Loulla ’25, is spending part of her summer volunteering at a Women’s Shelter working directly with children in hopes “to empower them with new knowledge, skills, and experiences this summer, while also alleviating some of the burdens on their mothers during challenging times.”
Growing up, I loved accompanying my mom when she volunteered, often at women’s shelters in our area. Witnessing this dedication to service inspired me to make a difference myself this summer with the help of the CSGC.
For the past month, I have dedicated some of my time to the residents of Christina’s House in Springfield, Massachusetts. This women’s shelter provides transitional housing and guidance for mothers and their children who have experienced homelessness or near homelessness in the past. Many of the mothers are actively working towards their goals with the support of the shelter’s team. However, during the summer, structured activities for their children can be scarce. Therefore, on Wednesday and Thursday nights, while the mothers attend classes and focus on themselves, volunteers and I step in to spend time with their children.
The funds from the CSGC will be used throughout the summer to provide these children with fun, educational activities. Over the past month, as I’ve gotten to know the children, I’ve noticed their eagerness to learn, particularly in starting to read and write. They also demonstrate their creativity through the artworks they make for me. Soon, I will provide them with books and arts and crafts supplies. These supplies are not as plentiful in the shelter as essentials like hygiene items. Additionally, I plan to allocate a portion of the funds to tending the community garden at the shelter, involving the children in a meaningful way to teach them new skills and foster curiosity.
Overall, through the time I spend with the children at Christina’s House and the resources provided by my grant, I hope to empower them with new knowledge, skills, and experiences this summer, while also alleviating some of the burdens on their mothers during challenging times. I look forward to continuing to assist and build relationships with the residents of Christina’s House as the summer progresses.