About Au Pair in America

Au Pair in America is the nation's first legal au pair program. Since 1986, we have provided the best child care opportunities to host families across the US and au pairs from around the world.

Haiti Service Project a Success

Posted by Christine Connally on Jan 26, 2010 No Comments

At our Cultural Fair on Saturday, we collected lots of supplies to make Hygeine Kits for Haiti.  On Sunday,  I purchased any items we still needed and with the help of my kids, we put the kits together.  They are being donated to Presbyterian Distaster Assitance.

Here is a photo of the 40 kits we made!

haiti kits

We had a handful of items left and we gave them to another group who is putting together kits.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this project.

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Disney Give a Day. Get a Disney Day FREE!!!

Posted by Christine Connally on Jan 14, 2010 No Comments
I recently found out about a very exciting program that is a win-win situation.  I am a firm believer in volunteerism.  Giving your time and talents to a worthy cause is a very rewarding experience and can help do so much good in the community.  Disney has a great program to thank people for giving time to organizations in their community.  Please read an overview below and go to their website for complete information and to sign up.
Give-a-Day-Get-a-Day-784751
Program Overview (from the Disney website)
We want to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service to a participating organization in their communities. So we’re celebrating these volunteers’ good works by giving each of them a 1-day, 1-theme park ticket to the Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort, free. There’s no better time to make a dream come true for others and let us make a few come true for you.
You must pre-register and sign up through this site to volunteer and complete your service at an eligible volunteer opportunity in the fifty United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or Canada to receive a ticket after verification of such service. Ticket quantities for this program are limited. You must be at least 18 to sign up. You may only sign up a maximum of 8 members of your household. Children must be at least 6 to participate in the program. One ticket per person, regardless of the number of times you volunteer. Program begins January 1, 2010 and continues until tickets are distributed or until December 15, 2010, whichever occurs first. Your voucher for a free ticket must be redeemed by December 15, 2010, and used on the same day of redemption.

Other terms and conditions apply. See complete Program Terms & Conditions and FAQs.

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Haiti Earthquake

Posted by Christine Connally on Jan 13, 2010 No Comments

haiti_map

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti.  I am working on a cluster service project to help in the disaster recovery efforts.  I will send out details as soon as it is confirmed.

If you would like to do something immediately, here are some links for organizations collecting monetary donations:

American Red Cross International Response Fund

Mercy Corps Haiti Earthquake Fund

William J. Clinton Foundation

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We Made Nearly 600 Sandwiches for the Homeless!

Posted by Christine Connally on Nov 9, 2009 No Comments

Yesterday, we had a cluster meeting where au pairs gave their time to prepare sandwiches for the homeless.  We were joined by a few moms and cub scouts from Pack 403.  Thank you to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church for allowing us to use the parish hall.  Together, we were able to make almost 600 sandwiches!!! These sandwiches are going to the DC Central Kitchen to feed homeless people in Washington, DC.

I want to thank everyone who showed up, brought bread, made sandwiches and helped us surpass my initial goal of 400 sandwiches.

Here are a few photos.

First two au pairs to arrive getting right to work.

First two au pairs to arrive getting right to work.

Sandwiches, sandwiches, sandwiches

Sandwich assembly line

Having fun making sandwiches

Having fun making sandwiches

Many hands make light work.

Striking a fun pose after all that hard work.

Group Photo with our Finished Sandwiches

Group Photo with our Finished Sandwiches

At least once per year, we have a cluster meeting that is a service project.  Some of our past volunteer/community service events include:

  • DC Help the Homeless Walk
  • Bowie International Festival
  • Preparing lunches for Habitat for Humanity
  • Donating items to children affected by Hurricane Katrina
  • Working at Silver Diner to raise money for Tsunami Relief
  • Wrapping gifts for needy children
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Chicago Au Pairs Make Blankets for Project Linus

Posted by Christine Connally on Apr 28, 2009 No Comments

Last Saturday, 90 Au Pair in America au pairs made 100 fleece blankets for children in need.  The patterns were fabulous with everything from polka dots, soccer themes, dinosaurs, animal prints, dog-theme prints and more.  Each fleece blanket is fringed by hand.  The au pairs and counselors worked together to purchase the fleece and follow the blanket pattern instructions according to the Chicago chapter of Project Linus. Host families supported the project by donating fleece and blankets made ahead of time.

One host mom told her counselor that this project had a special meaning for her because her own son was seriously ill when he was born and was given a Project Linus blanket which they have kept.  When she found out her au pair was taking part, she said it brought tears to her eyes.

All who participated felt it was a worthy cause and a great way to give back to their community.

WAY TO GO!

Au Pair in America Au Pairs from Chicago Area

Au Pair in America Au Pairs from Chicago Area

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