You can probably guess where most people will be this Sunday at noon... in front of their televisions watching the Dallas Cowboys take on Tampa Bay. Nothing rivals football season in the fall. Especially the Cowboys. But what about those loyal fans who don't have a tv or a place to watch the game? They miss out on something they really enjoy and an opportunity to hang out with fellow fans.
The Stewpot opened its doors for the Cowboys' season opener a couple of weeks ago. Over 100 people attended. They enjoyed the first victory of the season, good food, and camaraderie. This is something we'd really like to keep going for a couple of reasons: 1) It gives the people we serve an opportunity to hang out and have some fun. 2) It provides another volunteer opportunity on the weekends.
We'll open up for game day watch parties on Sundays (only for 12PM or 3PM games). The 7PM games cause an issue with curfews and getting beds at shelters. So this is where the opportunity comes in for you! We would love to have volunteer groups come in and provide snacks, pass out drinks, pop some popcorn for everyone to enjoy, and hang out and get to know our clients.
If you have a group of friends, church group, work group, etc. interested in sponsoring and volunteering one of the games, contact Stephanie McKee (stephaniem@thestewpot.org). We'd love to have you as early as the game this week! This week the Cowboys play Tampa Bay at home at 12PM. If you're a fan, this is an incredible opportunity for you!
Showing posts with label volunteer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label volunteer. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Pilot Food Distribution Program
Saturday, March 31st was an exciting day at The Stewpot for staff, volunteers, and 13 families who participate in our ESL classes. The Stewpot is now serving as a Multi-Family Food Program distribution site for Crossroads Community Services—and Saturday was the pilot distribution!
On Friday, staff members received a huge palette of bulk food items from CCS—including frozen chicken quarters, eggs, jalapeno peppers, corn, and much more. Volunteers arrived at 10:30 Saturday morning prepared to have fun and work hard—which they did! They began by spreading the 1,761 lbs of food out on tables by food category. Once that was done, they began building each family’s individual food order. Each family received a week’s worth of groceries—and because of the incredible system Crossroads has in place, each member of every family received their correct caloric amount of food based on age, gender, and activity level.
The families joined the group at noon and everyone enjoyed a brief nutrition lesson (be sure to make half your plate fruits and vegetables!) and Ants on a Log (or celery with cream cheese and raisins…) before the groceries were loaded up into each family’s vehicle. It was a warm and rewarding day of hard work and fun. We are now eagerly looking forward to our next food distribution on Saturday, June 23rd! If you are interested in volunteering please contact our Director of Volunteers, Jean Jones, at jean.jones@thestewpot.org.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Saturday School
On a typical Saturday morning you will find Byrd Hall and the 3rd floor children’s area alive with activity. 110 children from City Park Elementary and other surrounding areas come to FPC to eat breakfast and lunch and to participate in a variety of educational and fun activities. The children enthusiastically participate in learning musical genres, making a volcano in science class, learning how to play chess, and reading a new story in library. The children describe Saturday School as “Fun!” and “Cool!” while volunteer groups from around the city have called the program “Engaging, organized” as well as commenting on the “interactive and loving environment” that has been created for the children. The student’s delightful and well mannered behavior has even garnered sponsorship offers from a few local bowling leagues!
Leading the group of staff and volunteers on Saturdays is the new Assistant Director of Children and Youth, Lilli Curtis. Lilli has worked with Saturday School for 6 years on a part time basis. Four of the staff are current community ministries scholarship recipients and are now able to be great role models to the younger children. Many of the volunteers are participants in the Venturing Crew on Wednesday nights and are giving their time back to the programs.
For more information on volunteering with Saturday School contact Lilli Curtis at 214-746-2785 x326 or lillic@thestewpot.org.
Leading the group of staff and volunteers on Saturdays is the new Assistant Director of Children and Youth, Lilli Curtis. Lilli has worked with Saturday School for 6 years on a part time basis. Four of the staff are current community ministries scholarship recipients and are now able to be great role models to the younger children. Many of the volunteers are participants in the Venturing Crew on Wednesday nights and are giving their time back to the programs.
For more information on volunteering with Saturday School contact Lilli Curtis at 214-746-2785 x326 or lillic@thestewpot.org.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Birthday Fun
I love birthdays! I love my own, and I love celebrating the birthdays of my friends and family. I get so excited about presents for my husband that I can never keep the gift a secret. Birthdays are so fun!
