uaserve2016 impact report

recruit.match.equip.serve.

Chase Adger Gladys Agbo Tamara Almodovar Adely Almodovar Dolapo Awofala Yazinda Baez Shawnee Baldwin* Natali Bernard Rebecca Bernardo Megan Bonneville Alyssa Broatch Jared Brocklehurst Lacoy Brown Kristin Burnett Hera ButtKyle CabralAlexa Carlson*Dottie Carlson* John Carter Brenda Castillo Yamini Chalikonda Roger Chaput Darcie Chaput Jon Chen Patrick Chen Laura Chu Jeff Clark Kathleen Clevenger Laura Cordero Mitchel Cote Julius Cruz Marla Darius De’Chinae Davis Debra Delane Manny Diaz Xuan Duan Jayden Duffus Jeanna Erickson James Escobar* Issiah Fazzina Isabella Figueroa Candace Fish Gabrielle Flores Liane Flynn Khareem Foster Shannon Francis Karla Gabriel Jessica Garcia Jaleith Gary Meredith Gilbert Eve Gilles* Deborah Glassey*

Victoria Gonzalez Cameron Gordon Carla Grasso H. Danielle Green* Eva Halstead-Williams* Donessia Harris Bonnie Hartz Desiree Hayles Aedhan Healy Charlene Hemp* Houston Hemp* Marcus HendersonAndy Hoefer Carla Hoefer Gabby Hoefer Becky Hoisl Phyllis Holland-Brown* Thomas Hoong Victoria Hotman Suzanna Htoo Bing Hu Joy Ike Heather Jacobi Jerel Jenkins Christopher Johnson Denise Jones-Gagne Jason Karson* Jasmine Kermode Andy King Gwen Kohn Georgina Koutouzis Alyssa LaTorre* Quyen Le* Nasir Lee Addy LeFebre Caleb LeFebre Gianni Leone Jerry Li Carolyn Lindo* Halle Lindsay Malique Livingston Chris Long Raquel Lozada* Sarah Lupacchino* Dan Lynch Jonathan Mackay Tony Mahfoud Taylor Marchand Tony Mascolo* Matthew Mashayekhi Tony Matos Lydia McClain

Elisha McGuire Leilani McGuire* Rosa McGuire Hope McKinney Jaimeson McVicker Marc McVicker Tyler McVicker Thalia Medina Jose Melendez Raven Mitchell* Ioana Moldovan Zach Montalvo* Spencer Moquete Gabriel Muñiz Nancy Murphy Bob Muschett* Donna Myers* Cameron Neal Aniyah Nelson Jervis Nelson Nathan Nguyen* Tiffany Nguyen* Cindy Nicewonger John NipErin O’Donnell Jaidin O’Donnell Nathan Orr* J’zeida Ortega Angelina Ortiz Eli Ortiz Richie Otero Anna Pan* Sarah Pan Dan Patrick Randall Pekari Travis Percy* Berlin Pineda Shania Pintavalle Casey Polanco* Dejanarah Pollard Amanda Porritt Austin Porritt Brian Quintero Silvia Raill Jaqueline Rodriguez Justin Rodriguez Kassandra Rodriguez Samantha Rose Alexys RossKevin Ross*Stephanie Ross* Stephanie Rowlett

Zachary Russo Andy Sadanowicz* Janiel Samuels* Carmen Santiago Jenneh Saydee Kevin Searles* Serena Seepersaud Tom Sekscenski Samantha Serrano* Celeste Sherman* Sabika Sherwani Deseray Sosa* William Stanwick Anthony Strambler Melanie Subin Dave Swanson Andrew Sylvester*Nancy Sylvester* Beau Szymczak* Shannon Taylor Eric Teng Shilla Thomas Sarah Thompson Joanne Todaro* Marguerite Todaro* Kelly Travers*Tim Traverse Jennifer Tsai Romano Tucker Trishwana Tulloch Madhav Uddagiri Will Veronin David Vidaurre* Alec Villalobos* Melina Villegas* Alicia Vlisides* Tom Walsh* Helena Ward* Melanie Wasyl Pat Watras* Timothy West Jennifer Wolfe Jenna Wood Linda Yañez Abigail Yang Annabel Yang Nicholas Yang Carmen Zea Rayne Zhu

Calvary Fellowship of West HartfordCatholic Heart WorkcampConnecticut River AcademyCREC: John J. Allison, Jr. Polaris CenterEast Hartford High SchoolFirst Congregational Church of OssipeeHigh Road SchoolManchester Community College

Miss Porter’s SchoolMuseum AcademySigma Gamma RHO Sorority Sunrise NortheastThe HartfordTrinity United Methodist ChurchUniversity of St. JosephValley Community Baptist Church

Report prepared by Rosa McGuire, Volunteer Manager (rosa.mcguire@urbanalliance.com, 860.986.6033) and Sarah Thompson, Director of Communications & Volunteer Mobilization, (sarah.thompson@urbanalliance.com, 860.986.6038)

www.urbanalliance.com/volunteer

thank youThank you to all of the incredible volunteers who served in 2016!

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*UAServe Champions who contributed at least 25 hours of service.

recruiting

UAServe tableChurches or organizations often request Urban Alliance to have a UAServe volunteer table at their event or church service. This provides a way to engage their members, congregants and networks to connect to meaningful volunteer opportunities that impact the community.

Iron Sharpens Iron Conference

Wintonbury’s GO Week

UA/UAServe was present at:University of St. Joseph’s Engagement Fair (January) Wintonbury’s Go Week (March)Calvary Church of West Hartford (March)Iron Sharpens Iron Conference (March)YWCA’s In the Company of Women Luncheon (April)Calvary Fellowship of West Hartford (July)Trinity United Methodist Church Community Fair (Sept)University of Saint Joseph Engagement Fair (Sept)Aetna Workplace Giving Fair (October)

Of these new individual volunteer inquiries, 164 are currently serving (27 UAServe Champions), 62 were matched, 28 remain interested in serving but have not been matched yet and 206 opted out.

online194 volunteermatch.org66 email inquiries11 UA website

uaserve table/community21 from Calvary Church of West Hartford10 from Iron Sharpens Iron Conference20 from University of St. Joseph Community Fair9 from Calvary Fellowship of West Hartford7 from Aetna Workplace Giving Fair6 YWCA’s In the Company of Women Luncheon2 from Wintonbury’s GO Week1 Trinity United Methodist Church Comm. Fair

uaserve orientations18 at volunteer orientations (family/friends)3 from Poquonock Community Church2 from University of St. Joseph’s volunteer orientation

community ally partnerships61 from Connecticut River Academy3 from Pathways Academy

other9 phone4 from Job Corps orientations10 UA staff referrals2 in person1 unaccounted

New Individual Volunteer Inquiries

janu

ary

- dec

embe

r 201

6

460total:

Recruitment E-Blasts12 monthly volunteer opportunity Constant Contact e-blasts, that list available volunteer opportunities and link to the volunteer page on the UA website, were sent out in 2016.

Trinity United Methodist Church Community Fair

matchingRegularly Scheduled Volunteer OrientationsIn order to increase efficiency, volunteer orientations were consolidated from once a week to twice a month starting in May. Considering those who were not able to attend a weekday orientation, we began offering orientations one Saturday of every other month. As a result, group attendance has increased and those who could not attend on a weekday have the opportunity to engage in UAServe.

Custom Volunteer OrientationsAside from our regularly scheduled volunteer orientations, we also visited sites or conducted custom orientations for churches and organizations that expressed interest in mobilizing volunteers through UAServe.

On-site orientation at the University of St. Joseph

CT River Academy students (Feb. & Sept.)Many volunteers from these orientations are now UAServe Champions and serve at World Vision or Bible Way Temple Nation.

University of St. Joseph (March) Sarah Lupacchino, a UAServe Champion, was recruited from the USJ Engagement Fair and is now a UAServe Champion.

Chinese Baptist Church (April) This group of 14 cooks meals for and interacts with the children at South Church’s Kid’s Klub.

Family of seven (April) This family regularly serves at Church Army.

First Congregational Church of Ossipee, NH (April)This youth group of seven served at Church Army, UA, South Church and World Vision during their spring break.

Job Corps (July)

Calvary Fellowship of West Hartford (July)Volunteers from this orientation led worship music at a Sparrow Ministries’ community meal.

CREC: John J. Allison, Jr. Polaris Center (Nov.)Students and staff from this orientation currently serve at World Vision.

Poquonock Community Church (December) Volunteers from this orientation served at Church Army.

A UAServe orientation in January

sparked a volunteer’s idea to

carry out a Thrivent Financial

care project at Church Army!

50orientationswere held

uaserve

matchingVolunteer Host SitesThis year, there has been steady growth in the number of churches and organizations that have signed agreements to engage as UAServe volunteer host sites. January saw Crossroads Community Cathedral and Wellspring of Hope come on board. In March, Building Healthy Families and in June, New Dimension Christian Center joined as host sites. In addition, Youth Challenge of CT renewed its agreement in March. Latter Rain Christian Fellowship and Shiloh Baptist Church came on board in July, Special Touch Ministry, Cornerstone Foundation and Grace Worship Center in October and Poquonock Community Church in December.

2258 host sites.volunteer opportunitieswere available at

UAServe Community Allies

Often we are contacted by various community organizations or schools that are looking for help matching their students or clients to meaningful volunteer opportunities. Our partnership with these UAServe community allies continued to grow through the first two quarters of 2016.

In January, we partnered with High Road School of Hartford (an educational program serving the instructional and behavioral needs of high-school-aged students), Sunrise Northeast (a residential and habilitation program for people with disabilities) and East Hartford High School. Connecticut River Academy (a magnet high school) renewed their community ally partnership for 2016 as well.

