Kids Serving Kids – Our Youth Volunteer Program Is On!

Early this morning I felt a special energy in the air when I arrived to our campus. As I walked into our main building, I was met by a group of early teens whose happiness was evidenced by their big smiles and joyful demeanor. They were on their way to one of our conference rooms to participate in one of the orientation meetings scheduled this week as part of our Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Youth Volunteer Program, set to begin in the month of July. Two of them, a young boy and his sister, were only too happy to tell me that this is the third year in a row in which they will participate in the program.

This incredible program was established approximately a decade ago and takes place in the summer break months of July and August. It is open to children and teens, ages 11 to 17, and runs through our Child Development Department. Each year, close to 15 volunteers from different locations come together with the same noble desire to serve their peers who are medically fragile. The program allows our volunteers to make a palpable difference in the lives of our residents by putting them in direct contact with each other as they participate in fun and meaningful activities that are both age and developmentally appropriate.

The activities that each volunteer undertakes are highly valued by our residents. These activities typically include arts & crafts, story time, interactive games, and assisting our residents as they work towards achieving their individualized goals. For program participants, volunteering presents them with a great opportunity to become deeply involved in their community while making a positive impact, develop leadership skills, create new friendships, share their skills and talents, boost their social skills, and, above all, make a huge difference in the lives of our medically fragile residents.

For residents, the program provides an opportunity to enjoy interactions they truly value and appreciate, with the added benefit of being able to interact closely with kids who are within their age group. The photographs from prior years displayed in our residents’ rooms speak volumes of the friendships that sometimes form between volunteers and patient residents. What an incredible opportunity for the children in our communities to participate in the program and enjoy a beautiful, worthwhile, and life-shaping experience.

The Child Development Department at Totally Kids is currently accepting applications from children and teens interested in participating in the 2016 Youth Volunteer Program, which is set to start in July. If you know someone who would be interested in joining the program, simply contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Valerie Quiocho, at (909) 796-6916, extension 141. She would be more than happy to provide interested participants with an application to join this wonderful program, provide additional information, and answer any questions they may have.

There is a special energy in the air. I felt it this morning. Our Youth Volunteer Program is on!