Volunteer programs that engage young citizens, or invite adults to mentor and coach young people, are imperative to the future of not only neighborhoods, but of our city as a whole. Through Neighbors Helping Neighbors, the Office of Volunteer Resources is creating opportunities to support Virginia Beach’s youth through a strong partnership with the Grow Smart program. When we create opportunities for adults and seniors to enrich the lives of young people, all generations benefit.
In partnership with the Office of Volunteer Resources, residents from the Atlantic Shores Retirement Community are reading to kindergarten through third grade students at Ocean Lakes Elementary School. This program came from two volunteers, seeing a need in our community, and taking action.
The City of Virginia Beach Office of Volunteer Resources is matching up retirement communities with local elementary schools for Volunteers in Literacy. Volunteers in Literacy began as one volunteer’s dream of making a difference with both senior citizens and school children. Because reading proficiently by the end of third grade is a crucial marker in a child's educational development, Volunteers in Literacy encourages senior citizens to take an active role in its success.