April is Volunteer Appreciation Month

As April is dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the myriad of volunteers who support non-profit organizations, I am happy to have the opportunity to share some of the many ways volunteers contribute to ICAN’s success.  We truly would not have the wonderful program we do, if it weren’t for our amazing and dedicated volunteers!  ICAN volunteers bring their smiles and hearts to everything they do, from the necessary yet sometimes tedious task of scanning old files to scooping green beans on 500+ plates for Thanksgiving Dinner!

Whether our volunteers are hiding Easter Eggs or setting up the gym for a rousing game of human bowling or helping children with their spelling words, ICAN volunteers support the success of at-risk youth with their willingness to encourage youth to do and be their best. By bringing personal interests into the after-school program, our volunteers help ICAN youth learn new skills and build self-confidence.  One of our high school volunteers is great with the new math (which we are ever thankful for

because most of our adult volunteers and staff look at the new math and go, ‘huh?’). She worked with staff to create a mini-math lab which helped a number of students improve their math skills. Another volunteer who competes in state and national chess tournaments, brings the art of chess to our after-school program.  Still other volunteers bring their love and appreciation of all things ‘youth’ to help staff implement activities, encourage youth to participate in programming and help build self-esteem through positive praise and modeling respect.

Last year we were blessed with visits from over 400 volunteers – each bringing a genuine desire to support the success of at-risk youth. THANK YOU to the many volunteers who share their hearts with us.  YOU MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE AND WE APPRECIATE YOU!

If you are interested in becoming an ICAN volunteer, click here to learn more.

Deanna Schlagenhaft

ICAN Volunteer Coordinator