What It Is

Human services are programs that help people meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life. They include food assistance, child and family support, elder care, disability services, counseling, and job training. Human service organizations focus on compassion, dignity, and opportunity for everyone, especially those facing difficult circumstances. For families, learning about human services teaches empathy, gratitude, and the importance of helping others through kindness and practical support.

Why It Matters

• For everyone: Human services strengthen communities by ensuring that no one is left behind.

• For families: Supporting others builds empathy and social awareness.

• For kids: Learning about care and fairness encourages understanding and compassion.

Everyday Impact

• Individual: Volunteer or donate to a human services organization in your community.

• Family: Participate in programs that support families, seniors, or people with disabilities.

• Group: Host a supply drive or fundraiser for an agency that helps people in need.

Family Challenge Pack (Tiered Learning Path)

🟢 Tier 1: Discover

• Learn what human services are and who they help.

• Explore the different kinds of programs in your community that assist families or individuals.

• Watch a video or read about social workers or caregivers who make a difference.

• Talk as a family about times when you have been helped or helped others.

• Reflection prompt: Why is it important for communities to care for people who need extra support?

🟡 Tier 2: Do

• Take action to help meet the needs of others.

• Collect hygiene products, clothing, or school supplies for families in need.

• Volunteer to serve meals at a community kitchen or food pantry.

• Spend time with seniors through visits or local outreach programs.

• Reflection prompt: What did you learn about empathy by helping others?

🔴 Tier 3: Lead

• Organize or advocate for programs that provide support and connection.

• Host a community collection drive for household essentials or winter coats.

• Partner with a local nonprofit to support a specific group such as children, veterans, or older adults.

• Share information online or in your school about local services and how to get involved.

• Reflection prompt: How can your family lead others in building a more caring community?

How to Learn More [click for link]

• United Way

• National Human Services Assembly

• Meals on Wheels America

Spotting Real vs. Fake

• Trust organizations that are transparent about their programs and funding.

• Avoid groups that make emotional appeals without explaining what they do.

• Look for partnerships with schools, hospitals, or local governments.

Youth Role Models

Khloe Thompson – Founded Khloe Kares at age 8, creating and distributing handmade Kare Bags filled with supplies for people experiencing homelessness.

Marley Dias – Advocates for literacy, inclusion, and social justice through her #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign, showing that caring for others can start with education.

Aidan Lamothe – Organized food collection programs to support hunger relief efforts in his community.

Leah Park – Launched Project Happy, which provides hygiene kits and messages of encouragement for those in shelters.

Joshua Williams – Founded Joshua’s Heart Foundation to provide food and essential items to families in need while teaching young volunteers about service.

Reflection Prompt

After engaging in a human services-related action:

• What needs did you see in your community?

• How does helping others change your view of fairness and gratitude?

• What can your family do regularly to make life easier for others?

Cause-to-Action Pathways

• Individual: Volunteer or donate to meet a specific community need.

• Family: Support or participate in a local service program.

• Group: Organize drives, fundraisers, or awareness events for people in need.

The Big Picture

Human services form the safety net that allows people to live with dignity and hope. When families learn about and support these efforts, they become part of a community built on care, compassion, and shared responsibility. Every act of service strengthens the bonds that hold society together.