Volunteer Services News & Events

$74,388 Goes a Long Way for 97 Kids!

For children in extraordinarily difficult circumstances a summer camp experience can be life changing. The Camp Program enables troubled youngsters in treatment at JBFCS programs to have summer reprieves from difficult home lives. Every summer children struggling against inconceivably difficult environments get the chance, not only to just be kids and have fun for a few summer weeks but, to benefit therapeutically as well through an enriching summer experience.

During the summer of 2008 the Camp Scholarship Program gave $74,388 in scholarships to 97 children in treatment at JBFCS. Here are a few vignettes of JBFCS clients who received scholarships:

Alex is an eleven year old who came to the United States as a refugee from Africa when he was 3 years old. Alex has experienced a lot of loss in his life. Upon leaving Africa, he was separated from his mother and his twin brother. Two years ago Alex's father died and his grandmother is now his guardian. Alex is unable to live at home right now due to behavioral problems and is currently living at a JBFCS' residence, where he receives individual and group therapy. Alex was eager to attend a sleepaway camp and one was chosen which could address his needs. The attentive counselors and program at the camp provided Alex with the support he needed. Alex's experience this past summer increased his self-esteem and made him more willing to try new extracurricular activities.

Another eleven year old boy, Daniel, from a JBFCS' Community Services Program received a scholarship to attend a sleepaway camp. He wrote "Camp was the best place I've gone to... it helped me express myself freely. Camp is so fun it makes me feel good and not feel down."

Rosa is a five year old Hispanic girl who receives services at a JBFCS Counseling Center. Rosa and her family receive therapy to address family conflicts and Rosa's behavioral issues. She was witness to an abusive relationship and exhibits aggressive behavior at times. Rosa lives with her mother and grandmother and does not have a relationship with her father. This summer was Rosa's first day camp experience. Camp enabled Rosa to escape a stressful home situation and allowed her to improve her social skills in a new environment. Rosa also reported that she loved to go swimming at camp.

The Camp Scholarship Program is part of Community Connections Division's Volunteer Services.

September 24, 2008: FRIENDS are amazing!
On September 24th, Friends, JBFCS' young adult volunteers, held their annual kick-off cocktail party at Zanzibar. Close to 50 ready and willing volunteers attended this evening gathering, many of whom were new to the Friends program which provides a monthly calendar of group projects and events which benefit a wide range of JBFCS clients.

JBFCS Friends at Zanzibar	JBFCS Friends at Zanzibar

Among this year's planned activities are a crafts day at a Mt. Vernon facility for developmentally disabled adults, ice skating with children and moms from a JBFCS domestic violence shelter, and a recreational afternoon with clients from JBFCS Abraham Residence III for formerly homeless, mentally ill adults.

The '08/'09 season begins with "Sports Galore" a day of recreation with JBFCS clients at our Westchester Campus on October 19th followed by "Operation Warmth" on October 29th when the Friends will sort coats to be donated to clients. The Friends can log on to their own Facebook page to view the entire season's calendar and to register for upcoming events.

For more information about the Friends volunteer program, call: 212 632-4691