Visitation
Our visitation ministry currently takes place at the Polk County Juvenile Detention Center in Des Moines.
Basic requirements for volunteers who have contact with the kids we serve is that they be at least 21-years-old, have a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ, be active in a local church, and love kids.
1:1 Visitors: SOY Network matches volunteers with detention youth who have little family visitation for one-time or ongoing visits. During these weekly visits, the volunteers and youth play games, read, bake/cook, create crafts, go for walks, or just hang out. Visitation times are flexible to meet the needs of the individual volunteer.
Informal Mentors: similar to a 1:1 visitor with the only difference being that they meet with one particular resident each time they visit until the resident leaves the facility.
Group Activities: SOY Network also works with those who are interested in bringing a group to do an activity with youth in detention or shelter. Volunteer groups may come to the detention center on a regular basis to host seasonal activities or parties. In the past, SOY volunteer groups have provided day-time activities during school breaks, artists, magicians, makeovers and other recreational or educational opportunities for the youth.
Life Skills Trainers: This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy teaching. SOY Network volunteers may give of themselves by making presentations to detention or shelter youth on life skill issues. A sampling of past topics includes setting healthy goals, identifying positive values, conflict resolution, money management, planning and decision making, and study habits. These presentations are not only educational for the youth, but they are also a valuable service to staff in these facilities.
Quilters: SOY provides all Polk County Youth Shelter youth with quilts of their own. Some of the youth may have no other possessions when they leave the shelter, so it is very important to SOY to offer a bit of comfort in this way. Quilters from around central Iowa make and send quilts for this program and we can always use a few more quilters on our team!
Clothes & Gifts: Throughout the year, we accept donations of personal care items, arts and crafts supplies, clothing, new or lightly used recreational equipment, magazine subscriptions, and Christmas and birthday gifts.
Special Needs: SOY Network undertakes to meet special needs of juvenile court, detention centers, and shelters through the generosity of volunteers with special gifts.
For more information please contact Karen Sieg.
