Volunteer_Opportunities

Volunteer TEAM Report
"TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More!"
Volunteers Touch the heart

The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches,
but to reveal to him his own.
~ Benjamin Disreaeli (1804-1881)

July Volunteer of the Month
Friday, July 9 at 2:00 pm. The Center For Active Generations is pleased to honor our June Volunteer of the Month, Ken Johnson. Congratulations! Ken will be honored at the June birthday party on Friday, July 19. He will also be honored by the Downtown Rotary Club on Monday, June 21 at their noon luncheon. We invite our Center members, other volunteers and family and friends to help us thank him for his support and contribution to our organization.

All Volunteer TEAM Meeting
Thursday, August 26 at 9:00 am. Small TEAM meetings following the All TEAM meeting.
Volunteer software Training, Breakfast Goodies, Door Prizes and More!
Thank you to all our volunteers!
The Center for Active Generations is proud to boast that we have the best volunteer team in the region! With over 1,000 volunteers in six different departments, each individual brings their own unique talent and "all the right ingredients" to our team. Thank you to all our volunteers! Here are some amazing facts about our great volunteer team.

Center volunteers gave over 50,000 hours of service last year

    The gift shop volunteer team led the way with over 7,800 hours of service.
          They also helped raise over $3,000 at the annual fall craft bazaar in November.

    Fitness mentor volunteers gave over 2,500 hours of help to our members by checking in members,
          instructing on equipment, or helping keep our fitness room clean and tidy.

Gift shop volunteers help sell and raise over $7,000 worth of funds.

Specialty club leaders gave over 3,300 hours of service.

Workers on Wheels volunteers turned in a record number of hours at 5,111.

Meals on Wheels volunteers drove almost 76,000 miles last year.

Center ambassadors and hospitality volunteers welcomed 677 new members to the Center in 2009.
They also gave over 1,700 hours of service.

Buzz Agent
Are you a natural ambassador for The Center For Active Generations? Do you talk about our programs and activities to people you meet? If so, sign up to be a Center Buzz Agent. A Buzz Agent is a volunteer ambassador who helps "spread the buzz..." about the Center to the community. As a Buzz Agent you will be eligible for special perks and incentives and will be invited to quarterly Buzz meetings. Contact Lisa at 333-3307 today to get involved!

Help Us Recognize Our Volunteers STARS
“Someone To Admire & Respect!” - The Center for Active Generations has the best volunteer TEAM in the community! With over 1,000 total volunteers and over 300 who help run programs and services we know our members come in contact with these special people every day! We need your help! If you come in contact with one of our great volunteers and want to nominate them for a STAR Award… please do so. We will then personally recognize them at our quarterly volunteer meetings, recognize them in our Center newspaper and present them with a very special STAR Pin to wear proudly! STAR recognition forms can be picked up at several places! In our Center’s coffee shop, at our Information window, hospitality desk and of course on the wall by our volunteer information board! Help us thank our volunteers! Recognize a STAR today!

Why Volunteer?
The Center For Active Generations is blessed to have the best volunteer TEAM in the Sioux Falls community. Over 450 volunteers help run Center programs, volunteer in the DayBreak Program and are making a difference to homebound elderly through the Workers on Wheels program. The Center also has close to 700 volunteer drivers who help deliver noon meals to the homebound Monday through Friday. If you have never volunteered, consider the difference you can make by using your time and talents to help others. Repay a perceived debt, Because someone benefits, Someone you love is involved, Meet new people, Have fun, Gain experience, Find happiness, Explore new things, Heal, Concern for others, As a hobby, Gain recognition, Get out of the house, keep active, feel a sense of satisfaction, Add to your resume, Help the community, Use your talents, Pick your work days. Shirley Reilly, a Center Volunteer for over 10 years says, "I volunteer because it is my privilege to be able to give back to others for what has been given to me through the years. It is a rewarding experience for me and I reap the benefits as well. I believe we are supposed to give of ourselves to others whenever we can. it expands our world and gives us a chance to meet new people and learn new things."

