volunteer voice - San Diego Youth Services

VOLUNTEER VOICE
Winter 2008
A Quarterly Publication
“The best way to find
yourself is to lose yourself
in the service of others.”
—Ghandi
Inside This Issue
Note From the Editor
1
Bailee’s Bat Mitzvah
1
A Hot Meal for Homeless Teens
2
A Thank You to Holiday Volunteers
2
Letters From the Street
3
SDYCS Agency Tours
4
Special Events
4
Birthdays
4
Upcoming Training
4
Volunteer Spotlight
5
Volunteer Needs
6
Writer/Editor: Theresa Powell
Graphic Designer: Robin Shaffer
Note from the Editor
The Volunteer Voice will be transitioning to a quarterly publication
beginning this month. You may look
forward to future publications in
April, July, and October. SDYCS
will continue to provide updates of
upcoming volunteer events and
training regularly via e-mail. We welcome any comments, suggestions, or
stories of your volunteer experiences
that we may include in future publications to tpowell@sdycs.org.
Bailee’s Bat Mitzvah Benefits
Storefront and Action Network
December 29th was a
special day for thirteen-year-old Bailee.
She had spent many
years learning Hebrew for her Torah
reading and preparing for this day when
she would become a
Bat Mitzvah (the
coming of age in the
eyes of Jewish Law).
Action Network Lead Coordinator Xiomara Romero, Center Director
A portion of her
Manolo Guillen, Bailee’s sister Shana, brother Brandon, and Bailee
preparation included
choosing who would be the recipient of her charitable offering of tikkun
olam or “repairing the world.” (Tikkun olam often involves an act of human
kindness or “mitzvah.”)
Bailee decided to support the prevention of sexually exploited youth after
hearing a school guest speaker discuss the topic. After researching and touring the Storefront and Action Network, Bailee was certain they should be the
beneficiaries of her donation. SDYCS staff were very impressed with Bailee’s
mature attitude and commitment to serve at-risk youth.
Here is an excerpt from the speech Bailee gave following her Torah reading:
“A modern day example of one way in which we can stand up for others who cannot
help themselves would be to assist preventing children from being exploited. Many children these days have been sexually harassed and abused. By helping these kids feel safe
in their community, we, like Moses, can make a difference. After all, it is the children
that are the future. Two programs [helping exploited youth] are The Action Network
and The Storefront—Emergency Shelter for Youth. Both of these programs provide
protective shelter and prevent children from being exploited. I hope to continue giving
tzedakah or charitably to these programs and make their lives more just. As Jews, we
have the responsibility to do the right thing and help the less fortunate.”
Thank you Bailee for your generous donation to the Storefront and Action
Network and for your dedication to helping homeless youth.
The ACTION Network brings together a multidisciplinary group of governmental and
non-governmental organizations to address child trafficking and the commercial sexual
exploitation of children (CSEC) in San Diego County.
The Storefront—Emergency Shelter for Youth is a 20-bed emergency shelter specifically designed for homeless, runaway, and “street” youth. Its goals are to return
young people to their families or to find alternative living arrangements and to prevent their sexual exploitation.
Page 2
Winter 2008
Winter 2008
Page 2
A Note Received from Stephanie, Grant, and Mose:
A Hot Meal for Homeless Teens
“Recently we had the opportunity to cook and serve
breakfast to the youth residing at the Storefront Shelter.
Stephanie Beckstrom, fiancé Grant Day, and nephew Mose
When we arrived, the staff
was eagerly awaiting us. We
quickly set up the breakfast
we'd prepared and soon the
youth arrived. They were gracious, kind, hilarious, and
completely welcoming. We
sat with the youth as they ate,
bantering about everything
under the sun. Before long
they were finished eating
and went about preparing
for their next activity. Each
one of them thanked us
sincerely, and quite unnecessarily.
We were so happy to be
able to contribute to the
wonderful home Storefront has created.”
A Very Special “Thank You” to These
Holiday Volunteers and Many More
Volunteer Services and the
youth of SDYCS would
like to extend a very special
THANK YOU to ALL the
awesome volunteers who
helped make the holiday
season extra special. The
outpouring of care and
compassion was immeasurable. Holidays can be a very
difficult time for youth
who feel alone or at odds
with difficult circumstances. But, thanks to all
of you, the holidays were
much brighter!