A lot of people have a birthday tradition they love. It may be a meal at a certain restaurant, or a special breakfast each year. Our staff here at The Stewpot is like a family, and we've started this tradition of funny homemade birthday cards. The cards usually include a funny picture of staff members. We went all out for our executive director's birthday in December. Staff, volunteers, and clients made a book of custom cards for Bruce that will be a great gift to keep and look back at.
We were thinking about starting a new tradition. Why not include our clients and do a giveaway? So, this morning we started with Suzanne, our Children & Youth program director. Suzanne wanted to hand out warm winter hats to everyone. Everyone was grateful for the gift and Suzanne received a lot of birthday wishes!
We'd like to open this up to volunteers also. If you're interested in celebrating your birthday the same way, you can! Contact me (stephaniem@thestewpot.org) a week or so before your birthday. You can choose what you'd like to hand out. You can bring something (we usually plan on 175 people) or hand out something we have here. It can be a seasonal item (hats, gloves, water bottles, baseball caps, etc.) or food. Any food item must be pre-packaged. Hopefully we can start a new birthday tradition!
Stephanie
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Holiday Project
Can you believe October is almost over? Thanksgiving is just 4 weeks away! Each holiday season we are blown away by the generosity of so many people in our community. Our holiday meal services are already full, however, we have a great opportunity for you and your families (or co-workers, church groups, book clubs, etc.) to serve our homeless friends. Every year we ask for people to donate a "Holiday Box for the Homeless". We collect thousands of these to hand out around the holidays. They make an incredible impact.
How to make a holiday box:
PLEASE DO NOT DELIVER HOLIDAY BOXES TO THE BRIDGE
Gift Ideas
Questions? Call 214-746-2785, ext. 320: Jean Jones, Stewpot Volunteer Director
How to make a holiday box:
- Use an empty shoe box (standard size). Please only use boxes that have a separate bottom and lid. Please wrap the lid and the box separately. The box should not be wrapped shut when finished.
- Fill the box with a variety of small, inexpensive gifts. Use the gift ideas listed at the bottom of the page. Please fill boxes with ADULT, UNISEX items only.
- Once filled, place a rubber band around each box.
- In a separate envelope you may enclose a holiday card or note from you/your family or group. (Please do not include addresses or phone numbers.) Place your note inside the box.
Delivery:
Boxes may be delivered between Thursday, December 1 – Wednesday, December 14, 2011. Drop off at The Stewpot, 1822 Young Street, Dallas, 75201, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm
- knit hat
- small flashlight w/batteries
- pens, pencils
- knit gloves
- disposable stick razors
- stationary or cards w/stamps
- tube socks
- small umbrella
- phone calling cards
- plastic poncho
- fast food gift card ($5 or less)
- hard candy or gum
- chapstick
- small hand sanitizer
- travel size Kleenex
- small Bible or book of inspiration
- used or damaged items
- knives or weapons
- chocolate or food
- liquids
- medications or vitamins
- breakable items or glass containers
- aerosol cans
- money
Questions? Call 214-746-2785, ext. 320: Jean Jones, Stewpot Volunteer Director
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The Value of Volunteers
It's no secret that the staff of The Stewpot is unable to accomplish everything we do on our own. Our volunteers play a vital role in all of our programs. Did you know we have 42 volunteers each day just for meal services?
On top of that volunteers help us:
Thank you for helping us serve second chances each day here at The Stewpot!
On top of that volunteers help us:
- sign people up for services
- hand out toiletries
- sort mail
- teach computer classes
- manage budgets for Representative Payee clients
- teach art
- sort donations
- give eye exams
- teach Bible study
- tutor students
- teach ESL and so much more!
Thank you for helping us serve second chances each day here at The Stewpot!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Women's Tea
A few years ago I was reading a book about humanity and how we're wired - why we do what we do, why we want what we want. The book began with a story from the liberation of the concentration camp, Bergen-Belsen in Germany. The story came from the diary of Lieutenant Colonel Mervin Willett Gonin DSO who was one of the first British soldiers in the camp.
