- K
- A
"A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark." Chinese Proverb
http://newdaycreations.com/foster/
The short version: I am a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) at a hospital and absolutely love the field! It has always been a goal of mine to go to China and volunteer. I discovered there is a high need for help with communication and feeding (two of the areas I spend the majority of my time working with) in Beijing. I will be traveling to the New Day Foster Home in October and staying for 2 weeks. During the time I am there, I will be volunteering as an SLP, sharing my love of the field with those who would benefit from continuing education and resources.
More detail: I have always (since 2nd grade) been interested in international adoptions and China. When I was younger, one of my classmates had a sister who was adopted and it fascinated me. During my time at Grove City College, some of my classmates had the opportunity to travel to the New Day Foster Home as business majors. Although my undergraduate degree is in entrepreneurship, due to timing and life circumstances, I was unable to go on the trip. While my classmates were on the trip, I researched the foster home and continued to stay updated on their needs over the next several years.
Once I received my Master's degree and was working as an SLP, I got our profession's ASHA (Amercian Speech and Hearing Association) magazine in the mail. I have to admit, I do not always read them cover to cover. When I received this one though, I remember flipping it open and landing on a page about an SLP volunteering at a foster home: The New Day Foster Home. I immediately emailed that SLP, but emailed with the intention of going with her during her next visit. A few months later of researching, talking with other SLPs and volunteers, I decided to coordinate the trip with the foster home. That was 8 months ago.
Volunteering in China: I will be staying at the foster home that I am volunteering in for 2 weeks. I am looking forward to working with kids with Down syndrome, cleft palate, cerebral palsy, cardiac conditions, and many other needs. I will be spending my time educating caregivers, as well as implementing baby sign language, early communication skills, and specialty feeding, among others.
Prep work over the past 6 months:
Booking flights
Arranging transporation, meals, and housing
Purchasing travel insurance
Medical preparation
Learning Mandarin (ni hao ma.....How are you?)
Updating my passport
Paperwork for my visa
More paperwork
How to help: I am going by myself as a volunteer and am covering 100% of my expenses for the 2 week trip. It would be wonderful to raise money to help with all of the costs. I am so appreciative of all the support and encouragement I have received already.
It is crazy that I am finally going on this adventure. I appreciate any support that you are able to give.
Xie Xie - Thank you!
Love, Melissa
http://newdaycreations.com/foster/
The short version: I am a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) at a hospital and absolutely love the field! It has always been a goal of mine to go to China and volunteer. I discovered there is a high need for help with communication and feeding (two of the areas I spend the majority of my time working with) in Beijing. I will be traveling to the New Day Foster Home in October and staying for 2 weeks. During the time I am there, I will be volunteering as an SLP, sharing my love of the field with those who would benefit from continuing education and resources.
More detail: I have always (since 2nd grade) been interested in international adoptions and China. When I was younger, one of my classmates had a sister who was adopted and it fascinated me. During my time at Grove City College, some of my classmates had the opportunity to travel to the New Day Foster Home as business majors. Although my undergraduate degree is in entrepreneurship, due to timing and life circumstances, I was unable to go on the trip. While my classmates were on the trip, I researched the foster home and continued to stay updated on their needs over the next several years.
Once I received my Master's degree and was working as an SLP, I got our profession's ASHA (Amercian Speech and Hearing Association) magazine in the mail. I have to admit, I do not always read them cover to cover. When I received this one though, I remember flipping it open and landing on a page about an SLP volunteering at a foster home: The New Day Foster Home. I immediately emailed that SLP, but emailed with the intention of going with her during her next visit. A few months later of researching, talking with other SLPs and volunteers, I decided to coordinate the trip with the foster home. That was 8 months ago.
Volunteering in China: I will be staying at the foster home that I am volunteering in for 2 weeks. I am looking forward to working with kids with Down syndrome, cleft palate, cerebral palsy, cardiac conditions, and many other needs. I will be spending my time educating caregivers, as well as implementing baby sign language, early communication skills, and specialty feeding, among others.
Prep work over the past 6 months:
Booking flights
Arranging transporation, meals, and housing
Purchasing travel insurance
Medical preparation
Learning Mandarin (ni hao ma.....How are you?)
Updating my passport
Paperwork for my visa
More paperwork
How to help: I am going by myself as a volunteer and am covering 100% of my expenses for the 2 week trip. It would be wonderful to raise money to help with all of the costs. I am so appreciative of all the support and encouragement I have received already.
It is crazy that I am finally going on this adventure. I appreciate any support that you are able to give.
Xie Xie - Thank you!
Love, Melissa