Welcome to the 2025 Giving Is Good (GIG) Program!
Are you a teenager ready to embark on a journey of compassion and discovery? Look no further than the GIG Program – where Giving Is Good becomes an unforgettable summer adventure.
Qualified applicants are:
- Entering 8th – 12 Grades
- Comfortable working with children under the age of 5
- Comfortable interacting with individuals with disabilities
- Responsible and reliable
Program Dates:
June 9 – July 24, 2025
Service location:
United Ability’s Hand In Hand Children’s Early Learning Program on the United Ability campus – 120 Oslo Circle – off of Lakeshore Parkway (between Red Mountain Park and Ross Bridge)
Schedule:
8:00 a.m. to Noon or 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
- Volunteers are expected to complete a minimum of 20 service hours during the seven-week program.
Important Dates
Application opens:
January 15, 2025
Application Closes:
May 2, 2025
Acceptance notifications sent:
May 9, 2025
Volunteer hour letters mailed:
Week of August 15
What is GIG?
The GIG program stands for “Giving Is Good." It is a Summer Volunteer Program providing an opportunity for teenagers…
- to learn about helping children with different levels of ability
- to gain firsthand experience with early childhood education and rehabilitative therapies (i.e., physical, occupational, and speech) to explore potential career interests
- to return to Hand In Hand and relive fond memories for those who attended as a child
What does a GIG do?
Volunteers serve in classrooms at our Hand In Hand Early Learning Program. Activities include:
- Assist with classroom lessons
- Participate in Water Play Days on the playground
- Assist Office Staff
- Help staff prepare lessons, supplies, etc.
What is expected of a GIG?
Shifts
Volunteers are expected to sign up for a minimum of 20 hours during the entire seven-week period.
Accountability
All scheduling is done online using Bloomerang Volunteer, which can be accessed via computer or cellphone app. Volunteers are assigned ONE account, and volunteers and parents are responsible for deciding how to manage scheduled sign-ups and notifications.
Orientation
New and returning GIGs must attend an orientation on June 4 or 5.
Cell Phone Usage
Volunteers are expected to engage with their assigned duties during service and expected to store their phones in a secure designated area. Phones are only retrieved at the end of a shift. Volunteers reprimanded for cell phone usage may be terminated from service for the day or (with continued issues) from the overall program.
What if I have a conflict with orientation?
Unfortunately, we can not accommodate orientations outside of the scheduled sessions.
All volunteers (returning and new) must attend orientation to ensure everyone is up-to-date on program operations and expectations.
