Fifteen Notre Dame clubs have taken up the torch for the new Family Service Initiative, a program designed to integrate the families of alumni, especially children, into the clubs’ organized service projects. “We hope the clubs will look at their projects with new eyes, finding ways to share the amazing experience of service even with the very young,” says Katie Zakas ‘04, NDAA director of service.

The initiative grew out of the success of the summer Family Volunteer Camp, which allows families to live on campus and perform daily service projects in the South Bend community. Zakas and Kathleen M. Sullivan '82 M.A., '87 Ph.D., NDAA senior director of spirituality and service, saw this as an opportunity to challenge the clubs to integrate such a successful project model into their own organizations. Both delivered a presentation to the clubs at the 2009 Alumni Senate, an annual spring conference of ND club and class leaders.

Some ideas for family-friendly projects are available on the Family Service Initiative website. They include creating greeting cards for veterans and going to a local church to clean or rake leaves. Many projects, such as visiting nursing homes, are “ministries of presence.” They are beneficial to the residents more because families are visiting than for any quantifiable service they can provide. “Just being there provides a much needed service to people who often feel isolated,” explains Zakas.

The ND Club of Atlanta has made the Family Service Initiative its cornerstone project for 2010. Working with its archbishop, the club plans to partner with local Catholic schools through a series of projects that will take place periodically throughout the year. (Learn more about the ND Club of Atlanta’s endeavors).

Fourteen other ND clubs nationwide also are in the planning stages for Family Service Initiative projects. For example, the ND Club of the Jersey Shore organized a leaf-raking party with Catholic Charities, and the ND Club of North Florida participates in Advent celebrations with a local retirement home.

“This is a way to pass on the ND value of service in the most indelible way imaginable, through sharing a memorable, satisfying experience with your children,” Sullivan says.

To learn more about the Family Service Initiative, or for assistance in developing your own service project, visit the official website or contact Katie Zakas by phone at 574-631-6723 or by email.