Community Service Project Students Giving Back

Transcription

1 Community Service Project Students Giving Back Sunnyslope High School Chapter #6902 Arizona GUHSD 0

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 2 House of Refuge Overview... 3 Director of House of Refuge... 4 House of Refuge Graduate... 5 PURPOSE OF PROJECT... 6 Statement of Project Goals... 6 Completion of Project Goals... 7 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF PROJECT... 8 Project Planning... 8 Project Development... 9 IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT IMPACT AND BENEFITS TO COMMUNITY PUBLICITY Community Service Blog...14 EVALUATION SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL FBLA Chapter 6902

3 INTRODUCTION Arizona is home to one of the largest party universities in the United States. According to Nichie.com, Arizona State University is ranked the 40 th largest party school out of 5,300 colleges all around the United States. People often assume that the reason why Arizona has a high rate of alcoholism or alcohol caused deaths is because of the party school reputation; however, AZCentral.com made it clear to the public that information is false. Alcoholism in Phoenix, Arizona happens to many individuals who are in their mid-30 s, and many times it leads them to their death. This epidemic is increasing not just state wide, but it is increasing nationwide. That is why the Future Business Leaders of America at Sunnyslope High School wanted to help make a change starting within our own community. Because of this growing epidemic, the Sunnyslope chapter wanted to partner with an organization within our community who already is helping with the substance abuse epidemic. That was when the chapter stumbled upon the House of Refuge who helps individuals get their lives back in a healthy way. (All statistics below can be found on azcentral.com) 2.5 percent of all emergency room visits were related to binge drinking. Arizona is 4 th in the United States for alcohol poisoning deaths. 76 percent of those who die are from the ages of Alcohol poisoning killed residents at a rate of 18.7 percent per million residents over the age of SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL FBLA Chapter 6902

4 Students Giving Back House of Refuge Overview House of Refuge In 1988, Elmer and Mim Miller established the House of Refuge, which helps men over the age of 18 with alcohol abuse and bases all their teachings on the influence of God. Thirty years later, this organization has grown into something incredible. After Opening the House of Refuge that was intended to only help men, the House of Refuge then decided to open two other houses within the program. House of Hope The House of Refuge knew that they had to extend the program to also offer help to women and their families. That is when, in 2009, the House of Hope opened helping single mothers get on the right path to sobriety. The House of Hope is long-term housing for single mothers and their children. The House of Hope Offers family support groups and Receive emotional and spiritual guidance through mentoring and Bible Studies Achieve financial stability through subsidized living expenses, goal settings and budgeting Experience an upplifintg community that fills them with hope Grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ mentors from the Sunnyslope Mennonite Church. House of Hope goals for the mothers House of Promise In 2014, the House of Refuge decided to open its doors and welcome a place for single women who are recovering from their substance abuse problem. The House of Promise has been working with women who are 18 years or above on solving the problem long term. The House of Promise has two homes and each woman shares a bedroom with another resident. Each woman is required to work, attend Bible studies/classes three nights a week, and participate in community evening meals five nights a week. 3 SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL FBLA Chapter 6902

5 Director of House of Refuge When the Sunnyslope Future Business Leaders decided to partner with the House of Refuge, our chapter decided to educate fellow members about the director of the House of Refuge. The Sunnyslope chapter felt it was important to first educate our members about this organization and its pioneer. Mrs. Julie Supplee, who was once the director of the House of Promise, which is the women s program at the House of Refuge, is now the Executive Director of the House of Refuge. Thirty years of hard work helped her develop a revolutionary non-profit organization that has helped the Sunnyslope FBLA chapter President with Mrs. Supplee Phoenix community for many years. Mrs. Supplee helped expand the House of Refuge by creating long - lasting relationships with those who graduated from the House of Hope. For example, she made an impact on women, such as Deena Evans, who we had a chance to interview, a 2015 program graduate. Mrs. Supplee is a woman who genuinely cares about all those who are involved in the program, who are ready to change their lives forever. During an interview, Mrs. Supplee stated, The key to a successful organization is strong leadership and that they display high ethical standards for all the people at the House of Refuge. The staff and even the volunteers are some of the key reasons why the House of Refuge is such a success. Mrs. Supplee believes that, by helping our community, students are able to learn valuable life lessons. Clearly, she was pleasantly surprised to see young students giving back to the community and exposing FBLA members to valuable lessons from giving back to the community. It takes time and perseverance to start a non-profit; however, with a strong leader and a supportive community, Mrs. Supplee was able to make her organization a reality. Headshot of Mrs. Supplee 4 SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL FBLA Chapter 6902

