April 2 2013

Fresh Air Fund

“Being a host doesn’t take a lot of money or fancy things. It just takes a big heart.”  -FAF

MoPa recently sat down with Maegan, a local mom who welcomes a Fresh Air Child into her home during the summer. She shared with us a bit about her personal experience with Fresh Air Fund, and her work within the program. It’s such a noble (and awesome) program, and Maegan is one inspiring lady.

Meet Maegan and her Fresh Air Family.

 

What is the Fresh Air Fund? The Fresh Air Fund is a non-profit organization that was created with one simple mission: To allow children who live in low income communities in New York City the opportunity to experience the simple pleasures of Summer in suburbs or rural areas. 

Who are Fresh Air Children? Fresh Air Children are boys and girls, from six to 18 years old, who live in the five boroughs of New York City. Children on first time visits are six to 12 years old. Children who are reinvited by host families may continue with The Fund through age 18 and may enjoy extended trips. Over 65% of all children are reinvited to stay with host families, year after year.

How can families get involved? Host families are volunteers who open their homes to New York City Children during the summer for visits for up to 2 weeks. Host families share the simple joys of summer in their communities with the Fresh Air children.  There is a simple application process for potential host families coordinated by our local Chairperson, Judy Dubois. There are no fees or donations required to host. The Host family simply provides an extra spot at their table for meals, provides a bed for the child to sleep in and includes the child in their normal summer activities. 

How many children have visited the South Coast? Last summer, 43 Fresh Air fund youngsters visited the South Coast area for a summer vacation. We have a goal of bringing 50 Fresh Air children to SouthCoast area this year. 

You’re a host family. Can you share some of your experience? We hosted an 8 year old girl named Jo from the Bronx last summer. She was an absolute joy to have in our home. We hit it off right from the start and she got along great with all three of my kids. At the time, my step daughter was 11 and my daughter was 4 and Jo was right in the middle and she got along great with both of them. She also bonded with my then 1 year old son. By the second day, she asked my husband and I if she could call us mom and dad while she was here. It was great for all of us to experience Jo swimming in a pool, riding a bike and going to the beach for the first time. We are all looking forward to hosting her again this summer and Jo can’t wait to meet our new baby that was born in Jan of this year. 

What’s a typical day like? A typical day with our Fresh Air child was pretty much the same as a regular summer day with our kids. We swam in the pool some days, went to the beach a couple of times, cooked our dinners outside on the grill alot, we toasted marshmallows in the backyard, the kids rode their bikes, we really didn’t do anything out of the ordinary. She came with me to the grocery store and on errands, you know the usual stuff. We were sure to take advantage of the local attractions too. We visited the Buttonwood Park Zoo, took a Harbor Tour in New Bedford and on a rainy day we went to Wonder bowl. 

Do you keep in touch with your Fresh Air child? Yes, we have been in contact frequently. She has sent me cards for holidays and the new baby.  We have connected with her over phone, texting and sent holiday & birthday gifts. Jo has even sent text messages asking about my 92 year old grandmother that lives with us. She really connected with our whole family.

What are some key things you’d like to share about the program? I was surprised by the impact it had on my family. The perspective of our fresh air child had a major impact on our children. I think every parent out there can relate to sometimes feeling like their kids take you and their life circumstances for granted. This experience left my kids more appreciative and respectful in general. In retrospect, I would go as far to say that being a Fresh Air host family benefited my kids just as much as our fresh air child. Add to that the fact that you can participate in this program just 1-2 weeks per year, with no financial requirement and this becomes an excellent opportunity for a family with limited time or financial resources. 

You are hosting an event soon, right? A group of us have gotten together to help spread the word about this program to more families in the Southcoast area. We are going to host a Fresh AIr Fund Event on April 28, 2013 at the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford, in the Education Center. There is no additional charge to families after regular admission to the zoo. There will be a DJ and face painting and other activities for families. While children are busy dancing and playing, parents will have time to get more information on the program from current host families and South Coast area chairperson, Judy Dubois. 

Where can people go to learn more or get involved today? Join us on Facebook, or contact Judy Dubois at 508-995-6317 or visit www.freshair.org.

If you could describe this program in three words, what would they be? Family. Sharing. Summer! 

 

 

Volunteer host families are always supported by local volunteers. The Fresh Air Fund provides transportation, arranges for payment of any medical expense for the children without insurance and provides liability insurance for every family.