How can you use your talents at CFAG?
Create and lead a special interest group, Use your expertise to teach a class, Use your passion for teaching to tutor, Use your love of cooking to teach a cooking class, Become a Center community liaison, Become a Peer Counselor, Become a Special Events Leader, Serve on an Advisory Board, Use your computer skills for data entry, Create exciting new programs, Help people one-on-one through our WOW program, Lead a group activity in DayBreak.

Contact Jenny at 333-3306 or Lisa 333-3307
if you are interested in any of the Center's volunteer positions listed below.

Computer Coaches/Instructors: The Center's computer learning center is one of the most popular programs here. The Center is looking for members or volunteers who would like to help teach classes. Interested volunteers should know that basics of computers, such as file management and word processing. We are looking for members who have the Windows 7 operating system and would like to share their knowledge with others.

"Bouquet of Colors" Quilt-Art-Wind Show: Volunteer will be needed on Wednesday and Thursday, June 23 and 24 to help set up the evening before the event. The day of the event we will need volunteers to be quilt watchers, bed turning volunteers, take tickets, help with door prizes, and sell raffle tickets and much more. Food and wine servers at the event event are also needed. The Center is looking for members who would be willing to lend out for a day, your quilt racks. Please contact Center staff if you can loand your quilt rack. Call Lisa at 3-3307 for more information.

Car Show/Homemade Pie & Ice Cream Social: Volunteers are needed on Thursday, July 22 to help with the homemade pies, serve ice cream, take tickets, and then more volunteers will be needed to help check in, park cars, and direct guests at the car show.

Take $5 Bake Sale & Bakers: Donations of cookies, breads, bars, and cakes are needed for the bake sale on Thursday and Friday, July 8 and 9. Donations can be brought in Wednesday or Thursday evenings or early morning on Thursday or Friday.
Our homemade pie and ice cream social is set for Thursday, July 22. Pies of all varieties will be needed.

Volunteer Crochetters Needed: The Craft Volunteer Group is looking for individuals who would be able to crochet scrubbies for the Center's gift shop. Contact Lisa Howard at 333-3307 for more information or come and visit with the Thursday craft volunteers to learn more. This is a great way to give back and the volunteer time can be done in the comfort of your home. Materials to make the scrubbies are provided! Use your talents and help the Centers.

Center Journalist: The Center would like to include more human interest stories in our publication each month. Do you like to write and have writing skills? Do you like meeting new people? If so, this is just the opportunity for you!

Membership Ambassador: Membership is the lifeblood of the Center. This volunteer position assists Center staff in contacting both new members and members up for renewal to gauge their involvement and satisfaction in Center programs. If you are friendly and enjoy talking to people, have a passion for our organization and have some computer skills, this would be a great way to get involved.

Lifelong Learning Facilitator: So many of our members are past educators, or just have a passion for a special topic. Think about sharing your knowledge or passions with others. Past topics that have been presented include: The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, The Titanic Story, Butterfly Gardening, Astronomy, Women of the Bible, and more. What have you studied or read about extensively and would be willing to share with others? Members who would like to become a peer-educator should talk to us about your interest.

Creative Writing Club Leader: Do you enjoy putting pen to paper and exploring your thoughts on paper? Do you feel comfortable facilitating others in this same passion? If so, you'd be a great Creative Writing Club Leader. leadership positions should not be thought of as intimidating. All you need is a welcoming, friendly personality, love being around people, and love the interest of the club. Responsibilities of club leaders include: taking attendance, facilitating the group and keeping them on task and communicating with Center staff. Share your writing interest with others.

Card Club Leaders: The Center is anxious to get more evening card clubs started. Currently we have leaders for our evening Pinochle and Bridge clubs. Evenings opened for new clubs to start include: Tuesdays or Thursdays. If you have a group of friends who want to start and evening club please see Center staff. Requirements of being an organized Center include having the club opened to all Center members. leaders are responsible for taking attendance and players fees and communicating with Center staff and most importantly making new members and participants feel welcomed and included.

Art Classes: The Center for Active Generations has an amazing art room/studio. Our natural light was requested by our knowledgeable artists. The room has great table space and high counter spaces as well. If you have a passion for art of any medium and feel comfortable sharing this passion with others, we want to talk with you. You can lad a formal organized class or lead an open art time (for example - watercolor painting, acrylic painting).