6 House of Refuge Graduate Deena Evans (2015 Graduate) Ms. Evans, who was a 2015 graduate at the House of Refuge, shared her story with us, and we were honored to hear what she had experienced in the program. The program had definitely impacted Ms. Evans life, and she was glad it did. She started the program in June Ms. Evans is a single mother and has one daughter. Being a single mother is extremely difficult; not only are you caring for yourself but your child too. At first Ms. Evans admits that it was a difficult transition from the lifestyle she once had to the one she does. However, soon after the first couple weeks Ms. Evans handled pressure in an extremely mature way, and she overcame all her situations by always having hope and believing in herself. Mrs. Evans is cuddling with her daughter Her relationship with the House of Refuge, specifically the House of Hope, and her new found relationship with God are the keys to how she overcame the tough situations that came with being a single mother. Mrs. Supplee and the rest of the staff helped her by moving her into one of their homes and gave her and her daughter the opportunity to grow within the program. Mrs. Evans mentioned that budgeting was one of her greatest struggles. She stated that being accountable for everything is what made her realize that she had to become a strong, independent woman, not only for her daughter but for herself. She is now living independently with a stable income, all thanks to the services that the House of Refuge provided. Not only is she grateful for the staff but also for the volunteers. Ms. Evans recalled that she, has shown more appreciation for the little things, like the volunteers who helped out for just a half an hour. Ms. Evans strength and perseverance through harsh times in her life helped her become a role model and a leader for her daughter. Ms. Evans daughter is having fun in the playground 5 SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL FBLA Chapter 6902

7 PURPOSE OF PROJECT Statement of Project Goals During our first year in FBLA, we participated in giving donations to the March of Dimes Foundation; however, this year we knew we needed to do something that would positively impact our local community. With the full support from our chapter adviser, Mrs. Norma Matias-Engram, we aimed to make our community more united and supportive. The theme we decided on for this year s Community Service Project was Students Giving Back which is centered on Sunnyslope High School FBLA students giving back to our community. We partnered with the House of Refuge, a non-profit that has been in this community for more than 30 years helping with individuals who suffer from alcoholism. After deciding to partner with the House of Refuge, we sat down as a group and came up with concrete goals to help benefit this organization and help achieve great chapter involvement. RECOGNIZE ENJOYMENT FUNDRAISING Share knowledge about alcoholism to our entire chapter The chapter will determine one major fundraising activity that will promote the House of Refuge, as well as recieving donations for the organization Raise a minimum of $1,000 to give to the House of Refuge With the accomplishment of each of these goals, our chapter foresees involvement with this incredible organization in the future. By raising our goal of $1000 for the House of Refuge, our chapter plans to not only make a difference to the organization but to also make a difference in the community because the money will offer other individuals who suffer from alcoholism a brighter future. Setting up garage sales and volunteering at the daycare twice a week made our chapter aware of the hard work this program does for all of their participants and allowed us to see the values this organization instills within their participants. Even though this project will have an official due date, the Sunnyslope Future Business Leaders of America chapter will keep on participating in fundraisers and other activities to help the House of Refuge. UNITE GENERATE ENERGIZE As a chapter we will unite as one and all work hard to help this organization Publicity for fund-raising events such as newspaper, radio, or news station Create excitment and energize the chapter to help out their community and make a difference Chapter goals for entire project. 6 SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL FBLA Chapter 6902

8 Completion of Project Goals Goal R Recognize Our chapter wanted to make it clear that without help from our community, alcoholism will only worsen in Phoenix. Goal E Enjoyment Our chapter decided to create a student organized garage sale. By creating this garage sale, our chapter was able to enjoy every second of the planning because we had full creative freedom. Goal F Fundraising By hosting two garage sales, and creating a concession stand at each garage sale, the Sunnyslope FBLA Chapter was able to raise over $1000 for the House of Refuge. Goal U United Our chapter united and worked as one to complete all the garage sales, as well as participating in the babysitting offered every Tuesday and Thursday night. Goal G Generate Our chapter came together and created ways to generate publicity for the garage sales. We were featured in the schools newspaper and we were able to send out multiple s and news releases to news stations all across Arizona. Goal E Energize In the month of December, we decided to get each member of FBLA to donate one toy for the children who are in the House of Hope. Because of the chapter's excitment, we were able to give each child two toys for Christmas. Student created concession stand Chapter members who participated at the Garage Sale FBLA member participating in the babysitting Tuesdays and Thursdays 7 SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL FBLA Chapter 6902

