Pause Kiddo Gives Back

Ever feel so much better when you do something nice for another person? You’re not alone. We all do. It’s brain science! When we do something for someone else, our brain releases endorphins - a neurotransmitter that makes us physically feel good. Our Pause Volunteers often leave our events on a “Pause high” because their brain has been releasing endorphins all evening and they physically feel good!

Our Pause kiddos are no different - Jenny,* a 15-year-old Pause kiddo with developmental disabilities always volunteered at our in-person Parent Night Out events. She was able to make a difference in her community by pouring into others and it helped remind her of her worth and value.  She never missed an event no matter how hard her week was. At the beginning of the pandemic, Pause shifted it’s programming and was forced to put a hold on Parent Night Out events. This resulted in our Pause volunteers having less of an opportunity to participate in larger events. 

Over the summer, Jenny’s mom was diagnosed with cancer and several CAN DO members supported this family by providing care during mom’s appointments, making her meals and donating gift cards to make life easier.  One family even created opportunities for Jenny to be a mom’s helper - giving her a chance to do what she loves so much - volunteer!  

Jenny wanted to give back to the Pause community that has supported her family so much, but wasn’t sure how in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. With the help of the CAN DO network, Pause secured donated prepackaged cookies and hot chocolate. Jenny created homemade cards with her mom and anonymously delivered her treats to the Pause families that helped her family and other families who were having an extra hard time.

This Pause kiddo was able to safely give back to her community, all while boosting her endorphins and brightening someone else’s day.

THIS is CAN DO.  This is COMMUNITY.  This is YOUR SUPPORT.  (*Names have been changed for privacy.)