Last week I've received a letter from Sara Wilson, and she was kind enough to tell me about Fresh Air Fund - I'm interested in lots of thing connected with children and parenting - and, what was surprising and flattering in a way, to write about it.
So I checked the Wikipedia and their site, and what I've read amazed me: this fund exists for more than 130 years, and serves few thousand of children every year. What is the purpose: to help the inner-city children to experience summer holidays in the country, anyway - outside the Big Apple.
The most important news after my survey is - it is still time to host a child!!!
Volunteer host families open their homes to inner-city children for two weeks or more in the summertime.
There is no such thing as a "typical" host family. If you have room in your home - and your heart - to host a child, you could be one too.
Host families are not paid. The fund has also a program for placing children who have special physical or emotional needs.
But one of the most impressive element of this organization is Career Awareness Programm. As a scholar myself, I know the value of education. The innovative Career Awareness Program is designed to help New York City youngsters understand the relationship between school and work and how to make choices that will determine their futures. Youngsters aged twelve to fourteen participate in job shadowing that offers a close-up view of business, and a career fair. The year-round program includes weekend camping trips and an intensive three-and-a-half week summer session at the Career Awareness Camp – Camp Mariah. The career camp is named in honor of Board member/singer Mariah Carey for her dedication, support and commitment to Fresh Air youngsters. Career awareness graduates continue to receive support through the PreOccupations Club and benefit from the guidance of volunteer mentors.
There is still time to host in 2009! Call (800) 367-0003 or click here to fill out a host inquiry form.
The Fresh Air Fund has a site at Twitter and Facebook so you may check yourselves. As for me it is hearwarming initiative and I feel grateful that Sara wrote me about it.
All the best :)
