If you are:
- a responsible adult - age 21 and over,
- a person that enjoys children and is able to spend an hour or so on a regular basis with a special youngster,
- able to meet State guidelines,
you may be able to make a difference in the life of a child.
The "Friend to a Child" program is a cooperative effort between the Broome County Department of Social Services of New York State and the Children's Home that seeks to provide caring volunteer visitors to those children who otherwise would not have visitors.
You can play an important role with your heart . . . and your time.
For most of us it is not hard to conjure up fond memories of childhood spent with caring adults. Without us knowing it, these adults helped to guide and nurture our development into happy, productive citizens. They were our mentors. Sadly, this is not a given for all children in today's society. The Children's Home understands the power of a single, reliable, good intentioned adult on the life of a troubled child. Our mentoring program, "Friend to a Child" matches adult volunteers with children who would benefit from this additional guidance. Currently 20 children in our programs are forming relationships with devoted community volunteers. There are, however, still children, mostly boys, that continue to wait.
The children are excited each week for the day their mentor comes. The visit may be as simple as a half hour walk in the park, but the time spent together is priceless. Our mentors would tell you that their rewards are measured in laughs, good conversations and that long awaited trust from a child, not to mention the pride of giving back to their own community. Consider making a difference. No particular skills are needed, just the desire and commitment to creating happy memories in the life of a child.
All volunteers are screened and when the application process is complete, the prospective "Friend" is introduced to a child's case, meets the social worker, and has an opportunity to ask questions about the prospective child. Visits begin on campus and later on, as you develop a friendship and trust, longer visits may be arranged. You may take the child off campus for a few hours to the mall, to a park, a movie, or lunch at McDonald's. Visits may be from an hour every two weeks to an all day visit, once a week.
Our hope is that this opportunity will develop into a lasting friendship and mentoring relationship, for a few months, a year, or until such time as the child's status changes.
There will also be a support group for those persons who may want to come together for the purpose of sharing experiences, gaining support and helpful information in regard to the development of their relationship with their child.
Our mission of service to children and their families is enhanced daily by the unwavering commitment of our dedicated volunteers. Volunteers fulfill many roles: classroom tutors, recreational playmate, a friend who shares the love and cuddles from their Therapy Dog, some help with celebrating birthday times, as well as one on one mentors to individual children.
Volunteers give their time for many reasons but when asked what they get in return most tell stories of the simple moments that their hearts were touched by a child.
There is no monetary reimbursement, only our heartfelt thanks and the opportunity to make a child's life happier and more rewarding . . . for having known you as a friend.
You are invited to become a "Friend to a Child" or to volunteer in other ways. For more information call Kate Stacey, Volunteer Coordinator, at (607) 772-6904 ext. 186, or e-mail kstacey@chowc.org. Click here for an application.