Richmond resident and mom, Nicole Harwood, recently opened her heart and home to Kiana, of Staten Island, through The Fresh Air Fund’s Volunteer Host Family Program. Thanks to dedicated volunteer host families in the Richmond area, like Nicole, 15 NYC children enjoyed a summer outside of the city and all that Richmond has to offer. They hope to recruit more dedicated host families for next summer – and remind Richmond residents about simple summertime joys of The Fresh Air Fund.
“She had such a positive presence in our home,” remarked Nicole Harwood, of Richmond, VA, when discussing her experience hosting a Fresh Air Fund child this summer. For ten days in July, Nicole and her daughter, Chandler (5), welcomed Kiana (6) into their home. “We told her that she’s part of the family now. Kiana and my daughter were instant friends.”
The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income neighborhoods since 1877. Each summer, over 4,000 inner-city children visit suburban, rural, and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada through The Fresh Air Fund’s Volunteer Host Family Program.
Kiana’s visit to Virginia was laden with learning experiences and outdoor fun. “The girls went to a camp program during the day,” Nicole says. “They played outside all day, and Kiana learned how to swim.” Leaving the chaotic concrete jungle of New York City behind, Kiana was able to appreciate the serenity and wildlife of the country. “I took the girls to the Richmond Metro Zoo,” Nicole recalls. “My daughter is used to seeing nature, but Kiana was mesmerized by it.”
Regardless of the day’s agenda, Kiana was always content. “Kiana was enjoying every bit of it,” Nicole says. “She really fit in everywhere she went. She did the talent show at camp, and she loved running through the water sprinklers at Stony Point Fashion Park.” One moment during Kiana’s stay was particularly memorable for Nicole. “Kiana and Chandler were dancing and playing music in the living room. Kiana approached me and asked, ‘am I dreaming’? I said ‘No, why?’ She replied ‘Because I’m having so much fun.’ Before I even realized it, tears were rolling down my eyes.”
While each day during Kiana’s stay was jam-packed with exhilarating activities, plenty of excitement was still provided at night. “We went to a jazz concert at the Wilton House Museum,” remarks Nicole. “The girls would play with Barbies and play dress up in the evenings. They would sleep together and giggle all night.”
After such an amazing ten days, both parties were emotional during their farewells. “We were all crying when she had to leave,” says Nicole. “I had no idea how much she would impact our lives.” Nicole and Chandler called Kiana the day after she returned home. “It was just nice to hear her voice again. We can’t wait to welcome her back next summer.”
