Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference is a youth-driven organization with Education and Community Engagement Programs that use the service-learning strategy to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service that has served Sacramento and El Dorado Counties since 2008. Working alongside adult mentors, we equip youth with the knowledge and skills to be civic minded and socially responsible. Participants, ages 8-18, collaborate to create community service projects, and collectively improve their social acuity in the process.
WHY IS HANDS4HOPE'S SERVICE LEARNING MODEL IMPORTANT FOR OUR YOUTH AND COMMUNITY TODAY?
1. "Explore-Act-Lead" | Unique Youth Leadership Model
Hands4Hope-Youth Making a Difference youth participants explore social issues surrounding them, take action by choosing and designing service projects, then lead these projects from start to finish - everything from food and clothing drives to anti-bullying campaigns. They create and plan their own service-learning projects to support local charities and address unmet community needs. Along the way, they gain experience and skills in creative leadership, financial literacy, planning & organization, problem solving, creativity, communication, and collaboration - 21st century skills essential to success in college, the workforce and in life.
2. We're breaking the barriers on volunteerism
Working alongside adult mentors, these youth are building relationships with people and organizations to solve real issues in their community in real-time. Age limitations and liability issues often restrict youth from volunteering directly at some nonprofits. Hands4Hope's network of 45 nonprofit partners allows youth volunteers the opportunity to serve the hungry, veterans, foster children, mentally challenged adults and children, and so many others in need.
For fifteen years, our proven model has not only served thousands of TODAY's less fortunate - we are cultivating a community of civic-minded and socially responsible citizens for generations to come!
OUR FUNDRAISING GOAL:
$70,000
What is the impact of your donation?
$15 = Purchases a participant-required T-shirt Scholarship for one student with limited means
$50 = Provides material for two no-sew fleece blanket sets to create and distribute during the Winter Boutique OR an elementary or middle school student with a new backpack filled with school supplies
$100 = Funds meal to serve 10-15 residents at Sister Nora's Place OR a high school student with a new backpack filled with school supplies (including Scientific calculator)
$150 = Funds materials/support for one youth to participate in six outreaches
$200 = Supplemental food for two monthly dinners prepared for seniors at low-income senior housing facility (average 55 meals)
$500 = Sponsors participation in three-day leadership camp for one youth OR funds 400 meals for those in need
$1,500 = Funds the operation of Placerville Youth Center and Emergency Food Pantry for one month (not including staffing)
$3,000 = Funds one school-based service learning Hands4Hope Club for half a year
$6,000 = Funds one school-based service learning Hands4Hope Club for one year
Other Needs:
- Funds to use as needed for growth and development of the organization including staff, equipment, and training.
- In-kind donations for fundraisers, outreaches, and youth development programs:
Auction items are our greatest need, whether a gift card to a local restaurant or spa, use of a home, or timeshare.
Food donations are a great asset to both Homeless Outreaches and the Mercy Senior Dinner. Because Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference is committed to serving 400+ individuals in need quarterly, there is always a great need for sack lunch supplies.
While Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference has many committed volunteers to help run and supervise its programs, it can always benefit from more support, particularly individuals who bring specific knowledge or training to youth participants and staff.