[December 03, 2012]

The Stafford Foundation Engages the Underserved in Volunteering

The Stafford Foundation announced today that the third annual Give Before You Get (GBYG) program will kick-off in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia on December 15th. This innovative program engages the homeless, at-risk youth and other underserved persons who are typically seen as receiving assistance, to rise above their circumstances and volunteer their time and efforts to give back to their community. These individuals will make visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities throughout the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area to provide gifts and words of encouragement to patients.

"Regardless of one's circumstances, everyone has a responsibility to contribute to the welfare of the community," states Earl W. Stafford, chairman of the Stafford Foundation. "We believe this is an important opportunity to help encourage some, who we often term as underserved, to move towards self-reliance and a life of dignity," continued Stafford.

On December 15th, fifteen nonprofit service providers from throughout the region and their clients will visit and distribute gifts at military hospitals, assisted living facilities, hospices and hospitals in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. Participants will atten a formal training and gift-wrapping session before embarking on their mission. Participating organizations include N Street Village, Carpenter's Shelter, Capital Youth Empowerment Program, Howard University Hospital and many others.

To add to the experience and to capture special moments of the visits, The Stafford Foundation is sponsoring a $10,000 photo contest among the participating organizations. Digital cameras and photography training will be provided. The prize money will be awarded to the organizations whose clients take photos capturing originality, creativity and composition. The awards will be used in support of on-going programs that assist the underserved. An independent panel of judges, including nationally-renown professional photographer, Matt Mendelsohn, and Dr. Jacquelyn Serwer, chief curator, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of African American History and Culture will select winners in each category as well as an overall grand prize winner.

The Give Before You Get program was founded by The Stafford Foundation in 2010 and has been successfully implemented across the nation in such cities as Chicago, IL; Memphis, TN; Cleveland, OH; and New Orleans, LA; as well as the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area.

The program has become so successful that in 2013, GBYG will become a year-round program with volunteer and visiting opportunities organized by The Stafford Foundation. "Volunteer house-building days are already being planned with Habitat for Humanity for spring 2013, and additional visits are being scheduled at hospitals," explained Lisa C. Vogt, chief operating officer of The Stafford Foundation. "We are excited to work with our partners on a program that has the potential to have a positive impact on thousands across the country."

About The Stafford Foundation

The Stafford Foundation collaborates with and invests in capacity-building efforts that equip the underserved through programs that provide health, education, training and faith-based mission support. From Burkina Faso, Africa to Fairfax, Virginia, the Stafford Foundation supports programs for education and training, health care, the arts and Christian ministry. For more information or to donate, please visit www.TheStaffordFoundation.org

Please contact Lisa C. Vogt at 703-689-9849 for additional information.

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