July Opportunities - DeSales Service Works

Research has shown that adults and teens who engage in volunteer activities tend to experience increased happiness and emotional well-being compared to those who don’t. Most people will agree that they feel good about themselves when they’re doing good to and for others. For young people, it goes beyond just how they feel about themselves; it actually can improve teens’ mental health for the long term. Here’s why:

• Volunteering reduces stress by focusing on something beyond their own worries. And incidentally, the more satisfying the volunteer experience, the greater the mood improvement and reduction in stress.
• Volunteering combats depression by distracting teens from negative thinking and self-criticism. It fosters a sense of accomplishment and motivation, encouraging them to explore their potential.
• Volunteering prevents feelings of isolation when teens expand their social network and make new friends. Engaging in activities they enjoy increases the likelihood of connecting with like-minded individuals and forming lasting friendships.
• Volunteering increases confidence as teens gain new skills, often learning these skills in an unfamiliar environment.
• Volunteering gives a sense of purpose and meaning as well as a sense of fulfillment. It offers a different source of meaning, separate from their school or personal life, and broadens their perspective.
• Volunteering ignites passion, allowing teens to explore various interests and learn from experts in fields such as social work, sustainability, health care, and more, which can even turn into a career direction.
• Volunteering makes you feel happy by triggering the release of “feel-good” hormones and increases brain activity, leading to happiness. Encouraging teens to give back and serve their community contributes to their well-being and overall joy

During the Summer at Holy Infant, JYM & TYM students are invited to participate in DeSales Service Works, which allows teens to foster relationships with each other and their leaders while serving the greater community. There are two opportunities this month: July 10th at the Durham Community Food Pantry and July 18th at Welcome Baby.

Learn more and register by reaching out to Anna.