INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

The Impact that Volun- teers are having on our new NSP Program ( Continued with photos of volunteers painting murals)

2

Volunteering and its Sur- prising Benefits

3

A letter of Appreciation, Elizabeth McCarthy, Ex- ecutive Director

4

Volunteers of the Month for 2011

5

Volunteer of the Month, January and February

6

Volunteer of the Month, March and April

7

Volunteer of the Month, May

8

How to find the right vol- unteer opportunity

8

Volunteer Opportunities

9

Free Training Classes for Volunteers at ESS

11

A message form Steven D’Ambrosio, Assistant Director, Human Resource

11

SPECIAL THANKS to all our Volunteers

11

A Message from the Editor, Mary Knowlin, Volunteer Recruiter

12

Volunteer Newsletter SUMMER, AUGUST 2012 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

Episcopal Social Services and Sheltering Arms Transforming the Lives and Communities of New Yorkers in Need

Sixteen volunteers from KPMG, a NYC based audit, tax, and advisory services firm, added color and much needed coats of paint to ESS’ Close to Home Residential Program at the Marolla Place Group Home, in the Bronx. Thanks to their hard work and en- ergy, all the bedrooms and offices were painted ensuring that this group home was ready for the July 26th Grand Opening! KPMG also donated

school supplies and 100 Finance Management books, with tips in setting up a bank account among other need to know tools for our Group Home teens! They painted the rooms based on research conducted by Ellen McCartney, Special Project Assistant, and Hilary Gunn, Executive Intern, on the therapeutic properties of color. Variations of blue were chosen for each bedroom since research shows that blue is a calming color, helps people focus on completing tasks and therefore allows those to increase productivity.

Bronx-native artist, muralist, and SVA graduate, Stephanie Rodriguez, added lots of color and spunk in this imaginative Bronx neighborhood scene with a Yankee Stadium backdrop, the focal point of the Marolla Place Group Home recreation room. With her talent and help from dedicated volunteers, this mural was ready for its debut at ESS’ Group Home Grand Opening!

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:

The impact that volun- teers are having on our new NSP Program

The Impact that Volunteers are Having on our New NSP program

By: Daniela Ramos and Hilary Gunn

PAGE 3

Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits (Article found on

HelpGuide.org) Helping Yourself While Helping Others

While searching the internet on articles about volunteering, I found this article on HELPGUIDE.org, A TRUSTED NONPROFIT

RESOURCE “Volunteering and It’s Surprising Benefits”. With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the

benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family, and the community. It can help you find friends, learn new skills,

and even advance your career. Volunteering can also help protect your mental and physical health

Benefits of volunteering #1: Volunteering helps you make new friends and contacts: One of the best ways

to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering

is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. Volunteering also strengthens your ties

to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests,

neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities. Volunteering increases your social and relationship

skills: While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people.

Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly

with a group of people with common interests. Once you have momentum, it’s easier to branch out and make

more friends and contacts

Benefits of volunteering #2: Volunteering is good for your mind and body: Volunteering provides many

benefits to both mental and physical health. Volunteering increases self-confidence: Volunteering can provide

a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. You are doing good for others and the

community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense

of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of

your life and future goals. Volunteering combats depression: Reducing the risk of depression is another

important benefit of volunteering. A key risk factor for depression is social isolation. Volunteering keeps you in

regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against

stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times. Volunteering helps you stay physically

healthy: Volunteering is good for your health at any age, but it’s especially beneficial in older adults. Studies

have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not, even when consider ing

factors like the health of the participants. Volunteering has also been shown to lessen symptoms of chronic pain

or heart disease.

Benefits of volunteering #3: Volunteering can provide career experience: Volunteering offers you the

chance to try out a new career without making a long-term commitment. It is also a great way to gain experience

in a new field. In some fields, you can volunteer directly at an organization that does the kind of work you’re

interested in. For example, if you’re interested in nursing, you could volunteer at a hospital or a nursing home.

Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organizations or internships that could be of benefit

to your career. When it comes to volunteering, passion and positivity are the only requirements: While

learning new skills can be beneficial to many, it’s not a requirement for a fulfilling volunteer experience. Bear in

mind that the most valuable skills you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a

willingness to do whatever is needed, and a positive attitude.

