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A faith based respite program provided on the 1st and 3rd Friday nights of each month for children with special needs and their siblings. Each child is paired with a volunteer for the evening. The trained volunteers provide individualized care for each child and participate in pre-planned activties and events according to each child's interest. Nurses are present to assist with any medical needs. We welcome children from the age of 3 months up to their 13th birthday and their siblings. Night OWLS is offered without cost to the family. |
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER TRAINING - Tuesday September 21, 2010 6:30 to 8:00 pm in Room 120. New volunteer training and recertification training. For registration or more information, contact Melanie Lucido at 214-523-2284 or nightowls@hpumc.org
Download a Night OWLS Brochure (pdf)
- Become a Night OWLS volunteer
- Provide dinner to our volunteers
Volunteers are required to complete an application, consent for background check, an online training, and attend a live training once a year. Volunteers must be 18 years of age. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Melanie Lucido, 214-523-2284, nightowls@hpumc.org. for a volunteer packet.
Volunteers arrive at 5:30 for an overview of the evening's activities. The children begin coming at 6:00 for an evening of fun. During the night, the children choose from many different activities including:
- Arts & crafts
- Music room
- Board & video games
- Sports court
- Face painting
- Movies
Special Entertainment:
Night OWLS makes every Friday night memorable for the children by bringing in special entertainment, including activities such as magicians, dancers, petting zoos, community leaders, SPCA dogs, etc. If you have ideas for special entertaiment and/or are interested in helping schedule such activities for Night OWLS, please contact Karen Gilmore at 214.523.2276.
For more information about how to be a Night OWLS volunteer, please contact Melanie Lucido, Program Coordinator, at 214.523.2284, nightowls@hpumc.org.
Night OWLS staff
A Program Director, an Activity Coordinator, and an RN are present on Friday nights. Additional volunteer RNs also attend to assist with any medical emergencies and with any children who may require tube feedings for nutrition, medications by injection, and medications by mouth. The nurses wear special shirts so they are easily identified.
Cost to Families
The Night OWLS respite program is provided without cost to the families. The hard work and dedication of the volunteers is how HPUMC is able to provide this program without charging families. Additionally, designated financial gifts, memorials, and in-kind gifts allow Night OWLS to provide quality organization and programming on Friday nights.
Volunteer Training
Volunteers are required to complete an online sexual abuse awareness training before attending Night OWLS. In addition, volunteers are required to attend a new volunteer training within 6 months of their start date. After completing the new volunteer training, volunteers attend a yearly training for recertification.
Alternate Options
If you are not comfortable being paired with a child or are short of time, Night OWLS has many other opportunities for you to help on Friday nights:
- Registration: Assisting in family registration
- Relief: Providing relief for volunteers to eat dinner or to leave early, if necessary
- Rooms: Coordinating creative activities in designated rooms, such as arts & crafts or imagination station
Dinner Host
Groups such as Sunday School classes, UMW Circles, friends, and families, generously provide meals for the volunteers. If you are interested in providing dinner for the Night OWLS volunteers, please contact Melanie Lucido at 214.523.2284.
Disclaimer: By registering for any HPUMC event/group, the participant is giving permission for the participant's photo to be used in HPUMC publications, print, and online, unless HPUMC is given a written request to the contrary.
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Night OWLS staff
opportunities for you to help on Friday nights:
Volunteer Opportunities: How You Can Help?
