Reach us at:
(813) 229-2884
Board President
Dear Neighbor,
Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Valerie Goddard and I’m the Chair for the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. I’ve worked as a non-profit executive in human services for almost two decades and am excited about this unique opportunity to continue serving the children and families of what I consider my community – Hillsborough County.
By communicating with you on a quarterly basis, I’ll be able to provide some insight on how the Children’s Board is helping impact the lives of children and families throughout our neighborhoods. Since this is my first writing, I wanted to talk about something a little broader that’s near and dear to my heart – the importance of volunteering.
In today’s world, we’re all very busy. Whether it’s work – our own families – health issues – or whatever the reason, there never seems to be enough time in the day. No matter the excuse, we all have the ability to improve our community one person at a time by reaching out and touching the lives of others. Just one hour a month can make a real difference in the life of a child.
There are literally hundreds of ways you can impact a child’s life, a few include:
- Mentor a child through the local YMCA, Boys or Girls Club or Youth Group;
- Tutor children or volunteer for a reading hour at your library;
- Become a local conflict resolution counselor through your school, church or youth center:
- Teach a group of children computer skills;
- Find out what you can do to help homeless children and families;
- Start or join a local children’s resources hotline a few regular hours each week;
- Help distribute information about children’s needs;
- Form or join an existing community group to prevent teen substance abuse;
- Contact your local Municipal Court or Bar Association to find out how to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate to represent children in court proceedings (Guardian ad Litem);
- Donate used computer equipment to use for after-school tutoring of at-risk city youth;
- Collect books and other learning materials for local youth programs and schools;
- Help form outings for local children to museums, zoos, amusement parks, etc.;
- Volunteer to be a counselor at a day-camp for children with learning disabilities; and
- Help sponsor, fix-up or staff a local playground.
Whatever your job, I’m sure that at some point in your life, you’ve been touched by someone who’s given you the motivation and confidence to achieve your dreams. Many children in our very community are missing that one person; someone that truly cares and is willing to make a real connection. I encourage you to be “that” person and make an impact in a child’s life.
For additional opportunities, visit the Volunteer section of our website today!