This Week at StandUp For Kids - Worcester

Last Thursday, Sue (Director of Kid Development) did a great job running the volunteer meeting when Kristina (Executive Director) and Rob (Director of Volunteers) were absent.  Thank you, Sue!  And thank you to Donna for taking the minutes!

This past Tuesday, our outreach counselors went out to the streets, as they do every week, and talked to youth.  They are the most dedicated and caring people an outreach program could have.  We could not be where we are today without their commitment. 

Rob ran the monthly volunteer information session on Wednesday, May 27th.  He has put together a wonderful informational presentation.  Come check it out at next month's information session on June 24th.  If you are not interested in volunteering, just come and learn about StandUp For Kids.  We need help in all forms, from donations to spreading the word throughout the community.  You can stand up for kids just by recognizing the fact that there are homeless and at-risk youth out there that need our help. 

This evening, Kristina, Rob, and Mary Ann (Director of Public Relations) wrapped up the second Outreach Center Committee Meeting.  They have made great progress.  Rob has even developed a in depth Outreach Center Plan.

Lastly, thank you to Mary Ann for writing up a short article for the May National Newsletter on our 24 Hours on the Street event (April 24-25, 2009).  A picture of the event is posted above.

Worcester Makes Plans for an Outreach Center

The Worcester Program's number one goal for 2009 is to obtain an Outreach Center.  We hope to have more news about this venture shortly.  

How can you help us reach our goal?

• Join the group as a volunteer.  You can assist with the outreach center, public relations, volunteer recruitment, or more!  Our next information session is on Wednesday, May 27th at 7:00 p.m. in the Banx Meeting Room at the Worcester Public Library.
  
• Donations are always welcome.  Visit our fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com/standupforkidsworcester.

Recent Achievements

Our wonderful Director of Public Relations, Mary Ann, wrote a news article regarding the Worcester Program's 24 Hours on the Street (April 24-25, 2009) event that will appear in the StandUp For Kids National Newsletter.  Great job, Mary Ann!

Recap on our visit to Boston

Three of our Worcester Program volunteers traveled to Boston on Saturday, May 9th.  The SUFK Boston program invited us to attend their volunteer training and Youth Pride Day.  Kristina England (Executive Director) along with a new volunteer, Donna, attended the volunteer training.  Rob Donnelly (Director of Volunteers) assisted SUFK Boston volunteers at Youth Pride Day.  We had an incredible time and really enjoyed getting to know the Boston volunteers.  Thank you to Ben and Bernie for extending the invitation.  The picture on the left is of Rob and Ben at Youth Pride Day on the Boston Common.  

Upcoming

Kristina speaks at the Alpha Gamma Meeting on Thursday, May 21st.  Alpha Gamma is a local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a society of practicing and retired educators. 

We are also very excited to have Allyson Trull (Director of Outreach) arriving home from a semester in Spain at the end of May.  We can't wait for her return!

Welcome to the StandUp For Kids Worcester Blog!

That's right.  StandUp For Kids Worcester now has a blog.  If you're here, you are probably curious about our program.  StandUp For Kids Worcester is one of over 40 programs across the country who are committed to helping homeless youth ages 21 and under.  

What are we up to this week?

• Our outreach counselors go to the streets weekly to help homeless and at risk youth in Worcester.
  
• A few of us are heading out to see the StandUp For Kids Boston program on Saturday, May 9th.  We'll attend refresher volunteer training and assist the Boston program with a local awareness event.  
  

Recent Achievements

• Worcester recently completed 24 Hours on the Street on April 24th and April 25th to raise awareness about youth homelessness.  During the event, we held a Candlelight Vigil, the Walk in the Shoes of a Street Kid, the Turn Purple Campaign, and seven hours of Street Outreach.  Check out the YouTube Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DOYt7k4th4&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efacebook%2Ecom%2Fgroup%2Ephp%3Fgid%3D10114422519%26ref%3Dts&feature=player_embedded

Check out this blog on a weekly basis for more about our program.