Number of staff:
1 – Volunteer & Special Projects Coordinator, Adrienne Sportsman, M.A.

Purpose/Expectations:
The purpose of the volunteer content area is to monitor volunteer activities within the program, provide a variety of individual and group volunteer opportunities to parents and community members, and encourage and recognize volunteer contributions to the agency. The expectation is that a strong volunteer program will enhance and support the Birth-to-Five Head Start Program and will assist in communicating to the community-at-large the positive outcomes for children and families served through the Nueces County Community Action Agency. Additionally, monitoring and reporting activities are conducted for those services and donations that are applied toward the Non-Federal Share portion of the program budget that is satisfied through in-kind contributions.

The purpose of the special projects content area is to organize, coordinate, and facilitate projects that provide parents and community members training opportunities, opportunities for social interactions, and opportunities to participate fully as partners in the program and in the community. Special projects are designed based on program standards, community assessment results indicating strengths and needs, and input received from parents and community members participating in the special projects and meetings. The expectation is that participants in special projects will receive current and useful information that will enhance the quality of life for individuals and families.

Assessment Tools:
Volunteer services and donations are recorded on the Non-Federal In-Kind Contribution Form. The collection, data entry, and review of these forms allows for regular monitoring and reporting of volunteer contributions to the program.

Workshop evaluations are used to assess and monitor special project topics, and results are used to provide direction for future activities. A parent survey is conducted to determine each project’s strengths and areas for improvement and to prioritize topics of interest to be incorporated into planning additional project activities. A Parent Involvement Information Survey is provided to parents at the start of the program year. Results and interest indicators are considered in planning for both individual and group volunteer opportunities.

Special Activities:
F.A.I.T.H. (Fathers Actively Involved Through Head Start) – The F.A.I.T.H. program is designed for fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers, foster fathers, and other male family members of a child in the Birth-to-Five Head Start Program. Meetings are held monthly during the program year with the goal of providing parenting skills and educational strategies that promote a strong commitment to children now and in the future.

Project S.T.A.R. (Strategic Training Approach Through Role-Modeling) is designed for all parents involved with the Birth-to-Five Head Start Program. Meetings are held monthly during the program year with the goal of enhancing parenting skills, promoting healthy families, and providing useful information that parents can incorporate into their daily lives.

Goals of these training programs include:

• Providing speakers from the community experienced in their fields who educate participants on identified issues of concern affecting children and families in Nueces County
• Providing leadership, support, and community resources that give participants an opportunity to enhance personal growth, obtain positive feedback, and participate fully in the community
• Promoting family unity, responsibility, and respect by educating role models in building healthy families

Training Conferences/Seminars – Assistance in planning and coordinating training conferences, including the Coastal Bend Parent Involvement Conference, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Conference, Gulf Coast Nutrition Coalition Conference and Early Head Start/Head Start Conferences.

Advisory Committee:
The Family & Community Partnership Advisory is comprised of Birth-to-Five Head Start parents, community representatives from social service agencies, and program staff. The committee meets two times during the program year with the purpose of creating partnerships within the community, informing attendees of standards, policies, and procedures of the Birth-to-Five Head Start Program, and obtaining input that is incorporated into planning for services and activities. The committee reviews, discusses, and provides input to the Family & Community Services Program Plan that guides operations and services to families and children served through the program.

Technology Usage:
The Head Start Family Information System (HSFIS) is the Head Start Information software system is used to monitor volunteer activities and participation in special projects.

For additional information regarding Volunteer & Special Projects, please contact Adrienne Sportsman, Volunteer & Special Projects Coordinator @ (361)883-7201, ext. 30. or @ asportsman@nccaatx.org