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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS and VOLUNTEERS
By Kim Grandal ACC/EDU, ACM, CEOLD

Community programming is instrumental to enhancing the services of any activity department. with 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. There are many organizations, clubs, and associations that can be contacted. Ask them to post an announcement in their newsletter, bulletins, flyers, or bulletin board, or announce at their next meeting, that community groups and volunteers are needed at your facility. Inform them of your specific needs. For example, 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. Other methods of recruitment include word of mouth, media coverage, on-line, family members and visitors, community fairs/events and mailings.

Often times, Activity Directors are given the responsibility of developing and managing the volunteer and community outreach program. It can become overwhelming. Activity Directors often do not pursue volunteers and community groups because of the extensive work that goes into it. There is ongoing research, organization, planning, implementation, and follow-up. For that reason, it is suggested that each facility have a Volunteer Coordinator or someone who is primarily assigned to manage these responsibilities. But since it is not common practice to have a separate Volunteer Coordinator, here are some ideas and suggestions that will help you reach out to the community and expand your volunteer program.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK IDEAS
By Christine Jennings

As a volunteer it is nice to hear a thank you, but more importantly, it is when I see or hear that a resident had fun in an activity that I created, organized or assisted with. This to me is the greatest form of appreciation that one can receive and I can imagine that ADs may feel the same way. I had the privilege of meeting some outstanding volunteers in different facilities that I have volunteered in since 2007. Please give them special honors during this celebration.

Here are some suggestions:

#1: Writing activity for residents – Notes of appreciation

Ask residents to write a note of appreciation for the volunteers that come to serve at your facility. For residents that have difficulty writing but want to participate ask a staff member to write the note for them, however do not ask a volunteer since this is meant for them. These notes can be presented during your main event for all volunteers.

 

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