With the implementation of the new CMS Activities Guidance to Surveyors, there is a heightened focus on the individual needs and interests of the residents. Involving local communities and volunteers is an essential part of establishing a well-balanced, diverse program of activities. Here is a list of organizations, clubs, and associations that you can contact. Most of the sites have "local finders" to help you locate the organizations nearest you. Ask them to post an announcement in their newsletter, bulletins, flyers, or bulletin board, or announce at their next meeting, that volunteers are needed at your facility. Inform them of your specific needs i.e. you need a volunteer that speaks German that can read to a resident or you would like a volunteer who can do arts and crafts.

TIP: Coordinating a Volunteer and Community-Outreach program requires extensive research, organization, planning, implementation, and follow-up. For that reason, it is suggested you ask your administrator for an individual such as a Volunteer Coordinator, who is primarily assigned to manage these responsibilities.

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Reaching Out: Community Program Ideas for Healthcare Facilities

SCOUTS Girl Scouts of the USA Boy Scouts of America PET THERAPY/VISITATION PROGRAMS Assistance/Therapy Animals Training Therapet Animal-Assisted Tx Foundation Zoos Worldwide WOMEN'S GROUPS Red Hats Society Ladies Auxiliary VFW General Federation of Women's Clubs Y's Women's Club     MEN'S GROUPS Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs Y's Men International U.S. Area American Legion HORTICULTURE Master Gardeners INTERGENERATIONAL                                 *4H Club Walk in My Shoes          NJ Intergenerational Network CLUBS Kiwanis International 4H Club Veterans of Foreign  War Jaycees YMCA                                                                     VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS (also check out religious organizations) Great links for Volunteer Management NJ Association for Volunteer Adminstration Volunteers of America Craig's List (free volunteer posting in U.S.A) Idealist (free volunteer posting in U.S.A.)

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS Church Directory of the USA Jesuit Volunteer Corps National Benevolent Association Salvation Army Find the Salvation Army Nearest You Catholic Network of Volunteer Service Catholic Charities-there are many different locations. Simply search online. Gideon International (free Bibles) Global Ministries-United Methodist Church Presbyterian National Volunteers American Baptist Home Mission Society Association of Islamic Charitable Prayer Islamic Finder Jewish Coalition for Services United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Jewish Web.com Faithful Friends Nursing Home Ministry National Hispanic Council on Aging Cuban American National Council African American Churches Concerned Black Men National Organization African American Web Connection Order Sons of Italy in America Lodge Locator The National Italian American Foundation Italian Lifestyle Asian American Resources Asian Society Clan MacCallum/Malcolm Society (click on clans and Celtic heritage for various clubs and societies i.e. Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Cornish, Manx, and Caledonian) United German American Committee Polish National Alliance The Scots: American Club of Kearny, NJ Native American Organizations SCHOOLS Art Schools Directory American School Directory Beauty School Directory