In March, Pathways Academy of Technology and Design (a technology-centric magnet high school) and Capital Workforce Partners (a local workforce investment board) became UAServe community allies. In May, interns from Pathways were interviewed and three were selected:

Alec Villalobos was selected by World Vision, Eva Williams was selected by South Church, James Escobar was selected by Youth Challenge Blue Hills Civic Association renewed their community ally agreement in May and have matched interns to volunteer through UAServe.

In September, we partnered with Miss Porter’s School (a private college preparatory school for girls) and in November with, CREC: John J. Allison, Jr. Polaris Center (a comprehensive treatment center serving children and adolescents with learning disabilities and emotional, behavioral and/or psychiatric problems).

Other schools/organizations that have expressed significant interest in engaging as UAServe community allies and who we are currently meeting and coordinating with:

Windsor Public Schools

Simpson-Waverly School continues to partner with First Church of Christ, Wethersfield and Wethersfield Evangelical Free Church through UA’s Next Generation initiative.

mobilizing volunteers

school partnership host site

Global Communications School Hartford Job Corps

CT River Academy volunteers

UAServe WorkshopsLeveraging Volunteer Work on Résumés, College Applications or Profiles

At this one-hour UAServe workshop in March, nine attendees learned how to highlight their learned skills, growth and accomplishments achieved through their volunteer experience on their résumé, college application or professional profile like LinkedIn. In addition, they learned how to choose volunteer opportunities that helped them to gain specific skills and knowledge or leverage their expertise. Daisy Feliciano volunteered her time and expertise to help facilitate this workshop.

CPR/First Aid/AED 4 hr Training

On May 28, the UAServe Heartsaver® First Aid CPR AED workshop provided seven participants with the knowledge

and skills needed to respond to and manage a first aid, choking or sudden cardiac arrest emergency in the first few

minutes until emergency medical services arrive. This $40 workshop was free for UAServe volunteers.

DCF Mandated Reporter TrainingThe Department of Children and Families training was offered through UAServe and held at Urban Alliance in April.

equipping

serving

Cooked and Served MealsPicked Up Food Donations

Helped at Local Food PantriesRepaired Bikes

Prayed With Community MembersHelped Distribute Free ClothingHelped With Home Maintenance

Provided Spanish Translation at PantriesHelped Load Food into Cars

Assembled Food KitsAssembled & Distributed Hygiene KitsGreeted and Engaged People at Pantry

Delivered Food Pantry ItemsProvided Worship Music

Assisted Clients and Coordinated Appointments at Men’s Residential Home

healthProvided Medical Screenings

Provided Intake Assistance at ScreeningsProvided Spanish Translation at Screenings

Assembled Health Resource Bags

children & youthProvided Administrative Assistance at Pregnancy Center

Assisted at After-School ProgramAssisted at a Sunday Morning Children’s Program

Provided In-School Mentorship/TutoringAssisted at Teacher Resource Center

Sorted and Stocked DonationsAssembled School Supply Kits

Cooked and Served Meals at Children’s ProgramProvided Childcare at Home for Teen Moms

Supervised Children Engaged in Mobile Imagination ProgramGreeted and Helped with Sign-in at High School After School Program

Helped Unload Truck Full of DonationsHelp Coordinate Breakfast and Serve Meals at Parent Workshop

Painted a Mural for a Children’s Program

basic needs

Volunteer RolesIn 2016, UAServe volunteers served in a wide variety of ways:

servingCommunity AlliesThroughout the school year, students from High Road School of Hartford served 210.5 hours and East Hartford High School students served 188.5 hours at World Vision. Residents from Sunrise Northeast served at World Vision for a total of 256 hours. Students and staff from Miss Porter’s School served at World Vision for a total of 168 hours, and students and staff from CREC: John J. Allison, Jr. Polaris Center served at World Vision for a total of 20 hours.

13 students and one staff member from Connecticut River Academy (CTRA) volunteered weekly at the World Vision warehouse. Together, they served 520.75 hours. A group from CTRA served in January at World Vision and other CTRA groups served three consecutive days in May at Urban Alliance. Students and staff served at Bible Way Temple Nation for a total of 183.5 hours. All together, CTRA has served a total of 704.25 hours in 2016.

It’s been several years since high school seniors Alyssa LaTorre and Casey Polanco were wide-eyed elementary students toting brightly colored pencil cases filled with newly sharpened crayons and scissors to fit their tiny hands, but now they are excited for these very things for a whole new reason. They are helping provide much-needed school supplies to students in our local community. LaTorre and Polanco are UAServe champions who attend CT River Academy, an early college high school on Goodwin College’s campus in East Hartford, CT. And, twice a week, they head to World Vision’s East Hartford warehouse to volunteer together.

