CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
FALL 2013-SPRING 2014
HOPE FOR KIDS PROGRAM
HOPE for Kids is comprised of 3 different programs which operated during the school year. Pals for children in K-grade 2; Afterschool for children in grades 3-5 and Teen HOPE for youth in grades 6-8. See Programs section for program descriptions. Volunteers commit to a specific day each week. Volunteers may choose to make a commitment to additional day(s). It is most beneficial to our participants if weekly volunteers are able to commit to the duration of the program which is from September-May. We realize this commitment may not always be possible and try to work with volunteer availability when necessary.
Pals Mentors: Pals is a group mentoring program with a recreational format of small and large group activities. Volunteer mentors assist participants during the group activities under the direction of the Pals Coordinator. Mentors help the children to learn how to successfully interact with peers, appropriately express and deal with emotions while enjoying arts & crafts or games. Mentors act as positive role models during large circle time and small group activities. Mentors work with the same children during small group activities and thus have the opportunity to be part of the success of the children they mentor. Children are assigned common group goals as well as an individual goal based on parent input. Activities are geared towards assisting children in achievement of established goals.
The Pals at Waterford St. School operates on Wednesdays from 3:00-5:00 p.m.. Saturday Pals operates onsite at HOPE from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Afterschool Mentor/Tutors: Volunteers provide one-on-one tutoring to children to assist participants in homework completion, studying and reading requirements. One hour is devoted to academics and the second hour is devoted to small group recreational activities which target socialization skills through peer and adult interactions. Volunteers fill a mentor role in conjunction with the tutor role by role modeling, supporting and encouraging participants as they get to know each other. Mentor/mentee bonds are formed within the program boundaries. Snack time is utilized to model conversational skills and appropriate social skills. Each child has individual goals that have been assigned by Academic Director based on input from parents and school faculty as well as staff observations. Volunteers work under the direction of the Academic Director to help children achieve their goals. Afterschool operates onsite at HOPE, Mondays-Thursdays, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Teen HOPE Mentor/Tutors: As tutors, volunteers provide guidance and support to small groups of 2-3 participants during the academic hour. Independence and accountability are a focus for teens' personal development. The Teen HOPE Coordinator supports and supervises volunteers in their mentor/tutor roles as they encourage teens to be independent and take responsibility for their academic and life success. As in the other two programs, volunteers are able to form mentor/mentee bonds with the students and have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the success of the participants.Tutors assist youth in checking online grades,assignments and test/quiz scores. Group socialization is offered during each program upon completion of the academic hour. Teens play games with peers and volunteers and learn/practice appropriate social interactions. Each teen has individual goals that have been assigned by Academic Director based on input from parents and school faculty as well as staff observations. HOPE operates Monday-Thursday, 2:00-4:30 p.m. at Gardner Middle School on Catherine St in Gardner. Participants typically attend program twice weekly.
HOPE FOR KIDS VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS: Age: 17+ preferred but will interview 16 yr. olds to determine maturity level. Excellent interpersonal skills are critical for positive interactions with participants. Must enjoy working with the specific program age group of children. Reliability and commitment to program attendance is critical. Children count on meeting with their mentor/tutor each week and staff rely on your help.
Other helpful qualities: Flexibility and adaptability to adjust to changes during program time. A sense of humor helps engage children and lighten their struggles. The ability to communicate well with staff and seek help from staff as needed. Tutors need basic grade appropriate Math and English knowledge and the ability to utilize reference materials if subject matter is unfamiliar.
Other helpful qualities: Flexibility and adaptability to adjust to changes during program time. A sense of humor helps engage children and lighten their struggles. The ability to communicate well with staff and seek help from staff as needed. Tutors need basic grade appropriate Math and English knowledge and the ability to utilize reference materials if subject matter is unfamiliar.
OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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