The homes and day care which our program works with were started by private members in the community who were motivated to do something about homeless or abused children in their area.   These facilities are in extreme need and are operating solely on funds donated and not by the government.

Each home/day care will vary in terms of number of children, cleanliness, facilities provided, food and number of meals given per day, management capability, funding assistance, health issues, education provision, etc. However, you can expect school aged children to attend school during the day so there will only be non school aged and sick children at the home during school hours. Some homes/day cares may run their own school which resident children and neighborhood children attend

                

The Manager or Director along with local staff at some Children's Homes and Day Care's will provide volunteers with support; giving volunteers daily duties and ideas for activities. Some homes may be well established in their work having organized routines or set ways of doing things. Other homes will not provide support and will have flexible ways. Regardless of the individual situation of each Children's Home/Day Care, they will require your help. It is important to join the home with an open mind and be there to help. You may be asked to help with mentoring and playing with the kids; teaching in a classroom or helping with homework, working in the laundry, mending clothing, cooking meals, or childcare duties, such as feeding and bathing.

Another important role you have as a volunteer is to add to your placement. The budgets of many Children's Homes and Day Care's mean there is only enough to provide the basic necessities. We encourage you as a volunteer to bring that little "extra".  Ideas don't need to be big or cost any money. Often the most popular ideas for volunteers and amongst the children are arts and craft activities, sports, games, dancing, singing and music. Additionally, you may have a special skill or talent you can offer. You may know how to sew and could teach the teenage girls. You could share or give boys a skill they could use to get a job. Please consult your supervisor at your placement before introducing any new ideas, and asking what they need most is greatly appreciated.  In other words food may be needed more than books or clothing.  Please note, supplies/resources for any kind of activity you may want to take part in will not be supplied by the Children's Home or Day Care.  You may want to fund-raise and take extra monetary resources for a larger project needed.  HFLW can offer information on needs to be met at the assigned placements-contact us if interested.

Note: As a volunteer we will try to place you in the best possible matches with your desires and skills.  Special projects may be available at the time of your placement and your experience greatly needed.