Become a Guardian of Hope

Our volunteers are key in helping us make a difference in the life of a child!

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Our volunteers are key in helping us make a difference in the life of a child! If you’re interested in volunteering with Children in Crisis, we have a way for you to get involved, from helping with neighborhood maintenance projects, to greeting guests, sending out our bulk mailings, working at our annual events, and even helping some of our kids with their homework. Submit a volunteer application today to become a part of the CIC mission! To submit your application, please email JessicaLockhart@childrenincrisisFL.org 

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM PROPOSAL FOR CHILDREN IN CRISIS A NONPROFIT 501(C)(3)

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.

Program Overview

Our internship program aims to provide students with hands-on experience and professional development opportunities within a nonprofit foster care organization. We are committed to supporting children in state custody and facilitating transitional living arrangements for young adults, ensuring they receive the care and support needed for a successful transition into adulthood.

Objectives

1. Provide interns with practical 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

1. Orientation and Training: Interns will undergo a comprehensive orientation to familiarize themselves with the organization’s mission, programs, and policies. They will receive training on trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and relevant legal and ethical considerations.

2. Direct Service Experience: Interns will work directly with children in state custody and young adults in transitional living arrangements under the supervision of experienced staff. They may/will assist with case management, educational support, life skills training, and recreational activities.

3. Professional Development: Interns will have access to workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities to enhance their professional skills and expand their understanding of issues related to foster care and transitional living.

4. Project Work: Interns will have the opportunity to work on special projects aligned with their interests and skills, such as developing educational resources, organizing events, or conducting research on best practices in foster care and transitional living.

5. Supervision and Mentorship: Interns will receive regular supervision and mentorship from assigned staff members who will provide guidance, feedback, and support throughout the internship.

6. Reflection and Evaluation: Interns will engage in reflective practices to assess their learning and growth during the internship. They will have the opportunity to evaluate their experiences and provide feedback to improve the program for future participants.

 

Application & Selection Process

  • Interested candidates will submit a resume, cover letter, and application form outlining 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 will be expected to commit to a minimum of 10-15 hours per week, with the option for full-time internships during the summer or academic breaks.

Benefits for Interns

  • Hands-on 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 provide comprehensive support and guidance to youth and young adults aging out of the foster care system, ensuring they have the necessary skills and resources to transition successfully 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:

Mentor may facilitate community service projects and volunteer opportunities to help mentees develop a sense of belonging and purpose. You will connect mentee with community resources and organizations that can provide additional support and opportunities for growth.

Long-term Support:

As a mentor, you will continue to offer support and guidance to mentees even after they have aged out of the foster care system. You will assist the mentee in building a network of support 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.”

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