Like to scrapbook? The Center could start a formal scrap booking time for our members. The art room has great space to layout pictures, papers, and supplies.

Jewelry Making: We want our members to share like interests with each other and take advantage of the great rooms and accommodations that we offer. Share your jewelry making talents.

Special Event Committee Volunteers: Interested in serving on one of many of the upcoming Special Event Committees? This is a fun way to be involved from the bottom up. Help plan the event, help with the many small details from possible entertainment, refreshments, press and volunteer recruitment. Upcoming events include: Outdoor Activity Expo in March, The Great Cake Bake-Off in April, Active Lifestyle Expo in May, Spring Fling in may, Quilt & Art Show in June, Wacky Wednesday Rummages (Take $5 Campaign) in June. If you are interested in getting involved, register for our informational lunch meeting on Wednesday, January 6 at 11:30 am. Call 336-6722 to sign up today. We want you on our TEAM! Lisa and Shelley

Employment Resource Center Volunteers: Contact LaRae Claussen or Lisa Howard if you would like to volunteer in the Employment Resource Center.

Workers on Wheels Administrative Help - The Workers on Wheels program is looking for an administrative volunteer who enjoys phone work, talking with clients and is good with a computer. Volunteer duties include: handling intakes, sending out work requests, and data entry. Come and make a difference in the lives of the homebound. Shifts are flexible.

Phone and Data Entry: Contact Lisa Howard if you would like to volunteer entering data on the computer.

Drama Club - Sound Technician volunteer is needed.

Book Critic: Do you enjoy reading? the Center is looking for a volunteer who could review books from the Center's library, and write a review for our paper each month. Turn your love of reading and writing into a fun volunteer job!

Birthday Party Master of Ceremonies - The Center is looking for a member who is outgoing and not afraid of a microphone! Duties: introduce entertainers, recognize those celebrating birthdays, and announce upcoming events. The commitment is only the second Friday of each month from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.

Brain Aerobics Instructor - Do you like to work out your brain, do Sudoku puzzles, word games or crossword puzzles? If so, you may want to take the challenge of leading our Brain Games Group. This facilitator will help provide the club with fun puzzles to do to challenge their brains. Resources will be provided to you to lead this group twice a month. The schedule can be flexible to meet your needs.

Crochet Instructor - The Center is looking for a lady (or man) who would like to teach others beginning crochet lessons. This opportunity is one that would allow you to make your own volunteer schedule, and meet some great new friends.

Become a Story Keeper! - The Center needs volunteers who would like to assist with our Project Story Keeper. Volunteers would become official Story keepers and help record life stories. When you become a Certified Story Keeper, your life will never be the same. The stories you'll hear will make you laugh and cry; you'll develop deep relationships that will enrich your life forever. Volunteers will go through a simple but complete training that will help them facilitate this important process. Call today to sign up for the free training adn help The Center start Project Story Keeper!

Birthday Party Committee - Volunteers are needed on an occasional substitute (on call) basis to help with the monthly birthday parties from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Volunteers get to enjoy great entertainment each month and see all their Center friends@ A fun opportunity. We are looking for one to two great volunteers. Volunteer subs are also needed! Duties: prepare tables, and supplies, check in members and guests, and serve cake and coffee.

Computer Tech - The Center is looking for a computer tech volunteer to help us with Project Storykeeper. This volunteer would assist the program in uploading audio and picture files to Storytellers Web pages for family and friends to access. Must have knowledge of computer downloading and uploading, scanning photographs, computer terminology and Web page setup. This is actually simple computer applications. Help us help individuals preserve their family heritage. Contact lisa at 333-3307 or lhoward@cfag.org to learn more or get involved.

Retired Nurses: - We need you! Would you be able to give one hour of your time each week to take blood pressures? If so, please call us today! Our members very much appreciate this service.

Club Leaders: The Center wants to increase our evening programming. We are looking for volunteers to help run special interest groups and clubs. If you are interested, please contact Lisa Howard at 333-3307 or lhoward@cfag.org.

