Be the Change: 10 Ways to Make an Impact and Volunteer with Wedgwood

April marks National Volunteer Month, an occasion to honor and recognize the efforts and influence of volunteers nationwide. At Wedgwood, we are committed to serving kids, families, and adults in West Michigan, and our volunteers are a vital part of our mission to effect positive change through compassionate care. Their contributions help us provide grace-filled support to those who depend on us.

Volunteering not only benefits the organizations and communities you serve, but it also has personal benefits. Studies show that volunteering can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Here are ten ways you can support Wedgwood and make a difference in the lives of the children and families they serve:

1. Support the Autism Center

   • Purchase items from a wishlist. You can also plant a small garden, donate non-perishable foods, or prep craft materials for “Circle Time.”

2. Help Wedgwood’s Ongoing Therapeutic Efforts

   • Purchase wishlist items such as craft supplies, sensory items, books, board games, and card games. These resources are essential for the continuum of care.

3. Volunteer to help the Employment Training Program

   • Assist with woodworking, small engine repair, or campus cleanup. Projects include making birdhouses, charcuterie boards, cornhole sets, and propagation vases. The program welcomes both residential and community-referred students.

4. Pre-event Preparations 

   • Support Wedgwood’s events by assisting with pre-event preparations such as cutting/folding programs, maps, marketing materials, creating name-tags, and putting together gift bags.

5. Spread Holiday Cheer

   • Volunteer to help Wedgwood provide Christmas gifts and stockings to children and teens in Residential Programs who won’t be with family during the holidays. Help stuff stockings and organize gifts to be distributed to Residential Homes.

6. Organize Welcome Backpacks

   • Make a difference in kids’ lives by organizing welcome backpacks filled with essentials & treats or by decorating cards with messages of encouragement for kids in Wedgwood’s Residential Program. Choose to do these opportunities on or off-campus.

7. Pray for Wedgwood’s Staff & Clients

   • The kids in Wedgwood’s Residential Care and staff members have shared their requests for prayer. If you would like to learn more about specific ways you can cover Wedgwood in prayer, let them know! They would love to add you to the list. Sign up to receive prayer requests.

8. Decorate the Jesus Trail with Chalk Art & Positive Messages

   • Join Wedgwood in bringing positivity to their Jesus Trail by decorating it with chalk art & positive messages. You can also contribute to their Mental Health Oasis by purchasing items from their Amazon wish list, or tickets to sporting events, movies, or video games (rated E), craft items, hygiene & hair products, and products for African American hair.

9. Tutor or Mentor

   • Help Wedgwood’s youth by tutoring or mentoring, contributing to their Books for Youth program with sportsmanship and teamwork books, and donating self-help and parenting books, hygiene/hair products for African American hair, and sporting event tickets.

10. Become a Wedgwood Way Maker

    • Donate monthly to become a Way Maker and make a tangible impact on West Michigan. Wedgwood offers a range of programs, including autism services, counseling, substance use disorder treatment, employment training, residential services, and human trafficking awareness and prevention. No minimum donation required. Join us now to make a lasting difference.

 

Volunteering at Wedgwood is a meaningful way to support their programs and make a positive impact in your community. Contact Alison at alisiak@wedgwood.org to coordinate your volunteer efforts and learn more about how you can get involved.