Connecting Service-Learning Projects

               Our service learning projects were beneficial because we were able to learn more about community programs that aid students in expanding their knowledge outside of school. Each of our service-learning projects were done in different community programs, but they all had the same focus on helping families in the community. We were able to witness true agencies that practice the colleagueship and advocacy we will teach our students every day.

                The YMCA Program helps families have a place for their child to be while they are in work, WIC gave families the nutritional knowledge which they need in order for their children to develop appropriately, and the Milton Family Center provides many services for their community members to utilize. Doing the service-learning project was rewarding because it feels good to give back to the community.

Kaitlyn's Service Learning Project: The YMCA Program

 

 

For my service-learning project, I decided to focus on the YMCA program, also known as the Y. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. I did my observing at the Charlotte Central school YMCA after school program. With a focus on safety, health, social growth and academic enhancement, Y afterschool programs serve kindergartners through middle school students with a variety of programmatic and activity options to explore and develop their interests and talents. My time at the Y afterschool program was spent helping students with their homework, and on activities that help build their knowledge. It is extremely important for schools to have after school programs similar to this one because it helps families who need to work and don’t have anywhere else to send their child after school until they get out of work. This program is also beneficial because it enables students to work on their homework with adults nearby to help them, as well as create good social habits with other students and adults.  



Amber's Service Learning Project:WIC

     

         For my service-learning project, I decided to focus on the education of the physical and mental well-being of families and children. I decided to work with a supplemental nutrition program to support women, infants, and children; this is often known as WIC. This organization believes women and families should be given the right nutritional knowledge before and after a child is born by working together to ensure a child’s development is appropriate despite family income. I learned a lot about what WIC stands for and how invested they are in advocating for the well-being of the families under their care. I was able to speak with the Program Director of the Department of Health for the state of Vermont, Danielle*, and was uplifted by her care for the families, which is something I believe is important when teaching a democratic society. Danielle stated, “I walked into this job off the street and it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” said Danielle. “It’s really rewarding to help a mom through a breast-feeding goal, or help a family in a time of need. Families are so appreciative, everyone wants to do a great job, but society doesn't have a lot of support for young families.”

For my service leraning, I volunteered at the Milton Family Community Center (MFCC). While I was growing up I received services from them so I thought that doing my service learning project there would be a good way to give back. While I was there I worked in three different departments, they were: infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Working with the infants was really fun, I was able to connect with them because I have a niece who is also an infant. I feel that if I didn't aleady have expirience with babies, I would have been overwhelmed. Working with the toddlers was a much different expirience; all they wanted to do was sit on my lap and play with me. They were able to tell me and the staff what they needed, and they knew right from wrong. I really enjoyed working with the preschoolers. They were all energetic and they loved making drawings for me. I helped them do puzzles, and get their snacks. I found the whole expirience very rewarding.