A Letter of Appreciation to our Volunteers from Elizabeth McCarthy, Executive Director

A volunteer appreciation letter and certificate was mailed on May 15, 2012 to all our volunteers thanking them for their service, hard work and dedication in volunteering at ESS/Sheltering Arms. Below is a copy

of the letter and volunteer appreciation certificate that was sent to our volunteers:

On behalf of ESS/Sheltering Arms, I would like to thank you for volunteering your time throughout the

year in support of our programs. Your commitment furthers our ability to carry on the work of serving

and uplifting disadvantaged citizens in New York City that was started 180 years ago.

Because of dedicated volunteers like you, ESS is able to provide for over 5,000 of New York City’s most

vulnerable residents with quality services including after school programs, adolescent residential care, early childhood education, family preservation, foster care and adoption, and programs and residences

for developmentally disabled adults.

Enclosed you’ll find a volunteer appreciation certificate, a small token of our gratitude for your time and

dedication in upholding our mission of transforming the lives and communities of New Yorkers in need.

We are proud to partner with you in this vital work.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth McCarthy Executive Director

PAGE 4

P A G E 6

Congratulations to Seyna Sous, Volunteer of the Month, January 2012

Seyna Sous, a volunteer with our Early Head Start program was presented with the volunteer of the month

award for January. When did you start volunteering at ESS? I started

volunteering at ESS in September 2010 with the Developmental Disabilities

Services department, under the Director Richard Anemone. Running copies on a

daily basis for his clients. I volunteered for the Mental Health Department, under

the Director Dr. Karen Myrie assisting the medical clinic staff with creating a new

patient file system for their patients. Volunteering in these department helped me

to focus on my career in the medical administration field. I learned how the dental,

psychiatric and medical department operates on a daily basis. I am currently

volunteering with the Early Head Start program under the Director Helen Davis,

assisting Wanda Ortiz as an Clerical Aide. I learned a lot working with her. What

do you like most about volunteering at ESS? I like volunteering at ESS, because

I get to help people in doing what I love and it makes me feel great knowing that

I can assist in anyway possible. I have been volunteering for one and half years

and I have learned that in order to be a good volunteer you have to be dedicated,

passionate and patience that is the key. What made you choose to volun-

teer at ESS? My grandfather inspired me to become a volunteer, because of his strong, genuine and great

passion for helping others giving back to the community. He volunteered his time at a Buddhist temple

on Marion Avenue, in the Bronx. No matter what the weather was rain or shine he managed to get up

every morning and get to his destination. With every penny he had he donated to the temple. Making

sure that the bills were paid and helping with repairs within the temple, anything to help make it better

for the people who attend the temple to pray on a daily basis or on special occasions. He was an inspiration

and a great motivator in my life. He passed away at the age of 88. What impact has volunteering at

ESS made on you? It really changed me to become a better person in many ways, from developing my

social skills, to building a higher confidence level and becoming more attentative to society. I would like

to thank ESS and the Early Head Start staff for all their time

Congratulations to Charlotte McCullagh, Volunteer of the Month, February 2012

Charlotte McCullagh, a volunteer/intern with our General

Preventive program was presented with the volunteer of the month award for February. She is

pleasant and has connected well with the preventive staff. Charlotte’s site supervisor, Anne M.

Franco praised her for her eagerness to learn.s. Although she has only been with the program

for over 2 months, she has exhibited quality performance thus far. When did you start

volunteering at ESS? I started volunteering at ESS at the end of November 2011. I am currently

volunteering as a case aide/ Clerical Aide for the Family Preservation team. What made you

choose to volunteer at ESS? I was placed at ESS by the NYU Silver School, they felt that the

agency was a good fit for me. What do you like best about volunteering at ESS? I like

volunteering at ESS because the case planners and supervisors are very supportive and know a

great deal. I thank them for all their support.

P A G E 7

Congratulations to Hayden Hutchison, Volunteer of the Month, March 2012

Hayden Hutchison, a volunteer/intern with our PYA Youth Development

program was presented with the volunteer of the month award for March.

When did you start volunteering at ESS? I started volunteering at ESS in

January 2012. What made you choose to volunteer at ESS? I am working

towards my Masters in Social Work and Global Public Health at NYU, and I am

completing my first year MSW field placement with ESS Preparing Youth for

Adulthood program. I hope to pursue a career working with children and

adolescents. Why is volunteering and giving back to the community

important to you? Volunteerism and service are two personal passions which

I look to continue as social worker in my professional career. Thanks to the PYA

Youth Development staff for all their help.

