Kids learn about helping others at home. As a mom, you have the ability to inspire your children through positive actions, such as volunteering in your community.
It can turn into a family activity and is a great way to get your kids and teens away from their phones and computers.
And for kids, interacting with other young volunteers is cool, especially for kids and teens who would like to make new friends or boost their social skills. They can also learn about a field they might be interested in as they head off to college, and even advance their career goals while they’re in college, by helping out with an organization that matches their interests and passions. They may even get a job offer.
Helping those less fortunate also puts things in perspective: when kids are feeling down or sorry for themselves, they can appreciate what they have when they’re exposed to someone who is truly needy or homeless.
Take it from the Cuomos — one philanthropic family with volunteerism in its veins.
Inspiring mother-daughter duo — former first lady of New York State Matilda Cuomo and daughter Maria Cuomo Cole — have made a big difference in the lives of many New Yorkers.
Maria and her husband, popular fashion designer Kenneth Cole, have three daughters: Amanda, Catie, and Emily. Maria’s father is former Gov. Mario Cuomo, and she is the sister of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, CNN journalist Chris Cuomo, Margaret Cuomo and Madeline Cuomo.
Growing up, Maria learned the value of giving back by watching her mother, a teacher. Matilda has always championed important causes in her community and beyond. She founded Mentoring USA, a leading national, one-to-one, site-based mentoring program that provides caring, trained mentors to young people ages 7 through 21 — including children from foster care programs — to enable them to realize their full potential.
Maria, who says she is still inspired by her mother, has followed in her footsteps.
As an active, hands-on chair of HELP USA — a leading provider of homes, jobs, and services to homeless families, veterans, and victims of domestic violence — Maria, who is also a film producer, shares with NY Parenting’s readers why the work HELP USA does for the homeless and at-risk community, nationwide, is so important.
Tammy Scileppi: Why did you embrace HELP USA?
Maria Cuomo Cole: When my brother, Andrew, became involved with solving homelessness in the mid-1980s, our friends were all excited to be part of his important mission. My father had completed his first term as governor and we were now working in the private sector, but pining for more public service. Andrew and my father’s mission inspired me.
The issue of homelessness is growing at an alarming rate. For children, homelessness can be traumatic at so many levels.
Across the top 13 major cities in the US, there was an increase of three percent in homelessness last year, according to the US Conference of Mayors 2013 report on homelessness.
TS: Please describe a family’s or single parent’s experience, and how they benefited from HELP USA’s services.
MCC: I could name numerous families; mothers, fathers, children, who have gained a fresh living in HELP USA’s quality and caring shelter environment, and in our permanent housing, with an array of supportive services. Many of our facilities have extensive and customized programs for families and single mothers, including early childhood education, daycare, after school programs, mentoring, and many others.
Perhaps, part of the reason HELP USA has been so effective is due to their innovative strategies in addressing the alarming problem of homelessness. They address all aspects of life. HELP USA offers job training, employment counseling, and after-school care. They even have a street soccer program.
TS: How do you celebrate Mother’s Day?
MCC: Despite our busy schedules, we make family a main priority. We try to spend the holidays together.
A second interview with Matilda Cuomo will be coming next month.
