Celebration, learning and fun!

Vision boards are a powerful tool for teenagers as they begin exploring career possibilities and imagining their futures. Many teens—especially those who have experienced instability or trauma—benefit from having a visual, hands-on way to identify their strengths, interests, and long-term goals. Creating a vision board helps them shift from “I don’t know what’s possible” to “I can see myself there,” giving shape to career paths they may not have realized were within reach. The process encourages reflection, confidence-building, and conversations about education, training, and the steps needed to pursue meaningful work.

Volunteers can play a meaningful role by donating simple craft supplies that allow teens to bring their career dreams to life. These materials help teens design vision boards that are personal, motivating, and full of possibility as they take steps toward their future.

Vision Board Kit should include supplies for 8 participants:

• poster boards
• magazines to cut from (especially those featuring professions, colleges, travel, or inspirational imagery)
• markers
• glue sticks
• stickers
• Other great additions are cardstock, washi tape, encouraging quote cutouts, and small embellishments like foam shapes or decorative borders.

Preparing a simple spaghetti dinner is an excellent way for our clients to build confidence, teamwork, and practical life skills—all while creating something delicious and nutritious. Cooking together encourages collaboration as they divide tasks, communicate, and support one another, turning a basic recipe into a shared accomplishment. The hands-on process strengthens essential skills such as following directions, managing time, measuring ingredients, and adapting when things don’t go as planned. Most importantly, finishing a meal they prepared themselves gives them a sense of pride and capability, reinforcing that they can care for themselves and contribute to others. And when their hard work results in a warm, healthy dinner, the experience becomes both empowering and deeply satisfying.

One Cooking Kit should include supplies for 8 servings:

• dry spaghetti noodles
• ground beef (please freeze before delivering to us)
• jarred pasta sauce, parmesan cheese (no refrigeration needed)
• frozen pre-packed garlic bread
• disposable bowls, forks, knives
• fun Italian cooking extras such as aprons or themed disposable napkins/tablecloths

For kids recovering from trauma, celebrating holidays is more than a festive moment—it’s an important part of healing. Holiday parties bring joy, playfulness, and a sense of belonging that many young people have missed during difficult seasons in their lives. These celebrations also offer opportunities to learn about different cultures, traditions, and the meaningful ways that communities honor special days. Preparing for and participating in holiday activities encourages teamwork, collaboration, and other pro-social skills, helping kids practice communication, cooperation, and creativity in a safe and supportive environment. Most of all, holiday celebrations remind them that they deserve moments of happiness and connection as they continue their journey toward recovery.

Christmas Party Kit:

• 2 packages of slice and bake cookie dough (no nuts and please freeze before delivering to us)
• two jars of spreadable icing and holiday sprinkles for cookie decorating
• miniature gingerbread house kits (for a total of 8 houses)
• a one-page printout of the Christmas Story

Easter Party Kit:

• 2 packages of slice and bake cookie dough (no nuts and please freeze before delivering to us)
• two jars of spreadable icing and sprinkles for cookie decorating
• easter egg decorating supplies for 24 real eggs (we’ll provide the real eggs)
• 8 small easter baskets for an egg hunt
• 48 fillable plastic eggs
• nut-free candies to fill 48 eggs for the hunt
• package of easter themed disposable dinner plates and napkins
• a one-page printout of the Easter Story

Giving teens the opportunity to learn about other cultures is an invaluable way to expand their worldview and deepen their understanding of the world around them. By exploring traditions, foods, celebrations, and stories from cultures different from their own, they gain insight into the richness and diversity of human experience. Immersing themselves in these traditions—whether through hands-on activities, cultural events, or shared meals—helps them develop empathy, respect, and curiosity. It broadens their perspective on what is possible for their own lives and fosters an appreciation for the ways people live, believe, and celebrate across the globe. This kind of cultural exploration not only strengthens social-emotional skills but also prepares them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Choose your region: Southeast Asia, Latin America, Polynesia, Native America, Europe, Africa

A culture kit should include supplies sufficient for 8 participants.

• A non-perishable food item with expiration date at least 6 months out
• A 60-120 minute playlist of music from the region (printed list or QR code)
• A simple regional activity with clear instructions. For example Japanese origami, aboriginal dot painting, Salsa mini-lessons w/ tutorial video link, Chinese dumpling-folding, Djembe Drum Circle, Mexican Hot Chocolate Tasting & Spice Guessing, Korean Lantern Decorating, Greek Mythology Trivia Night, African Mask Design, Henna Art (non-permanent/washable or rapid-fading), Inuit Story Sticks, Scottish Tartan Design Challenge, Hieroglyphic name-writing, Māori Haka Dance- with tutorial video link, Roman mosaic art tiles, Italian Pasta Shape-Making Station- no cook version using air dry clay or salt dough, Build-a-Colosseum Challenge with marshmallows and spaghetti, Italian Hand Gestures Workshop, Dutch Windmill Craft, Caribbean steel pan making & music, build-an-iceberg STEM craft.
• Decorations including plastic tablecloth and stand-up or hanging items
• Info-Sheet explaining the significance of each item above and a couple of fun facts about that culture.