Volunteering with Hands On Greater Portland can be fun, touching and even life changing. Consider this moving testimonial that we received from a volunteer recently:
I learned so much on my project and it was a rewarding experience. I made friends with a homeless woman and her son. She just came up to me, saw my name tag and introduced herself before I could do the same. I also helped several handicap people with their meals and they were so grateful. It made me feel better about the world we live in. Thank you for letting me serve.
Have you had a moment like this one while you were out volunteering? We’d love to hear from you. Please share your story below!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Volunteer Leader Profile: Bob Brandts
When Bob and Patty Brandts moved from Massachusetts to Portland earlier this year, they sought a way to connect with their new community while searching for jobs amid a lingering economic recession. Finding Hands On Greater Portland has eased the Brandts’ transition as they seek new jobs and community.
“Hands On has been a real godsend and allowed me to get plugged into my community, meet lots of like-minded folks, and feel like I’m making a difference in people’s lives at a time when I could just as easily be sitting at home feeling sorry for myself,” says Bob, who moved with his wife from Amherst, Mass. “Hands On has given me the opportunity to do something useful with my time during this job-search process.”
The Brandts are among hundreds of people in the Portland area, and tens of thousands nationally, who are taking to volunteer jobs as they look for paid work. In fact, people like Bob and Patty Brandts are driving the spike in volunteering that is occurring in the Portland area and across the nation. Volunteers driving this spike have lost jobs, found their hours cut or feel motivated to help during a time of need. Many cite President Obama’s call to service as motivation. The result at Hands On Greater Portland is a 50% increase in volunteers since November. March was Hands On’s busiest month ever in its 13-year history.
For volunteers, service helps them gain valuable career experience, expand their networks and add a little spark to what can be the tedious process of finding work. Bob Brandts feels that serving as a volunteer leader with Hands On, leading other volunteers on projects at nonprofits such as the Community Cycling Center, keeps him active and connected. “Who knows, one of these projects could lead to a potential job,” he says.
The spike in volunteering is also offering cash-strapped nonprofits much needed help. Bob Brandts understands that need. Back in Massachusetts, he ran a nonprofit that connected youth with service. “I have always enjoyed being a part of the magic that can happen during these types of volunteer projects,” he says.
Both Bob and Patty Brandts left big jobs and big responsibilities back in Massachusetts. The lure of Portland, besides the milder winters, was the opportunity to take a different approach to their lives and careers. They raised two daughters back east and now feel they have the opportunity to dedicate themselves to “changing the world.” For now, the dream must wait. But volunteering with Hands On Greater Portland is helping in the transition. “Every city should have an organization like this,” Bob says of Hands On.
“Hands On has been a real godsend and allowed me to get plugged into my community, meet lots of like-minded folks, and feel like I’m making a difference in people’s lives at a time when I could just as easily be sitting at home feeling sorry for myself,” says Bob, who moved with his wife from Amherst, Mass. “Hands On has given me the opportunity to do something useful with my time during this job-search process.”The Brandts are among hundreds of people in the Portland area, and tens of thousands nationally, who are taking to volunteer jobs as they look for paid work. In fact, people like Bob and Patty Brandts are driving the spike in volunteering that is occurring in the Portland area and across the nation. Volunteers driving this spike have lost jobs, found their hours cut or feel motivated to help during a time of need. Many cite President Obama’s call to service as motivation. The result at Hands On Greater Portland is a 50% increase in volunteers since November. March was Hands On’s busiest month ever in its 13-year history.
For volunteers, service helps them gain valuable career experience, expand their networks and add a little spark to what can be the tedious process of finding work. Bob Brandts feels that serving as a volunteer leader with Hands On, leading other volunteers on projects at nonprofits such as the Community Cycling Center, keeps him active and connected. “Who knows, one of these projects could lead to a potential job,” he says.
The spike in volunteering is also offering cash-strapped nonprofits much needed help. Bob Brandts understands that need. Back in Massachusetts, he ran a nonprofit that connected youth with service. “I have always enjoyed being a part of the magic that can happen during these types of volunteer projects,” he says.
Both Bob and Patty Brandts left big jobs and big responsibilities back in Massachusetts. The lure of Portland, besides the milder winters, was the opportunity to take a different approach to their lives and careers. They raised two daughters back east and now feel they have the opportunity to dedicate themselves to “changing the world.” For now, the dream must wait. But volunteering with Hands On Greater Portland is helping in the transition. “Every city should have an organization like this,” Bob says of Hands On.
Cares Day hopes to tap surge in volunteering
By Andy Nelson, Executive Director
What an extraordinary time for volunteering in the Portland area.
The lingering economic recession has created a surge in volunteering. With critical needs on the rise, hundreds of volunteers are stepping up to help.
To tap into this volunteer surge, Hands On Greater Portland is teaming up with Comcast to mobilize 1,600 volunteers on Saturday, April 25, during the 2009 Comcast/Hands On Greater Portland Cares Day.
