• 360 people are interested
 

Create a Virtual Storytime Library for Vulnerable Children!

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ORGANIZATION: New Alternatives for Children

  • 360 people are interested

Despite the Covid-19 crisis, NAC's doors have remained opened and staff is working hard to engage and support our children and families during this difficult time. As you might imagine, the NAC community is facing very real challenges such as:

  • Caregivers needing respite from providing childcare 24/7.
  • Vulnerable children at increased risk of domestic violence.
  • Students struggling with the challenges of remote learning with limited resources.
  • Clients with ongoing mental health issues presenting exacerbated feelings of depression, isolation and fear.

NAC’s social workers are at the frontline and continue to maintain contact with every client and family - both virtually and/or through in-person visits. Education Services specialists are working tirelessly to maintain the quality of educational support for our children and youth.

We believe more than ever, this is a time to promote the importance of literacy in the home. In response to the current pandemic, NAC will be bringing "Story (Any) Time" to our children. We are building a library with uploaded videos of volunteers reading stories out loud. The children can log on and listen to your story - at any time!

To become a volunteer, just follow these simple steps:

  1. Record yourself (video only) reading your favorite children’s book.
    If you don’t own such a book - take a look at your local public library website to get an ebook.
  2. If you have a pet, get them to snuggle with you and bring extra comfort to our children!
  3. Many NAC clients are bilingual learners, so we welcome readings in Spanish too.
  4. Please provide a very short explanation about why you like your chosen book.
  5. When you have finished your recording, please email volunteers@nackidscan.org.
  6. After we receive your email, we will send instructions on "How To Upload" your story.

Stories bring people together, even in times of isolation. Our children and youth are aged 0-21, and you are never too old to enjoy a great tale. By sharing your favorite story with NAC children, you are not only opening their eyes to the magic, joy, and beauty in a compelling book - but also reminding them there are many people who care!

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About New Alternatives for Children

Location:

37 West 26th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10010, US

Mission Statement

New Alternatives for Children (NAC) is a unique, award-winning child welfare agency offering strength-based social services, medical and mental healthcare and a wide variety of wrap-around services. We serve families that have at least one child with special needs, often in combination with mental health, behavioral and/or developmental diagnoses as well. NAC’s mission is to achieve safety, permanency and well-being within a family, for children who are at risk of abuse and/or neglect and have special medical and/or mental health needs among other challenges.

Description

The children referred to NAC are medically complex and their birth families have devastating social problems. Their circumstances include poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, immigration and language barriers, parental illness, mental health problems and illiteracy. NAC's children may use wheelchairs or be dependent on medical technology in order to live. They may have HIV/AIDS, cancer, cerebral palsy, respiratory or cardiac problems or spina bifida, among other diagnoses. Growing numbers have asthma, diabetes and diagnoses on the autism spectrum. Some of the children have spent years growing up in the hospital, others have had more surgeries than birthdays, experienced fragmented health services, prolonged hospital visits, and/or medical and educational neglect.

Despite these challenges, NAC has outstanding outcomes and is one of the highest evaluated programs by the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) among all NYC child welfare agencies (including those serving non-medically fragile children). To see our most recent impact numbers, please follow the link to our website: https://nackidscan.org/our-impact/

CAUSE AREAS

Children & Youth
Education & Literacy
Children & Youth, Education & Literacy

WHEN

We'll work with your schedule.

WHERE

This is a Virtual Opportunity with no fixed address.

SKILLS

  • Literacy / Reading
  • Storytelling
  • Special Needs

GOOD FOR

N/A

REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be at least 16

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