The warehouse, located in East Hartford, mobilizes donations through a Teacher Resource Center and an Essential Supplies Center, where teachers from local Title 1 schools and representatives from non-profit organizations can “shop” for free school supplies and other necessities through involvement with Urban Alliance’s Next Generation and Beyond the Basics initiatives. LaTorre and Polanco help sort, pack and stock the donations. Through this experience, they are gaining skills that will be useful as they head to college and embark on their future career paths. “I learned to communicate with a lot of people,” explained Polanco. LaTorre added, “I have learned that it takes a lot of time and effort to reach a goal. World Vision has taught me that in order to reach my own goals, persistence is needed.” Both would encourage other high schoolers to give volunteering a try. “It’s calming and it’s a good environment. I’m happy being there,” said Polanco. LaTorre agreed. “The environment is easy to be in and inviting,” she said. Thank you, Alyssa and Casey, for contributing your time and talent to helping provide much-needed supplies for many in our local community!

A Senior Year Spent Making a Differenceurban alliance news story (ct river academy)

Alyssa LaTorre and Casey Polanco from CTRA

“It was a pleasure volunteering and helping out with you guys. You are great people to be with and I honestly will love to do it again. I’ll keep you guys in mind and will call you when I want to volunteer again. Thank you for letting me help.” - Casey Polanco (CTRA)

Beyond Disability: UAServe Champions Make Huge Impact Through Service

urban alliance news story (sunrise northeast)

serving

Each week, World Vision can count on UAServe volunteers Greg Leo and Jenny Canyock to do two things: help pack much-needed supplies that will help people in our local community, and to offer countless smiles.

Sunrise Northeast, whose mission is “to provide people with disabilities the assistance and support necessary to enable them to live valued lives in the community,” contacted Urban Alliance last winter in an effort to identify volunteer opportunities for their clients who were interested in making an in the community and who wanted to gain work experience.

“Greg and Jenny have put together countless Yoobi school kits that have helped out numerous children in our local schools.” Since then, Greg and Jenny have risen up as UAServe superstars. At the East Hartford World Vision warehouse, they are provided with opportunities learn new skills as they pack and sort supplies. Greg, who is visually-impaired, and Jenny, who uses a wheelchair, enjoy packing Yoobi school kits the most. “I like to pack all the pencils in the bags,” said Greg,”and I like to work hard and get it done so the teachers can be happy!” Mike Bassett, World Vision’s Warehouse Manager shared, “Dependable volunteer help is what allows our World Vison Storehouse to operate. Greg and

Jenny have put together countless Yoobi school kits that have helped out numerous children in our local schools.” Just in the last two weeks, World Vision delivered Yoobi school supplies that were assembled by Greg and Jenny to thousands of students five schools in East Hartford and New Britain. Both Greg and Jenny agreed that they have also gained new skills. “I’ve learned how to listen, pay attention, follow directions and I’ve learned how to pack supplies,” explained Greg, “I’ve learned that if you work hard you’ll become better at working.” That work ethic is what makes these incredible volunteers from Sunrise Northeast shine. “It is great to have Greg and Jenny volunteer here. They come in every week ready to work, and they have a strong work ethic,” said Bassett. And now, they’re encouraging others to volunteer, regardless of any special needs they may have. “Don’t be nervous. Just volunteer, do your work, get it done, and then you won’t have to be nervous. You can do all of the things that anyone else can,” said Greg. Thank you, Greg and Jenny, for your ongoing commitment to making an impact in our local community!

Greg Leo (right), Jenny Canyock (above) and Carleen Grey (left) at World Vision.

School PartnershipsTom Walsh and Marla Darius from First Church of Christ, Wethersfield served 76 hours in 2016 at Simpson-Waverly School. And together, Nancy Murphy and Cindy Nicewonger from Wethersfield Evangelical Free Church served 28 hours.

serving

Listening Ears, Helping Hands: Organizations & School Partner for Student Success

urban alliance news story (school partnership: simpson-waverly school/wethersfield)

Dr. Frank T. Simpson-Waverly School sits on a quiet corner in Hartford’s North End. Bright red bricks and quaint trees create somewhat of a façade to the reality of the struggles its students face each day. Many strive to be at or near grade level, compounded by the most disheartening challenges of poverty and brokenness. But for the last two years, Principal Leanardo Watson has dedicated his all to bridging partnerships that focus on one thing: student success. Last year, dozens of volunteers from four Wethersfield churches connected to Simpson-Waverly School through Urban Alliance’s Next Generation initiative. They worked tirelessly throughout Labor Day weekend on a project called “Radiate” to beautify the school. “I was really touched by the amount of people that were here and just how genuine everyone was. And you know, people tell me how much I’ve done to improve the school. But I will always be the one to say it really wasn’t me. It was a collection of people,” said Watson, “I spoke to one of the pastors

