Volunteer family sponsors urgently needed: Help now!

Volunteer family sponsors urgently needed: Help now!

There is a great need for volunteer support for families in Emmelshausen, and this is exactly where the Caritas “Family Sponsorships” project comes into play. The aim of this program is to actively support families in difficult situations before they become overwhelmed. Volunteer godparents take on a variety of tasks, such as looking after children, accompanying parents to appointments and offering discussions. Cathrin Löw, the volunteer coordinator, notes that the demand for these sponsorships is constantly increasing and those affected would like to experience inner peace and stability through support. Diocese of Trier reports that they are particularly looking for men and women who are willing to invest 2-3 hours a week and get involved in the different lives of families.

A special feature of this program is the professional preparation of the volunteers. Developing a willingness to undertake continuous further training proves to be valuable. A training course on the topic of “non-violent communication” recently took place, in which the participants learned techniques that can be used not only in a voluntary context, but also in everyday private life. The focus was on empathetic listening, recognizing needs and clear communication without accusations. A great approach for anyone who wants to have a good hand in interpersonal relationships.

Family sponsorships as a meaningful leisure activity

Family sponsorships offer a variety of support options. These range from individual leisure activities with children to accompanying them to daycare or after-school care to support in everyday life, for example if a parent is ill or at important appointments. How Caritas Eifel As mentioned, family sponsors have the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to managing stress and creating freedom for the families they care for. The help often also enables parents to take a much-needed break.

Anyone interested in this dedicated activity should have good listening skills, social skills and enjoy working with children and families. The specific requirements include an extended certificate of good conduct and the willingness to take part in further training, such as a first aid course for children. In addition, volunteers can expect guidance from specialists and various training opportunities. Reimbursement of travel and material costs is also provided, which makes the commitment even more attractive.

Community involvement

Successful volunteer work not only benefits the families, but also enriches the sponsors themselves. The exchange between each other is promoted through quarterly meetings where experiences and challenges can be discussed. Cathrin Löw supports the volunteers and ensures that the “chemistry” between sponsors and families is right. In fact, many of the volunteers describe their commitment as an enriching experience that not only helps others, but also has a positive impact on their own lives.

If you are interested in becoming a family sponsor, you can contact Cathrin Löw by phone at 0170/3163887 or by email at C.Loew@caritas-rhn.de. Contacting other coordinators, such as Marion Engels, who is the contact person for family sponsorships, is also recommended. In summary, the motto “It takes a whole village to raise children” is not just a saying, but shows how important community employment and support are in modern society. Those interested can obtain further information and support via netzwerkleben.de, which explain the special features of family sponsorships in detail.