COMMUNITY OUTREACH VOLUNTEERS,NFP
© 2009 COMMUNITY OUTREACH VOLUNTEERS,NFP
1. Youth Economic, Educational, Cultural, and Social Programs:
1. Economic Opportunity - Programs designed to introduce program participants to the world of work, professional careers and business ownership;
2. Educational Enhancement – Program designed to improve basic skill levels in reading, writing, science and arithmetic, while increasing financial and digital literacy among program participants;
3. Cultural Recognition - Activities designed to introduce program participants to the beauty and wonders of African American music, art, theatre, history and traditions, thereby providing them with a basis from which to appreciate the importance and splendor of other cultures;
4. Social Involvement – Activities designed to reward our young people for improved school and program attendance, behavior modification and avoidance of negative behaviors such as drugs, gangs, and violence.
2. Mentoring and Rites Of Passage Experiences (R.O.P.E.)
Male And Female Programs will help participants develop and understanding of:
i. 7 Principles of Kwanzaa – Nguzo Saba
ii. African and African American History
iii. Importance of wellness
iv. Importance of Spirituality
v. Cooperative Economic Systems
vi. Decision making skills for self-awareness-personal planning
vii. Principals of leadership
viii. Concepts of community service and volunteerism
ix. Government
x. Basic fluency in Spanish or French
xi. Principals of Womanhood and Manhood
ii. African and African American History
iii. Importance of wellness
iv. Importance of Spirituality
v. Cooperative Economic Systems
vi. Decision making skills for self-
vii. Principals of leadership
viii. Concepts of community service and volunteerism
ix. Government
x. Basic fluency in Spanish or French
xi. Principals of Womanhood and Manhood
3. Urban Fitness and Sports Program
The COV Urban Fitness and Sports Program (UFSP) is designed to help children/youth: gain access to the most up to date information on health and nutrition; receive awards and recognition for the achievement of fitness standards established by the President’s Council on Fitness (PCF); and, if struggling with obesity, register and use the information and plans offered via Dr. Ian Smith’s 50 Million Pound Challenge (Dr. Smith Program). All program participants will receive local support and encouragement through participation in our “Walk It Off-Keep It Off” program that provides walking and exercise opportunities. Once proper fitness levels are achieved program participants will be encouraged to engage in and/or prepare to support an organized sports activity.
4. Community Volunteer Service Program (“CVSP”)
Our program involves recruiting, screening, training and preparing volunteers to serve faith-based and/or community-based organizations within economically-disadvantaged urban areas. Through these efforts we expect to improve the overall quality of program and support services available to all community residents regardless of age, race, sex or national origin. CVSP is born out of a concern that existing social service agencies lack the resources to properly identify and train volunteers. COV is committed to developing, designing and implementing a grass-root volunteer program and service that recognizes the real challenges facing community residents that would otherwise volunteer their time and talents if suitable opportunities for volunteering presented themselves.
5. Job Readiness, Training and Placement Services
COV is committed to improving the overall quality of life for individuals by providing access to a training experience that represent real life work environments, promote character building, help develop work related social and job skills. COV will use the sheltered work model, sheltered work in a contained and structured work environment, until participants understand the importance of work basics like; timely arrival, call-in procedures, HAZ MAT and HAZ COM, teamwork, drug and alcohol testing, sexual harassment and personal hygiene. Phase 2 of our program will involve employment of experienced participants in local work opportunities on a temporary basis. This phase of our program will help provide quality employees, on a trial/temporary basis, for local area employers. The final phase and ultimate goal of our program is to provide quality employees for quality employers in the Chicago metropolitan area.
6. Community Outreach Activities
Our program offering includes: a 10 week youth summer enrichment and recreational program; college prep and planning activities, including ACT/SAT prep, FASA Application assistance; summer pre-school prep classes; digital literacy/computer training classes; GED classes; life skills classes; sports teams and clubs; creative and visual arts programs, dance, drama, theatre, and painting/drawing/sculpture; and, senior citizen outreach and fellowship activities. Other community outreach activities include: food pantry; clothing assistance; leadership academy, Neighborhood Watch Groups; Parent Advocacy Workshops. We also intend to provide food packages, transportation services and prescription filling assistance for the elderly. We also makes referrals to community partners for services not offered by COV, with sufficient follow-up by staff.