It’s National Volunteer Week!

April 21st – 27th is National Volunteer Week. Each year at this time we take the opportunity to shine a light on all of the ways volunteers support the children and families that Hephzibah serves. Every single Hephzibah program is impacted by the generous actions of our volunteers of all ages, skills and backgrounds who make a difference in the lives of the children and families Hephzibah assists.

The wonderful volunteers of Hephzibah include:

• Hephzibah Auxiliary Boards: Our three auxiliary boards, which include Western, Oak Park and Chicago, arrange special events to raise awareness and funds for Hephzibah programs.
• Hephzibah Board of Directors and Hephzibah Children’s Trust Board: Our volunteer board of directors helps fulfill our mission by providing direction and oversight of the organizational strategy, finances and operations of Hephzibah. The trust board is made of past board members who wish to continue furthering the mission of Hephzibah.
• Hephzibah Heartmate: Heartmate mentors make a long-term commitment to spend time with a child living in Hephzibah Home playing games, doing art projects, playing outside and other fun activities.
• Homework Helper: These volunteer tutors read, help with homework and engage the children at Hephzibah Home in creative play. They also provide a place where learning and reading are shared and enjoyed.
• Special Event Volunteer: Our volunteer manager works with individuals and groups to create one-time volunteer opportunities for help with events and projects such as the Hephzibah Kids Resale Event.
• Paws for Strength: Volunteer dog handlers bring certified therapy dogs into Hephzibah Home as part of our Pet Therapy program for abused and neglected children.
• Corporate and Community Volunteers: Volunteers from corporations, foundations, local businesses, universities and community groups form partnerships with Hephzibah and give their time for activities that benefit our programs and help raise visibility for their organization and Hephzibah.

Not only do our volunteers provide much-needed help with specific tasks and events, they help raise awareness of Hephzibah’s mission and programs by promoting their events and sharing their efforts with others. Our volunteers give the most precious resource they can – their time, and our children and families receive the most precious gift in return – knowing that they matter and that someone cares.