Volunteer Opportunity Details:

Families United Network (F.U.N.) group facilitators co-lead groups for children (ages 5-12) while their parents or caregivers participate in support groups. Volunteers build relationships with the children in their group through activities and talking. Activities focus on topics such as developing self-esteem, making and keeping friends, resolving conflicts, handling strong emotions, and having fun! Volunteers gain valuable experience working with kids and teens and will develop listening, communication and group facilitation skills.

Training is provided. A 6 month minimum commitment is required.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Canopy Center Healing And Family Support Services (formerly The Parental Stress Center)

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adult (18+) Individual Adults (55+) Unpaid Interns We need volunteers who are free at these times Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Morning Afternoon Evening X X

Contact Person: Allison O., Volunteer Coordinator, (608) 729-1130, (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

2120 Fordem Ave., Ste. 110 Madison, WI 53704 (See a map)

Directions:

From the Capitol, take Johnson Street east to Fordem Avenue (stoplight), turn left, proceed 4 blocks to 2120 Fordem Ave. The building is on the left side of the street, it is sand-colored brick with yellow awnings. You are welcome to park in the lot and enter through Door B on the right.   Nearest Bus Stop: Routes 02, 27, 28 or 56: Stop #1177, 1 minute walk

Details where opportunity can also be performed

This opportunity can also be performed in these locations:

Cities:		Madison
Counties:		Dane

Additional Information

Is this an opportunity for youth to volunteer?
	No
Is this opportunity appropriate for court-ordered service?
	No

Last updated on November 12, 2009

5 Average Rating (3 reflections)

5 Overall Experience   
You get what you give!

I decided to volunteer after finishing my undergraduate degree and before graduate school-- I had no idea that 2 years would fly by so fast! I had a wonderful opportunity to work as a group co-facilitator with middle school girls and it was a great experience, not only as a resume builder but it was also personally fulfilling. I was able to build good relationships with the group members and felt that i was able to be a positive influence for them. i was also impressed by the agency as a whole, and how much they did to improve the lives of the families who came to them. in my time there, i felt like every staff person and volunteer who dedicated themselves to their work at the PSC was able to take something good away. It was sad for me to leave my group after 2 years of working with them, and I know that if I hadn't moved out of state for school, I'd still be there. It's a great organizaton! posted by michigantourist on August 4, 2007

5 Overall Experience   
Volunteering my time on the stressline is a great way to help parents decrease their stress just by talking and has taught me how to be a better listener

I have been a volunteer on the Parental Stress line for about 6 months. As a Parental Stress Line volunteer I to listen to Parents going through difficult, stressful times. The parents that call are always very grateful to the listener and express that by just talking through their problems, they feel less stressed and better. It is so nice to help parents realize their worth especially in times when they are down. Working on the stressline has brought me great personal satisfaction and has taught me skills of being an active listener. I plan to stay on the line for a very long time! posted by Bess on November 7, 2006

5 Overall Experience   
Wonderful, learned a great deal, felt I contributed back to the community, got more out it than I think the caller did.

Parental Stress Center, volunteered on the stressline off and on for over 20 years. I gained a stronger sense of my abilities and learned to rely on myself. It was gratifying that I was there when a parent sought someone to listen to them, and towards the end of the call, their voice would soften and they would thank me for the time. posted by Corky on June 21, 2004