A volunteer with Almost Home Kids for almost one year, Bailey Curtis was nominated by the organization to receive a Naperville Youth Service Award, which KidsMatter awards every year, together with Mayor Pradel and the Naperville City Council, during a special ceremony.
Almost Home Kids is an organization that provides transitional care in a homelike setting for children with complicated health needs. The organization also provides training for families and respite care.
It takes a special person to be a volunteer with Almost Home Kids because of the medial complexity of the children the volunteers interact with. Bailey has worked with the children on a one-on-one basis according to their stage of development.
As a busy high school student, who also volunteered for her church, Bailey made time to commit to Almost Home Kids consistently and often. She could always be counted on to take her volunteer role seriously.
She has a strong understanding of commitment and dedication to positively impact the lives of others. When she was asked if she would increase the number of volunteer hours over last summer to help with receptionist duties, which Almost Home Kids so badly needed assistance with, she agreed enthusiastically!
Over last summer she volunteered with them three days a week for six hours each day! Her service was truly beneficial to keeping the facility running smoothly for staff and family members so they could meet the needs of the children.
Bailey’s willingness to help when asked to do something that might have been out of her comfort zone show’s her true champion character.
We know many more Naperville students are making a difference in the community and welcome the submission of names of teens who deserve recognition. If you know a student who is making a difference, tell us at naperville@patch.com, referencing KidsMatter in your e-mail.