Parents invested in their children's future find ways that they can enrich their lives. Exposing teenagers to new experiences help them discover skills, find new friends, and establish patterns of behavior that help carry them through to adult life.
A research study published in May 2023 by JAMA Network Open found there are additional benefits to teens connecting with their community. They reported that volunteering has been found to increase the overall health and wellness among children and adolescents. The youth who regularly volunteered were 34% more likely to be in excellent or very good health, 66% more likely to be considered "flourishing" (a positive measure of overall well-being), and 35% less likely to have behavioral problems.
Teens can get good experience volunteering at our sanctuary. We offer community service hour reporting to help diversify their academic portfolio. Check out some of the projects that may interest them. We just ask that a parent or designated guardian chaperones them while at the sanctuary.