Why Volunteers Matter at HMS School
At HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, community support is at the heart of everything we do. Volunteers bring more than time, they bring energy, encouragement, and compassion. Their presence helps create meaningful experiences for our students and reminds us that small acts of service can have a big impact.
Throughout the year, our volunteers join us for special events, classroom activities, and select community outings. Their support helps us enhance what we offer our students while creating lasting bonds with our students and staff. While our current volunteer program is full, (a great problem to have) we continue to celebrate the people who choose to show up again and again for our school and our students.
Giving Back in Philadelphia
When people give their time through volunteer service, they are strengthening the community in powerful ways. Volunteering at HMS is about connection between people, between experiences, and between the school and the larger Philadelphia community. Even a single visit leaves an invaluable impression.
What HMS Volunteers Help With
Every act of service adds value, and every volunteer makes a difference. Our volunteers have helped us with:
- Reading to students and helping with classroom activities
- Supporting school events like prom and graduation, spring carnival and community day
- Assisting during therapy sessions and mobility outings
- Photography and social media
- Spending time with students during recreation and seasonal fun
- Helping with school beautification and organization projects
Volunteer Spotlight: Kim Anh’s Story
“My name is Kim Anh and I started volunteering at HMS last April. I had just moved to Philadelphia after college and wanted to connect with my community.
After touring the school and meeting Sarah and Ceciry, I could immediately feel how much care exists at HMS. The students, the staff, everyone here treats one another with such kindness.
I spend most of my time in the physical therapy room and sometimes help with events like summer camp and graduation. One of my favorite moments is walking with students to Clark Park. It is always a good day when we run into dogs.”
Stories like Kim Anh’s, (photographed below, on the left) help illustrate the heart of our volunteer program: real people, building real relationships, and making real change.
Why Volunteer Time Makes a Difference
The time volunteers give is more than helpful, it is essential. Time spent at HMS helps us better understand where to focus our resources and how to shape experiences for our students. Volunteers help us create joyful moments, support our programs, and build bridges with our surrounding community.
Stay Connected
We are not currently adding new volunteers, but there are still ways to support our mission.
- Attend an upcoming event
- Make a donation to support student programs
- Share our story to help grow awareness
- Follow us on social media and help us amplify our message (@HMSSchoolCP) on all platforms
We are grateful to every person who contributes to our community, whether by showing up, sharing a resource, or spreading the word. Your kindness leaves a lasting impact.