Although we can’t list all
the wonderful volunteer
contributions, we would
like to at least include this
list submitted from the
Storefront Night Shelter
Program Manager, Michele
Atkins:
Jessica Ramirez conducted a donation drive
at her workplace through
which we received gift
cards, clothes, and school
supplies. She also volunteered Christmas Eve and
New Year’s Eve. She even
took our youth to her
office, a CSI crime lab!
Sara Valdez gathered
money to purchase a
much needed new pool
table for the night shelter, as well as sweatpants
and sweatshirts. She
made sure the table was
delivered and helped
carry it into the shelter.
Ed Burditt came in on
an extra night to make
homemade ice cream
with the youth.
Kevin White spent extra
one-on-one time with a teen
having a tough time
through the holidays. Kevin
shared his musical talents
with the youth. They wrote
and recorded songs through
our art therapy program.
Jennifer Walters volunteered Christmas Eve,
Christmas Day, and New
Year’s Eve at 5 a.m.! She
was a Santa elf setting out
presents for the youth and
ensuring they all received
the extra attention they
needed during the tough
holidays.
Megan La Greca volunteered Christmas Eve working on a
donation
drive of
movie tickets so the
youth can
have fun
outings.
Kristina Hanson provided Christmas breakfast
and donated Guitar Hero
III.
This list is very short compared to the multitudes of
volunteers who made incredibly generous contributions of their valuable time
and energy. We would like
to sincerely thank each and
every one of you for your
efforts.
You are SO appreciated!
Winter 2008
Page 3
Letters from the Street
The following letters were written and submitted to the Storefront Outreach by homeless youth
living on the streets. The words, punctuation, and grammar have not been altered.
I’m Homeless Hungry cold Dirty Im looked
down upon By people who are Better off than
me I Struggle I Suffer But I keep on going I
keep hoping I keep want a change a house a
bed 3 meals a day Damn who would have
thought collecting cans would Save me from
Starvation there are [fiends] everywhere and
I wonder whats Stopping me from getting
like them Smoking Crack getting a fix not
for me tho!! I barely have enough for food let
alone drugs why? why? why? why me? Do I
Deserve this I guess not But that’s the story
of my life.
Joe
Being homeless aint easy watching each day pass knowing that
some day soon it will be better sometimes hungry most times cold
feeling lonely no place to call home
Seeing the world around me and how fast paced it moves none of it
slowing down cause either you win or you lose stuck in the same
place with nothing to do life in the streets can also be cruel
Angelica
Page 4
Winter 2008
Winter 2008
SDYCS Agency Tours
Tuesday, March 11, 2008, and
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Date:
Page 4
Birthdays
January
Do you know where all 14 SDYCS centers and programs
are located?
Take an Agency Tour and visit all the
centers and programs. All staff and
volunteers are welcome.
Participants will meet at the Administrative Office in the Board Room at
9:30 a.m., and the tour will end at 2
p.m. Don’t worry about driving. We
have agency vehicles for that. The vans will depart from
and return to the Administrative Office. This tour is divided into two parts―the East County and Mid City locations on March 11 and the Central locations on March
18. Center and program directors will tell you all about
the unique services they provide at their locations and answer any questions you may have.
This is a great chance to learn more about SDYCS and
meet other volunteers and staff from various SDYCS sites.
RSVP to Vicki Clowers, 619-221-8600, Ext. 2231, or
e-mail vclowers@sdycs.org.
Sara Valdez
Sabrina Banipal
Heng Lea
David MacVean
Carol Goodman
Timothy Welsh
Jessica Wigg
Lizeth Camacho
Michael Rodriguez
Barbara Keramati
Rocio Beltran
Julia Zigarelli
2
4
4
9
13
13
16
25
25
28
29
30
February
Megan La Greca
Cecelia Donnellan
Stacy Farrar
Shane O’Bryan
Samantha Avila
Hayley Parry
Brandon Green
Alicia Bramble
Camelia Picazo
1
4
4
5
6
11
12
21
21
Michelle Crenshaw
George Fisher
Kendrick Clack
Lina Truong
March
“Will” Whee Yang
Bonnie Dickson
Katie Martin
Ashley Miller
Ellen Connell
Carla Soler
Megan Wooten
Darren Sanders
Robert Day
Araceli Olmeda
Thuy “Twee” Tran
Briana Kruger
Ruby Pedroza
Sierra Jue-Leong
N. “Gabriela” Saravia
Karina Parra
Stephanie Robles
Special Events
Upcoming Training
February
Black History Month
Groundhog Day
Mardi Gras
Ash Wednesday
Valentine’s Day
President’s Day
1–28
2
5
6
14
18
March
American Red Cross Month
Women's History Month
Adoption of U. S. National Anthem
Daylight Savings Time Starts
Palm Sunday
St. Patrick’s Day
Spring equinox
Good Friday
Easter
1–31
1–31
3
9
16
17
20
21
23
HIPAA II Training
Legal and Ethical Issues
Place:
Date:
Time:
Trainer:
Administrative Office, Board Room
Friday, February 15, 2008
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Laurie Chapman
This training is mandatory for all new hires.
