A Self-Guided Mandatory Training Module

For Our Wonderful Volunteer Drivers

The Parent’s Night Out Quiz Show

What is Parent’s Night Out?

• A night where parents experiencing homelessness are driven to a local Target or Walmart by volunteer drivers

• Created in response to parents who asked to pick out their own children’s Christmas gifts

• Local churches donate $25 Gift Cards, Volunteer Drivers and Parties (for the children while parents shop) , Wrapping Stations

• This event happens each Christmas Season at King’s Hall, Amelia’s Light and the Path of Life Family Shelter

Why Parents Night Out (PNO)?

Models Unity• Our unity in service brings glory to God. Our

city has over 200 churches, working independently, doing wonderful things. When we come together, we show the world His body as He intended…serving together.

Gives Dignity• We give homeless parents dignity when they pick

out gifts for their kids.

• Millions of toys are donated in toy drives over the holidays. This is wonderful, but how many of us would want to pick out the gifts for our own kids?

• Being in a homeless shelter is tough enough, we want to say “can I walk along with you” by serving.

Facilitates Relationship

• Jesus’s greatest commandment is to love the LORD your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength; love your neighbor as yourself. He emphasized relationships.

• PNO provides a personal connection between a parent in a homeless shelter and a member of a local church.

• We get to know someone we wouldn’t otherwise have met.

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

Review: Why Parent’s Night Out?

Makes me feel good to rescue the needy

People will see what a good Christian I am

God will love me better if I serve others

Nothing else is good on TV tonight

Models dignity, shows unity, facilitates relationship

TRUE or FALSE?TRUE or FALSE?

All people who live in a shelter are alike.

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

How does someone end up living in a shelter?

Landlord decides to sell the house they rented

Escaping an abusive relationship

Sudden illness causes job loss and homelessness

Family or friends unable to help out

Any of these reasons

What are the most important character traits for a volunteer driver?

Be Positive & Flexible

We give our time to the LORD. Whatever happens, we roll with it! A volunteer may show up to take a resident shopping and they’re nowhere to be found or may change their mind. This is the LORD’s time, even when it doesn’t turn out like we’d planned.

How should I prepare for PNO?

Three Ways.

1. Cover the night in prayer – volunteers, kids, residents

2. Come with a flexible, helpful attitude

3. Plan your route from the shelter to Target and/or Walmart

TRUE or FALSE?TRUE or FALSE?

I should help my parent stay on budget while shopping.

1. Be a Santa’s Helper and bring a calculator to help the parent stay on budget.

2. Please don’t give extra money on top of their gift card! The shelter director needs to keep things fair between families.

3. They are free to add their OWN money to their purchases.

What if I want to stay in touch with my new friend?

Relationship Guidelines

1. Let relationships happen organically! That is what this night is about.

2. Please don’t make promises of future contact if you’re unable to follow through

3. Let their Service Coach know you connected

4. Respect Path of Life’s contact guidelines and sign a consent form

5. Keep Path of Life updated if you continue to walk life with them

Why PNO?

Character traits for volunteers?

How should I prepare?

Is it OK to give extra money?

Best way to follow up?

Let their service coach know

Pray, Attitude, Plan Route

Dignity, Unity, Relationship

Positive & Flexible

False

Let’s see what you remember. Review:

Thank you for being available!

Prepared by your friends at Today’s Urban Renewal Network