This is Why You Will Want to Volunteer

Last week, YouthWorks volunteers from a youth group in Iowa came to help the Chicago Community. YouthWorks brought around 70 students to Chicago, some of whom partnered with H.O.M.E. During their week here, YouthWorks helped by painting the homes of senior homeowners.

On Thursday, one of their groups, which had six students and two adults, worked at the home of 88 year old Opal and her son, 61 year old son Ronald. The group painted Opal and Ronald's kitchen and dining room.

 

Opal and Ronald have been living in their home for about thirty years now and they couldn’t stop expressing how thankful they were for this youth group to come in and get the job done in one day.

H.O.M.E. loves having passionate volunteers come and serve the seniors in the community. Throughout the year, H.O.M.E. welcomes volunteers to do things such as painting, weatherizing houses, or host activities in our Intergenerational Housing program. H.O.M.E. accepts volunteers of all ages in order to build bridges between generations.

Volunteering and philanthrophy is important in Chicago as roughly 50% of Chicagoans said they volunteer and about 73% of Chicagoans said they practice philanthropy.

H.O.M.E. welcomes about 500 volunteers each year. We want you to know that we're excited to partner with you and hear ideas you may have to go alongside H.O.M.E.'s "regular" volunteer opportunities.

As always, H.O.M.E. is positive that your volunteer time will make a real impact on H.O.M.E.’s clients, whether you see that impact immediately or not! 

Here's one example of a happy client:

“The attic was painted by the H.O.M.E. volunteers and it is prettier and cleaner than it has ever been. I use the attic as my guest room. I'm no longer ashamed.”

Not only does volunteering benefit the client, volunteering also has personal benefits along with community benefits.

Top ten benefits of volunteering:

1. It's good for you
   • It reduces stress
   • It makes you healthier
2. It saves resources
3. Volunteers gain professional experience
4. It brings people together
5. It promotes personal growth and self esteem 
6. Volunteering strengths a community
7. You can learn a lot about yourself and the community
8. You get a chance to give back
9. Volunteering encourages civic responsibility
10. You make a difference

By volunteering at H.O.M.E. you can make a difference in a senior's life. For more information or if you are ready to volunteer, click the button below to find out more.

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