Congratulations to Mark van den Bergh, Volunteer of the Month, April 2012

Mark van den Bergh, a volunteer with our IT Department was presented with the volunteer of

the month for April 2012. Mark started volunteering at ESS in

December 2011.

What made you choose to volunteer at ESS? I didn’t want to sit

at home all day and wasting my IT business analyst experience I

started to look for a voluntary roles. Via the website idealist.org I

found a volunteer employment possibility as IT volunteer at ESS.

After visiting the website and reading the mission statement I knew

this was the organization I wanted

What do you like best about volunteering? The best thing about

volunteering for ESS is the fact that I can contribute to the following

part in the mission statement of ESS. The positive impact that ESS

makes on to transform the lives and communities of New Yorkers

in need, ESS strengthens families, promote the healthy

development of

children and youth, and empowers all whom we serve to become self-sufficient to a level at

which they are capable. It is good to know that you can make a difference by contributing your

help and knowledge as a volunteer to the society.

How does volunteering fit your personal goals? For me it is important to have a challenge in

life and learn something. Besides the possibility to be able to donate my time and knowledge

to an organization like ESS it is important to gain experience in several ways. As IT volunteer

with ESS I can learn a lot about a specific part of IT which I don’t know yet and at the same time

contributing something for a very good cause. I am convinced that this experience will look very

good on my resume but most importantly will have great impact on further career decisions in

my life. Being able to combine work and helping people in need is very special.

Why is volunteerism and giving back to the community important to you? It is great to

contribute and give something to people who are in desperate need of help. Volunteerism and

donating something to the community is a great experience for me. In my previous job I was a

really a very devoted employee but as a volunteer I can honestly say I feel very committed and

maybe even more devoted. It is really great to know that your dedication as a volunteer is really

appreciated by ESS and the New Yorkers in need.

P A G E 8

Congratulations to Dita Carhart, Volunteer of the Month, May 2012

Dita Carhart, a volunteer with our Development and Communication

department was presented with the volunteer of the month for May 2012.

When did you started volunteering at ESS? I started volunteering at

ESS in November 2011.

How long have you been volunteering and where have you

volunteered before? I began volunteering once my children were in

school long enough to string a few hours together, which was about eight

years ago. I started as a reading tutor in a school in the Bronx. I work with

the same three students for three years, and then unfortunately, the

program was canceled. I also became a greeter at my children’s school

and later a tour guide for the

elementary school and the middle school.

How did you learn about our volunteer program? Five years ago I started as a CASA Advocate, helping

foster children with their court cases. That is how found out about Episcopal Social Services.

Why did you choose to volunteer for our Development and Communication Department?

I realized of all the caseworkers I had worked with through CASA that ESS had the best! I then decided I’d

like to re-enter the development field and I wanted to volunteer in an organization that worked with

children. So I looked up to see if ESS had any opportunities and gave them a call.

How to Find the Right Volunteer Opportunity (Article found on

HelpGuide.org) There are numerous volunteer opportunities available. The key is to find a volunteer position that you would

enjoy and are capable of doing. It’s also important to make sure that your commitment matches the

organization’s needs.

The following questions can help you narrow your options:

Would you like to work with people or would you rather work in solitude?

Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team.

Are you better behind the scenes or do you prefer to take a more visible role?

How much time are you willing to commit?

How much responsibility are you ready to take on?

What skills can you bring a volunteer job?

Getting the most out of volunteering

You’re donating your valuable time, so it’s important that you enjoy and benefit from your volunteering. It’s

important to make sure that your volunteer position is a good fit and to communicate with the people you’re

working with in the volunteer organization.

Ask questions. You want to make sure that the experience is right for your skills, your goals, and

the time you want to spend. If you have any questions, be sure to speak up. Sample questions to

your volunteer coordinator might address your time commitment, if there’s any training involved,

who you will be working with, and what to do if you have questions during your experience.

Make sure you know what’s expected. Before starting, make sure you are comfortable with the

organization, know what is expected, and understand the time commitment. Consider starting

small so that you don’t over commit yourself at first. Give yourself some flexibility to change your

focus if needed.

Don’t be afraid to make a change. Speak up if your experience isn’t what you expected. Don’t

force yourself into a bad fit. Talk to the organization about changing your focus or consider

looking for another match.

