One Match at a time!

Hello, Cleveland Angels community! We're thrilled to share some fantastic news with you – we've recently celebrated *SEVEN* incredible matches in our programs, bringing together volunteers with families and youth in need of support. It's moments like these that truly define the spirit of our community and the dedication of our team!

Our Case Managers are truly the heroes behind the scenes, working hard hour by hour to ensure that support is in place for families and youth on our waitlist. Their commitment and passion drive the success of our programs, making it possible for us to create meaningful connections and a positive impact.

So, how do we go about making these magical matches? It all starts when volunteers like you express their interest in joining our cause. Here's a glimpse into our matching process:

1. You Apply! Volunteers kick off their journey by filling out a simple application form. This step allows us to understand their preferences, skills, and availability.
2. We Have a Good Chat. One of our dedicated Case Managers will be "your person" throughout the whole process! They will conduct intentional conversations with each volunteer to delve deeper into their motivations for volunteering with youth in foster care, learn about their life experiences, and discuss the specific ways they envision making a difference.
3. You Ponder Some Possible Matches! Our Case Managers carefully analyze the unique needs and circumstances of the families and youth on our waitlist. They consider factors such as location, interests, and compatibility to create matches that have the potential to blossom into meaningful relationships. Your Case Manager will talk with you about some possible families (Love Box®) or youth (Dare to Dream™) near you whose needs match up with what you have in mind. Once you make a choice, the family/youth will be presented with your bio and weigh in on whether they want to match with you... typically they do!
4. You Attend a 1.5 Hour Orientation. Once selected, volunteers are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to provide the best possible support to their assigned families or youth. We cover topics like Foster Care 101, the effects of trauma on development, and offer skills and strategies proven to help build resilience in children & youth. Any and all questions you have can be answered, and you may meet some other like minded volunteers while you're there!
5. You Meet Your Match 🙂 Once a match is identified, our case managers facilitate the introduction between the volunteer and the family or youth. This initial meeting sets the stage for the journey ahead.
6. You Have Ongoing Support, No Matter What. Our commitment doesn't end with the match – it's an ongoing process. Case managers provide continuous support, ensuring that both volunteers and those they support feel empowered and connected. You will communicate directly with your Case Manager, offering updates & any concerns or questions, and of course, celebrating successes!
7. Deep Connections, and Defining Success... We meet people where they are, in goals, in attitude, in their need for connection or for time to build trust. That's why our first match "milestone" is Building RAPPORT. For many children and youth who have experienced trauma, trust has been broken over and over. When you join the Cleveland Angels team of volunteers, you join hands with us to walk alongside these kids with love and non-judgement, to make clear through consistency of your caring presence that they are worth your time, just because they are themselves. This is how healing begins, and then positive steps toward their future can begin.

These matches wouldn't be possible without the dedication of our team and the incredible generosity of supporters like you. THANK YOU for being a crucial part of this community for youth who need you, and for making a difference in the lives of foster and kinship families in Cleveland!

Let's continue to spread love , support, and joy – one match at a time! 🌟

Author

Apryl Rashid is the Program Director at Cleveland Angels.