How to be a Superhero

Craig DenUyl
The Paw Print

Heart of La Puente

Did you ever wish that you had special powers – the ability to save the world and inspire others? In the eyes of a child in need, you do have these incredible gifts. To any of the kids in our community who have faced serious challenges such as homelessness, abuse, or domestic violence, you can be the first true superhero that they meet. You are armed with the unstoppable talents of compassion, integrity, and empathy; can you commit to use these powers to help the children in crisis around you? Here is how you can save the world, one young life at a time.
For over thirteen years, the PALS Children’s program of La Puente has been a positive experience in the lives of the most vulnerable kids in our community. Each day the PALS staff dons their blue, red, and yellow, superman-style shirts in preparation to change the world. Now, they want to invite you to join their team. There are many new volunteer opportunities to fit any skill-set or commitment schedule.
“This is a unique opportunity for ASC students and other good Samaritans to become more involved, to see a completely different side of their community, and to make a positive change,” says PALS staff-person Caroline Stayer. “It makes you realize your own talents when you can work to bring out the strengths of another, just by being yourself. Also, I can say from experience that there is nothing better to reduce the stress of family, schoolwork, and jobs than the simple pleasure of spending quality time with a child in need.”
In a typical day, the PALS program provides approximately twenty-two underprivileged children with enrichment opportunities, academic support, and healthy living skills to boost their cultural capital. Through the summer, the program runs for the full day. Currently, it functions as an afterschool program with the kids on-site from 3 p.m. until shortly after 5 p.m. each weekday. The children visit farms, museums, and other educational sites and also participate in weekly activities in the areas of art, music, and academics. All this is done in an attempt to give these five to nine year old boys and girls the same opportunities for personal development that every child should have.
The PALS program is seeking tutors and volunteers who are interested in working one-on-one with local children as positive role models. Volunteers can arrange to come in just once to share a special skill, or can schedule weekly or even daily times to assist with homework and other activities. Any involvement is welcome, but as with all relationships, the more you put in, the more you will get out of the experience. To start, just send an e-mail to pals.lapuente@gmail.com with the subject “volunteer.” You have what it takes to change the world; will you take the first step toward being the hero to a child in need?

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