Stratford has a strong history of volunteering—volunteers add incredible content and color to our community.
Almost one year ago, Stratford Forward (a 501(c)3, and parent organization of the Stratford Crier) launched the Stratford Volunteer Corps (SVC), a new online platform for people to find volunteer opportunities that match their interests. The current focus is on the Public Schools System’s needs, but a growing number of other organizations are joining, including the Stratford Library and the South End Community Center, seeking help in a variety of ways from folks with a vast array of skills. An additional SVC aim is to develop volunteer opportunities for high school students to help complete their graduation requirements.
There are now over 70 volunteers in the SVC system who have been providing services to over 30 elementary students. In addition to all our elementary schools, by September our two secondary schools and both high schools will be signed on to receive the support they need. SVC provides tutors and mentors, and is helping to develop after-hours programs for kids.
It’s not necessary to be a math or science specialist, or a specialist in anything other than caring about kids and their futures. Most volunteers are mentors, and are guided by the students’ teachers. Mentoring means listening, caring and encouraging. It’s the kind of giving that you yourself like to get.
How much time you spend is up to you. Volunteers generally give one hour weekly, though many soon expand to three or four. ‘Why?’ you might ask. ‘What do they get out of it?’ Well, if you ask the volunteers they’ll tell you they get hugs, they get smiles of appreciation, but most importantly, they see the development and progress these children make.
The world cannot be fixed by money and policies – the world is made better by touching the heart and mind of one person, one child at a time, and making sure they know they are unique and that they matter. Money and policies help set the course, but what gets these kids across the finish line is what we as individuals contribute.
The needs in our community are growing, and SVC needs your help. They need people to sign up, and they need you to spread the word!
Please visit their website at www.StratfordVolunteerCorps.com, sign up, and let them know where your interests lie. When a new community need is posted that corresponds with your interests, you will get an email letting you know. They’ll assist you in making the connection, and remember ~ you’re never alone in the process. There’s always support available.
Please consider becoming an active part of this growing group. Let GIVE and GET be your new motto! You, too, will find you get far more than you give.
