In the U.S. today, there is a new humanitarian movement afoot —- one where people desire to give back to their community — in an effort to contribute to a better world. These people want to find ways to maximize the impact of their efforts by addressing causes they believe in. And those who already have experience in donating their time and energy to benevolent organizations can act as great resources for people who would like to learn more about the process.
Saralyn Wasserman is a sustainable living enthusiast and human rights supporter with a passion for giving back. By illuminating resources that detail ways individuals can support their causes, Saralyn hopes to inspire others to connect with their interests and learn more about the organizations leading the charge.
About Saralyn Wasserman
Saralyn Wasserman is an animal and plant lover, outdoor enthusiast and human rights supporter who enjoys educating people about ways to give back to their local community. Saralyn’s interest is backed by a history of working with organizations that assist others on their paths to success. During her time at Channing Bete Company, for example, Saralyn Wasserman learned core concepts related to “Prevention Science” — the study of prevention of teen problem behaviors — through trainings conducted by renowned social scientists such as David Hawkins, PhD, Richard Catalano, PhD and James Prochaska, PhD. Today, Saralyn Wasserman uses what she has learned in her personal and professional life to help educate others on ways that they can contribute to a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world.
Previously, Saralyn was a mentor with the Fairfax County “Be-Friend a Child Program,” an organization that provides opportunities for guidance, companionship, and support to children who have been identified as being “at-risk” for abuse or neglect. To this day, Saralyn Wasserman supports and upholds the values of the volunteer mentorship program, recognizing the important role the organization plays in helping children develop into involved and productive members of their community. People who have worked with Saralyn maintain that she is profoundly interested in the causes she supports, and is always willing to help others find ways to become more involved in supporting their preferred causes and interests.
Saralyn Wasserman Explores the Impact of the BeFriend-A-Child Program
As a previous mentor and supporter of the BeFriend-A-Child Program, Saralyn Wasserman continually speaks to the impact the organization has on the young people it serves — and to the volunteers who mentor with the Fairfax County-based program. Saralyn recognizes that many people from the area may not be aware of the organization, or the effect it has on at-risk youth — and here she explores the impact of BeFriend-A-Child . . .
About the BeFriend-A-Child Program
BeFriend-A-Child has been operating in Fairfax County for over 40 years, and has been a source of support, guidance, and companionship for children who have been identified as being at-risk of abuse or neglect — since its founding. BeFriend-A-Child combats risk factors associated with abuse and neglect through volunteer mentors who serve to reinforce protective factors such as hobbies, interests, social skills, self-esteem, and the formation of positive relationships with peers. These protective factors empower children to make healthy life decisions and to follow a path towards achieving their full potential as they grow and develop.
Parents or care-takers of children ages 5 – 12 can see if their child qualifies for the program by first contacting the Fairfax County Children, Youth, and Families Division at 703-324-7720. Upon acceptance, children are then matched with volunteer mentors who are specially trained by the program. Mentors not only spend one-on-one time with their youth mentees, but they also take them on a variety of group outings such as educational programs, sporting activities, annual celebrations, community service projects and art activities.
BeFriend-A-Child from the Perspective of Volunteers
One of the most interesting aspects of the BeFriend-A-Child Program is that the volunteers can learn just as much as the mentees. Through Saralyn’s experience as a volunteer mentor, she found that the program taught her a lot of important developmental techniques that better empowered her to assist young people to grow and develop into happy and integrated members of their communities. She notes that volunteers consistently express that the organization has shown them how people can make something from difficult experiences, and forge a path to success through positive thinking, recognizing good opportunities, and having an optimistic world view. In addition to this, the BeFriend-A-Child Program connects volunteers to their local communities. It shows them how their efforts can have a profound impact on young people, and that in turn, that young people can have a positive impact on them as well.
How Do People Get Involved in the Organization?
Saralyn Wasserman notes that there are a variety of ways to get involved with the BeFriend-A-Child Program. One of the most popular ways is to become a mentor. The first step in the process is to apply to be accepted, and then to be trained in child development skills and program protocols. From experience, Saralyn asserts that becoming a mentor is a commitment that requires a two-year pledge to the organization, eight hours of one-on-one time per month, and at least one monthly group outing per quarter. Volunteers often note that the experience is extremely rewarding, and teaches them just as much as it teaches the young mentees.
In addition to mentorship, Saralyn Wasserman states that there are a variety of other ways to make an impact through the BeFriend-A-Child Program. For example, a common ways is to make a financial contribution. These donations help the organization cover costs such as gas, food, childcare, and school and art supplies, and help children be able to participate in the activities offered through the program. Other ways of getting involved are by donating goods and services, and also by facilitating corporate social responsibility.
More from Saralyn Wasserman
Saralyn Wasserman acknowledges that there are many people who want to learn more about organizations that are bringing change to the world we live in. Saralyn Wasserman also recognizes that an important component of becoming educated on giving back is learning how people can stay connected with their interests, passions, and hobbies. With this in mind, she hopes to show others the importance of self-care, and for people to fuel their own interests as they continue to contribute to their preferred causes.