Dominican Students at Volunteer Appreciation Event
Day in and day out, Hephzibah relies on the dedicated, generous support of volunteers who in countless ways, make it possible for us to deliver care and services for nearly 1,000 children and families each year. As part of National Volunteer Week, to thank our volunteers for their many hours of service and for sharing their talents to enrich the lives of children, Hephzibah held its annual Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, April 27, at the group home.
Nearly 50 volunteers attended the event which featured pulled pork sandwiches, salad and dessert catered by Opportunity Knocks, a local non-profit dedicated to providing opportunities and resources for individuals with developmental disabilities. Hephzibah currently has more than 220 active volunteers who range from age 13 to 80. In just the first four months of this year, volunteers have spent more than 1,300 hours, which at Illinois’ current estimated value of a volunteer hour, is about $33,000 of volunteer service just since January 1.
“We are so lucky to have volunteers in all three of our programs: group homes, day care and family based services as well at the Economy Shop and on our Auxiliary Boards,” Hannah Weigel, volunteer manager, said at the event. “We are so fortunate that volunteers take the time to make our programs excel and provide our children and families with the love and support they need.”
Executive Director Mary Anne Brown addressed the group and each of the program directors spoke about the importance and impact of their volunteers. Many of the volunteers shared why they choose to share their time and talent with Hephzibah.
One volunteer shared that she volunteers because she wanted to give back as a thank you for the wonderful experience her children had when they attended Hephzibah in elementary school. A Big Sibling volunteer shared how much he looked forward to coming to the house each week and the impact that spending time with his little brother has had in his life. He added that he intends to major in social work when he enters college in the fall, in part because of his experience at Hephzibah.
“Volunteering is what I consider true generosity,” Mary Anne said. “We count on them no matter what and they make a big impact on the children we serve. Our volunteers give of themselves to make Hephzibah a better place.”
The children, families and staff at Hephzibah offer our most sincere gratitude to our wonderful volunteers! We are so lucky to have you a part of the Hephzibah family.
Hephzibah is currently looking for volunteers age 13 and over to help with our Summer Day Care Program. If you are interested in volunteering as little as one or two hours a week, contact Hannah Weigel, volunteer manager, at hweighel@www.hephzibahhome.org.