Within our community there are many children that could benefit from an additional positive role model in their life. A little extra love, care, and guidance from a positive, caring adult could benefit a child in need.

Luckily, in our community we have organizations and volunteers who are willing to provide an extra hand to families who lack that sense of security within their immediate family or friend group. It is our job as a part of the community to help children in our community by lending a hand.

In our blog this month, we are advocating for different ways you can take time one day a week, one day a month, or even one day a year to make a positive impact on a child.

Here in Winnebago County, there are many programs and organizations that help caring adults volunteer with children in need. Some include:

Big Brothers Big Sisters

It is a branch of the YMCA of Rock River Valley that provides successful mentoring programs for all children who need and want them.

Rockford Park District

Individuals or groups can “Play It Forward” by volunteering time or creating an experience for others through recreation. Be creative! Do something that you like to do and share it with someone else.

Winnebago County CASA Program

CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to be a voice for these children in court.

RAMP

The organization provides services and advocacy to people with disabilities to help an independent and productive lifestyle.

Discovery Center Museum

Discovery Center has many opportunities for adults to assist at the museum to make learning fun for kids.

At any age a child can use a positive role model in their life, even if it is just for an hour. Volunteering with children in need has a lot of benefits for yourself and the entire community.

Sometimes, your interaction with a child can be the hope in that child’s day. When a positive caring adult connects with a child, it helps them gain confidence, build character, strengthen connections, and improve social skills. It will also increase empathy for both the child and the adult. By showing love and affection to another, it can improve the child’s overall self-worth, increase their happiness and overall wellbeing.

By being a positive role model in a child’s life it can also help them with anxiety and depression. Having a positive and nurturing relationship with a child can help them open up and talk more freely with the people they trust about issues happening in their life. When children have a strong support system it can help protect them.

One of the best benefits from volunteering with children is that by putting your heart and time into caring for children, you can help them find happiness and joy. By having those feelings at a young age, it can impact a child in many positive ways for years to come. When a child is affected by love, happiness, and joy, they will reciprocate those feelings to those around them. As that child becomes older and becomes a caring adult, they will want to help the next generation of children feel love, happiness, and joy. Chances are, they will volunteer their time to make new connections with children at community programs and organizations in their area.

Remember, even if you cannot volunteer your time, donations are always appreciated within these organizations to keep programs running for the children within our community.

-Amy & Liz