Unlimited Opportunities
Volunteers make Pause possible. We can attribute much of our growth over the years to the consistent, dedicated and loving volunteers that have found Pause. They have allowed us to decrease the number of kids waiting to attend Pause programming by donating as little as an hour of their time.
One program that has shown exponential growth from volunteer support is Unlimited - Sunday morning programming in partnership with Center Pointe. Since the beginning of Pause, one of the most consistent needs we kept hearing from families was their need for a faith community in which their kiddos with special needs could also thrive in a learning environment. In the summer of 2021, Pause linked arms with Center Pointe to offer families that very thing!
In July 2021 when we launched Unlimited, there were 4 kids and two volunteers consistently attending. Now, thanks to over 55 committed volunteers serving every other month over the year (many serve all year long helping behind the scenes), we are able to serve 51 kids from four different counties! For those math gooroos out there - that’s a 1175% increase in just 20 months!
The best part? Because we can count on those devoted volunteers to show up each and every week - it allows 148 other people (including siblings, caregivers and extended family) to attend church on a weekly basis! That is a life changing number - 148 people who weren’t able to access a faith community before now have the physical and spiritual space to do so which we know is an important piece of the puzzle for building resilience because having something outside of ourselves that we can count on to make sense of things or gain comfort is key to healing and growing.
Our volunteers have really taken the reins and driven Unlimited to reach new heights and expand in ways our staff could have never dreamed of! Students from Badin and Mount Notre Dame have chosen Unlimited to complete their senior capstone projects. Younger volunteers from many different service organizations (including Mason High School, Lakota East & West High School, Miami University and University of Cincinnati to name a few!) have grown the self-confidence to take on larger volunteer roles, like becoming a 1:1 buddy or a group leader!
Families have shared with us:
“Unlimited is truly the only space that I have no anxiety about bringing my kiddo. I know that she is loved and cared for. I have mentioned Pause to so many people and they are shocked that an organization like it exists. And it only exists because of the GIANT hearts of the organization's leaders!!”
- Ashley C.
“Pause is one of the most positive experiences I have had with my girl!! I can not begin to tell you how thankful we are for all of you that pour into these kids and their parents.”
Francie F.
With the surge in volunteers, we knew that expanding our Unlimited staff was essential! In February, Pause welcomed our new Unlimited Volunteer Coordinator - Jessica Rudie! Jessica is also a Pause mama and has two amazing kids! She loves Jesus, her amazing kiddos and coffee. Jess enjoys being outdoors and breathing in fresh air, a good comedy movie, reading and practicing yoga. Jess shared, “I get excited about meeting new people and learning about their story. My background is in nursing, but ultimately I am a human who likes to meet ALL humans and build connections.”
We asked Jess a few more questions to share about her role!
What are you most excited about in your role with Pause?
Continuing to build the legacy of Pause and getting to know the families, kiddos and volunteers on a deeper level. I am excited to get to know all our impact partners on a deeper level and determined to continue seeking out networking opportunities to help others get involved. I look forward to providing families/caregivers with the opportunity to experience rest, support, connection and fun! I also know how important my worship time is each week. It is exciting that I get to be a part of this for someone else. I am excited to be a part of this amazing team that intentionally looks for opportunities to serve others.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? How did that play out in what you are doing now?
I changed my mind many times. I always knew I wanted to serve and had a deep drive and passion for helping others. I knew I had the ability/gift to make others feel heard and valued and not just like another number. My background is in nursing and I have learned to be super flexible as things don't always go as planned. I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people and walk beside them on some difficult journeys. I hope to continue providing hope to volunteers, caregivers and families.
When you think about who you were intricately designed to be, how will you be a benefit to the families and volunteers we serve?
When I feel, I feel deeply with my entire soul and being. I have the ability to place myself in another's situation and come alongside them feeling what they may feel. I whole heartily value the precious time and effort volunteers bring to the table by showing up in big ways! There is nothing small about providing this reset time for a caregiver or for a child that may have limited safe interactions throughout the week.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My kids and the opportunity knowing it is a new day and a fresh beginning to work toward the best version of myself for this day. It is going to look different every day and that is ok.
What do you want our Pause families to know about you?
I am walking alongside you in this journey as a special needs mama as well. I can confidently say our barriers and individual situations may look different. but I know how hard you work at everything all day long. I know how tiring it can be to navigate all the appointments, meetings and other many hats we wear. I see you and you matter! Together we will get through this!
Jess - thank you so much for all the love and support you pour into our Unlimited volunteers and families. Your heart is so genuinely kind and compassionate. We are so honored to have you as an essential piece of our Pause team!
This is CAN DO. This is COMMUNITY. This is YOUR SUPPORT.
