Volunteerism Spotlight: Child and Family Services
For more than 140 years, Child and Family Services has dedicated its resources to meet the needs of children and families. One of Western New York's oldest human service agencies, Child and Family Services fosters safe and healthy environments for children and families in local homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
StaffBuffalo Partner Lauren Lewis has been a member of the Ambassador Committee for 4.5 years. In 2018, she and fellow StaffBuffalo Partner Maggie Shea chaired Child and Family Services’ Premier Fundraising event, Heartlight.
The StaffBuffalo team also volunteers annually during the holiday season for Adopt-a-Family, which helps provide gifts to hundreds of families assisted by Child and Family Services.
“There are so many programs offered through Child and Family Services, so there is always something to volunteer at!” says Lauren.
What inspired you to start working with Child and Family Services initially?
Maggie and I had a meeting with some members of the leadership team there and it was a natural progression. The more I started to get involved, the more I learned about the Agency, and all that they do for the WNY community. There are so many people within WNY that need help.
I feel that it is important to work with an Agency that provides services for so many people in difficult situations who need help and support!
What is a favorite memory you have of Child and Family Services?
One of my favorite memories is spending the day with the children in residential. (The Residential Services Department provides individualized intensive treatment for boys and girls up to age 21 that are unable to remain in their own homes due to their behavioral and emotional needs.) I always make a few new friends on those days and get to be a kid with them. I always partake in the games with them and the arts and crafts. I even wore a hula skirt and crafted a crown that I wore on my head!