9 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF PROJECT Project Planning Because the House of Refuge was in our own community, it evoked excitement throughout the entire Sunnyslope chapter. After the chapter learned more about the House of Refuge and their Director, it was time for our entire chapter to figure out the ways we could help the House of Refuge raise money and gain awareness. The chapter first decided that they wanted to participate in the weekly babysitting at the Sunnyslope Mennonite church for the mothers who are attending their weekly bible study class. The mothers who are a part of the House of Refuge s House of Hope need the chapter s help with the children because there are about thirty children whose mothers are in the program and usually only two adults watching them all. The chapter then decided to help and Meeting with Executive Director from the House of Refuge participate in the weekly babysitting. The chapter then had the idea of partaking in a toy drive within the chapter. The Sunnyslope FBLA chapter felt that it was important to give back to all the children whose mothers are a part of the program. The chapter s goal was to raise at least one toy for each child in the program around Christmas time. The chapter saw this as a great way to give back to all of the children whose mothers are getting better. The chapter also decided to plan a Chapter members starting the Christmas toy drive garage sale during the months of November and February at the Sunnyslope Mennonite Church with all proceeds going to the House of Refuge and all leftover items being donated to them as well. 8 SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL FBLA Chapter 6902

10 Students Giving Back Project Development When the chapter decided to partake in the weekly babysitting, the chapter Adviser sent out messages to the entire chapter asking members who was available that current week to babysit, and support poured in. The chapter then focused on the toy drive for all the children who are a part of the House of Hope, trying to make this a Christmas one to remember. We assigned a child or two to each one of our FBLA members of the Sunnyslope chapter. Each member received a description of the specific child they were assigned so they would be able to give an appropriate gift. Children from the House of Hope are having a fun time The largest task of all was the development of the two garage sales that will be help in the school year. The first task was deciding where to have the garage sale; however, the decision was easy because the local Sunnyslope Mennonite Church was known to the homeless around the area and could accommodate many individuals who were in need of clothing or possibly furniture. Next, we had to schedule a day to pick up all the donated items that were located at the House of Refuge and transport them to the Sunnyslope Mennonite Church. We then had to get the word out to the public about this garage sale. The chapter also decided to hold a concession stand with food and drinks for those who were at the FBLA chapter members transferring clothing and furniture to the church garage sale. We also decided to create a news release for local news stations and newspaper stations, and we created posters to display all around the school. We then decided to make the timing of the garage sale from 7am 12pm; however, we then had to decide what time the chapter members had to come and help with the set up. The chapter decided that 5:45am was the perfect time to get everything set up for the garage sale. 9 SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL FBLA Chapter 6902

11 IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT The semi-annual garage sale was the first opportunity that Sunnyslope FBLA members had to put the project into action. Prior to the sale, we set up the perfect date and time and made sure to get all members involved. On the Friday before each of the sales, some of the FBLA students went to the House of Refuge to move furniture and clothes from their facility to the church where the sale was going to be held. After sorting the items, FBLA members met early in the morning to set up tables at the sales in early November and February. With Tobias from babysitting playing with a toy piano these sales, we intended to donate all profit at the end of the day. On both occasions, the event ran for about seven hours, and we raised over four hundred dollars. During the sale, we connected with the coordinators, such as the Executive Director, Julie Supplee, and the Men s Program Manager, Abel Sambrano. At these garage sales, we met old graduates from the House of Refuge. During one of these sales, we found out that the church had a babysitting program; this was the perfect opportunity to become more involved. A month after the first sale, our FBLA members started volunteering at the House of Refuge babysitting program. The babysitting program became one of the largest components to our Community Service Project. At first this program consisted of giving classes to the kids for their well-being, but it soon turned into something beyond the expectation. Now, the babysitting program consists of the staff taking Sunnyslope FBLA Member is having fun babysitting care of the children and giving them the time and advice they need. In addition, Kelly Miles, who is the Childcare Coordinator, emphasized that our involvement with the babysitting program was indeed a blessing because they were in need of volunteers. 10 SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL FBLA Chapter 6902

12 She stated that our service lifted a heavy weight off their shoulders. After the first few experiences, we agreed to attend every Tuesday and Thursday after school. FBLA members were surprised that even though these kids were homeless, they were some of the happiest kids they had ever met. We also formed a toy drive in the month of December, as previously mentioned. At the end of the drive, we were able to give each child two toys for Christmas, thanks to the generous donations from our chapter members. After talking to one of the mothers who are a part of the House of Hope, the women stated that Crista has loved the Sunnyslope FBLA members coming every week to play with her and talk to her. She likes talking to the females about her personal life, and problems she faces at school with bullies or boyfriends. It has truly been a blessing and she will never forget Students set up garage sale you guys! Having an impact on a child s life is something the Sunnyslope chapter will never forget, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to get the chance to bond with these kids. The church invited a few of our members to participate in helping with the annual Christmas dinner in early December. Some of the FBLA Sunnyslope members attended the dinner, along with every family from the House of Refuge and the staff. We had the opportunity to meet the friendly staff and get their stories into why they work for this incredible organization. We were able to help the kitchen staff with the huge Christmas dinner, as well as serve it. The dinner however Christmas dinner at the House of Refuge was not only focused on the food, there were plenty of activities that the women s program manager organized for the kids, such as karaoke and recreational activities; moreover, then Santa Clause came to visit all of the children! 11 SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL FBLA Chapter 6902