Enjoy yourself. Most importantly, make sure you’re having fun! The best volunteer experiences

benefit both the volunteer and the organization. If you’re not enjoying yourself, ask yourself why.

Is it the tasks you’re performing? The people you’re working with? Or are you uncomfortable

simply because the situation is new and familiar? Pinpointing what’s bothering you can help you

decide how to proceed.

P A G E 9

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

The mission of Episcopal Social Services (ESS) Volunteer Services is to expand and enhance the services that ESS

provides to children, adults, and families, while providing a meaningful experience for volunteers. ESS volunteers give generously of their time and talents and make an enormous difference in the lives of their fellow

New Yorkers. Some volunteers make a long-term commitment serving a program on an on-going basis; others come

just for a day.

Individual Volunteer Opportunities

Adolescent Residential Care for At-Risk Youth

Arts Workshop Facilitators – Are you willing to lead a workshop for a group of 10 youth on poetry, art, drama, spoken

word, dance, or any other liberal art?

Computer Mentors – Teach youth at our group homes how to use basic computer programs in our new Cyber Cafe .

After-School Program

Tutors for ages 10 - 13 – Assist middle school students with homework assignments, studying for tests, class projects,

etc.

Recreation Mentors for ages 10 - 13 – Assist middle school students while they are participating in recreation activities

such as: sports, dance, step team, art, video games, band, choir, etc.

Tutors for ages 5 – 10 – Assist elementary school students, with homework assignments, studying for tests, class projects,

etc.

Recreation Mentor for ages 5 - 10 – Assist elementary students, while they are participating in recreation activities such

as: sports, flag football, dance, art, music, choir, etc.

Martial Arts Mentor for ages 5 – 10 – Teach elementary school students martial arts once or twice a week.

Day Care Center

Arts Mentor - Provide arts and cultural activities including, but not limited to: art, singing, dancing, song-writing, martial

arts, and performance plays. Motivate and encourage children to join in.

Music Instructor - Provide musical instruction to the kids and organize an end of the year performance.

Classroom Aide - Assist with classroom activities, ages 2-4, under the supervision of lead teacher. Office Aide - Prepare

mailings, photocopy, file, fax, and general office duties as assigned.

Reading Buddy - Read to children, aged 2-4, twice a week. Willing to be lively and engage the kids Science Buddy – Do

experiments with the kids and get them excited about science!

Dance Mentor – Engage the kids in dance and movement in a weekly class.

Development/ Communications Department

Communications Assistant – Assist with communications functions such as preparation of the newsletter (both print and

electronic versions), appeal mailings, press releases, layouts of journal ads, photography, etc.

Early Head Start

Classroom Aide - Assist in the various classroom activities under the supervision of the teachers

Administrative Aide - Great with filing, and filling in as a receptionist for staff

Data Entry Aide - Must be proficient in Power Point, Excel, Publisher, Word

Kitchen Aide – To help in the kitchen preparing food, Must have food handling, cooking, nutrition experience. Prep aring

and setting tables. Will be preparing food for ages 2 – 4 years.

Volunteer Opportunities (Continued)

Event Volunteers Flexible schedule in order to help participate & assist with large events . Help to decorate & setup .

Foster Care and Adoption Tutor – work with kids in high school, middle school, or elementary, giving them one on one help with their homework after school. Flexible schedule. Clerical Aide – Assist in filing, copying, faxing and answering the phones .

Group Projects Gardening Arts projects with our clients Renovation or painting in foster care group homes Building bookshelves and toy cubbyholes in day care centers Staffing a family picnic or holiday party Hosting a “third party” fundraiser at your site for one of our programs

Health Services

Filing Aide – Help the offices file and condense paperwork. Bilingual Office Aide – Spanish speaking assistant that can help the mental health department translate

Homefinding and Intake

Recruiter Aide – Assist in completing necessary outreach objectives at local faith and community based organizations. Displaying flyers, inquiring about possibly hosting or participating in an event at the location to better spread the word regarding being a foster parent to children in need, particularly teens. The recruiter aide will also be for tabling certain events if possible with fellow staff, such as the ACS informational Forum as well as any other event where the potential to reach out to our targeted area is possible. Volunteer will assist in reaching out to current foster parents in regards to upcoming committee meetings and potentially hosting foster ware parties .

