My time at Ronald McDonald House

This past week, I attended volunteer orientation at the Ronald McDonald House in Sacramento. If you have never seen it, it is a very clean and beautiful facility right next to UC Davis Hospital.  (On a side note...my husband helped build it back in 1998)

During our orientation, we were given a tour of the "house" where families stay while their children undergo treatment at the local hospitals. The volunteer coordinator shared stories about some of the children that have stayed there...burn victims, cancer patients, and one boy who lost his limbs due to a blood disease. It was inspiring to hear about these little people who have been through such big things with such bravery.

I was unaware that they also have a summer camp called Camp Ronald McDonald for children with disabilities on Eagle Lake, here in California.  "This 35 acre, fully accessible camp welcomes nearly 1,000 campers with disabilities and disadvantages each year. This 'special place for special children' opens up a world of possibilities for children through arts and crafts, water sports, group activities and so much more. On the shores of Eagle Lake there are no boundaries or limitations."
This particular organization offers many different types of volunteer activities.  It is also a great place for teen volunteers and groups.

Stay tuned to hear about my next adventure...

Week 3 - Ronald Mc Donald House & The Grace Foundation

Hi, friends!

I am now 3 weeks in to my commitment of volunteering 52 different places in 52 weeks.  Someone asked me, last week, why I am volunteering at so many different organizations and why I don't just pick one place that I feel passionately about.  To be honest, I am passionate about a lot of things and I have a feeling that there might be more out there that I could be passionate about, if my eyes are open.  My hope for this blog is that those of you who read it will find something that sparks your curiosity and will lead to something you can, personally, feel connected to. 

Some of you might be saying to yourselves that you are too busy to volunteer and perhaps Melanie has too much time on her hands.  However, I myself, work full-time, go to school full-time and raise 5 children.  This commitment I have made is not only a commitment to the community, but to to set a good example for my children.  I want to teach them the importance of community and let them experience the realities that exist outside their bubble.

I have two volunteer activities scheduled for this week:

On Thursday, I will be working with the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Sacramento.  The Sacramento Ronald McDonald House provides a 'home away from home' for families while their child is receiving treatment at one of five area hospitals.

On Saturday, my 14 year old daughter and I will be volunteering at The Grace Foundation in El Dorado Hills, which provides critical care and rehabilitation for abused and neglected animals and utilizes the rescued animals for assisted learning and therapeutic programs for children, youth and adults. This includes horses, dogs, cats, goats, pigs, chickens and cows.  It is really exciting when I find opportunities for my kids to get involved.  I will be sharing with you, throughout the year, which charities allow youth volunteers. 

Stay tuned - I can't wait to share my experience with you guys later this week!

Week 1 spent at St John's Shelter for Women and Children

1 week down...51 to go.

I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to spend time at St John's Shelter on Saturday.  I had never been there before and, aside from what I read on their website, I was not sure what to expect. 

When I first arrived, I noticed that the building looked like a regular office park building.  There was nothing from the street that indicated this was a shelter.  However, once inside, I was pleasantly surprised.  Right away, I knew I was in the right place.  The shelter was lively with small children. They were playing in the halls.  Upon my arrival, I was given a tour of the facility, which included the sleeping quarters, childcare room, playground/outdoor recreation area, activity room, family room, kitchen/cafeteria.  The walls were decorated with photos and stories of families that had graduated from the program to serve as encouragement to the residents.  The entire time during the tour, small children were sneaking into the group to see what was going on.  St John's Shelter runs a 90 day program.  I am told that the residents of this program participate in a strict schedule of classes to prepare them for their next step.  In addition, the residents are required to complete daily chores and many work with the shelter's restaurant "Plates", where they work regular shifts. The "Plates" program gives the participants job experience and skills to help them support their families.  During the tour, I was told that many of the women are coming into the shelter from domestic violence situations, which explains why the building is discrete.  The staff and volunteers at the shelter were focused on the safety and well being of their residents.  It seemed like one big giant family.

I feel very blessed to get a glimpse into the lives of those who have experienced such hardships but are taking the steps to improve their situation and become positive, functioning members of the community.

St John's has a ton of volunteer opportunities available.  So, if you are curious, I encourage you to reach out to them:

916-381-2233
http://www.stjohnsshelter.org/

Stay tuned for updates regarding my future volunteer experiences.

Saving Lives. Tony's Story.

4 years ago, a little boy's life was saved.  He was the recipient of a bone marrow transplant from Eric Laub, whom he had never met...until yesterday. 

Read about Tony's story here:
http://www.bloodsource.org/NewsRoom/NewsReleases/120104BierwirthLaubMeeting/tabid/527/default.aspx

Tony and his family are friends of ours and after hearing details about the bone marrow transplant, I wanted to register.  It just so happened that the Blood Source was holding a blood drive right next door to my office.  So, I went on over and donated blood and signed up for the bone marrow registry.  It was easy, painless and I am told that my blood would save 2-3 lives.  Knowing this, I wanted to see how often a person can donate and was told every 8 weeks.  Well, add that to my list of things to do this year. 

If you haven't already done so, I encourage you to donate blood.  AND if you would like an opportunity to save the life of someone like Tony, please sign up for the bone marrow registry, too.  Tony said to tell my friend's that donate "Thank You".  :)

Week 1: St John's Shelter for Women and Children

Happy New Year!!!

I have been hearing a lot this week about people's resolutions for 2012.  Some want to lose weight or kick bad habits.  How about picking up a good habit for 2012 - volunteer! 

Well, Sunday marked the first day of the new year and the first week of my journey.

The first of 52 non-profits that I will be volunteering at over the next year, is St. John's Shelter for Women and Children.  They are located here in Sacramento, CA.  I am excited for the opportunity to learn more about this organization and help them to support our local homeless women and children.  I will let you know how it goes. 

If you are interested in volunteering opportunities with St John's, they hold volunteer orientation the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month at 10 am.  All you need to do is show up. 

History of the Organization:
St. John’s Shelter was established in 1985 by St. John’s Lutheran Church to provide emergency shelter for homeless women with children. In 1988, St. John’s Shelter became a public charity, and incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Shelter moved out of the church fellowship hall and joined the Loaves and Fishes complex. At Loaves and Fishes, the Shelter was able to provide space for 40 women and children for up to 30 days, with the clients having to leave the shelter during day time hours.
In 2004, St. John’s moved to a larger facility and is now able to provide daily 24-hour comprehensive services to homeless women and children for up to 90 days. Services include mental health counseling, drug and alcohol recovery programs, employment services, housing services, parenting classes, financial management classes and self-development classes. At its new location, St. John’s has implemented a Children’s Program to specifically address the effects of homelessness on children. The Children’s Program offers and after-school program, as well as targeted, one-on-one tutoring services to every child. The Program ensures that every school age child is placed in school and that he or she has an individualized learning program to assist them in their schooling.

Stay tuned for more updates...