Printer Friendly Version - Branford Nonprofits Meet BHS Students at Community Service Fair

Representatives of participating Branford non-profits and community programs filled a Community Service Fair held for Branford High School (BHS) students April 19 to learn more about different types of programs assisting their community and how to get involved as volunteers. Photo Courtesy Ken Engelman

Waves of students looking to learn more about many Branford-based non-profits and community initiatives visited a Community Service Fair held at Branford High School (BHS) on April 19.

Ken Engelman of Branford-based nonprofit Community Volunteers United coordinated the event with BHS principal Lee Panagoulias Jr. and Tina Valaouras, Career Pathways Coordinator at BHS.

“Many local nonprofits rely on volunteers, and many nonprofit executive directors have shared with me that their volunteer base is diminishing or aging out, so I implemented this ‘pilot program’ to engage students - who need community service hours to graduate and who are the decision-makers of tomorrow - while inspiring them to think about compassion, kindness, and community,” said Engelman.

Participating programs filling the fair in the BHS Library Learning Commons included Branford Community Television, BHCare, Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance, Branford Clean Energy, Branford Community Forest Commission, Branford Compassion Club, Branford Early Learning Center, Branford Electric Railway Association (Shoreline Trolley Museum), Branford Fire Department volunteers, Branford Microfund, Branford Youth Mission, Camp Rising Sun, Shoreline Greenway Trail and We Are One, Inc.

Engelman said the event was designed to achieve multiple goals, including educating students on the diverse community programs and non-profits serving the Branford community.

“Most only know a few popular ones in town, but there are over 20 true 501c3 nonprofits,” Engelman noted.

The event also sought to help match students’ interests with nonprofit services for a better experience for both, he said.

“This will teach students performing community service of potential career paths they didn’t know about,” said Engelman.

Additionally, the event was meant to help teach students the value of volunteering and giving back to their home community.

“This can inspire them to continue to volunteer after graduation and throughout their lives,” said Engelman.

Engelman said the hope was also to help inspire compassion, empathy, and community thinking in the students as future adults, business leaders, and politicians who will make decisions that focus on community wellbeing.