It was shortly after the British Red Cross arrived, though it may have no connection, that a very large quantity of lipstick arrived. This was not at all what we men wanted, we were screaming for hundreds and thousands of other things and I don't know who asked for lipstick. I wish so much that I could discover who did it, it was the action of genius, sheer unadulterated brilliance. I believe nothing did more for those internees than the lipstick. Women lay in bed with no sheets and no nightie but with scarlet red lips, you saw them wantering about with nothing but a blanket over their shoulders, but with scarlet red lips. I saw a woman dead on the post mortem table and clutched in her hand was a piece of lipstick. At last someone had done something to make them individuals again, they were someone, no longer merely the number tatooed on the arm. At last they could take an interest in their appearance. That lipstick started to give them back their humanity.
This story forever impacted the way I think about service and meeting the needs of people. We as humans want love. We want to be acknowledged. We don't want to be just another number.
The Stewpot, with the help of other agencies, does an incredible job of meeting the physical needs of people by making food, clothing, and medical treatment accessible. What I also love about The Stewpot is the emphasis on the humanity of the people it serves. Throughout the year there are concerts, birthday parties, talent shows, and movie days.
In December we will the annual Women's Holiday Tea. The tea began in 2000 to reach homeless women who were less likely to access services (the majority of people served are male). Low self-image affects many of the women experiencing homelessness. Each year there is a guest speaker and representatives from other social service agencies in the area. But the great part? A fashion show and gift bags filled with makeup, perfume, jewelry, and other items that become a luxury when you're on the street. If you're a lady reading this you know how great you feel when you get a new lipstick or a new necklace! You feel fresh and beautiful. You feel confident. You feel valuable.
We'll do it again this year! And, as always, could use your help to make this day extra special for the ladies we serve. Currently we are in need of:
• Small perfumes/perfume samples
• Hotel soaps and toiletries
• Hotel sewing kits/small sewing kits
• Hair ornaments and costume jewelry
• Purse sized brushes and pocket mirrors
Donations are accepted Monday-Friday, 8AM-4PM. Just pull into our parking garage (1822 Young Street)!
*Quote from: http://www.saturation.org/saturationblog/archives/001186.html
It was shortly after the British Red Cross arrived, though it may have no connection, that a very large quantity of lipstick arrived. This was not at all what we men wanted, we were screaming for hundreds and thousands of other things and I don't know who asked for lipstick. I wish so much that I could discover who did it, it was the action of genius, sheer unadulterated brilliance. I believe nothing did more for those internees than the lipstick. Women lay in bed with no sheets and no nightie but with scarlet red lips, you saw them wantering about with nothing but a blanket over their shoulders, but with scarlet red lips. I saw a woman dead on the post mortem table and clutched in her hand was a piece of lipstick. At last someone had done something to make them individuals again, they were someone, no longer merely the number tatooed on the arm. At last they could take an interest in their appearance. That lipstick started to give them back their humanity.
This story forever impacted the way I think about service and meeting the needs of people. We as humans want love. We want to be acknowledged. We don't want to be just another number.
The Stewpot, with the help of other agencies, does an incredible job of meeting the physical needs of people by making food, clothing, and medical treatment accessible. What I also love about The Stewpot is the emphasis on the humanity of the people it serves. Throughout the year there are concerts, birthday parties, talent shows, and movie days.
In December we will the annual Women's Holiday Tea. The tea began in 2000 to reach homeless women who were less likely to access services (the majority of people served are male). Low self-image affects many of the women experiencing homelessness. Each year there is a guest speaker and representatives from other social service agencies in the area. But the great part? A fashion show and gift bags filled with makeup, perfume, jewelry, and other items that become a luxury when you're on the street. If you're a lady reading this you know how great you feel when you get a new lipstick or a new necklace! You feel fresh and beautiful. You feel confident. You feel valuable.
We'll do it again this year! And, as always, could use your help to make this day extra special for the ladies we serve. Currently we are in need of:
• Small perfumes/perfume samples
• Hotel soaps and toiletries
• Hotel sewing kits/small sewing kits
• Hair ornaments and costume jewelry
• Purse sized brushes and pocket mirrors
Donations are accepted Monday-Friday, 8AM-4PM. Just pull into our parking garage (1822 Young Street)!
*Quote from: http://www.saturation.org/saturationblog/archives/001186.html
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Volunteers Needed
Fall is just around the corner and the Children and Youth Programs are already busy planning for the school year programs. We have several volunteer opportunities that we are looking to fill!