Volunteers will paint public schools, recover library books, sort donated food and school supplies, and tend community gardens. There is no charge to volunteer. All volunteers receive an event T-shirt and a well-organized, meaningful volunteer experience. You can sign up on our website.
Comcast is not only the event’s title sponsor but it is mobilizing 800 of its employees to volunteer during Cares Day in the Portland area. Across the region, Comcast is mobilizing 1,000 total employee volunteers from Longview, Wash., to Eugene, Ore., on April 25, and nationally, Comcast will mobilize 50,000 employee volunteers in 37 states.
Our other sponsors are First Tech Credit Union, Northwest Natural, The ODS Companies and The Standard.
This marks the 7th year that Hands On and Comcast have teamed up for Cares Day. Together, we have mobilized 6,750 volunteers, generating $375,000 in volunteer support for the community.
This year’s Cares Day is special because these are extraordinary times. Hands On is connecting about 50% more volunteers than it was a year ago. We connected a record 1,300 volunteers in March, our busiest month ever in our 13-year history.
The economic downturn is motivating people to get out and help. Others are moved by President Obama’s call to service. A third factor is that there are many people who are between jobs, looking to stay active and network. Volunteering is a great way to do that. And Cares Day is a great way to volunteer.
What an extraordinary time for volunteering in the Portland area.
The lingering economic recession has created a surge in volunteering. With critical needs on the rise, hundreds of volunteers are stepping up to help.
To tap into this volunteer surge, Hands On Greater Portland is teaming up with Comcast to mobilize 1,600 volunteers on Saturday, April 25, during the 2009 Comcast/Hands On Greater Portland Cares Day.
Volunteers will paint public schools, recover library books, sort donated food and school supplies, and tend community gardens. There is no charge to volunteer. All volunteers receive an event T-shirt and a well-organized, meaningful volunteer experience. You can sign up on our website.Comcast is not only the event’s title sponsor but it is mobilizing 800 of its employees to volunteer during Cares Day in the Portland area. Across the region, Comcast is mobilizing 1,000 total employee volunteers from Longview, Wash., to Eugene, Ore., on April 25, and nationally, Comcast will mobilize 50,000 employee volunteers in 37 states.
Our other sponsors are First Tech Credit Union, Northwest Natural, The ODS Companies and The Standard.
This marks the 7th year that Hands On and Comcast have teamed up for Cares Day. Together, we have mobilized 6,750 volunteers, generating $375,000 in volunteer support for the community.
This year’s Cares Day is special because these are extraordinary times. Hands On is connecting about 50% more volunteers than it was a year ago. We connected a record 1,300 volunteers in March, our busiest month ever in our 13-year history.
The economic downturn is motivating people to get out and help. Others are moved by President Obama’s call to service. A third factor is that there are many people who are between jobs, looking to stay active and network. Volunteering is a great way to do that. And Cares Day is a great way to volunteer.
Hands On Boomer Initiative: A creative way to volunteer
Looking for creative ways to volunteer? Hands On Greater Portland’s Boomer Initiative invites you to explore your creative side in a Books-to-Action discussion and volunteer project.
Books-to-Action aims to deepen volunteer understanding about relevant social issues through reading and discussion followed by a volunteer project. On May 17th and 19th, we will discuss Daniel Pink’s groundbreaking book, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future, and then volunteer at a local non-profit arts organization (details to follow!).
To sign up for one of the Books-to-Action discussions, or for more information, visit our website.
Pink’s book, a provocative New York Times best seller, suggests that “right brain” thinking -- creative, holistic, empathic and contextual -- will be integral to professional and personal fulfillment in this new century. In our book discussion, we will consider how to cultivate these right-brain abilities through service.
Hands On’s Boomer Initiative grew from another new effort, Life by Design NW, that seeks to support people contemplating retirement and older adults by providing opportunities for in-depth assessment and life planning, lifelong learning and civic engagement. Hands On organized theLife by Design NW.
For more information on Hands On’s Boomer Initiative, including additional volunteer opportunities, visit our website.
Books-to-Action aims to deepen volunteer understanding about relevant social issues through reading and discussion followed by a volunteer project. On May 17th and 19th, we will discuss Daniel Pink’s groundbreaking book, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future, and then volunteer at a local non-profit arts organization (details to follow!).
To sign up for one of the Books-to-Action discussions, or for more information, visit our website.
Pink’s book, a provocative New York Times best seller, suggests that “right brain” thinking -- creative, holistic, empathic and contextual -- will be integral to professional and personal fulfillment in this new century. In our book discussion, we will consider how to cultivate these right-brain abilities through service. Hands On’s Boomer Initiative grew from another new effort, Life by Design NW, that seeks to support people contemplating retirement and older adults by providing opportunities for in-depth assessment and life planning, lifelong learning and civic engagement. Hands On organized the
For more information on Hands On’s Boomer Initiative, including additional volunteer opportunities, visit our website.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Partner Profile: Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center
Volunteers across the nation are seeking ways to make a positive impact on their communities. Dorothy Main is among them.
