AmeriCorps Week Project Recap: Peanut Butter Jelly Time

Volunteers take a pose before  serving

 

Volunteer Broward was given the amazing opportunity to work with South Florida’s Cooperative Feeding Program each morning of AmeriCorps Week 2011. Our service project coined “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” supported the efforts of this organization by ensuring that every individual left the center with a packed lunch which included a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Volunteer from various churches, civic groups, and schools joined us in assisting this organization with the tasks of preparing and distributing hot meals, preparing emergency food boxes in the pantry, and assisting with clean-up at the end of the day. But the Cooperative Feeding Program has more to offer than just a meal distribution program.

Preparing Emergency Food Boxes

This great organization also offers many amenities to homeless individuals and families as well as those who may be facing hard times but still maintain a home of their own. Not only can people enjoy a hot meal each morning and pick up food at the pantry, but Cooperative Feeding Program offers employment services, counseling, and training for their clients. A case worker is on staff each day to assist not only with individual cases, but provides services that can help people with rent, utility, and food stamp services if they qualify. Cooperative Feeding Program also has a free mail room and message board center where families, friends, and possible employers can contact the people there. Individuals are welcomed to use the showers (including shampoo, soap, etc) upstairs and can receive a fresh pair of clothes. In addition, free barber services are provided to clients, which can be useful for upcoming job interviews. 

Errol prepping in the kitchen

The care and thought put in by the workers at the Cooperative Feeding Program is unmatched and their dedication towards helping others is wonderful to experience. Volunteer Broward feels very privileged to have the opportunity to work with them and believes that others should check out the organization!

Join us every Tuesday and every other Monday for the Peanut Butter Jelly Time Project at Cooperative Feeding Program. Visit their site at www.lifenet4families.org for more information on how you can support their efforts.

Thank you to all the volunteers!

Yours in Service,

Volunteer Broward Team