CLIENT UPDATE
Dear Supporters, Volunteers and Mentors,
We hope that you and your loved ones are and remain in good health. We know that many of you may be concerned about the health and well-being of the young people living in the Roots & Wings RISE Program as well as FLY Program students.
Please know that all our Roots & Wings clients are doing well and our staff continues to support them through this crisis with increased personal communication, daily discussions, assessments, and referrals as needed.
So many of you have been kind and generous during our time of need. Due to your generosity we’ve been able to provide our clients with Shoprite gift cards to help them obtain needed food and supplies. We’ve also had a large amount of food, supplies, masks, and toiletries dropped off at the office. They have all been distributed to our clients and we are so very grateful to all who have donated to us!
As always, we thank you for your continued concern and support.
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Four easy ways to become a better volunteer
Whether you're volunteering as a mentor, chairing a fundraising event, painting or helping Roots & Wings with everyday activities, there's always room to make a greater impact.
Below are four things you can start doing right now to become a better volunteer, ultimately creating a bigger impact for organizations that serve your community.
1. Educate yourself
First things first: you should have a firm grasp of your volunteer organization’s mission and goals before you start. If you have plenty of background information about the nonprofit you’re serving, you’ll be able to spend more time volunteering and less time asking, “Where do I go?” and “What do I do?” The directors will also be thrilled to see you’ve taken time to research the organization they work so hard to run. In general, if you educate yourself on the nonprofit before you begin volunteering, you will be able to better serve the community and appear more professional.
2. Attitude is everything
It’s always crucial to arrive at the volunteer site with a smile on your face. The more positive your attitude, the more you’ll get out of the experience. Other volunteers, directors and the people you’re serving will notice your bubbly demeanor and be inspired to act the same—it’s contagious! And let’s be honest: sometimes the volunteer work isn’t exactly what you want to be doing. Volunteering can be mentally or physically taxing at times, but don’t let any of that get you down. Think about the positive effect you’re creating in your community and the people who need your help. Let that be the fuel to get you through the day, and be sure to motivate other volunteers to keep that same mindset, too!
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In this issue:
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Four easy ways to become a better volunteer
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Client Spotlight: Aljaqua
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Volunteer Spotlight: Eric Perryman
- Happenings at R&W:
- Shop and support Roots & Wings with AmazonSmile
- Roots & Wings board membership expansion
- Holiday Wish List
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3. Accept differences
No matter where you volunteer, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be working with a diverse group of people. That’s one of the best parts of volunteering, though, right? Exposing yourself to a variety of social classes, races and ages can yield great long-term rewards and allow you to see the world through a different lens. Learn the stories of the people you’re helping and see them as more than just a recipient of your services. Be tolerant, accepting and understanding. Volunteering is powerful because it can shatter barriers between people who would normally never interact. Make sure you go in with an open mind so you’re able to experience this sensation firsthand. You won’t regret it.
4. Make connections
Building relationships with both the organization’s directors and the people you serve is so important. These people can become lifelong friends and important connections, so treat them well! Whether it’s a one-time event or you’ve been volunteering at the same place for years, be sure to leave everyone you meet with a good impression. Ask if there’s anything else you can do to further serve the community and stay in touch with the volunteer coordinators after you’re finished. Creating strong relationships while volunteering will make your experience more worthwhile and fun.
Next time you volunteer, be sure to arrive with plenty of information, stay positive, welcome any differences you encounter and form connections with the people you serve. Follow these steps, and you’ll be sure to maximize your volunteer experience!
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Client Spotlight - Aljaqua |
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The Client Spotlight introduces our amazing clients and allows readers the opportunity to meet them. This month, Aljaqua shares his personal evolution and his plans for the future.
"Growing up was rough. Though I always stayed true to my education and priorities, I had to overcome many obstacles and face adversity on many occasions. These mishaps came about due to not having proper family support.
At the age of 15, I found myself living house to house which as extremely difficult because what I needed was support and to focus on school. My biggest fear was where I would lay my head next and it was the most challenging time of my life.
Coming to Roots & Wings really helped me though, with their support I’m finishing my bachelor’s degree at Montclair State University (MSU) and scored over a 90 on my law enforcement exam. I now have the chance to be a county police officer when I graduate and I'm so excited!"
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Volunteer Spotlight - Eric Perryman |
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Seasoned educator who inspires growth and change |
As a teacher, Eric Perryman has the notable responsibility of inspiring, educating and affecting change in the lives of young adults. Six months ago, he expanded his role by becoming a mentor at Roots & Wings (R&W) and offering the steady support that young people need to succeed. “I’d heard about Roots & Wings through my friend who is a case manager there,” said Perryman. “Since he knew of my background, he thought I would be a good fit in the mentoring program.”
In addition to teaching, Perryman has mentored at other organizations for many years and believes his volunteer efforts impact our young clients because it shows them that people outside of R&W care for them.
“I believe the goal for every program involving young people should be growth,” he shared. “Growth is accomplished by exposing young people to things that they are not used to. You change the perspective of people when you expose them to different people, information and mindsets.”
When he isn’t teaching or mentoring, Perryman enjoys practicing Muay Thai, working out at the gym and boxing. An avid reader and writer, he owns several real estate properties and enjoys traveling to different countries. One of his many goals, is to travel to every continent.
When asked what advice he would offer anyone interested in volunteer or mentoring, he said simply, “Be genuine and honest with your mentee.”
Honesty and genuineness are key traits often found in a successful mentor. Not surprisingly, they’re the same traits that make Eric Perryman good at what he does on his day job and in his volunteer life.
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Shop and support Roots & Wings with AmazonSmile
Online shopping has become the most convenient way to get the things people need and want. In addition, it has become a great way to support causes that people care about—such as Roots and Wings (R&W).
Did you know that for every purchase you make—through their AmazonSmile program—Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of the purchase price from eligible AmazonSmile purchases to R&W at no additional cost to you?
Let your shopping dollars make a difference. Join AmazonSmile by clicking here and following the quick and easy steps. When shopping, make sure you are on the AmazonSmile page so that your purchase will count. For added convenience, you can also use AmazonSmile in the Amazon shopping app on your phone. See how to activate here.
Something this good should be shared! Let your friends, family and neighbors know they can do the same by adding Roots & Wings as their favorite charity.
In this current climate, where much of our time is spent indoors, donating through Amazon Smile a great way to remain active in our communities and provide the much-needed support we offer to aged out foster youth in NJ.
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Roots & Wings seeks to expand board membership
Roots and Wings is seeking to expand its board membership. We would like to recruit three new board members with fund development backgrounds to serve on the fund development committees and event subcommittees.
In the age of Covid, we need to pivot and innovate, and seek engaging and creative people who want to help an underserved population.
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Roots & Wings holiday wish list
Each December, Roots & Wings has hosted a holiday party for our past and current young adults. Due to Covid-19, this year's event will be done differently to keep everyone safe.
However, the desire for our young clients to open gifts they'll love, from people who care, still exists!
We've consolidated all the lists and we are using Signup Genius and Amazon Wish list to purchase the items from their lists.
If you're interested in helping us purchase these gifts by December 16, you may use Signup Genius and/or the Amazon Wish List to purchase an item. Presents can be delivered or dropped off at Roots and Wings headquarters.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to help!
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Thank you for your continued support of Roots and Wings. It is greatly appreciated!
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