Esperanza students serve the community

By Arooj Ashraf, La Prensa Correspondent

Students at Esperanza Inc. consider themselves fortunate to have access to mentors, enriching programs and opportunities that enhance their life. On March, 26, 2011 they took time to give back to their community by volunteering their time with UGIVE.org. 

Twenty five students helped pick up litter from the block of W.25^th and Clark, sold baked goods to raise funds for disaster relief in Japan and helped prime and paint properties of partner agencies like Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center.

“It feels really good to give back,” said senior Luis Rodríguez, “and it was even better because I got to do it with my friends.”

Roshely Toro, also a senior, said she enjoys volunteering and encourages her younger siblings to participate as often as they can. She hopes there will be opportunities to participate in larger events that not only give Esperanza more exposure but give students like her, the chance to make a difference.
 

The volunteer opportunities are unlimited, said Kristina Mielke, Youth Services Coordinator UGive and AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA). UGive.org is a nonprofit established in Cincinnati three years ago to cultivate sprit of volunteer in youth and has expanded to Northeast Ohio. The website gives nonprofits and agencies to post volunteer opportunities and tracks the hours of youth 13- 18 who pledge their time.

With 2,600 registered volunteers statewide have pledged a total of 2,000 hours said Molly Dull, Youth Services Coordinator. The site currently has 70 nonprofit partners who post positions for free.
 

Mielke said with the Latino population increasing rapidly engaging youth in civic action is a great way to give back, dispel stereotypes and help students build strong resumes.  “The disdain Hispanics are experiencing now is the same as the Irish and Italians experienced,” said Mielke, adding civic engagement is another way Latinos and immigrants are adding to a better society.

The site is approved by the Ohio Department of Education to honor dedicated volunteers with the prestigious Jefferson Award for Public Service.

Mielke said the VISTAs take pride in the program and are committed to providing opportunities that the youth are interested in, “We take this relationship [with volunteers] seriously and are available whenever they need us.”

For Rodríguez and Toro the ideas are already taking shape, both are eager for the next project.

“Maybe next time, have more food from different places so people can learn more about it,” said Rodríguez. Toro who baked brownies, cookies and dipped chocolate covered pretzels for the sale, would like help organize a festival bringing people together and showing her friends volunteering can be fun too.

To get involved visit: www.ugive.org

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Revised: 10/12/11 21:01:04 -0700.