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What Is WooServes?

 

WooServes Summer Youth Service Institute, a 6-week youth development program of the United Way of Central Massachusetts, connects youth ages 13-17 with volunteer opportunities in Greater Worcester. Volunteer projects help address community issues around health, food insecurity, youth education, access to outdoor recreation, and emergency response.

 

WooServes is a signature program of the United Way of Central Massachusetts which has run for more than 10 years graduating dozens of teens each year.

 

The 2023 WooServes program will run from July 5th – August 11th.  All volunteer projects are easily accessed by public transportation.

 

If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact Idaliana Medina, Community Engagement Manager, at idaliana.medina@unitedwaycm.org.

 

For agencies interested in being a WooServes project partner, please reach out to idaliana.medina@unitedwaycm.org.

  • Open to teens ages 13-17 living in the United Way of Central Massachusetts’ service area (a list of towns can be found here).

 

  • Attend Orientation (July 6th 10AM-2PM) and Graduation (August 12th 9-10:30AM).

 

  • Commit to a minimum of 15 volunteer hours through selection of various service projects. Participants will be offered at least two projects a week at differing times to fit best into their Summer schedules. First volunteer project will be a mandatory group project at Orientation and will count towards total volunteer hours.

 

  • Design independent/small group service project, to be presented at Graduation.
  • Great experience to include on college and job applications! By completing this program, you will show you are committed to giving back, willing to work with others, and a reliable individual.

 

  • Networking. You will have the chance to not only connect with fellow teen participants, but also with local community leaders who partner with the program.

 

  • Skills development. Participants will gain abilities in community leadership, networking, presentation skills, and project development. These are all useful for college and future jobs!

 

  • Understand & address community issues. Participants will learn key issues faced in our local community, how service project partners are helping to address them, and how you can make a difference. You will be contributing important time and talent to our partner organizations.

 

  • Free WooServes t-shirt, water bottle, and snacks.

 

  • $100 VISA gift card upon completion of program. You must meet all program requirements (listed above). Gift cards will be distributed at graduation.

2022 WooServes applications are closed. Details for our 2023 program will be available next year.

 

2022 WooServes program will run from July 6th – August 12th. This includes a mandatory Orientation on July 6th from 10AM-2PM and Graduation on August 12th from 9-10:30AM.

FAQ’s

Who Can Participate in WooServes?

The program is open to teens ages 13-17 living in the United Way of Central Massachusetts’ service area (a list of towns can be found here).

How Do I Apply?

  1. 2002 WooServes applications are closed. Details about the 2023 program will be available next year.

What Types of Projects Will I Participate in?

Many projects will take place outdoors (weather permitting) with plenty of safe distancing for Covid-19 safety. Each project typically runs 2-4 hours. Projects may be rescheduled due to bad weather. Past projects include running summer camp games with youth at Recreation Worcester, doing trail maintenance at Broad Meadow Brook Mass Audubon Conservation Center, and painting a mural with Main IDEA.

I’ve Never Volunteered Before, Is This Program For Me?

While it helps if you have volunteered in the past, WooServes is a great introduction to volunteering and community service. Plus, you will gain some important skills such as community leadership, networking, and project development.

When Does The WooServes Program Run?

The 2022 program will run from July 6, 2022 – August 12, 2022.

Why Would I Want To Participate in WooServes?

There are many benefits to participating in WooServes, including:

    • Meet other teens with similar interests
    • Great for college and job applications
    • Community service hours
    • Network and skills development
    • Understand and address community issues
    • Free WooServes t-shirt, water bottle, and snacks
    • $100 VISA gift card upon successful completion of program *you must complete all required components of program to be eligible.

Who Can I Contact For More Information?

If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact Idaliana Medina, Community Engagement Manager, at idaliana.medina@unitedwaycm.org.