August 14, 2023

The HandsOn team has been busy traveling to neighboring states to work with Fidelity volunteers to get schools ready to welcome students for their first day back.

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, we gave Grant Middle School a much-needed transformation to prepare students and staff for a successful school year. Grant Middle serves 380 6th-8th graders and is a 100% Title I school. The HandsOn Greater Phoenix staff and 80 Fidelity volunteers created a student success center, painted school murals, organized the food and clothing banks, built benches, made over the staff lounge, and weeded the school garden.

In Salt Lake City, the team of 120 Fidelity volunteers revisited West High School- Utah's oldest school, serving nearly 3,000 students. Groups of volunteers landscaped school grounds, built and painted benches, painted murals, transformed the special education room, created a youth football field, and crafted teacher appreciation cards.

Thank you to these volunteers for two successful transformation days that will create a lasting impact for the teachers, students, parents and communities of these schools!

HandsOn Greater Phoenix hosts AmeriCorps Vista Members that help to build the capacity of organizations to alleviate poverty by developing sustainable programs in fundraising, volunteer coordination, and project management.

We are looking for someone that is ready to make a difference in the lives of AZ seniors! Join the Area Agency on Aging to assist in the efforts to reduce social isolation and increase companionship and well-being for elders in assisted living facilities.

During the year of service, VISTA members will receive a living allowance, education stipend, paid vacation, professional development opportunities, and deeper community knowledge. Learn more about why you should serve!

Teachers are our current-day superheroes. Teachers are responsible for guiding children to be successful inside and outside of the classroom. As school starts again here are some ways to support a teacher near you:

• Use TeacherLists to browse teachers' wishlists to help by purchasing some supplies for their classrooms
• Listen to teachers' needs and attend the school board meeting as an advocate. Check out Arizona School Board Associate for resources and tips to attend your first meeting
• Volunteer your time in the classroom. Join Your Experience Counts to alleviate some classroom responsibilities and give an extra pair of hands