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Have some fun... and do some good!

Today, families are finding new ways to spend time together—and volunteering is one way to do just that. There are many benefits for families that volunteer. Research has shown that volunteering as a family:

•  Helps families learn about social issues
•  Provides positive role models and passes on family values to children
•  Provides new learning experiences and development of new skills for both children and adults
•  Provides quality time for the family to spend together
•  Increases interpersonal communication and the problem-solving abilities of family members

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILIES Adopt A Family It?s already that time of year to begin planning for the holidays. For us, it means making sure all the families we serve have gifts to open as they celebrate this holiday season. The Adopt-A-Family Project was created in response to the overwhelming interest the New Haven Community had in helping New Haven Home Recovery. Last year we were able to deliver gifts and happiness to over ... read more Paint a House, Save a Neighborhood This year New Haven is expected to exceed the record number of 637 properties that foreclosed in 2007, resulting in more vacant buildings and more of the problems they bring. Despite whatever community efforts to improve New Haven's neighborhoods, every boarded up house on a block sets back revitalization by contributing to blight and creating potential criminal issues. This is w ... read more Solicitation Blitz! Our largest. most glamorous, most exciting, most memorable event is fast approaching- our annual Gala & Auction. Proceeds from this event help support or programs and services for children and adults with disabilities. But to make this event a success, we NEED YOUR HELP! The main focus of this event is our live and silent auction and good portion of our revenue comes from the auctio ... read more Canvassing the Community: Promotion Team Help promote the Festival in the greater New Haven region and beyond. Assist Festival marketing staff in researching potential audiences and distributing materials to libraries, shops, businesses and doctors' offices. Help out at community fairs and other neighborhood gatherings. read more Big Read Reporters: Literary Lovers The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to promote literary reading and stimulate community building by structuring opportunities for citizens of all ages to read and discuss a single book within their communities over a short period of time. Our region will be reading Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 from May 1-June 28. Volunteers will attend ... read more

 

Planning

There are a variety of issues for your family to consider before making the commitment to volunteer together.

•  Your family may want to start slowly. Consider a one-time or short-term volunteer activity before making a long-term commitment.
•  Consider doing your volunteer activity with other family groups (PTAs, religious organizations, neighbors or workplace groups).
•  Consider everyone’s busy schedule when volunteering as a family. You may decide to volunteer individually at different times.
•  If volunteering with children, ask about any issues related to their needs or safety concerns.

During and after the volunteer project

•  Take responsibility for supervising your children. Their experience and that of anyone working with you will be more positive if everyone is focused on the work to be done.
•  Talk openly about your experiences on the drive home, during meals or whenever your family has time together. Both adults and children will benefit from the opportunity to discuss everyone’s reactions to the volunteer activities.
•  Let your volunteer coordinator know if your family has any special concerns or problems, and discuss how you can work together for a satisfactory solution. Share your positive experiences, too!
•  Keep a journal with photos and stories of your family’s volunteer activities. Share the journal with relatives, co-workers and friends.
•  Have fun! It is not only allowed, but it should be a requirement!

Be proud of what your family has accomplished. Your family’s self-esteem will continue to climb as you move on to future projects.