Our club is relatively new and upcoming here at STEM. Over the summer us leaders have solidified a relationship with Bryn Mawr Rehab Center, which will be the main program that this club is associated with. We will get to help, interact with, and brighten the days of other young adults and teens 16+ who are currently going through a rehab program of some sort whether that be due to illness or injury, etc.. We also have developed a close relationship with the Julia's Grace Foundation, where we will help make baskets modeled after Julia's 10 Wishes as well as host a fundraiser in her honor. Finally, we are friends of the Rare Disease Day Foundation where we make videos to raise awareness aimed at both policy makers and the public of rare diseases and their impact on the lives of patients. At our first club meeting, we will discuss more ideas for the club as well as even more ways to help, and we’ll explain the steps required to be a part of such an amazing opportunity. We hope to see many of you at the meeting!
What is our goal?
Our goal is to help young adults and teens in rehab programs. We want to hang out with the patients, specifically teenagers our age a little bit older, who are either suffering from a disease/illness or are receiving rehab for an injury-related reason. A simple conversation with an individual who's going through a hard time can make a day brighter, and bringing gifts and spending time with them make it even better!
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What do we do?
During the advisory days we will make gifts and care packages by hand to supply the patients with, which can potentially contain handmade blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, art supplies, games, and care packages. The weekends will be the main times we meet with the patients, with the possibility of going during the C-day seminar/advisory periods as well.
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Why volunteer?
We want to help make the days and overall life of a sick or injured teen or young adult brighter. Our goal is to help them forget, even if just for a day, about any and all of their problems, ailments, and limitations. Being relatively young ourselves, we offer a connection that a young adult or teen might not otherwise have, whether that be because they are surrounded by adults and doctors constantly or simply because they can't leave the hospital. We can bring enthusiasm and vitality, as well as an outlet to vent and something to do when bored.
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What's in it for you?
Not only would it make a difference in the patients lives, but in our own as well, teaching us responsibility, new skills, and giving us the knowledge that we have the power to make a difference in someone's life. On top of all this, it allows us to learn new things about ourselves, like what we enjoy, what we’re good at, and possible career ideas, all while having a good time.
Who will we work with?
We will be working with the Julia's Grace Foundation, an organization created to honor Julia Grace and bring happiness to both children with cancer and to their families.
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We will also be working with Bryn Mawr Rehab, a rehab center for teens 16 years of age and older who are recovering from a surgery, illness, and/or injury.
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Requirements
The requirments for Kids Connect are few, but important. In-hospital volunteers must be age 15 or older, and cannot be sick. Even a simple cold can be dangerous to kids recovering from illness and in rehab programs, and their safety is a priority. If sick, the volunteer may not work on the gifts or care packages, and also may not visit with the kids that time around. But as soon as they are better, they can get right back at it! And of course they can still enjoy the music and food the club provides. All volunteers are welcome to help make the packages, but any that wish to meet and hang out with the kids in the rehab program must complete an application, orientation, and medical requirements (details will be supplied at the meetings).
How to get involved
Anyone at STEM can get involved by simply showing up at the designated room on the next C-day ready to have some fun and get to work. A starting fee of $10 will be needed from each volunteer to get the ball rolling on the materials needed for all the crafts and gifts that will be made. By signing up for the club, the opportunity to meet and spend time with the patients is opened up, which will allow not only for club-specific meetings but also for anyone to go hang out with some of the kids during their free time outside of club. Any donations of new (not used or repurposed) fabric or other age-appropriate items is greatly appreciated.