Volunteerism is an essential aspect of community service that involves dedicating time, effort and skills to support causes that benefit others. The act of volunteering creates a sense of purpose and fulfillment in people’s lives. It is a vital part of building a strong and healthy community.
According to a study conducted by HelpGuide.org, volunteering has numerous benefits for both the individual and the community. It improves physical and mental health, increases happiness, and helps to build social networks. The study revealed that volunteerism has a significant impact on society, with volunteers contributing billions of dollars to the economy through their unpaid work. Volunteerism has also been linked to increased levels of civic engagement and social responsibility.
The Pryor Leadership Program at Jewell has been actively involved in supporting Eden Village, a shelter community that is currently being constructed that aims to provide affordable housing to individuals who are experiencing homelessness. Volunteers from the Pryor Leadership Program regularly visit the community to organize events and to provide support in any way that might be needed. Currently, the Pryor Leadership Fellows are working to build a fence for the community.
Eden Village of Kansas City will be a gated tiny home community enriched by a community center. Local volunteer specialists will give their time to provide individuals who have been classified as chronically homeless with a safe and dignified place to call home. Pryor is working with Eden Village to help them make their Kansas City, KS, property secure by fencing the remainder of its perimeter and then shifting our focus to furnishing and decorating the tiny houses that will be on the property.
Cole Hon, a senior working on the project explained: “Each year, the graduating Pryor Leadership Fellows partner with a nonprofit in our greater Kansas City community to address relevant issues and leave a lasting mark through the Pryor Legacy Project. A donation, whether in the form of financial means or volunteer hours, directly benefits Eden Village of Kansas City, the Pryor Legacy Class of 2023 community partner.”
When asked about what the ultimate goal of the partnership is, he said, “We are working with Eden Village to help them secure their Kansas City, KS, property by fencing the remainder of its perimeter and then shifting our focus to furnishing and decorating the tiny houses that will be on the property. Our goal is to fundraise the cost of the fencing, $10,500, by March 13th so we are able to begin acquiring materials before our first work day on April 1st. Our overall fundraising goal is $25,000 by May 1st which will be given to Eden Village to furnish homes as they are brought onto the property.”
Warrior’s Best Friend is another organization that provides vital services to veterans by placing service dogs with those who need them. These service dogs help to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental health conditions. Warrior’s Best Friend relies heavily on the support of volunteers who help walk and clean the dogs. By volunteering with Warrior’s Best Friend, students at William Jewell can make a meaningful impact on the lives of veterans and their families, as well as on the organization itself.
William Jewell students should contact 816-500-3867 if interested in contributing to either of these essential causes. By volunteering with these organizations, students can make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, gain monumental experiences and help to build a more just and compassionate society.
