For John Matrazzo, associate manager of Field Services at TDS, volunteering isn’t just something he’s passionate about—it’s a part of who he is. His selflessness and dedication to youth mentorship in St. Marys, Georgia, is why he was named TDS’ most recent Volunteer of the Quarter.
Joining the Telecom industry in 2008, Matrazzo and his family relocated to St. Marys in 2020. Initially drawn to TDS for its supportive culture and professional growth opportunities, Matrazzo quickly discovered the company’s strong emphasis on community involvement—something that has become a major part of his life.
Matrazzo is an active volunteer at his local church, assisting with IT needs, maintaining the parking lot, and, most importantly, mentoring youth.
“Every Wednesday night, my wife and I host a youth group of 40-50 kids at our house,” Matrazzo shared. “It’s a blast, even if it can get a little chaotic. And every Sunday, I lead Sunday School for boys from third to fifth grade.”
It was through his church that Matrazzo learned about Royal Family KIDS Camp, an organization dedicated to providing a week-long summer camp experience for foster children who have endured challenges and trauma. When Matrazzo heard that five foster kids wouldn’t be able to attend unless more adults volunteered, he knew he had to step up.
At camp, Matrazzo’s role was simple yet impactful—be there, offer support, and help create a safe space for the kids. One camper left a lasting impression on him.
“All he wanted to do was watch people fish,” Matrazzo recalled. “He didn’t want to touch them, just watch. So that’s what we did—four to five hours a day, just sitting and watching. Eventually, he started opening up about his home life. By the end of the week, he told me he couldn’t wait to see me again next year. That was incredibly rewarding.”
Matrazzo has seen firsthand how these camp experiences provide more than just fun—they create lasting memories and relationships. Many campers return year after year, and some even graduate from the program with a new outlook on life.
“It helps them realize their past doesn’t define their future, which is so powerful,” Matrazzo said.
His experiences mentoring youth have also shaped his own perspective.
“Anytime I’m having a bad day, I think back to those kids and their resilience,” Matrazzo reflected. “It’s given me patience, perspective, and a deeper appreciation for what I have.”
Matrazzo’s unwavering commitment to service exemplifies TDS Telecom’s mission to support local communities. His story is a testament to the impact one person can have—one child at a time.
Through TDS’ “Be Good Citizens” program, qualified associates receive 16 paid volunteer hours each year. To learn more about TDS’ high-speed internet, phone, and TV services, please visit tdstelecom.com.