and I asked him, ‘How can we do more of this work? How can we have the true meaning of the church outside the four walls?’” The answers to those questions have unfolded throughout this past school year. With the shared goal of helping children and youth achieve academic success, develop character and receive support through healthy relationships, Urban Alliance has provided support to the partnerships that are unfolding between these Wethersfield churches and Simpson-Waverly School, through consultation, technical assistance, volunteer matching and supplies. Tom Walsh from First Church of Christ Wethersfield, and Nancy Murphy and Cindy Nicewonger from Wethersfield Evangelical Free Church have been bridging relationships and supporting students through weekly volunteerism at Simpson-Waverly. Murphy, who assists in a first-grade classroom, shared, “The students are always eager to see us and we both witnessed some ‘light bulb’ type learning. We encourage anyone with a love of elementary age children and a heart for developing relationships with them to explore this opportunity to volunteer.” Walsh has spearheaded the continued partnership between First Church of Christ Wethersfield and Simpson-Waverly, and has volunteered at the school every week for several months with one goal in mind: caring for the students. He primarily works one-on-one with a fifth grade boy, assigned by Principal Watson. “We’ve formed a good friendship. I spend a lot of time just listening,” explained Walsh, “My ministry is the ministry of caring, of loving him and of just being there, and it means the world. I’m not a trained teacher or educator. I just spend time with him and that’s very rich.” Just like this fifth grade boy, many of the students at

(continued on next page)

Mrs. Martindale with a student at Simpson-Waverly

Simpson-Waverly and throughout Harford’s schools have a deep need for individual attention and a listening ear. “They need someone who will just listen and spend time with them. Many of these kids have responsibilities at home that are adult-level responsibilities. They’re taking care of siblings. They’re walking themselves home, and they’re taking care of things because their parental figures are out working hard. Just to have an adult pay attention to them and listen is invaluable. You don’t have to have a degree in theology to just love a fifth grade kid. It’s not hard. Just listen,” said Walsh. And, it’s paying off. “I have had less calls, less referrals. It may be directly related to Tom or not, but I know for a fact that especially with the young man that he’s been working with there has been some improvement. So I’m happy about that,” explained Watson. And throughout Simpson-Waverly, even more positive impact is happening thanks to additional listening ears and helping hands. Through Urban Alliance’s Next Generation school partnership support, teachers at Simpson-Waverly have “shopped” for free supplies at World Vision’s Teacher Resource Center in East Hartford. The brand new center, which is designed to allow teachers to browse and choose what their students need most, is continually stocked with items that have been donated by corporations like Target and Staples, and the Kids in Need Foundation. “To see it come to fruition last fall and for the teachers to have the opportunity to go and shop for free was just really terrific. It was enlightening,” shared Watson, “I heard fantastic feedback from all the teachers, even my instructional coach, just how much it meant to them. They were really impressed.” Fourth grade teacher Mrs. Martindale has been an educator for sixteen years and has never experienced anything like the Teacher Resource Center before. “In all my years teaching, I have never experienced anything like it. There were tons of things that we really need, mainly school supplies because that’s one thing during the summer that I’m trying to do – to get everyone a notebook, and pencils, and crayons. I’m paying out of my pocket, so it’s nice to give everyone what they need and then if someone runs out I have something I can draw from and say, ‘Here you go, here’s another pencil.’ Used is nice because you can always recycle but it

says something when we can say ‘I’m giving you something new and you’re the first person to use this,’” she said.

One of her students, Sophia Jordan, smiled shyly as she shared about the supplies she won as part of a weekly school-wide attendance raffle.

“I got a book, and a workbook, pencils, erasers, and highlighters. It made me feel good because I needed erasers,” she said.

Martindale has truly thought outside of the box to utilize the supplies she’s received from the Teacher Resource Center to help the students at Simpson-Waverly in the greatest way.

“We would ask kids if they needed a place to do their homework and so now the kids who don’t have furniture can use the trays we got at the Teacher Resource Center and pull them up to the corner of their bed and have a quiet study corner,” explained Martindale.

“We’re not just here to educate the kids. We help them outside of school, too,” she said, “A lot of the things we received helped the families, like food, clothing and even Crocs. We said, ‘maybe you didn’t have something to put on your feet, but now you do.’ And the kids want it. I don’t broadcast it but I tell them what’s here and if they need it to ask. They will come to me in their own time and ask. Whoever put it together put a lot of thought into the items they give out. There were a lot of different things that I wouldn’t expect, but they are all things that kids and families need. It was really nice. Somebody knows what we go through and somebody hears our struggle. Someone out there cares about us and wants to give us a helping hand.”

And this is what the school partnership is all about.

“We’re looking for the same outcome – student improvement, whether it is social-emotional or academic. That’s what the outcome is,” explained Watson, “Sometimes we build these barriers and it’s not beneficial to students. So if there is a way that I can work with people or an organization, I’m always going to do that.”

