AmeriCorps/HealthCorps Volunteers Teach First Aid to Villa Verde Children
AmeriCorps/HealthCorps volunteers gave of their time and resources to teach emergency safety to children in the Villa Verde apartment complex throughout the month of March. The non-profit
organization initiated an after school program mentoring children in how to handle a medical emergency. Volunteers helped children understand what should be done when encountering an emergency situation, when to call 9-1-1, and what to say when reporting a medical emergency.
Youngsters gained hands-on experience in giving descriptive information to an imaginary 9-1-1 operator. The children also assembled first aid kits, learning how to identify different wounds and which type of bandages to dress them.
Over the past year, volunteers have engaged the children in crafts that are fun and educational. For example, they made paper turkeys for Thanksgiving and valentines in February.
Classes were held in the Villa Verde community room, a new center created when the Aurora Housing Authority completed rehabilitation of the apartment complex in 2004. Villa Verde is located in the 1600 block of Alton St. in Original Aurora. The community room offers residents and the neighborhood helpful services and beneficial resources.
The community room has hosted many other activities including the City of Aurora Mobile Playground, Girl Scouts, a computer lab, and after school homework help.