Venturing Crew and Junior Crew - Tutors are needed to help middle and high school students with homework. The Venturing Crew (high school age) will have tutoring the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays from 6:30-7:00 for students that need additional help in one or more subjects. Junior Crew (middle school age) will also be doing tutoring on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesdays. Volunteers can commit to one, two or three Wednesdays a month. Math (Algebra, Calculus, Geometry), English, and Science expertise is especially needed. Volunteers can join the group for the entire evening from 6:30-8:30 where the programs have speakers and workshops, recreation and team building activities and community service projects or volunteers can just stay for the tutoring time from 6:30-7:00.
The programs are also looking for speakers that can talk about their career, college preparation, life skills, or another topic that would be beneficial for teens.
Saturday School - Volunteers are needed to help with the elementary program. Volunteers would help from 8:30-1:00 on Saturday mornings during the school year by helping serve breakfast and lunch and also acting as a shepherd to lead a group of students as they rotate through classes such as computers, art, recreation, movement and music, Bible stories, science, and library. Volunteers can be individuals or small groups.
English as a Second Language (ESL) - Volunteers do practice conversations with students about daily activities and help teachers in working one on one with students on their assignments.
For the children and youth program a background check is required for all volunteers over age 18.
For more information contact Suzanne Dwight at 214-746-2785 ext. 2378 or suzanned@thestewpot.org
Venturing Crew and Junior Crew - Tutors are needed to help middle and high school students with homework. The Venturing Crew (high school age) will have tutoring the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays from 6:30-7:00 for students that need additional help in one or more subjects. Junior Crew (middle school age) will also be doing tutoring on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesdays. Volunteers can commit to one, two or three Wednesdays a month. Math (Algebra, Calculus, Geometry), English, and Science expertise is especially needed. Volunteers can join the group for the entire evening from 6:30-8:30 where the programs have speakers and workshops, recreation and team building activities and community service projects or volunteers can just stay for the tutoring time from 6:30-7:00.
The programs are also looking for speakers that can talk about their career, college preparation, life skills, or another topic that would be beneficial for teens.
Saturday School - Volunteers are needed to help with the elementary program. Volunteers would help from 8:30-1:00 on Saturday mornings during the school year by helping serve breakfast and lunch and also acting as a shepherd to lead a group of students as they rotate through classes such as computers, art, recreation, movement and music, Bible stories, science, and library. Volunteers can be individuals or small groups.
English as a Second Language (ESL) - Volunteers do practice conversations with students about daily activities and help teachers in working one on one with students on their assignments.
For the children and youth program a background check is required for all volunteers over age 18.
For more information contact Suzanne Dwight at 214-746-2785 ext. 2378 or suzanned@thestewpot.org
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
A Volunteer Giving Back
Our representative payee program has grown a lot in the last year! Both our caseworkers and an incredible group of volunteers have worked really hard to successfully advocate for clients in the program.
One representative payee volunteer in particular has been recognized by her employer. Linda Jones was selected from 500 Wells Fargo employee applicants to receive the 2011 Volunteer Service Award. As part of this honor, Linda received $10,000 to give to us!
We are so grateful for Linda's faithful service each Tuesday and for her generous donation to our organization. To celebrate we will have a reception next Tuesday for Linda, her co-workers, Stewpot staff, and clients!
The Stewpot has been blessed with so many great volunteers and donors. Thank you guys for all you do to help us accomplish our mission.
One representative payee volunteer in particular has been recognized by her employer. Linda Jones was selected from 500 Wells Fargo employee applicants to receive the 2011 Volunteer Service Award. As part of this honor, Linda received $10,000 to give to us!
We are so grateful for Linda's faithful service each Tuesday and for her generous donation to our organization. To celebrate we will have a reception next Tuesday for Linda, her co-workers, Stewpot staff, and clients!
The Stewpot has been blessed with so many great volunteers and donors. Thank you guys for all you do to help us accomplish our mission.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Stewpot Road Warrior spreads the miles
Long-time Stewpot/2nd Chance Café Meal Service volunteer Caryn Carson graced the cover of American Way magazine in March and was featured in the August issue of the American Bar Association Journal. Many fellow volunteers voted for Caryn during the American Airlines Road Warrior Competition and enjoyed her promotional videos. We’re proud of her award and recognition and appreciate her sharing her prize with The Stewpot. In addition using miles to help clients return home, The Stewpot plans to award the miles to a subscriber of our Stew News list.
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