At For Love of Children, volunteers truly are the driving force of the Neighborhood Tutoring Program. For every tutor who comes through our doors, we are able to serve one more child. There is no possible way to show enough gratitude to our tutors, but a few small steps were taken over the year to help bring tutors, staff, and others interested in volunteer opportunities together.
In the fall, several social events were held for volunteers to learn more about FLOC and meet other tutors and staff in a relaxed environment. The food was kindly donated by Manny and Olga’s for this particular event. This event was a great way to begin the school year and welcome new volunteers as well as give veteran volunteers the opportunity to offer valuable advice!
Another event held for volunteers included bowling at Lucky Strikes who generously donated bowling lanes and shoes to all volunteers. Volunteers and staff alike enjoyed the time spent together and left feeling a sense of value and appreciation. Of course this is just a small way to say thank you and let our volunteers know how much we appreciate their continued hard work and dedication. We are always looking for more volunteers—again, for every new volunteer, it means we can serve another child. If you are interested in volunteering with FLOC or know someone who is, please contact Recruitment Coordinator Jessica Goode at (202)349-3512 or jgoode@floc.org.
Although most volunteers come through us through the Neighborhood Tutoring Program, other FLOC programs can certainly benefit from unique connections to volunteers in the community. This is demonstrated through the incredible experience made possible by a local community member. Jean Janike, East Coast Development Coordinator for Children’s Cultural Connection, helped facilitate a 2 month cultural exchange project between Leaders in the Making students and students in Nairobi, Kenya. Specifically, LITM students were paired with students at Nyumbani, a home and school for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Throughout the course of this project, Jean facilitated activities that helped DC students learn more about Kenyan culture, Kenyan literature and music, social movements in Kenya, the AIDS epidemic in Africa and global hunger and poverty issues.
As students learned about Kenyan culture they made comparisons to their own cultures and in doing so learned about themselves. Every week Jean came into class bringing new activities materials and a wealth of information about Kenya. She provided disposable cameras for all of our students so they could document their lives. Using these camera students crafted photo journals that depicted their lives and their understanding of American culture. This project would not have been possible without Jean’s efforts and the support of the Children’s Cultural Connection.
Supporting students through out the college application process, preparing students for the SAT and ACT, or hosting a student for Shadow Day; are examples of how EG&A utilizes volunteers. The impact of having volunteers share their expertise with our high school students is immeasurable.
Seniors receive the one on one attention that may be unavailable from other resources to help guide through college and financial aid application process. Juniors have the opportunity to receive over 40 hours of test prep and practice tests which empowers them to walk into the real test with confidence. All of our students gain further career exposure by shadowing a volunteer at work, listening to a presentation about educational and career paths or touring places of work. This type of interaction with professionals allows them to see what professional opportunities they have as well as gaining insight into the steps needed for them to achieve their dreams.
