The beginning of each new school year offers every young person familiar and fresh opportunities to learn and grow.
This is certainly the case for the boys and girls at the William George Agency for Children’s Services (WGA) who attend the George Junior Republic Union Free School District (GJR UFSD).
“Our living learning environment offers numerous activities that support a young person’s ability to grow through their personal challenges. One of them involves getting involved in community service. We encourage volunteering because it helps to develop a sense of perspective, purpose, and belonging,” says Helen Hulings, WGA Executive Director.
A young person’s schedule often determines the type of volunteering they’ll sign up for. Some youth volunteer for a one-day community event, such as the Homestead Heritage Fair Day put on by the Dryden Town Historical Society. That event is happening on September 18 and 19 in 2026.
Others choose to participate in the annual Walk-A-Thon and Harvest Bake Sale on campus, which raised more than $3,300 last year for the Ithaca Salvation Army Corps’ Adopt-A-Family program.
For dozens of youth, the Chance Takers club at school offers weekly opportunities to give back. The club was formed in 2020 by that year’s Tuning scholarship nominees. The Tuning scholarship was created in memory of the late Jeremiah (Jerry) Tuning, a beloved teacher from the District whose classroom motto was: Take a chance, to make a choice, to make a change.
“The Chance Takers club bestows an annual scholarship at our graduation ceremony, composed of contributions from staff members who believe in the cause of giving kids a chance. It really embodies the spirit of this campus,” says Thomas Watts, GJR UFSD Superintendent.
Students must be invited by a peer or staff member to become a Chance Taker and have completed three community service projects. Regular attendance at club meetings is also required.
“Chance Takers make a pledge to do their best every day and to act as a person of good character. Club members are given a t-shirt with our logo. It’s considered a real honor to become a Chance Taker, and students want to join the club,” says club advisor and GJR Literacy Coach Karen McLaughlin.
Joe* is one such student who was thrilled when he received his invitation.
“I like to help out people. Helping people feels good because it takes big strength. Some people don’t care about other people, but that’s not me,” said Joe.
Joe is a participant in the Strive Program at WGA. The program helps at-risk teens learn how to effectively manage emotional, behavioral, social, and family challenges. So far, he has volunteered to set up tables for events, wash dishes, and serve consumers of the Cortland Loaves and Fishes daily meal program. He’s also joined fellow club members in cleaning the stretch of road claimed by the Chance Takers through the state’s Adopt-A-Highway program.
Since coming to WGA, Joe has become more confident about his aspirations: he wants to become a chef. In July, true to his generous character, Joe hosted a small cookout to thank everyone on campus who’s been helping him discover his path and purpose.
“It’s a great relief to know the Chance Takers are there to lend us a hand,” says Mary Beth Austin, a Cortland Loaves and Fishes Board member of ten years. “They supported our Empty Bowls event last year by setting up all the tables and chairs at the venue and making bowls. That’s our main fundraiser, which draws around 250 people.”
In 2026, the Empty Bowls event is scheduled for November 7.
For the second year in a row, the Chance Takers put up the tents, tables, and chairs for the annual St. Anthony of Padua Church Festival, which occurs each June.
“It takes a lot of time and muscle to make sure everything is ready and in place,” says Conrad Janke, a Cortland Breakfast Rotarian who volunteers with the Festival. “They showed up to work and were super. I recall talking to some of them last year and learning that they were impressed by how people were coming together and working collaboratively to make the Festival happen. Several of the boys commented on how well so many people were getting along.”
“Our students learn a lot through volunteering. We’re teaching them how to structure something new, step out of their comfort zone, and be safe and successful over time with practice and support,” says Lucas Erno, another club advisor and the Science Department Chair at GJR. “We’re teaching them not only how to work with others, but that working with others can produce something greater than they could do on their own. Something they can really be proud of and that can have a lasting positive impact.”
Other Chance Takers projects include clearing algae from the campus pond to improve the habitat, erasing graffiti, and volunteering monthly at the Food Bank of Southern Tier Mobile Food Pantry at Thrive Church in Freeville.
Taylor* is a WGA and Chance Taker alum who served at local food pantries and is honored to have been nominated by his peers for a Tuning Scholarship before leaving campus. Taylor likes “just helping out” and “being part of something.” His mom is proud of him for fully embracing the opportunity to take a chance, to make a choice, to make a change.
“He really came out of his shell when he was there. Before, he was antisocial and in his room all the time. His confidence was boosted to take on projects. He’s matured a lot,” she says. “WGA and the Chance Takers helped him with structure and to become a more focused person. They kept guiding him where he should be instead of bouncing around. As parents, we were supported by the staff, too. They advocated for us and helped us broaden our own knowledge on how to approach things differently. I didn’t know such a place existed until we found ourselves facing a dilemma. My son blossomed at the William George Agency.”
Taylor has a message for parents, too: “I would say don’t give up on your kid.”
*Names changed for privacy.
Photo of Empty Bowls provided by Cortland Loaves and Fishes. The text above is the extended version of the edited copy for space purposes that appeared in the Tompkins Weekly and Ithaca Times.