For the project link, I volunteered at Teen Reach on Tuesday May 29, 2012. I volunteer the whole time the day care was opened, 1 to 5. Their summer activity that day was going to the community swimming pool.  This service activity reflected the concept of children in poverty for me. I never have worked with kids who were underprivileged before.  It was really eye opening for me. CJ, the director, was very open with the kid’s situation and talked with my roommate and I how this program does so much for them. CJ talked about the kids living arrangements and how they share rooms with tons of siblings, living in sheds, and kids just always by themselves.  Another concept that was reflected on this day was assumed diversity. I would have never guessed these kids lived in such harsh living conditions. They were all pretty much good kids, and they looked just like the rest of kids at the swimming pool. It was really shocking to me.   

I networked with professionals while working at Teen Reach because C.J. was willing to talk to my roommate and me and explain the program. In the future I want to own my own child care and working at Teen Reach opened my eyes to ideas, or doing something more like Teen Reach. Volunteering there really opened my eyes and seeing more what I could do in the future.

                This service organization has a big affect on this community.  CJ checks all of the kids’ grades, and most of all of them have their grades improved.  The kids who didn’t have good grades are in summer school, and once they finish that, they can come back and join the fun activities that CJ has planned for the other kids. This program teaches social skills as well. CJ express that the kids need to learn how to behave in public as well. That is a main reason he takes to the parks, pools and lakes. Also the kids would never be able to go to these places without this program, because they have parents not able to come to these places or even want to. This program also helps kids to not be home alone all day long to, help them to stay out of trouble.

                I really enjoyed volunteering at Teen Reach, I wish I volunteer more this summer but I leaving to go back home. These kids really enjoyed our company, and I want to do more for these kids. CJ talked to me how much they need college students to help them with their school work in the fall, and how it makes a big difference in their lives. So I am hoping my schedule will allow me to go a few times a week in the fall and help out. This program was a big eye opener for me and it will be an experience that I wouldn’t forget it. 

- Kelli Arigi