RSVP to Vicki Clowers,
619-221-8600, Ext. 231,
or e-mail vclowers@sdycs.org
26
27
28
28
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3
4
5
7
8
12
14
15
15
17
18
21
23
23
26
28
Winter 2008
Page 5
Volunteer Spotlight
Jessica Wigg
The Bridge Group Home
A hearty congratulations to Jessica Wigg, this quarter’s SDYCS Volunteer Spotlight. Jessica has been an invaluable resource at the Bridge Group Home since she began volunteering over a year ago. Jessica chooses to volunteer during the night shift so that she is
able to have more direct contact with the youth. Jessica’s down to earth and energetic personality is a great influence at the Bridge. She shares stories of her worldly travels and provides the youth with
information about the suffering of others throughout the world. This perspective allows the youth to gain insight into how basic needs such as running water, food, shelter, medicine, and a bathroom can easily be taken
for granted. While participating in a service mission to fight AIDS in Africa, Jessica sent a postcard to the
Bridge describing her journeys. Bridge Director Tamera Fleck Myers exclaims, “Jessica is able to communicate
a message of gratitude and caring for others that is simply part of her character. She has a natural ability to relate to others, and we could not be happier to have such a great volunteer with us at The Bridge.”
Jessica shared these words about her volunteer experience:
“My overall experience at The Bridge has been incredibly rewarding. I feel challenged every time I'm at
the house yet leave each night filled with energy and gratitude for the experience I've had.
As a volunteer at The Bridge, I've learned an insurmountable amount on many different levels. I've
learned that it can take a long time to connect with some of the kids, but that if I'm patient and give
them their space and respect they'll usually open up. I've learned that despite the hard attitudes I'm sometimes faced with, there is always another unique and beautiful side to each child.
The greatest challenge I've faced at The Bridge has been connecting with some of
the kids. There are times when I feel discouraged because I can't seem to find
that connection. However, there is nothing more rewarding than gaining the respect of someone I've struggled with over time. Another challenge I've faced is
learning how to be more authoritative. I know the kids see me as an easy target
for manipulation. However, the longer I'm there the more respect I seem to gain
and that has been one of my greatest successes. They have actually started to
listen to me!
I highly encourage anyone interested in volunteering to get involved. I've been with
The Bridge for almost a year now, and I am incredibly thankful for this experience. I
was nervous at first. I didn't know how I would fit in. I didn't have much experience
and felt overwhelmed and intimidated. I won't say it hasn't been a challenge; it has.
However, the opportunity to spend time with the kids, to develop new relationships
and gain their trust, far outweighs any hesitation or discouragement I might have
had.
Thank you Jessica for all you do to enrich the lives of the youth at The
Bridge—Group Home.
The Bridge—Group Home
provides short- and longterm group home placement to youth 12 to 17.
The primary goal is to provide a safe and stable living
environment while trying
to reunify the youth with
their families. If reunification is not possible,
SDYCS is prepared to assist
youth in finding permanent housing. Services include a 24/7 referral hotline for information and
crisis counseling, as well as
walk-in counseling.
Winter 2008
Page 6
San Diego Youth and Community Services
Volunteer Services
3255 Wing Street
Phone: 619-221-8600, Ext. 271
Fax: 619-221-8611
volunteer@sdycs.org
Our Mission is to help at-risk youth become self-sufficient and
reach their highest potential by investing in them, strengthening their families, and building their communities.
Our Vision is strong, healthy communities where all youth are
valued and achieve their highest potential.
Please feel free to call, fax, or e-mail us at Volunteer Services.
Share your comments, community announcements, programs,
and events one week prior to each quarterly publication.
Volunteer Needs
Do you have friends or family member that can help?
Tell them about our upcoming orientations:
Tuesday, February 12, 2008, and Tuesday, March 11, 2008
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
SDYCS Administrative Offices, Board Room
3255 Wing Street
San Diego, CA 92110
RSVP Theresa, 619-221-8600, Ext. 271.
Numerous programs still need tutors, mentors,
administrative support, dance instructors, and more.
Please spread the word!