He added, “We have a lot of expertise within the churches that we attend. How do we tap into that? Tom has shared with me the way he feels when he comes into the school and the gratitude that he feels. I think, you all are really benefitting my students, and me personally, and he looks at me and says ‘Nah, Leo. It’s vice versa. It means even more to us.’ When I hear things like that it’s just really encouraging. It brings joy to me personally and I just know that we’re all moving in the right direction. We’re moving in the direction we need to go.”

serving(continued from previous page)

Volunteers from Urban Alliance Network Churches

• 2 volunteers from Calvary Church of West Hartford served a total of 24 hours at Church Army• 30 volunteers from Calvary Fellowship of West Hartford served a total of 140.25 hours at Sparrow Ministries, Wellspring of Hope and World Vision• 2 volunteers from Crossroads Community Cathedral served a total of 33 hours at Church Army and Crossroads Community Cathedral• 4 volunteers from The First Cathedral served a total of 74.5 hours at Church Army, UA and World Vision• 2 volunteers from First Church of Christ, Wethersfield served a total of 76 hours at Simpson-Waverly• 1 volunteer from House of Restoration served a total of 57.25 hours at World Vision• 1 volunteer from New Covenant United Methodist served a total of 42.25 hours at World Vision• 7 volunteers from New Dimension Christian Center served a total of 100.5 hours at Bible Way Temple Nation, Church Army, Latter Rain Christian Fellowship, Sparrow Ministries and World Vision• 1 volunteer from Our Savior Lutheran Church served 3 hours at Church Army• 4 volunteers from Poquonock Community Church served 12 hours at Church Army• 2 volunteers from South Church served a total of 58 hours at South Church• 3 volunteers from The First Cathedral served a total of 42 hours at Church Army, UA and World Vision• 15 volunteers from Trinity United Methodist Church served a total of 299.25 hours at Church Army, Coram Deo, Hartford City Mission, South Congregational Church, Urban Alliance, World Vision and Youth Challenge• 1 volunteer from Valley Brook Community Church served 3 hours at Church Army• 24 volunteers from Valley Community Baptist Church served 89 hours at World Vision• 2 volunteers from Wethersfield Evangelical Free Church served a total of 28 hours at Simpson-Waverly• 7 volunteers from Wintonbury Church served total of 381.5 hours at A Better Choice Women’s Center, Church Army, Crossroads Community Cathedral, Hartford City Mission, Sparrow Ministries, Wellspring of Hope and World Vision

serving

104 1,371.5volunteers fromua network churchesserved a total of hours

in2016

A home fellowship group from Calvary Fellowship of West Hartford volunteered at Sparrow Ministries and provided worship music during a free community breakfast.

Houston Hemp (left) from Trinity United Methodist Church serving at Church Army

Kevin Searles from Trinity United Methodist Church serving at Hartford City Mission

Marcus (from The First Cathedral) and Leilani (from New Dimension Christian Center) serving at World Vision

serving

“HCM has hooked me up to a group of children who come to Ebenezer Temple in Hartford right after school to do their homework. It’s wonderful to help the kids, and communicate with them and the adults who are there. It is a wonderful blessing from our Lord!! A great experience!” - Kevin Searles (TUMC)

“Since November (of 2015), we have been volunteering with Church Army in Bushnell Park. Typically, we assist one Saturday per month and have been blessed. We also promoted a clothing drive (socks and underwear) at our church - Trinity United Methodist in Windsor. Through God’s calling and the congregation’s generous response, we delivered 515 articles of new clothing to Bryan and Church Army. Charlene and I are stepping out of our comfort zone in responding to God’s calling.” - Houston Hemp (TUMC)

“Dave and Carol are a wonderful couple and have such a great ministry at Crossroads Community Cathedral. We really did hit it off right away and I know that God definitely placed me there!” - Nancy Sylvester (Wintonbury)

A group of volunteers from Trinity United Methodist Church provided maintenace repairs

at Youth Challenge of Connecticut

“We had a great time at Youth Challenge. Friday we painted several rooms, removed and replaced a couple of electrical fixtures. One of our guys evaluated the wooden steps and porches on two of their buildings, determined what materials were needed and went to purchase them. The Saturday crew dismantled and re-built two sets of exterior stairs and porches with the materials.” - Skip Eggimann (TUMC)

serving

“Ma’am, is that your French toast? I hope so, cause I crave your French toast every day!”

These words were music to Kelly Travers’ ears. The little boy who asked about her French toast knew that he could count on one thing: a delicious, hot breakfast made with a large dose of TLC. Thanks to the dedication of Kelly Travers, a UAServe volunteer champion who has contributed more than 75 hours of service in 2015, this boy and many other children at South Church in Hartford can count on their bellies and their hearts being full nearly every Sunday morning. After an online search pointed Travers to the UAServe program, Urban Alliance was able to match her to a volunteer opportunity at South Church, where her passion for cooking and working with children would be a perfect fit.

