Greenwich Teens Volunteer to Meet Local Human Service Needs

Last month the Greenwich Jr United Way (GJrUW) launched a Hoodie Drive at Brunswick School, Greenwich Academy, Eastern Middle School and Christ Church Nursery School to collect warm clothing for Neighbor to Neighbor. In addition, the teens at Brunswick School organized a fundraiser to help support the Annual Campaign at Greenwich United Way. "This unique volunteer group is comprised of teens from many of the public and private schools in Greenwich. These students are brought together by the common interest in making a difference in their community. Teen volunteers are able to learn about their town and have a lasting impact through hands-on experience in meeting critical needs," said Program Coordinator, Joanne Delone.  

The program was originally launched at Greenwich High School and has since been opened to all Greenwich teens in 2017. Teens have expressed their interest in expanding programs that impact youth and at-risk families, which represents approximately 40 percent of Greenwich residents combined. In recent months, the teens have embarked on forming a Mentor Program within the Greenwich United Way and are starting to build Finance Champions, a program modeled after Reading Champions which falls under the Youth Impact Programming division of the new Direct Impact Program platform at Greenwich United Way. "Youth Impact is a priority area in Greenwich and we are focused on developing ways to strengthen the skill set of students in our schools and fostering a forum for youth to work together for the betterment of Greenwich", said Greenwich United Way CEO, David Rabin. 

Greenwich Jr United Way teens have decided to set a goal of $5,000 to support the organization's Annual Campaign. Students at Sacred Heart are working to donate a portion of sales from a new fleece sweatshirt in the school's bookstore to Annual Campaign fundraising. Students at Greenwich Academy have hosted successful bake sales in the past but are looking to evolve their fundraiser this year with new ideas. Teens are working with Miss Connecticut USA 2017, Olga Litvinenko, to raise awareness for their work. A video interview with Litvinenko can be found on the Greenwich United Way Facebook page. 

Photo shows from left to right: Greenwich Jr United Way Program Coordinator, Joanne Delone; Andrew Grossman; Diego Jasson; Grace Thompson; Jackson Maggann; Kate Miele; Dylan Ofori; and GJrUW Program Ambassador, Olga Litvinenko.