IT Development

IT Assistant – To help with phones, creating key cards, and maintaining printer logs. Quality Improvement

Data Entry Assistant – Help with date entry for case record review and client satisfaction sate, assist with checking accuracy of data entry. If you’re interested in volunteering, please email the completed application to: Mary Knowlin : knowlinm@e-s-s.org To learn more about Volunteer Opportunities, please call our Volunteer Hotline at # 212.886.5663 , Is there something we haven’t listed as a current volunteer opportunity that you’d like to see? Please don’t hesitate to share with us!

PAGE 10

P A G E 1 1

Free Training Classes for Volunteers at ESS

FREE Training classes are available to ESS staff. Volunteers can participate in

the training classes. Please check for the training schedule and select the

training you want to take. If you are interested in participating in any of the

indicated trainings, you MUST contact the Training Department (training@e-s-

s.org) or you may contact Janine Duke, Training Manager directly at (dukej@e-

s-s.org) so that you may be registered. Please let her know the Name and

Date of the training you would like to attend and your Contact Information

for confirmation.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE CALL OUR VOLUNTEER HOTLINE AT (212) 886-5663 OR EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO: MARY KNOWLIN ATKnowlinm@e-s-s.org

A message from Steven D’Ambrosio , Assistant Director, Human Resources

Here at ESS, we all seek to work within the framework of our

mission statement—To Transform the Lives and Communities of

New Yorkers in need. As volunteers at ESS, you make a

meaningful impact on all who we serve whether child, teen, or

adult. Without your devotion to our cause and to our mission,

ESS would not be what it is. I want to thank you all from the

bottom of my heart for all that you do and for all that you have

helped us to achieve.

SPECIAL THANKS to all of our Volunteers

We at Episcopal Social Services thank all our volunteers

for their generous contribution, hard work and

dedication. We recognize you as being a valuable part

of our company. You are the clue that holds our

company together and make us shine. Whenever we

need help in one of our department, you fill in the gap

and we thank you for that. Whether you are

volunteering/ interning for college credit or just to

give back to the community it takes a special kind of

person to volun-

Let love shines through in all you do. teer and give of there time. “Volunteers Make The

Difference” A SPECIAL THANKS and welcome to all our new volunteers. Thank you for

sharing the most precious gift of all—yourself.

P A G E 1 2

A Message from the Editor

Mary Knowlin, Volunteer Recruiter

——————————————–

Editor

June 2012

My name is Mary Knowlin, Volunteer Recruiter at

ESS. I came to ESS/Sheltering Arms in June of 2011. When I was offered the position as Volunteer

Recruiter, I thought to myself how could you recruit volunteers? Who has the time to devote to

volunteering? I remember in my Customer Service class there was a sign in front of the class that

read: “You Don’t Know What You Can Do Until You Try”. Everyday I would look at that sign and

read it and said to myself, “that is so true”. Previous Job Corps staff went over the details of the

Volunteer Recruiter position. I read all the information that they gave me. With the ongoing

guidance and supervision of our Assistant Director of HR, Steven D’Ambrosio I was able to learn

more about being a Volunteer Recruiter. Now I love being a Volunteer Recruiter, because it makes

me feel good to hear the stories people tell me about wanting to volunteer. When I call to

interview them on the phone, I asked them the question “Why is Volunteering and Giving Back

to the Community Important to You?” The response is always focused on a passion to help

people and by doing this I’m giving back to the community. Some say that the community has

done a lot for them so they want to give back. It is all about helping and giving back to the

community and the people we serve. “Thanks to our Volunteers”

I am proud to present the first issue of the Volunteer Newsletter. This newsletter was published to

give thanks and recognition to our volunteers and to highlight their service and dedication to

ESS/Sheltering Arms. Inside this newsletter you will also find articles on our cover story “The impact

that volunteers are having on our new NSP (Non-Secure Placement) program”, “Volunteering and

it’s Surprising Benefits” , “How to find the right volunteer opportunity”, “Volunteer Opportunities”

and “Free Classes for Volunteers at ESS”. Highlighted is a letter from our Executive Director,

Elizabeth McCarthy, along with a volunteer appreciation certificate that was sent to all our

volunteers thanking them for their hard work, dedication and service to ESS/Sheltering Arms. A

message from Steven D’Ambrosio, Assistant Director, Human Resources. Please do not hesitate to

contact me at knowlinm@e-s-s.org if you would like to contribute to future newsletters.