FCSS looks to recognize givers ahead of National Volunteer Week
There are not many opportunities for young people to make a real difference in their communities.
As more and more youth find themselves glued to a screen, or perhaps struggling to adjust to a post-pandemic reality, Family and Community Supports Services has a solution.
DO Crew Jr. has been operating in Vauxhall for young people between the ages of 11-14 and already, the group has made a positive contribution in the community.
“It’s fun,” said FCSS Family Support Worker Kim Forchuk. “It’s a do-good, feel-good program whereby doing things in your community, it brings about a good feeling.”
But that’s only part of the draw of DO Crew Jr., as Forchuk added the program goes a long way to instill a variety of valuable skills among its participants.
“The kids actually get to take the lead here and recognize what some of the needs are in their community, and they get to plan events and initiatives to fill those gaps and meet those needs,” said Forchuk. “Along the way they’ll learn leadership skills, kindness, communication skills, learn to work in teams and have all kinds of fun. Being part of a community and being able to contribute to a community is really great for kids to experience.”
Giving young people a chance to get active in their communities is a key component of DO Crew Jr.
“It’s a great way to get out of the house and get doing, and feel good about it,” said Forchuk, who added last year, DO Crew Jr. members initiated two important projects to recognize their fellow citizens.
Christmas cards were created for local seniors, complete with a candy cane and a message that conveyed how much youth look up to them, and how much the seniors are appreciated.
Volunteer firefighters received treat bags from DO Crew Jr. members, as the young people felt it was important to express gratitude for the service firefighters provide to the community.
DO Crew Jr. members also took on a project at Vauxhall Elementary School, where members washed off chalk graffiti from a wall.
Going forward, with COVID-19 restrictions lifted and life getting back to normal, Forchuk is hopeful DO Crew Jr. members can begin to assist with local events as well.
“It has been nice to have them going out into the community and joining events that are already happening, and seeing how we can help out.”
The more DO Crew Jr. members have an opportunity to contribute, the more opportunities exist for personal growth, according to Forchuk.
“We’re actually starting to see that – it’s confidence building,” she said. “It’s kind of a bonus that comes with it. Once you are participating in something you get excited, you put your ideas forward and when you are listened to and your ideas are taken and you see them come to fruition in front of you, it can be a real confidence booster.”
Having young people come together, formulate plans on their own and follow through on them, becomes possible when they develop that confidence and begin to believe in each other, she added.
“That’s one of the parts that I enjoy – really watching the kids come into themselves and be all they can be,” said Forchuk. “That’s another thing they learn – they don’t have to change. They can just be themselves and they really get to express that and do that in our volunteer projects.”
Those interested in joining DO Crew Jr. can email Forchuk at kim. forchuk@fcss.ca or call or text her at 403-394-8657.
DO Crew Jr. meets every second Friday at Vauxhall Elementary School at noon, until about 1:45 p.m.
Vauxhall is one of three towns in the FCSS coverage area with a DO Crew Jr. That’s something Petra DeBow, Family Services manager for FCSS, hopes to change.
“We only have it for a few communities right now. In the future we’re hoping to grow it in a few other communities too,” said DeBow, who added Coaldale and Raymond also have programs. “Friday afternoons are such a good time for it when there’s no school, and I think parents are looking for things for their youth to do during those hours before the weekend.”