(Courtesy of JFSCJ) Jill Dispenza, program director for The Westfield Area Youth Volunteer Experience (WAYVE) Program has announced the inception of a WAYVE Teen Philanthropy Board.
According to Dispenza, “The WAYVE Teen Philanthropy Program seeks to educate teens on the vital roles that non-profit agencies play in improving the lives of the residents of Union County, by walking the teens step by step through the entire grant review process.”
The prospective WAYVE Teen Philanthropy Program applicants are expected to fill out an application expressing their interest in applying to the program, and make a one time donation of $300 each to serve on the board. Limited scholarships will be available. The funds will be used to fund the grants. The Westfield Foundation and Jewish Family Service of Central NJ will also contribute funds for the grants.
The WAYVE Teen Philanthropy Program will be open to teens ages 13–17 who reside in Westfield or the neighboring areas. Once accepted to the Board, the participants are expected to attend all five meetings beginning on March 26 and continuing April 23, May 7, 14 and ending with the announcement of grant recipients on May 21. All meetings will take place at The Westfield Foundation located at 301 North Avenue West in Westfield at 7:00pm.
Under the guidance of their mentors, the members of the WAYVE Teen Philanthropy Board will be involved with the proposal review and selection process. The final meeting on May 21 will culminate with the award of grants to the proposal they have chosen to fund. This awarding of grants will be publicized in local news venues.
WAYVE is a new program that provides youth in Westfield and surrounding communities with quality volunteer opportunities. This program is made possible through a generous $42,000 grant from the Westfield Foundation to Jewish Family Service of Central Jersey.
Anyone who is interested in applying to the program should email [email protected]. Teens are encouraged to visit the WAYVE Facebook and Instagram page and search the hashtag #ridethewayve to learn more about volunteer opportunities in the program.
To get involved with WAYVE and enjoy a rewarding volunteer experience, please contact Jill Dispenza, [email protected] or Vicki Simpson, [email protected], or call 908-666-7033.
