Philanthropy Files

“I just want to thank you so much for signing me up for the gift donation. I am so very grateful. I have never had such a nice pan set and when I opened the box, I kept pulling out pans and it was a full pan set with lids. I started crying when I opened the gifts. I just can’t believe someone went out of their way to think of me. It makes me feel I am not alone because someone out there cares. I hope to one day do the same thing for someone else. Thanks for filling my life with hope again and making me feel important.”

The outpouring of donations and volunteers in December was awe-inspiring and we are truly grateful. The above quote is just one of the many heartfelt responses we had from our clients during the holidays, illustrating #WhatCompassionAccomplishes. The compassion of strangers gave this mother a tremendous sense of hope and belonging while assisting with essential support during December. It wasn’t just the pan set or the lids that made the difference – it was that someone took the time to do something kind for her.

As the New Year begins, many people are making resolutions to give back to their community through volunteerism. A new study suggests that the only resolutions we keep are the ones we enjoy, regardless of how “important” others may seem. While the WCA has numerous volunteer opportunities throughout the year, and we hope you’ll enjoy them all year long, we want to highlight some of the volunteer needs of a few of our partner agencies. We impact thousands of women, men and children every year, and our partners complement our services with their unique and much-needed programs.

Our families with young children often rely on Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Centers for affordable, high quality pre-school and day care. As new babies are arriving daily, hoping to land in some loving arm, Giraffe Laugh always needs Rocking Grandparents.

Our families experiencing homelessness receive assistance from CATCH to find permanent housing. CATCH is building a dedicated office space and new entrance for Our Path Home, a partnership of 27 housing and service agencies (including the WCA). Once that new space opens in March, they will need volunteer help with reception, greeting and working with people experiencing homelessness.

Domestic abuse survivors whose abusers kept them out of the work force or prevented them from furthering their education may enroll in Create Common Good, which provides job training and life skills. They need volunteers who want to work one on one with trainees helping with mock interviews, ServeSafe testing and resume building.

Often, abuse causes separation of families, custody battles, or foster care placement of children. Family Advocates’ volunteer CASA Program (Court Appointed Special Advocates) ensures children have an advocate in the legal system who represents the child’s best interest.

Keep your New Year’s resolution this year by enjoying volunteerism and see #WhatCompassionAccomplishes in our community. Please help us reach our vision to foster a community where individuals thrive in safe, healthy relationships.

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