Star Icon Program of- Jewish Family Service Association (JFSA)
The Horvitz YouthAbility program serves disabled and at-risk youth by engaging them in volunteer service, vocational activities, and social enrichment. YouthAbility participants help themselves by helping others.
Heidi Solomon, Program Coordinator
INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES
Participants are placed in volunteer assignments based on their individual strengths and interests. Participants develop job skills, explore possible future careers, gain self-confidence, and provide a valuable service to the agency of placement. Placements include libraries, museums, hospitals, animal shelters, restaurants, and grooming salons.
GROUP VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES
Group projects are designed to give members a positive connection to the community and allow them to feel like community heroes. Projects may last one day or be on-going and help participants develop self-esteem, soft job skills and provide a valuable service to the community. Examples include creating greeting cards for sick children, providing a lunch and delivery program to community, and tending to the community gardens that provide fresh vegetables and fruit to the elderly.
EMPOWERMENT OPPORTUNITIES
On-going group projects require a higher level of commitment on the part of the participant. Projects last most of the year and work toward specific goals. Participants develop specific skills related to the project, serve as community leaders and develop self-confidence. Examples include creating and performing in a play about overcoming disabilities, and learning about advocacy and government through field trips.
LEARNING TRIPS
Each year the group hosts learning trips to various
locations throughout the US and internationally
as an opportunity to travel and perform volunteer
activities with other non-profit organizations. Trips
are supervised by JFSA and adult volunteers.
Over the past seven years, the group has visited
Washington DC, Buffalo, Niagara, Chicago,
Philadelphia, New Orleans and San Francisco.
