The Mitzvah Volunteer Program is a four week training program for boys and girls ages 12-13 that teaches our volunteers how to interact with children who have special needs. Volunteers will learn about various disabilities, appropriate conduct when volunteering, the importance of giving back to the community and the huge impact they can make on others.
October 30
November 6
November 13
November 20
Winter Session
January 29
February 5
February 12
February 19
April 22
April 29
May 6
May 13
Times:
All program sessions run on Sundays from 5:00-6:30pm
- Parent Orientation of Friendship Circle and the Mitzvah Volunteer Program
- An interactive lesson in the Weinberg Village on disabilities and a tour of Friendship Circle.
- Expectations and responsibilities as a volunteer
- A thorough overview of Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and other disabilities.
Week 3
- A professional therapist will explain the importance of developing a friendship with children who have special needs.
- Activities designed to give participants an understanding of how if might feel to have special needs.
- Participants will learn how to engage with their special friend.
- Participants will learn the basics of Play Therapy
- Discuss which games and activities will be appropriate for children with special needs.
After the Training
Following the training, Mitzvah Volunteer participants will be able to select the program of their choice. Participants will be paired up with a senior volunteer for the first four weeks. This will give them the opportunity to “learn on the job.” The senior volunteer will serve as a model and give guidance to new volunteers. After completing the four weeks of training and four weeks of pairing with a senior volunteer, participants will be paired with their own buddy.
