The Concerned Ecumenical Ministry located on the corner of Lafayette and Parkdale avenues is looking for dedicated volunteers.
Volunteers participate in STAR which is an after school enrichment and education program as well as a summer day program for kids in elementary and middle school. Volunteers will work with the youth on specific academic areas, play games with kids, and teach skills such as knitting, chess, and sewing. CEM volunteers must have experience with children and go through an interview process that is followed by a background check.Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Evans helps recruit volunteers and plans outside activities for the youth.
“We have dance programs, outside speakers, and other agencies come in so students can have extracurricular activities. But not as much anymore because we don’t have as many volunteers to coordinate activities.”
The human service agency has been around about ten years and offers programs for youth, seniors, and emergency food services for those who are in need.By distributing newsletters throughout the community and reaching out to the nearby LafayetteHigh School and School 45, the youth program is able to help those in kindergarten up to the ninth grade.
PS 45 International School refers students to CEM.
“It’s a great way for the kids to participate in community service activities, they clean up neighborhoods, help in hospitals and collect bottles to raise money for outside charities,” Principal Nadia Nashir says.
More information can be found on cembuffalo.org. By Cortney Drakeford and Alana Ransom
