Open Arms

Open Arms is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment for children with special needs. On a weekly basis, we provide both the kids and volunteers a secure place to interact with one another. Volunteers who have a passion for helping special needs kids and those in search of volunteer hours are highly encouraged and welcome to come. Every Saturday from 2:00PM-4:00PM, we put together a buddy system, pairing kids up with volunteers that cater to their special needs. Volunteers not only provide homework help, but have helped to teach kids how to code, draw, crochet, dance, and many other activities.

Over the summer, Open Arms hosts one-week-long camps during the months of June and July. We put together and performed different shortened musicals each week during this camp. Last year, our two most prominent shows consisted of Moana and Spongebob. The volunteers helped kids learn their parts and the kids who are not enthusiastic to perform in front of others helped to create the set for the musical.

Since 2021, more than 100 volunteers and over 40 kids have joined our organization. Last year, 28 of our volunteers earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Open Arms is the perfect opportunity for middle and high school students to give back to the community through volunteering with special needs kids. We are welcoming new volunteers to join our team and share their passions with us!