Many Catholic schools around the Region have long histories of spending decades providing children with quality, values-based education. Yet, with tight budgets in aging facilities, their custodial and maintenance teams are often stretched thin. Finding the time and funds to complete much-needed projects such as painting classrooms or installing new flooring is challenging for some.
To address those needs, Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana, a nonprofit committed to supporting the Region's values-based schools, works with the community to organize Give Back Days. These four-hour volunteer events allow individuals, friends, alumni groups, clubs, and companies to help schools clean, paint, organize, landscape, and more.
"The impact of Give Back Days on the schools in the Diocese of Gary is significant," emphasized Gisele Jones, Director of Community Partnerships & Engagement at Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana. "These events provide much-needed assistance for projects that the schools struggle to complete and foster a sense of community and pride among the students and staff."
Give Back Days typically focus on one project per school, resulting in a revamped gymnasium or library with new paint and flooring or thoroughly cleaned and reorganized storage and curriculum rooms.
Depending on the scale of the project, a Give Back Day might involve three to thirty volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds. Companies and organizations that have participated include White Lodging, the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation, Future Cycle Breakers, T-Mobile, JMA Architects, United Rentals, and the Hammond Optimist Club.
"It's refreshing to see organizations and companies that have written community engagement into their book of business," Jones said.
Jones noted that you do not need a group to participate—anyone looking to make a difference for the schools in their community is more than welcome to join. The impact each individual has can be tremendous and immediately visible.
"To experience a Give Back Day with a group of committed volunteers is beautiful and heartwarming, and witnessing the selfless and sincere act of volunteerism is a blessing," Jones expressed. "The gratitude expressed by school leaders, staff, and students will forever be the most rewarding aspect of the Give Back Days! We hope this joy of community engagement inspires others to join us."
Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana also offers volunteer opportunities outside of Give Back Days, such as mentoring, reading to students, or tutoring.
"We're always looking for volunteers, and there are always opportunities to get involved in our mission," Jones said. "If painting and landscaping aren't in your scope of volunteering, there is space for your time and talent in other areas."To learn more about how you or your organization can participate in a Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana Give Back Day, or for more information on other volunteer opportunities, contact Gisele Jones at gjones@bigshouldersfund.org. To find out more about Big Shoulders Fund, visit bigshouldersfund.org/nwi
