How do you give back?

[Beth P]

Me again, retired for a week now and wondering how Villagers give back? What type of volunteer work are you involved with? A pediatric nurse for 34 years, I especially enjoy working with kids. Would love to hear your stories!

[8notes]

I volunteer my time for a couple of clubs, and I have a friend who is ill, who I help out with visits and rides to the doctor, etc.

[Beth P]

Thanks for the reply. Anyone else, do any type of work through your church?

[kittygilchrist]

The opportunities to help kids in surrounding communities are countless....it might help you make the best decision to consider--

How far am I willing to travel?
Am I willing to to be involved with individuals where there has been abuse?
Do I want to use my medical skills?
Do I want a one to one or group setting?
Do I want direction from God?
Do I want a relationship with the children or need distance?
Can I tolerate having my heart broken?
What constraints are there for time, expense, energy?

As a burned-out expert in child abuse, I wanted to avoid that. Knowing that relationship-based help is the most effective for the child, I wanted that. After receiving God's direction, I approached a young mother in the church and became her friend. She is sole support in a household with her mother, sibling and two children. There are countless ways to help, one of which is a sort of Godmother role, in relationship with the children and giving everyone in the family new opportunities.

I'm no mother theresa, so I set limits that allow me to enjoy the role I'm in.

[Beth P]

That sounds right up my alley! I'm a big believer that the best way to really help and change lives is through one on one mentoring. I too am burned out on dysfunctional culture and need a break from that en masse but definately feel called to use what I have to bless someone else, and not just financially. Thanks for the input!

[Taltarzac725]

My 38 (started on February 28, 1976) year old victims/survivors rights project (224 613) is voluntary and something I have had to pay for in many ways. If you have some time free try researching library web-links and see if they have something that if you were a survivor/victim of crime you would like to see. Also, check Sheriff's Offices web-sites to see if they seem open to survivors/victims by being progressive about fighting crime before it happens like with links to local Victim Assistance Providers.

I know with the Internet and search engines all a survivor/victim has to do to find their local resources is type in some words. It is more about respect for the needs of survivors/victims being shown by the library web-site managers as well as those of Sheriffs' offices.

Check the communities you came from and see if they have links to local resources for survivors/victims??

It is the same kind of idea about why the media often play up hurricane awareness. We all know how to Google "hurricane awareness" but it is so much nicer that the media etc are taking aggressive steps at public awareness about hurricanes. You pray and plan for there not being a hurricane but you might experience one or have loved ones who do.

[salpal]

We are in desperate need for more volunteers to help abused, neglected or abandoned children through the family court system. You may work on one case at a time. About 30 hours of training. Rewarding.

GUARDIAN AD LITEM (http://www.guardianadlitem.org/)