“Cooking breakfast for children at South Church has changed my life is such a rewarding way,” said Travers. South Church participates in Next Generation, an Urban Alliance initiative that helps children and youth achieve academic success, develop character and be supported through healthy relationships by collaboratively increasing the scope, quality and impact of local in- and out-of-school programs. “They have an amazing, amazing youth program,” explained Travers, “Vicki Huffman works tirelessly to create a warm, caring and [educational] environment. There are multiple opportunities for

children and the youth to be involved in activities whether for Sunday morning with breakfast or after-school with a nice hot dinner. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Vicki’s work with children and families.”

In fact, Travers’ daughter is now participating in the youth program at South Church and in an unexpected twist, they have since learned that Huffman is their neighbor, so their service has opened up a new friendship where they are also able to see each other in their neighborhood. “Kelly has been an amazing volunteer. I can put her in charge and she just does it all, from setting tables, cooking, serving, and relating so kindly and lovingly to our children,” said Huffman. When asked what she would say to someone who is not sure if they should volunteer, Travers explained, “Just do it. You cannot look at it as giving up your time or fearing an overwhelming commitment. It’s giving back, making a difference and finding something that works for you and your schedule. One hour of your time could mean the world to someone else. I hear a lot of people say that they would love to volunteer but they just don’t have time. Really? I am a single mother with a home to keep up and a demanding career. I am always busy. But taking those few hours on Sunday mornings is one of the most rewarding things I do all week.”

Thank you, Kelly, for making an impact in so many children’s lives by providing a warm, nutritious breakfast for them, and putting a smile on so many faces!

UAServe Spotlight: Kelly Travers Helps Fill Children’s Plates and Hearts

urban alliance news story (south church)

“Kelly has been an amazing volunteer. I can put her in charge and she just does it all, from setting tables, cooking, serving, and relating so kindly and lovingly to our children.” - Host Site Leader Vicki Huffman

servingGroup Projects

Museum Academy had a PTO group of 11 members put together a kit build at World Vision in March. Together they served 16.5 hours.

First Congregational Church of Ossipee, NH had a group of seven students from their high school ministry serve at Church Army, South Church, Urban Alliance and World Vision during their spring break in April. Hartford City Mission helped connect the group to UAServe. Together they served 143.50 hours.

World Vision Child Ambassadors served at World Vision from May-August. Collectively they served 81 hours.

Manchester Community College sent a group of 10 staff members to World Vision for their Day of Service in June. Together they served 30 hours.

Catholic Heart Workcamp had a group of 6 youth and adults serve at Church Army and 7 to serve at World Vision during their week of service in July. Together they served 62.5 hours.

FCCO youth group serving at World Vision (above) and Church Army (right)

Calvary Fellowship had a group of 17 people volunteer for their Community Day to pack Yoobi kits at World Vision in March. Together they served 68 hours.

Calvary Fellowship group serving at World Vision for their Community Service Day in March.

The University of Saint Joseph had a group of 13 volunteers serve at Coram Deo Recovery Living Centers for their Mercy Day of Service in September. Together they served 39 hours.

Trinity United Methodist Church had a group of 9 men do some much needed maintenance work at Youth Challenge of CT. Together they served 60 hours.

Valley Community Baptist Church had a group of 7 youth serve at World Vision in August and 17 youth and adults serve at World Vision in November. Together they served 89 hours.

The Hartford sent a group of 22 employees to serve at World Vision during their Annual Day of Serving in September. Together they served 132 hours.

serving

InternsTravis Percy interned at Urban Alliance (January, 11 hours)Alexa Carlson interned at Word Vision (February-June, 93.25 hours)Alec Villalobos interned at World Vision (July and August, 97 hours)Eva Williams interned at South Congregational Church (July and August, 45 hours)James Escobar interned at Youth Challenge of CT (July, 80 hours)Nathan Orr interned at Urban Alliance (July, 120 hours)

The Hartford volunteers at World Vision

After college student Nathan Orr was matched to Urban Alliance through a collaboration with the Blue Hills Civic Association for a summer internship, the Urban Alliance staff learned one thing: he is never without a smile or a positive outlook on life.

In fact, while Nathan contributed valuable input and assistance in UA’s Philanthropy department over the course of several weeks, including providing research and gathering pertinent data, his internship also provided an opportunity for him to identify a new passion for making a difference and set the stage for his career path.

“The most important and memorable lesson that I’ve learned is that we are all given skill sets and talents to help others,” shared Nathan. “Getting up every morning knowing that my work at UA would facilitate helping many people gave me a new found drive. UA epitomizes using determination and love to make Hartford a better place for us all.”

Nathan Orr

serving

Pathways Students Experience the Impact of Helping Others Through Work-Based Learning

urban alliance news story (pathways)

High-school. It’s a 4-year chapter of life that is nestled between childhood and adulthood, that often turns the page to opportunities for higher education or career development. It can be trying, exciting, demanding and exhilarating, but with a helpful set of tools and support along the way, students can, and do, thrive.

