CHRIS 180 Celebrates Volunteers this National Volunteer Month

For a plain unit of language, the word “volunteer” does a lot by itself: It can be a noun, verb and adjective.

(n.) a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service… a person who performs a service willingly and without pay.

(adj.) 1: being, consisting of, or engaged in by volunteers; a volunteer army. 2: growing spontaneously without direct human control or supervision… growing without being seeded, planted, or cultivated by a person; springing up spontaneously: volunteer cauliflower.

(v.) to offer oneself for some service or undertaking.

The desire to help communities and individuals in need during times of crises is an innate part of what it means to be human. Empathy is something that connects all of us to one another.  With all the natural disasters, wars, social and economic catastrophes, there is always an opportunity for hope and a volunteer ready to be of service.

National Volunteer Month

Every April in the U.S., we celebrate the work and impact of those who dedicate their time and resources to the community. National Volunteer Month, established in 1990, is a time to acknowledge those who help make the world a better place.  

CHRIS 180 reflects on the many years that our volunteers have been committed to our mission to heal children, strengthen families and build community. We would like to highlight some of the many volunteers and supporters that are the foundation of the work we do.

At the core of our work is volunteerism. CHRIS 180, was founded by a group of dedicated volunteers from The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. (JLA), fulfilling a greater purpose to assist youth living in foster care. Development Engagement Coordinator, Damira Shields, shared how volunteers have helped us live out our mission each day.

“When individuals volunteer with CHRIS 180 they are impacting thousands of individuals and clients,” she said.

Volunteer Opportunities 

After decades of growth, volunteering at CHRIS 180 has taken on many different forms. 

“You can have a volunteer event where you are distributing hygiene kits, food, clothing and even outreach bracelets across a vast number of programs whether that be community or residential,” Shields said.

 There are a number of different groups, organizations and board members who have provided support to CHRIS 180. 

 CHRIS 180 is proud to serve the community and to work with thousands of our volunteers each year. With your help, we are able to impact the lives of many and help those we serve change the direction of their lives.

If you would like to become a part of CHRIS 180 and volunteer with us, click here.