Meals for After School Program

Brief Organizational Description: 

It gives me pleasure to introduce Saving Our Youth VA to you and ask for your help in the lives of the young people we serve. The mission of Saving Our Youth is to provide after school programs structured to boost academic performance, reduce risky behaviors, promote physical health, and provide a safe, structured environment for youth in grades 6-12 Your compassion, and willingness to invest in their future will help them develop confidence, make positive choices, and see new possibilities for their lives.

The youth we serve live in Highland Park and surrounding area where nearly one out of every two youth (45%) is living below Richmond’s poverty threshold, while just 5 miles away fewer than 9 of every 100-youth live in impoverished households. Median earnings in Highland Park are $33,703 per household, while just 5 miles away it’s more than doubled at $81,406. The youth we serve are more likely to be raised in poverty, to live in a household where one or more adults is unemployed, and to attend a school where indicators show many students are lagging behind on literacy, attendance, and graduation. That’s why we are here and that’s why we need you to be here also.

Volunteer Position Description and Purpose:

Since this is an after-school program, we have to provide dinner for our participants each evening they are with us. So, a meaningful way to support our work is by supplying a meal or two for the programs. We normally have about 15 people in attendance, so a meal does not normally run over $150 if you were to purchase it from someplace like Publix, Chick-fil-a, Tarrants, Mission BBQ, etc. I know a lot of people love to cook so this is a great opportunity for you to share your skills in the kitchen by preparing the meal yourself such as a pot of spaghetti, lasagna, fried chicken, etc.

Please wait for us to contact you to confirm the date to make sure the date you want hasn't already been taken. We will try to contact you withing 24 hours.

You’re welcome to drop the dinner off and head out, or stay and enjoy the time with us, whatever works best for you, but we would love it if you would pick days that you are available to stay and share the meal with us. Your contribution helps us create a warm, welcoming space for our young people, and we truly appreciate your generosity.

THANK YOU!

Other Information (if applicable):

• I will verify volunteer hours here on the CF website as well as give you a written verification letter if you wish. Your hours will include the time you spent picking up or preparing the meals as well as your drive time and time you spend with us.
• Casual attire is fine.
• On site and street parking available.
• We will supply the plates, utensiles, cups and drinks