Habitot Children's Museum

 Berkeley     California

http://www.habitot.org     << Visit Website

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Categories:  Arts & Culture, [ View All ]

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Habitot Children's Museum Charity Profile

Habitot Children's Museum was founded by parents and educators in 1992 to meet the unique needs and interests of infants, toddlers and preschoolers in a safe and appropriate community setting. Habitot opened its first facility in downtown Berkeley in 1998, after six years of community outreach and fundraising.

Habitot Children’s Museum has become the most popular and award-winning children’s hands on discovery museum in the East Bay. Habitot founders have created a hands-on play and learning center where young children are the ‘big kids’ -- exploring the arts and culture in a safe setting designed especially for small hands and bodies and growing minds.

Habitot Children's Museum Volunteer Information

Habitot Children's Museum seeks business, academic and civic leaders who are passionate about helping young children reach their potential by addressing their experiences in the critical first five years of life. Habitot helps children arrive at school ready to learn by providing enriching play-based experiences, supporting parents and caregivers in developing their parenting skills and in embracing a diverse community. Well-connected individuals are needed who can help the Museum build its internal capacity to support growth and stability.

This task force meets to develop new exhibit ideas, from concept to fundraising to corporate sponsorships, to fabrication. Usually, Habitot develops or enhances one new exhibit per year, depending on funds raised.

This task force supports organizational goals to raise money from the community through raffles, special events, galas, in-home parties, family events, etc. Identification of in-kind donors and sponsors, as well as planning/managing event logistics are the main functions of this group. Works closely with development department of museum.

Individual volunteers are welcome to take up a regular schedule (once a week, once a month, etc) for storytelling, leading singing groups, working in the Art Studio, leading an activity with children, or assisting in classes. One-time event volunteers can help with public programs such as Halloween, Chinese New Year celebration, or other multicultural events. These volunteers must present LifeScan documentation at their own expense.

Twice a year, Habitot welcomes 10-12 person crews for a day (or half-day) of deep cleaning, painting and light repairs on exhibit spaces. Events take place in September during the Week of Caring (organized by United Way and the Volunteer Centers) and in early April prior to Habitot's annual birthday celebration.

Habitot holds two collections - one of toys in our Toy Lending Library, and one of books, periodicals, videos and other parenting references in our Family Resource Center. Volunteer librarians help maintain the collections, make calls for overdue items, sort and reshelve returned items, add new items to the collection. Requires light physical activity and comfort with computers/databases.

Habitot Children's Museum Donation Information

The contributions of individuals, community organizations, and businesses are essential to keeping Habitot's doors open. Because of donations, Habitot remains an affordable, accessible and inclusive center for families of young children -- a gift of play, learning, parent support and community connection.

Donation Options:

Checks, Money Order, Credit Card, Network For Good, Gifts In Kind, Matching, Vehicle, Fundraising