Cuddling cats, wrapping presents, and helping at the Maine Seacoast Mission’s food pantry. These are just some of the things that students in the Mission’s Journey program have done during Volunteer Wednesdays. These volunteer opportunities are a part of a new initiative that offers Journey students, in grades 7 through 12, a chance to help out at local organizations.
Many students participating in Journey have enjoyed the opportunities they have had to volunteer, and many wanted to do more to give back to their community. That is when Volunteer Wednesdays started. Meghan Daly, Journey’s AmeriCorps Student Engagement Specialist, set up volunteer opportunities and help arrange transportation for students from school and back home. These steps help eliminate barriers which might otherwise keep students from taking part in these events. Journey students can also use the time spent volunteering towards their high school graduation requirements, which helps reduce stress some students experience.
When students were asked why they enjoy volunteering, a 7th grader replied, “I like the Journey program because you can meet a bunch of other people. I enjoy volunteering because you get to do a lot of cool stuff, like going to the ARK and seeing cats or helping stock up the food pantry. I enjoy the experience of helping people with what they need. This program is cool because it helps others and you.”
Since the fall, the students have volunteered both at the Mission and at other organizations. They have spent time socializing with cats at The ARK Animal Shelter, an important activity that lets the cats get used to humans. One cat was even adopted by a family after they volunteered. The students have also spent time at the Mission’s Christmas Program making cards and choosing and wrapping presents for children at local preschools and seniors at nursing homes. Another group helped out by cleaning and restocking the Mission’s Food Pantry before Thanksgiving.
The volunteer opportunities have been popular among students and will continue into the New Year. “Community engagement is an important element of the Journey program. Volunteering provides an opportunity for students to learn about and connect with community spaces, places, and people.” says Dakin Hewlett, Journey Program Manager. “Every Journey student is a valued member of their community and giving back can often create a sense of belonging, build leadership skills, and introduce students to professional pathways. It’s also a chance to share a rewarding and fun experience with their peers! Our team is always looking for new ways to give back and will continue to seek out volunteer projects for our students.”
The volunteer opportunities have been popular among students and will continue into the New Year. “Community engagement is an important element of the Journey program. Volunteering provides an opportunity for students to learn about and connect with community spaces, places, and people.” says Dakin Hewlett, Journey Program Manager. “Every Journey student is a valued member of their community and giving back can often create a sense of belonging, build leadership skills, and introduce students to professional pathways. It’s also a chance to share a rewarding and fun experience with their peers! Our team is always looking for new ways to give back and will continue to seek out volunteer projects for our students.”
If you would like to join Journey students to help out, the Journey program is seeking Adult Mentors to help Downeast students build a positive personal network, developing tools to successfully transition to high school, higher education, and careers. Find out more here.
