Volunteer

 
"I get such a good feeling from the looks and appreciation from the families that Happen helps.... I can have the most stressful day and then come to a Happen session, act like a nut, talk to the families, and I go home feeling like it's my birthday and everyone remembered."
 
—Six-Year Happen Volunteer Mark Cummings
 
There are many opportunities to work directly with children in need or behind the scenes prepping materials, fund-raising, and helping out with special projects. Each volunteer receives a one-hour orientation, in which you learn all about Happen's programs and culture. You also will have the opportunity to discuss your skills and areas of interest to tailor your volunteer experience.
 
Volunteering at Happen is a great opportunity to give back to society, but it is not without its own personal rewards. Happen volunteers are friendly, dedicated, and fun-loving individuals who work together to provide opportunities for success to children in need. By volunteering with Happen, you will have the opportunity to make friends with a diverse and passionate group of people. If you choose to work with children directly, you will find no greater reward than a child's smile and gratitude, given to you just for providing your friendship and support. Happen is a small nonprofit with a large reach, so it's easy to feel like you're part of something that's personal, while being able to see the impact of your efforts. Some of our volunteers have been with us since the very beginning, which truly speaks to the rewarding nature of being involved with Happen.
 
Mentoring
"I'm still a kid at heart and volunteering with Happen allows me to be a kid, while making a difference in a child's life."
 
—Two-Year Happen Volunteer Karen Deime
 
Happen provides free educational art sessions to children in need through L'CETA. Each child is paired with an adult mentor for the duration of each class. Child-and-mentor teams enjoy a Happen skit together and collaborate on an art project during each session. No previous mentoring experience is necessary, but a criminal background check (BCI) is required. (The cost of the BCI is around $20 and will be reimbursed by Happen). Mentors have played a crucial role in Happen since 1999, and directly fulfill Happen's core mission of creating positive educational experiences for children in need. Happen is looking for mentors to help out with sessions that take place Thursday nights and Saturday mornings.
 
L'CETA
L'CETA (Life-Changing Experiences Through Art) is a long-standing partnership between Happen, Inc. and area schools, agencies, and religious organizations. L'CETA brings together underprivileged children and bighearted adults for Happen sessions. L'CETA pairs mentors and children together for Thursday evening or Saturday morning Happen sessions. Thursday sessions include an after-session dinner. The pairs work together on creative activities that help develop basic art skills and build art awareness.
 
Hands-on Volunteer Night
Alternate Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.; please call 513-751-2345 for exact dates.
 
If you'd rather show your support behind the scenes, Happen hosts a hands-on volunteer night every other Tuesday evening in a relaxed and social atmosphere. Volunteers prep materials for in-studio sessions and After-School Art Programs, including making creativity kits, cutting toy parts for Toy Lab, prepping clay, cutting community canvases into strips, or whatever else just needs to get done. Tuesdays are when we cut back, relax, and have fun with friends while doing good for the community. You might even get pizza. Please call 513-751-2345 for exact dates.
 
The Go-getters
Alternate Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., please call 513-751-2345 for exact dates.
 
On Tuesdays opposite from the hands-on nights, our fund-raising volunteer team meets to strategize new ways to generate support for Happen programs. The go-getters research grant opportunities, foundations, and nonprofit discount opportunities, as well as prepare collateral for our fund-raising events and campaigns, such as Food for Thoughtfulness, the Annual Crown Support Fund, and Friends and Family. Please call 513-751-2345 to sign up.
 
Volunteer Events for Your Group
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity for your student organization, company, or social group? We offer a variety of different group volunteer events, both on a one-time basis and on a rotating schedule. Scheduling a group volunteer day is a great way to develop teamwork and a sense of social responsibility in a comfortable and fun environment. Please call Tommy at 513-751-2345 to schedule an event.
 
Special Skills
If none of these opportunities fit your interests, or if you have special skills or knowledge you'd like to contribute, or even if you'd just like some help deciding how to get involved, give us a call at 513-751-2345 to set up a time to discuss how you might best fit in to the Happen scene. Volunteers in the past have brought their own skills and knowledge in photography, graphic design, illustration, video editing, animation, computer programming, construction, technology, sculpture, ceramics, and much more to the table. We are in constant need of individuals who can bring specialized knowledge to the team.