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SUPPORT SERVICES
All youth and volunteers involved in
Metro Denver Partners programs benefit from the many
support services provided within each program:
ACTIVE CASE MANAGEMENT
Program coordinators/case managers provide full-time
case management services to all participants. Typical
case management tasks may include: conflict resolution,
resource development, and brokerage. Brokerage consists
of referring families to other agencies in the community
for housing, food, health and mental health services,
and providing them with the information they need to
successfully connect with such service providers. Metro
Denver Partners case managers are responsible for
planning and coordinating recreational activities,
performing intake for referred youth, evaluating their
progress in our programs, and screening potential
volunteers. Case managers maintain regular contact with
volunteers and families after they are matched to
oversee the healthy development of each Partnership. Our
program staff make a point to get to know the families
and each of their unique situations well so that we can
adequately equip our volunteers with the knowledge and
confidence they need to make a lasting and meaningful
connection.
QUARTERLY LIFE SKILLS WORKSHOPS
In addition to the volunteer training provided by
staff, we have developed a series of workshops about
issues that affect youth today, and how volunteers can
help to address them. Each workshop focuses on a topic
that will empower Junior Partners to face contemporary
life issues, and is presented in an open discussion
format that often includes community professionals who
have experience and knowledge that are pertinent to the
topic. They also suggest useful ways Senior Partners can
role model and reinforce the skills presented. Topics
vary, but include: communication, school advocacy,
diversity, and career exploration. Workshops are age
appropriate and presented in a comfortable, nurturing
environment.
MONTHLY GROUP ACTIVITIES
Each month we organize one free or low cost activity for
all of our Partnerships. These activities provide
Partnerships with the opportunity to interact in a
positive environment, develop appropriate social skills,
bond with one another, meet other Partnerships and have
high energy fun in a safe environment. Activities vary
monthly, and by season, and may include: camping trips,
ice skating, picnics, holiday parties, bowling, and arts
and crafts.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Community service is an integral and educational
component of each program. It provides an opportunity
for Partnerships to strengthen their relationships by
working together as volunteers in the community.
Community service work also helps the Senior Partner
expose the Junior Partner to the work world. Each
Partnership is required to participate in at least one
community service project during their first year. An
example of an annual community service project sponsored
by Metro Denver Partners is the Holiday Food Basket
Project, where Partnerships meet to collect, assemble
and distribute food baskets to needy families.
SENIOR PARTNER ONLY ACTIVITIES
(SPOs)
Each quarter we organize SPOs where Senior Partners,
new and experienced, get together in a fun adults-only
setting. These activities are a great opportunity for
volunteers to socialize and share advice and support.
Past activities have included happy hours, potlucks, and
comedy works. |
