Volunteer for Abused Children
We frequently speak to groups about the work the Foundation does with child abuse victims and their families. It rarely fails that late in the talk or immediately after someone asks if they can volunteer to help the children. Our first reaction is “great we always need volunteers”.
Next is the dose of reality for both them and us. The first is what would you like to do? This is met with a look in the prospective volunteers eye of – “just hold them and make it better”. We wish it were that easy. The cost is small and volunteers would abound.
As a small rural charity let me mention what a charity that cares for families and children of abuse need. Actually, let’s not get carried away. What do we need?
First and foremost is cash. Gas is nearly three dollars a gallon and rural travel uses a lot of it. Then the electric company, trash pick-up, water, constant building maintenance and repairs and a long list of supplies. All take cash, goodwill and noble purpose doesn’t do anything for the phone company. Did I mention gas and phone cards for indigent victims and often food and clothing? Taking children to appointments and interviews and more gas.
Who can cut the grass and weed the gardens every week. Oh, I forgot to mention nearly daily cleaning, stocking the refrigerator for the victims and the family members when they come for services.
High on the list are family and child advocates and someone to answer the phone. I may have forgot to mention we are a 100% volunteer organization so every area needs volunteers.
Since the children are kept under a cover of confidentiality mandated by both state and federal laws you’ll have to have an extensive background check which can take several months.
Having said all this I can tell you there is little if anything that will make you feel better when you get home to your children and family than having made a difference in the life of someone in need. For me it makes every year worth the effort.
If this seems like something you might like to do find the nearest Children’s Advocacy Center or CASA program and sign up. You’ll never regret it.
Next is the dose of reality for both them and us. The first is what would you like to do? This is met with a look in the prospective volunteers eye of – “just hold them and make it better”. We wish it were that easy. The cost is small and volunteers would abound.
As a small rural charity let me mention what a charity that cares for families and children of abuse need. Actually, let’s not get carried away. What do we need?
First and foremost is cash. Gas is nearly three dollars a gallon and rural travel uses a lot of it. Then the electric company, trash pick-up, water, constant building maintenance and repairs and a long list of supplies. All take cash, goodwill and noble purpose doesn’t do anything for the phone company. Did I mention gas and phone cards for indigent victims and often food and clothing? Taking children to appointments and interviews and more gas.
Who can cut the grass and weed the gardens every week. Oh, I forgot to mention nearly daily cleaning, stocking the refrigerator for the victims and the family members when they come for services.
High on the list are family and child advocates and someone to answer the phone. I may have forgot to mention we are a 100% volunteer organization so every area needs volunteers.
Since the children are kept under a cover of confidentiality mandated by both state and federal laws you’ll have to have an extensive background check which can take several months.
Having said all this I can tell you there is little if anything that will make you feel better when you get home to your children and family than having made a difference in the life of someone in need. For me it makes every year worth the effort.
If this seems like something you might like to do find the nearest Children’s Advocacy Center or CASA program and sign up. You’ll never regret it.
posted by The Merlin Foundation | 5:26 PM
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