13 IMPACT AND BENEFITS TO COMMUNITY This year our FBLA chapter partnered with a nonprofit homeless shelter, called the House of Refuge. Our goal was to not only impact the residents of the organization but also help improve the on-site facilities. Our overall impact has far exceeded our expectations in the start of the project. Our hours of hard work have paid off, and as a result, we have made a permanent impact on our community. In the beginning, our main focus was going to be raising money to help improve the House of Refuge s facilities. So, we decided to host two garage sales which helped us reach our goal of $1,000. During the first garage sale, we were able to take a tour of the housing facilities, and our chapter members were able to get a firsthand look at what the residents were going through. Also, during this tour, we discovered that the House of Refuge had a daycare facility at which volunteers could help baby sit. After we learned about the daycare, we began to help volunteer twice a week. At first, the kids were very shy; Gifts wrapped and ready for the kids Students loading up gifts from toy drive however, with time, we were able to get to know each individual child. Our chapter is honored to have the chance to act as role models for the children at the House of Refuge. During Christmas, our chapter held a toy drive for the House of Refuge. By the end of the drive, we were able to give each child two Christmas gifts. Our chapter was shocked at the gratitude we received for our toy drive. FBLA members had the opportunity to see first-hand how small acts of generosity can have a huge impact. Many of the children who are a part of the babysitting program ran up to many of the chapter members excited to see them and play. Many of the children who are a part of the program did not have the best upbringing; however, those children remind us every time we walk through the door how grateful they are for us. Those children will never be forgotten by the FBLA chapter members at Sunnyslope High School, and every week we will continue seeing them weekly when the project is over. 12 SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL FBLA Chapter 6902

14 PUBLICITY Viking Veiws Toy Drive Flyer Instagram Garage Sale Flyer Blog Posts Moon Valley Tattler 13 SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL FBLA Chapter 6902

15 Community Service Blog Our chapter wanted to reach the community in a fun and unique way, so we decided to create a blog. People are able to see a calendar of volunteer opportunities and even make donations. If anyone wants to know more about the House of Refuge and what it does for the community, they can find updates on a page we created, including a summary of the organization. After every major event that our members participate in, we write a news update complete with photos of the event. After creating the blog for the House of Refuge, the organization decided to use it and put it on their website so many people will have a chance to access it. The Sunnyslope FBLA chapter also created a link to the blog on the chapters Instagram where all students will have the access to look at it and volunteer. By creating this blog, our hope is to reach larger audiences and get more volunteers for the House of Refuge. 14 SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL FBLA Chapter 6902

16 Students Giving Back EVALUATION This year our chapter decided to participate in FBLA s Community Service Project. Since this was our first year, we had no idea what was in store for us. We learned lifelong lessons as well as met inspirational people who made a significant impact in our lives. As a whole, we are very pleased with how our project has turned out. However, there are definitely things that still need improvement. First and for most, we need to improve the babysitting schedule. Initially, we just informed our chapter that there is a babysitting opportunity for our chapter s community service project. Our team learned that in order to gather more volunteers for babysitting, we Sunnyslope FBLA chapter members at the Garage Sale should have created a more cohesive system of informing and getting people to sign up. Next time, we will create a sign-up sheet that will be posted in our classroom. In addition, we will create a commercial for the Sunnyslope High School announcements and send out reminders via . Additionally, we needed to come up with a better way of informing people about the garage sales. Although we reached our goal of $1000, our team could have raised Sunnyslope chapter member s handling the concession stand at the Garage Sale a more substantial amount of funds, if we had created more advertisement to assist in spreading the word. For example, instead of placing flyers just at school, we could go to local businesses and ask if they would display our flyer. Another option could include calling multiple radio stations or a local news broadcaster. As we look forward to our next Community Service Project, we will take what we have learned and apply the necessary changes to improve the overall effectiveness of the project and its impact on our community. This will allow the Sunnyslope FBLA chapter to continue volunteer opportunities that will give back to our community. 15 SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL FBLA Chapter 6902