The Mahomet Area Youth Club is looking for a little help from friends.
The organization, which serves Mahomet-area youth ages 6-16 with afterschool, summer and school-vacation programs, needs program volunteers, committee volunteers and members of the board.
Executive Director Sara Balgoyen said there is an opportunity to fit anyone’s schedules.
“Volunteer responsibilities vary depending on the role,” she said.
“MAYC has a strengths-based approach to volunteering and urges anyone with a skill or interest or even just a desire to help to contact us and we will find an opportunity.”
For the last 27 years, MAYC has been sustained by volunteers, Balgoyen added.
“Volunteers are essential to any community organization, especially non-profits,” she added. “They provide the support in a variety of ways that a small staff can’t do on their own.”
Currently, MAYC is in need of:
- Program volunteers- to work directly with youth during our programs
- Committee volunteers- to help us with committee work that ensures our facilities are safe and that our two fundraisers (auction and race) are successful
- Board of Directors- to help guide us in our mission, continued growth and sustainability. (1, 2 & 3 year terms available)
Brady Allison, who has been a board member for 11 years said that over his term he has seen great potential in the organization.
Since 2013, MAYC has focused on increasing the number of children the program can serve. Part of that initiative was being instrumental in the development of B.L.A.S.T. after-school programs and moving to a more spacious facility in 2017.
He added that a community-approach to childcare is important as the organization looks at budgeting, marketing, fundraising and property management.
Mahomet native Lindsey Savoie-Halfar, who said she’s experienced a lot of joy as a volunteer, said that the organization is not only focused on providing a safe place for children to be, but also has its sights set on helping students understand the importance of health, wellness, diversity, and inclusion.
“Being on the board is a great way to support the MAYC staff and families,” she said. “The board works hand in hand with the director to help support initiatives, programming, overall direction, and fundraising.
“New board members can help with various committees related to facilities, programming, fundraising, events, and more. There are lots of opportunities based on your time, interest, and skill set.”
Board members are required to attend monthly meetings while also promoting the organization within the community.
Balgoyen said that committee volunteers can contribute by helping with the organization’s two fundraising events, Run Mahomet and the annual auction. But there are also opportunities to work with students after school or during the summer months, and to help with special projects that come up.
“If you have an hour a month you can give to help support MAYC,” she said.