Volunteer Coordinator: Do you enjoy administrative type work, getting to know new people, helping to run a quality established program? If so, you may be just the person to help the Center with volunteer coordination. help match volunteers in needed teaching positions. Much of this work can be done from home and you get to work with a quality group of volunteers. you must have computer skills, Internet access and enjoy phone work on occasion! Perks include learning new computer skills and staying current on the latest and greatest in technology. Contact Lisa Howard to learn more.

Peer Mentor/Coach: Do you enjoy meeting new people and making a difference? This new program matches volunteers with new Center members to give tours, orientations and help them get acquainted with our programs and program leaders, as well as other members. This volunteer opportunity is a great way to meet new people and has flexible hours that you can set to meet your daily schedule. Training is provided to better help you help our new members. Call Lisa for more information and to get involved today!

Hospitality Desk: Do you enjoy meeting new people? Would you like to "show-off" the Center? If so, this volunteer opportunity is for you. This position is a fun way to meet people. in this position, volunteers greet members and visitors, give directions to classes, give tours, register new members, and help current members register for classes and trips. We are looking for outgoing, energetic people who can stand on their feet to give tours, have good organizational skills and the ability to share a lot of information. Times are available on Saturdays. See Lisa or Jenny if you'd like to learn more!

Coffee Shop Volunteers: If you like to meet new people, the Coffee Shop is the place to be. Requirements include a cheerful disposition, the ability to stand for short periods, and make change. Volunteers are needed on 1st and 2nd Tuesday of the month from 2 pm to 4 pm and Friday 2 pm to 4 pm. Duties include: make coffee, serve refreshments, clean counters and tables, encourage positive and fun atmosphere.

Gift Shop Volunteers: Help us keep our gift shop neat and orderly and help sell merchandise. Volunteers are needed on Fridays from noon to 3:00 pm.

Crochet Instructors: The Center is looking for someone who would like to teach others beginning crochet lessons. This opportunity is one that would allow you to make your own volunteer schedule, and meet some new friends.

Craft Class Leaders & Instructors: Do you have a special craft skill you would like to share with others? This is a fun way to give back to the community, meet new people and share your talents. Craft classes could range from t-shirt decorating to painting, calligraphy and more. Let us know what fun projects you may feel qualified to teach. Classes can meet at a scheduled time that suits you.

Lunch Room Hosts/Hostesses: The Nutrition Department is looking for volunteers to assist as lunch room hosts/hostesses. The hours are from 11:15 am to 1:00 pm. , Monday through Friday. You can request to work a specific day or as a substitute. Duties: fill coffee and water pitchers and place them on tables, help carry trays for those who cannot, assist diners with requests and help clear trays for those who cannot; may need to wipe down tables. Requirements: Ability to carry light objects, walk and stand for short periods of time. A chair could be provided to assist you if you prefer not to stand the whole shift. Contact Rhonda, meals on Wheels Coordinator at 336-6748.

Meals On Wheels route drivers: The Meals On Wheels Program is looking for those community spirited individuals interested in helping those less fortunate and to replace those individuals who will be gone for the next few months. Route driving averages about 1 hour a day. Delivery bags can be picked up between 10:45 am and 11:00 am at any of our three Sioux Falls locations: Hope Lutheran Church at 1700 S. Cliff Ave, First Christian Church at 524 W. First Street and The Center For Active Generations. We offer flexibility that fits within your schedule. For more information, please contact Rhonda or Priscilla at 336-6748 or 333-3305. Become a volunteer route driver and brighten someone's day.

Teach a Class - Use your expertise or passion on a particular topic to teach a class or present a seminar. In the pasts, members have shared their life experiences in World War II, Beginning Spanish, Bridge Classes, Woodcarving, Craft Classes, Art Classes, The sinking of the Titanic, Clutter - Clutter - Clutter, and research on Edmund Fitzgerald. Center members are teaching computer classes art classes and dance classes. What can you teach and share? Come share your interest, passions and knowledge with others! We are looking for members who enjoy cooking or history, have travel pictures and stories to share, and much more. Contact Lisa Howard today at 333-3307 or lhoward@cfag.org. You'll be glad you did and so will our members!

