Project Connect Allows Volunteers to ‘Make a Difference’
Many Volunteers Also Gain Experience, Networking
What: In this economy, volunteerism can not only give back to the community – but can also provide unique networking and valuable educational experiences for those seeking employment. During this Make a Difference Week, Valley of the Sun United Way would like to thank volunteers who support our community including our goal to end homelessness, and appreciate their true value – and invite you to talk to them.
During this week, we invite the media to join us in covering two important trends involving volunteerism:
Giving Back While Unemployed
Volunteering is often a way those who are unemployed use their skills, to give back to the community, because of the value it provides the volunteer. Many companies also provide work time to the employed to give back – as volunteerism builds on experiences, and provides unique opportunities to share skills. Join us at our next Project Connect held during Make a Difference Week, to talk to volunteers about the how they use volunteerism to give back and to grow their own skills and experiences. We can help connect you with a variety of volunteers for these angles.
Value of Volunteerism
This is no small donation of time – the time our volunteers provide us at Project Connect has a real value, bringing unique skills and passion to our three community objectives including ending homelessness.
The media is invited to interview volunteers as they help connect their guests with vital resources – including job resources - and learn more about the value volunteerism.
About Project Connect: Thousands of individuals experience homelessness in Maricopa County on any given day, many for the first time after experiencing a job loss, medical cost or foreclosure. Many people who experience or are at risk of homelessness are veterans or families with children. Project Connect is a big part of a long-term solution. The monthly events are held throughout the Valley and offer guests who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness an opportunity to connect to more than 30 vital human services in one spot, ranging from getting new ID cards to learning about job training, employment and housing opportunities.
When: Thursday, Oct. 25 –
Event open to the public from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Best Time for Media Visuals and Interviews: Anytime between 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Where: Open Door Fellowship at 8301 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix/ Cross streets: 19th Ave. & Roosevelt
About Valley of the Sun United Way
Valley of the Sun United Way works to ensure children and youth succeed, end hunger and homelessness and increase the financial stability of individuals and families in Maricopa County. Through programs such as Project Connect and the development of Permanent Supportive Housing partnerships, United Way is committed to end chronic homelessness in our community. For more information, visit www.vsuw.org.
