Our volunteers play a vital role in making a difference in the lives of children! If you’re interested in volunteering with Children in Crisis, we offer various ways to get involved—whether it’s assisting with neighborhood maintenance projects, greeting guests, preparing bulk mailings, working at our annual events, or even helping some of our kids with their homework. Submit a volunteer application today and become part of the CIC mission! To submit your application, please email SarahTraver@ChildreninCrisisFL.org.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM PROPOSAL FOR CHILDREN IN CRISIS A NONPROFIT 501(C)(3)
Through our internship program, we aim to cultivate a pipeline of talented individuals who are passionate about supporting vulnerable populations and making a meaningful impact in their communities.
Program Overview
Our internship program is designed to offer students experience and professional development opportunities within a nonprofit foster care organization. We are dedicated to supporting children in foster care and providing transitional living arrangements for young adults, ensuring they receive the care and guidance essential for a successful transition into adulthood.
Objectives
1. Provide interns with experience in supporting children and young adults in foster care.
2. Offer opportunities for interns to develop skills in case management, advocacy, and program coordination.
3. Foster a learning environment where interns can gain insights into the challenges and rewards of working in the nonprofit sector.
4. Support the organization’s mission by contributing to the well-being and success of children and young adults in state custody.
Program Components
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Orientation and Training: Interns will participate in a comprehensive orientation to become familiar with the organization’s mission, programs, and policies. They will receive training on trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and key legal and ethical considerations.
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Direct Service Experience: Under the supervision of experienced staff, interns will work directly with children in foster care and young adults in transitional living arrangements. Their responsibilities may include assisting with case management, providing educational support, facilitating life skills training, and organizing recreational activities.
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Professional Development: Interns will have access to workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities to enhance their professional skills and broaden their understanding of foster care and transitional living issues.
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Project Work: Interns will engage in special projects tailored to their interests and skills, such as developing educational resources, organizing events, or conducting research on best practices in foster care and transitional living.
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Supervision and Mentorship: Interns will receive regular supervision and mentorship from designated staff members, who will offer guidance, feedback, and support throughout the internship.
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Reflection and Evaluation: Interns will participate in reflective practices to assess their learning and growth during the internship. They will also have opportunities to evaluate their experiences and provide feedback to help improve the program for future participants.
Application & Selection Process
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and application form detailing their interest in the internship program and relevant experience. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews to assess their suitability for the position and alignment with the organization’s mission and values.
Duration and Schedule
The internship program will run for a minimum of three months, with flexible start dates to accommodate academic schedules. Interns are expected to commit to at least 10–15 hours per week, with the option for full-time internships during summer or academic breaks.
Benefits for Interns
- Practical experience in the nonprofit sector
- Professional development and networking opportunities
- Supervision and mentorship from experienced staff members
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young adults in foster care
By implementing this internship program, we aim to cultivate a pipeline of talented individuals who are passionate about supporting vulnerable populations and making a difference in their communities.
MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Our objective is to offer comprehensive support and guidance to youth and young adults aging out of the foster care system, equipping them with the essential skills and resources needed for a successful transition into independent adulthood.
Children in Crisis is interested in recruiting mentors from diverse backgrounds who are committed to supporting and advocating for youth. Mentors will receive training on trauma-informed care, cultural competency, active listening, and resources available to foster youth.
Life Skills Development:
Our mentors will be matched as best possible with a mentee based on interests and goals. You will meet regular one-on-one in person or virtually. You will provide basic life skills development in the areas of budgeting, job searching, apartment hunting, cooking, and self-care.
Education and Career Guidance:
The mentor will assist mentee in exploring educational and career opportunities, including college applications, vocational training programs, and job placements. You might connect mentees with internships, job shadowing opportunities, and career mentors in their fields of interest.
Emotional Support and Counseling:
Mentor may assist mentee in receiving counseling services and support groups to help mentee process their experiences, manage stress, and build resilience. You will encourage open communication creating a safe space for discussing challenges the mentee may be seeking guidance on.
Community Engagement:
Mentors can facilitate community service projects and volunteer opportunities, helping mentees foster a strong sense of belonging and purpose. Through connections with local resources and organizations, mentors provide additional support and pathways for mentee growth.
Long-term Support:
As a mentor, you’ll provide ongoing guidance and support to mentees even after they transition out of the foster care system. You’ll help them build a strong support network within their communities and navigate the challenges of independent adulthood.
DONATIONS TO CIC
There are many ways to give to Children in Crisis:
Make checks payable to Children in Crisis and send to:
Children in Crisis, Inc.
1000 Luke’s Way
Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547
Use our donate button and select from the drop-down any one of the campaigns that speak to your heart. You can also choose to give in honor of or in acknowledgement of a specific person.
CIC Wish List:
- Funding to pay the utility bills (the Neighborhood’s average is $8,333 monthly)
- Paper products
- Pantry Items
Gift Cards For:
- Local Grocery Store for fresh produce, dairy, and meats
- Household Goods
- Gasoline
- Local Clothing Stores
We invite you to become part of our success! Your financial support directly goes to the mission of Children in Crisis.
To quote Dr. Suess, “To the world you may be one person; but to one person, you may be the world.”
Please consider being that one “Person.”
Calling “All Guardians of Hope”
Join us in supporting foster parents by becoming a paid respite care volunteer with Children in Crisis. Your time and compassion can offer essential relief to those dedicated to caring for vulnerable children in our community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of foster parents and the children they nurture.
For questions about becoming a Guardian of Hope,” please contact SarahTraver@childrenincrisisFL.org or you may call our office directly at (850)-864-4242. Next, download the application and once you have completed the PDF, email your application to Laura Moore at LauraMoore@ChildrenincrisisFL.org.