Fitness Mentors - The Center's Fitness Center is in need of volunteer mentors to help supervise the room, greet members, keep the area clean and picked up, and do paperwork. A free fitness membership is available for those who volunteer eight hours per month. Both morning and afternoon shifts are available. See Jenny if you'd like to get involved.

Meals On Wheels Drivers Wanted! - Delivering meals is extremely rewarding and the looks of gratitude on the faces of your clients will make you want to keep coming back. Delivery begins at 10:45 am Monday through Friday and takes about one hour. If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of many in our community, call 333-3305 for more information. We need you!

Care Callers: Start someone's day with a smile! Would you like to help and make a difference in the life of a homebound person? The Care Caller program matches a volunteer with a homebound elderly person to make a "reassurance" call each morning. The program has been overwhelmingly positive throughout the years, but we have lost many of our Care Callers. It's an easy way to make a difference and it can be done from the comfort of your own home. Please help us bring joy and reassurance to more homebound seniors by becoming a Care Caller volunteer! Call Lisa Howard today to get involved at 333-3307 (lhoward@cfag.org).

Senior Companion Program: As a Senior Companion, you would help people stay in their own homes. Activities might include conversation, assistance with reading and writing letters, preparation of meals, help with shopping and errands, or other tasks that are essential for independent living. You may also be needed to provide respite care for families who are caring for a person full-time. You would enjoy many benefits, including: an hourly tax free stipend, mileage reimbursement, meal allowance, paid training, friendship with peers, and satisfaction in helping others. You could be one of the 96 Senior Companions in South Dakota who provide a vital service to their communities enriching lives along the way. Come to an informational meeting about the program on Thursday, April 6 from 10 to 11 am in Room 203 at the Center. Meet some of the Senior Companions and staff. Refreshments will be served. For more information and to RSVP for this get-together at the Center, please call 361-1133. Transportation to this meeting is available, if needed.

Western Heights: Western Heights, a non-profit apartment complex for elderly and disabled people who have income restrictions, is in need of a volunteer to serve congregate noon meals on Tuesdays. This volunteer will be needed from 11:15 am to approximately 12:45 pm, on a weekly basis. Volunteers for occasional special projects and substitute volunteer workers for the noon meal are needed as well. If you are interested or would like more information, please call Diane, Service Coordinator, at 331-0515.

Compassionate Care Hospice: Compassionate Care Hospice is seeking kind and loving men and women who are willing to volunteer two hours a week. The hospice volunteers visit with patients in the patients' homes or at the facility where they live, providing companionship, recreation and support. Whether playing cards, a board game, or helping fix a light meal, volunteers make a difference in the quality of life for patients and their families. Free training is provided by Compassionate Care Hospice. Whatever a volunteer's talents and interests, we will work with them to find just the right match. I would love to visit with you if you are interested in volunteering, or if you have questions about Compassionate Care Hospice. Please call 338-2066 and ask for Connie Maxwell, Volunteer Coordinator.

Other volunteer opportunities are available at the HELP!Line Center.
Get connected and get answers by dialing 211 or visiting the HELP!Line Center's web page at www.volunteersolutions.org/volhelp.

“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring out to make new trees.”
Lawrence Gl Lovasik (1913-86) American Writer

Your legacy should be that you made it better than it was when you got it. - Lee Iacoca

Imagine what a harmonious world it could be if every single person, both young and old,
shared a little of what he is good at doing. - Quincy Jones, American musician and entrepreneur

Just as there are no little people or unimportant lives, there is no insignificant work. - Elena Bonner

I am in the world to change the world. Muriel Rukeyser, American Poet (1913 - 1980)

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. - Sir James M. Barrie (1860 - 1937), British Writer

Lose yourself in generous service and every day can be a most unusual day,
a triumphant day, an abundantly rewarding day. - William Arthur Ward (1921 - 1994), American Writer

If you ever need a helping had, it is at the end of your arm. As you get older you must remember you have a second hand.
The first one is to help yourself. The second hand is to help others. - Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993), American Actress

No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.~ Author Unknown

Our chief want in life is somebody who shall make us do what we can.~Ralph Waldo Emerson