Meet Eva, James and Alec.

As students at Pathways Academy of Technology and Design, a top-notch magnet school located in East Hartford, Connecticut, their days are filled with developing technology-related skills and opportunities to explore careers in related fields.After applying for UAServe opportunities of their choice, the three were interviewed and selected from a pool of students to complete their summer internships at South Church, Youth Challenge of Connecticut and World Vision.

“Creating new partnerships is very important to Pathways and our students,” explained NiCole Schlagheck, Internship and Work-Based Learning Coordinator at Pathways. “Each year we aim to offer a variety of internship opportunities to support the diverse needs of our students. Working with an organization like Urban Alliance who has their own network of partners is exceptional as it gives more options for internships.”

Eva Hallstead-Williams spent the summer creating a mural at South Church for its after-school program. As painter and creative advisor, she made ideas come to life, and created an atmosphere that will be uplifting and fun for Hartford students to enjoy years to come.

She shared that it was most challenging to do the work of the project solo, and to translate an idea

on paper to a large-scale painting project. The unexpected tediousness of things like painting leaves over bumpy plaster helped her push herself and see the project through.

James Escobar helped Youth Challenge of Connecticut maintain its social media pages, created content and designed its website, assisted with IT troubleshooting, and edited a documentary film for the transitional living home.

“James was a very valuable intern at Youth Challenge this past summer,” said Noel Casiano, Executive Director at Youth Challenge. “He was prepared and ready to work on his first day. He was always punctual, professional and very respectful with the staff and clients.”

James shared that the internship helped shape him into a more responsible person. The responsibility of being to a place of employment on time, coupled with caring and supportive supervisors, helped stretch and grow him.

Alec Villalobos’s internship at World Vision included gathering stories about World Vision volunteers and partner organizations by utilizing and growing his interviewing and photography skills. “We like to share about what we are doing and how we are making an impact in the community,” shared Mike Bassett, Warehouse Manager at World Vision’s East Hartford site.

Alec was most impacted by witnessing World Vision’s storehouse in operation. The storehouse, which is home to the Teacher Resource Center and Essential Supplies Center, provides school supplies, hygiene products, clothing, food and countless other new, donated products for free to outreach ministries and schools, through Urban Alliance initiatives. He shared that he was greatly affected by being a part of making a difference in the lives of people in his community.

“The value of internships for our students is exposure to opportunities they would otherwise not imagine as career possibilities and the chance to see how the real-world of work and responsibility works,” said Schlagheck. “Through participation in internships, students understand why school is so important and they return to school more engaged in their learning. The three opportunities our students had through Urban Alliance were very unique but all of our students found out more about what they enjoy and what it takes to be successful.”

serving

“It was amazing, the kids loved it and I

loved it. They want to keep going!!” – CTRA

teacher, Tony Mahfoud

Students and staff from CT River Academy volunteering at Bible Way Temple Nation’s mobile food pantry.

UAServe volunteers at Church Army’s outreach in Bushnell Park.

“I have had an excellent experience at the food pantry.

Everyone has been kind, compassionate and caring. I

always feel welcome, useful and appreciated!” – Gwen K.

“My volunteer experience at Sparrow Ministries is

going great; everyone has been so welcoming and

accommodating, and I felt a real connection with everyone,

from the very first day.” – Beau S.

serving

“I love the Church Army group and it is great having the opportunity to help serve with them.”- Stephanie Ross

Charlene Hemp (left) and Stephanie Ross (right) serving at Church Army.

UAServe Champions Aislyn (left), Carolyn (center) and Andrew (right) serving at Hartford City Mission.

(below and right) UAServe Champions Sarah Lupacchino and UAServe volunteer Georgina Koutouzis serving at a FaithCare screening event.

“It was a lot of fun volunteering at FaithCare! I met a lot of great people in the community and it

was honestly so rewarding to help them all. It also helps me practice my physician-patient interaction

for med school so it was amazing!” – Yamini C.

“I volunteered at a health screening with FaithCare. I met two women who I think will be

great resources for me in the future regarding medical school. I’m

happy that I found Urban Alliance, and that you connected me to

these great opportunities near my home.” – Ioana M.

summary

5,127

UAServe volunteers

hoursof service to UA or programs and servicesrun by organizations in the UA network that participate in UA initiatives,

which is valued at

$118,279.89

These volunteers helped strengthen and increase the impact of local health, children and youth, and basic needs programs that are helping people in our communities.

576In 2016,

contributed

104462

1676

increase in volunteer hours contributed from 2013-2016

5127

UAServe volunteers also led efforts to collect and distribute new donations, including socks, underwear and hygiene kits, through Church Army.

ranging in age from 2-87from churches, schools, corporationsand the communityincluding 50 UAServe Champions

“This has been an enjoyable experience and one that I’m proud to be part of.” – Cheryl J.