(Posted 2024 March)
In January, our BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring and Body Safety educational programs each hosted successful training events to prepare volunteers to be mentors and facilitators to children in our community. We are so grateful to these amazing individuals willing to dedicate their time to help change the future for children in Fairfax County.
Befriend-A-Child Training is “Snow” Exciting
Undeterred by a potential snowstorm, the Befriend-A-Child Mentoring Program staff quickly transitioned to a virtual training for their 18 new volunteers. Staff provided informative content on working with children who have experienced trauma. The breakout rooms were filled with group activities, infectious laughter, and suggestions for free or low-cost places to visit and things to do with the mentees.
These new BeFriend-A-Child mentors were excited to be matched with their new mentees and get started building relationships. One of our newest mentors, Denise Echols, happens to be one of our very passionate staff members here in Children, Youth, and Families’ Child Abuse Prevention Services.
Denise said, “As a Prevention worker, I am drawn to mentor with the BeFriend-A-Child Program because I see it as a fantastic opportunity to positively impact the life of a child and increase his/her protective factors.”
Each adult mentor supports a child between the ages of 5-12 by providing a caring, healthy, and positive influence to help the child develop resiliency against life's adverse experiences. Mentors must be at least 21 years of age and able to make a two-year commitment to spend at least 8 hours every month with their mentee along with bimonthly group outings. We have several children on our wait list who are in need of a positive role model in their lives. Sign up today! Our next training is this Summer 2024.
Totally Paw-some Body Safety Training
The Body Safety Program orientation helped the newest cohort of volunteer facilitators get ready for the classroom. Body Safety instructors go into elementary schools across Fairfax County to help teach students the tools they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse and exploitation.
During the training, facilitators learned what to expect during a presentation, classroom management tips, and how to handle sensitive comments from students. They received facilitator guides for each grade so they could get a head start on practicing. These six eager and passionate individuals shared personal stories of their motivation for volunteering with this program.
The training welcomed some special guest speakers including Fairfax County Police Detectives Rekas and Randazzo, as well as our very own DFS Facility Dog, Rylynn. One of our newest facilitators, Meena Bhatia, has worked with Fairfax County Public Schools and the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.
We can always use more volunteers! Facilitators must be 21 years old, have their own transportation, and commit to teaching 4-6 daytime classes per month. Our next training is Friday, August 16, 2024, but you can get started with onboarding and observations now! Bilingual (Spanish/English) volunteers are encouraged to apply. To learn more, please call 703-324-7459, or email our program.
This article posting is part of The Volunteer Post Newsletter for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families in crisis. Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS).