IN MAY WE HELP – The George Washington Carver Center  

See volunteer opportunities below

This year we are partnering with The George Washington Carver Center as they celebrate 70 years of service to Norwalk families. Beginning in elementary school, and continuing through high school, the Center helps young people reach their greatest potential by providing educational, social, and recreational programs in a positive, safe, and fun environment.

Their facility, located at 7 Academy Street in Norwalk, includes classrooms equipped with computers and other study tools, a gymnasium that is home to a basketball league, a computer lab, and a supervised recreational facility open to all teens in the area.

In May we will collect items such as crayons, washable markers, notebook paper, board games, children’s dictionaries, art supplies, globes, maps, and gift cards to Staples and Barnes & Noble’s to help stock the classrooms for the after school program. The George Washington Carver Center also offers many volunteer opportunities for all age groups in our congregation to share their time and talents with a great group of kids.

On Sunday, May 3 at the 10:00 service, Donald Thomas, the Director of Development for GWCC will tell us more about The George Washington Carver Center.

Some Carver Programs

 C.A.S.P.E.R. (Carvers After-School Program For Education and Recreation) is a recreational and academic enrichment program serving elementary school children.

YPD (Youth Development Program) is a comprehensive educational program for high school youth to encourage and support their pursuit of higher education through tutoring, help with college applications, financial and SAT preparation.

Jr. YDP prepares middle school students academically for the transition to high school with counseling, tutoring, and curriculum choice assistance.

Carver Reading Crew helps 2nd–5th grade students who are reading below their grade level.

Summer Camp is a six-week program that includes outdoor activities, computer skill development, and recreational and cultural trips.

Computer Lab has networked workstations. Computer instructors teach courses such as web design, digital photography, and videography.

Family Resource Counseling is available from an on-site social worker who works with youth and their parents.

Please look for more information as we get closer to May!

Visit the center at: www.carvercenterct.org

 

Volunteer opportunities at The George Washington Carver Center

Opportunities for small groups and families

• Help get the Carver Center ready for the school year. Paint and clean at the center during the last 2 weeks of August.

• Sponsor a Friday Fun Day.  Choose an age group, and organize a Friday activity from 4-5 PM.

• Sponsor a seasonal activity. Choose an age group, and organize a holiday activity such as an Advent project, Easter egg hunt, etc.

• Host a Birthday Party.  Bring the cake, balloons, and gift books for one of the two monthly parties for the “Birthday Boys and Girls.” There will be 20-30 youngsters attending (K–2 or 3-5). (Friday 4-5 PM.)

Individual Opportunities

• Career Day. Motivate Norwalk youth by sharing your career experience at the January Career Day. (Exact date TBA)

• Handyman list.  Sign up to be called to help with special handyman projects.

• Guest Speaker.  Broaden the perspective of Carver’s Middle and High School students by sharing your special interests. (After school, time is flexible.)

• General Volunteer List. Carver will call when help is needed with projects such assembling mailings, wrapping Christmas presents, preparing for special events.

• Serve on the Board of Directors or on a committee. There is always a need for talented individuals to serve on the board or be a member of a committee such as finance, program or fundraising.

Ongoing Commitments

• Reading Crew. Under the direction of an education Specialist, help students improving their reading skills. (Tuesdays or Thursdays, 4-5 PM)

• Tutoring and Homework Help. Come on a regular basis (or be part of a team) to help students with academics.

• Chess Program.  The Carver chess program needs a new leader. (One hour per week.)

• Basketball. Help Carver’s Recreation Coordinator with the weekend league for 5th – 8th graders. (One practice per week.)

•Technology class. Carver has a complete computer lab, and seeks volunteers to run classes of their choosing for elementary, middle or high school students.

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