providing a place for a student to volunteer

We do so many intangible things to try to help the community when we can. A juvenile probation officer calls us, says a student was suspended for fighting for 5 days, and the parent is concerned about just having the student stay home (while he is at work) for the 5 days, and the message that gives to a student (you get in trouble at school, and you get a vacation!!!) So the probation officer asked if she could come here to volunteer for those days. Now, this is a total unknown how it can work! (The youth may be lazy, distracting, etc.) But we give these things a shot! We go into it open minded that giving a youth an opportunity is worth a try. So, over these days, she vacuums, does dishes, etc. Helps with a few little office jobs, straightening arts and crafts and games, etc. She gets a little homework done, meets some interesting adults, sees how bustling of a place this is. The parent is VERY appreciative, and perhaps it plants a little seed of community awareness and on-going support!