Do you have what it takes to make a difference in the life of a homeless teen? That's the question Christina Helfrick is asking as she launches the Champions for Teens Program at Donegal High School.

Helfrick, a school social worker, created a pilot program last school year, matching three homeless students with "champions," or advocates, in the community. "It was a great start," she said. "This year, we're trying to have 10 kids matched in the program at the beginning of the school year and then add another 10 by the end of the year."

Helfrick will host an information session about the program via Zoom on Thursday, Sept. 9, from 7 to 8 p.m. The session will cover an overview of the program, what's expected of participants and next steps for volunteers.

Andi Riefenstahl was one of those volunteers last year, and she plans to sign up again with a new teen. "I went to high school here, and my family is all from this area," she said, noting that her husband, Bruce, suggested they sign up to be champions. "I was looking to give something back to the community, especially once I realized there were so many children in need."

Although homelessness occurs throughout the Donegal School District, the program will focus on high school students. "For youths who are homeless in high school, these are complex years," Helfrick stated. "They're dealing with things like, how do you get a driver's license? How do you fill out a job application? How do you find an apartment to live in after you graduate? How do you navigate life after high school?"

Having a pilot program this past year helped Helfrick fine-tune the details and make changes to better serve both students and champions. "I developed a screener that helps me assess quality volunteers and match them with the kids," she said. The screener looks for characteristics such as empathy, flexibility, persistence, active listening and willingness to be an advocate. "We're looking for people who can put the child in the center and focus on what the child wants and needs," she explained.

Andi pointed out that it took time to develop a rapport with her student, but the effort paid off. "We had to figure out a way to build trust," she said. In fact, Andi was so moved by her experience, she was prompted to start Friends of Donegal, which hopes to be a one-stop shop to help close the gaps between needs and services in the community. Anyone who would like more information on Friends of Donegal may email Andi at info@friendsofdonegal.org.

Helfrick said she sees great things in store for the Champions program, and she urges anyone with an interest in making a difference to sign up for the information session. "These are kids who are currently in survival mode," she stated. "This program is about adding people to their support team. We want to connect these kids with people in the community who can help them reach their goals."

To sign up for the information session, email christina.helfrick@donegalsd.org.