ahna. I was quite nervous starting so it was a comfort to know someone else was also new. Ahna became a close friend of mine and someone I adore dearly. I truly care a lot for all the staff members of the Mass Bail Fund; Jahnavi, Chris, Jasmin, Troop. 

“I have learned so much at the Mass Bail Fund (MBF) and love the work I do. I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much about the pre-trial system, the amount of work that goes into MBF posting bail, the bail returns and forfeitures, the local political effect on pretrial bail, and the effect on those who are unhoused around Boston. I’m excited to say that I have been hired to continue working at MBF after I complete my QVS Fellowship. I have never been so excited to continue working with a team of people.”

The 2023-2024 Boston Fellows at Pendle Hill for National Orientation.

I have learned so much at the Mass Bail Fund and love the work I do. I brag about it to anyone and everyone I can. I have learned a lot about myself personally, and discovered and strengthened some of my skills like organizing and communicating effectively with people. I have learned to remain curious and ask questions, which is very important for building deeper connections. I gained confidence and  learned that I already had many attributes that are vital to the work I do. Mass Bail Fund has a unique work culture that helped me learn, to prioritize my  wellbeing and to voice what I may be going through. It has been a gift to learn that  I can take care of myself and not worry about disappointing others. I have learned the importance of making others feel celebrated and cared for. Additionally, I have also learned so much about the pre-trial system and the different forms it comes in, the amount of work that goes into MBF posting bail, the bail returns and forfeitures, the local political effect on pretrial bail, the effect on those who are unhoused around Boston, the overall process and so much more. I can truly say I am passionate and have deep affection for learning and supporting the mission at the Massachusetts Bail Fund.

I’m also excited to share that I will be hired after my QVS term finishes. I will be joining the MBF staff team, making us five, with the help of many amazing volunteers. I have never been so excited to continue working with a team of people I deeply care for. I am also delighted to share that I was able to go on a recruitment trip back to Guilford college to speak to students about the QVS program, which was a full-circle moment. I hope to continue to support and recruit for QVS and wish the best for future fellows.

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