Volunteers Still Needed for Outing with Youth with Disabilities on 10/9/17

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Do you like helping kids have a great time and encouraging them to reach for their best? Then this would be a wonderful opportunity for you to volunteer with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's Caring for Kids Program.

Volunteers are still needed to assist kids with physical disabilities at Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen for an active and festive fall outing on Monday, October 9! Volunteers will enjoy activities with the kids such as rides, a petting zoo, pumpkins, and more.

We are seeking 20 volunteers so that each child has a dedicated one-on-one support.

Contact Ashley Gruenwald at agruenwald@sralab.org if you are interested in volunteering for this event for information on next steps.

TIME OF EVENT: Arrival time is 8:30 am if taking transportation from the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab or 9:30 am if meeting at Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm. Volunteers taking transportation should return to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab around 3:30 pm. Volunteers traveling to Bengston’s on their own will be done around 2:30 pm.

TRANSPORTATION: Transportation from the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is available. If you will be taking transportation, please communicate with Ashley as soon as possible. Spots on transportation are limited and filled on a first come, first served basis. If taking transportation from the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, you will meet in the first floor lobby (355 E. Erie St. Chicago, IL 60611).

ATTENDANCE: Attendance is highly important and affects the youth that you are paired with for these events. The best way to communicate with Ashley on the day of will be to text/call. Ashley’s cell is: 815-252-6022.

We do ask that you notify Ashley 24 hours in advanced if unable to make it.

And, be sure to wear attire suitable for hay rides and outdoor activities, and the weather. Be sure to pack a sack lunch.

VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES

• First responsibility is the safety of the youth during the activities.

• Become actively involved and participate in all program activities.

• If you are placed 1:1 with a child or supervising a small group, you are responsible for those specific youth during that day.

• All staff/volunteers will treat all other staff, volunteers, bus drivers and participants with respect.

• All staff/volunteers will treat all equipment, facilities and outside staff with care and respect.

• Children come first in all activities.

• Aid in pushing wheelchairs and walking alongside youth utilizing walkers.

• Act as good role models and mentors and offer positive reinforcement.

• Make sure someone knows where you are at all times, bathroom, concessions, etc.

• Make sure your group stays on schedule and you are where you need to be at certain times.

Caring for Kids is a dynamic program for any youth aged 7-17 who has a physical disability. The Caring for Kids program offers year-round adaptive sports, recreation, special events and social activities. The programs are designed to foster a positive quality of life for participants through promoting physical fitness, independence, socialization, activity, and adaptive programming resources. Learn more about Caring for Kids at www.sralab.org/caringforkids .