PHOTO COURTESY OF JARED PABEN
During the month of February, Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Inc. celebrated its volunteers.
The organization embraces the concept that “It takes a village to raise a child.”
“Volunteering is at the heart of our organization and we truly love our volunteers and appreciate the vital role they play with our children and families within the community,” said Executive Director Maureen McGrath. “Our talented volunteers come from many walks of life and provide a vital service to the many programs administered by UMCHS”.
The agency’s volunteer opportunities include advocating for foster children in the court system, working with children in the classroom, helping food service staff serve nutritiously balanced meals, and providing office support. Interns are also working within the agency to gain job experience.
UMCHS volunteer Chris Hull won the Governor’s Elder Volunteers Award in 2014, and has been volunteering for UMCHS in the CASA program for close to 13 years. She currently sits on the CASA Advisory Team (CAT) and is a mentor to many of the CASA volunteers. When asked why she was interested in work with children in foster care she said, “When you’re a teacher, you get to know kids who have been mistreated. Becoming a CASA volunteer was a way for me to stay involved with these kids.” Hull has advocated for nearly 100 children in foster care to find a safe and permanent home.
For additional information, plase call McGrath at 541-571-5596, or visit Head Start’s website.
