My family and I have donated to Holy Family Home and Shelter for many years. All things, whether money, food, toys, clothing, bed linens, pillows and/or towels are greatly appreciated and very much needed. There is such a growing need for Willimantic and the surrounding towns to step up to the plate and take care of the homeless mothers and children who have no other place to live. The staff and volunteers at the homeless shelter are so caring and helpful to the residents. When the families leave the shelter, they are given guidance and assistance to potentially become self supporting. All things that have been donated to the homeless shelter have been acknowledged with a written note of thanks.
I have been a volunteer with Holy Family Shelter for two years. Once a week, I work with the children in the afterschool program, and it has been an amazing experience. Holy Family’s afterschool program facilitates learning and encourages patience, cooperation, and respect, while keeping the atmosphere light and fun- an important time for the children as they balance school and other activities with their transitional living situation. Several weeks ago, I witnessed the pure joy of one of the children as he announced that he would not be in program that day because he was moving to his new home. That moment reminded me just how impactful the work of Holy Family is for those who utilize its services.
I volunteered my time to contribute to the building of a website for this non-profit. They were extremely pleasant to work with, and they provide a necessary service to the community. It was an honor to be able to assist Holy Family, and ultimately help the community at large, by assisting in the design and construction of their website.
I have been a volunteer for 22 years at The Holy Family Home and Shelter. Throughout these years, I have seen many mothers and their children receive excellent care. They are provided rooms, food, clothing and new friendships. They are given the ability to attend classes and meetings to learn better skills on child-rearing and how to provide for their children financially and socially while living with others who are also homeless. The children attend local schools with after school programs at the shelter . During the summer, they go on field trips and continue with arts and crafts programs.
Many families leave the Home with a broader knowledge of survival and family management, also with a new home or apartment, and many reunited are with their fathers. If it were not for The Holy Family Home and Shelter, these mothers and children would have nowhere to go. It is very fortunate that such a place as this exists.
I have been a volunteer and donor at the Shelter for some 3 years, ever since I found out about it. I have witnessed how homeless women and children (even babies) in need are taken in and taken care of at the facility. The Holy Family Home and Shelter works with families to create budgets formulate life plans and encourage further life plans and encourage further education. Residents, who stay an average of 60 - 90 days, are provided with 3 meals a day, life skills workshops, case management, laundry facilities, an education program for children, assistance with permanent housing and employment searches, and referrals to other agencies as needed. The physical plant could definitely be modernized but the staff make the best of what they have and continue to write grants to keep things moving forward. The staff is very friendly and dedicated at what that do.
I have volunteered as a part of their after school program doing art activities with the children. I have found it to be a wonderful, fulfilling place to spend time. The kids are delightful and well behaved. They are extremely appreciative of volunteers time and talent. The staff is open and helpful. I look forward to returning and would encourage anyone to volunteer here.