At age 95, Dorothy has found a way to stay connected to the community and help others as a volunteer with Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center. Dorothy discovered the volunteer project at Virginia Garcia while reading the newspaper. Called “Knit for Newborns,” the project is one of dozens that Hands On Greater Portland organizes in the greater Portland area each month in partnership with nonprofits such as Virginia Garcia.
Dorothy makes baby blankets and donates them to the Maternity Care program at Virginia Garcia. For Dorothy, knitting has become a new hobby to keep her busy and support a good cause. Dorothy has taken care of many young ones throughout her life, including a premature grandchild that needed a lot of extra care. Dorothy reflects on those times, saying she knows “how much it means for a baby to have tender care during the first part of their lives. Extra support from those around them can really make a difference.”
Virgina Garcia has an ongoing need for volunteers. “Volunteers help with every aspect of the clinic, helping us do more with less and maintain the highest quality services for our patients,” says Britt Rosenberg, Virgina Garcia’s Assistant Development Officer.
If you enjoy knitting and want to meet like-minded people in your community, like Dorothy, consider joining Hands On Greater Portland’s “Knit for Newborns” projects. Volunteers are also needed as committee members for Virginia Garcia Connect. In this role, volunteers advocate for healthcare for underserved populations and take other actions to promote the work of Virginia Garcia.
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center was developed in 1975 in response to the death of a young daughter of Oregon farmworker parents who could not receive sufficient health care for a wound. The center was a collaborative effort from the community, headed by Centro Cultural and St. Vincent Hospital to provide high quality, comprehensive and culturally appropriate primary healthcare. Since the opening, the center has continued to grow now serving throughout Washington and Yamhill Counties in both their local health centers and outreach programs directly into the migrant camps.
At age 95, Dorothy has found a way to stay connected to the community and help others as a volunteer with Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center. Dorothy discovered the volunteer project at Virginia Garcia while reading the newspaper. Called “Knit for Newborns,” the project is one of dozens that Hands On Greater Portland organizes in the greater Portland area each month in partnership with nonprofits such as Virginia Garcia.
Dorothy makes baby blankets and donates them to the Maternity Care program at Virginia Garcia. For Dorothy, knitting has become a new hobby to keep her busy and support a good cause. Dorothy has taken care of many young ones throughout her life, including a premature grandchild that needed a lot of extra care. Dorothy reflects on those times, saying she knows “how much it means for a baby to have tender care during the first part of their lives. Extra support from those around them can really make a difference.”
Virgina Garcia has an ongoing need for volunteers. “Volunteers help with every aspect of the clinic, helping us do more with less and maintain the highest quality services for our patients,” says Britt Rosenberg, Virgina Garcia’s Assistant Development Officer.
If you enjoy knitting and want to meet like-minded people in your community, like Dorothy, consider joining Hands On Greater Portland’s “Knit for Newborns” projects. Volunteers are also needed as committee members for Virginia Garcia Connect. In this role, volunteers advocate for healthcare for underserved populations and take other actions to promote the work of Virginia Garcia.
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center was developed in 1975 in response to the death of a young daughter of Oregon farmworker parents who could not receive sufficient health care for a wound. The center was a collaborative effort from the community, headed by Centro Cultural and St. Vincent Hospital to provide high quality, comprehensive and culturally appropriate primary healthcare. Since the opening, the center has continued to grow now serving throughout Washington and Yamhill Counties in both their local health centers and outreach programs directly into the migrant camps.
Referral Opportunties in April
Besides offering Hands On calendar projects, we also allow our partners to post ongoing volunteer opportunities. If you're interested in getting engaged in the community on an ongoing basis and want to use or hone your skills set, check out some of our new volunteer opportunities below!
► Share your skills and talents with the Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington – Multiple locations in OR & WA
► Volunteer Truck Driver/Truck Crew
Habitat Restore – SE Portland
► Project Access NOW Connect people to health care. Today.
Project Access NOW – NW Portland
► SCORE Counseling - Help Small and Emerging Businesses!
SCORE – Downtown Portland
► Life by Design NW Website Development Project
Life by Design NW – SE Portland
► Box it Up - Create Food Boxes with the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army – N Portland
► Events Committee Member for Reproductive Health
Oregon Foundation for Reproductive Health – Downtown Portland
► Lend a Hand at Kateri Park and Help its Refugee Population
Catholic Charities – SE Portland
► New Youth Perspectives: Mentor Eastern European Youth
Lutheran Community Services – SE Portland
► Join Virginia Garcia Connect! Have fun and make an impact!
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center – Hillsboro
► Support The Salvation Army Community Center
The Salvation Army – NE Portland
► After school program volunteer at Rigler Elementary
I Have A Dream Foundation-Oregon – NE Portland
► Spanish Speakers: Teach or Translate Gardening Workshops
Oregon Food Bank – NE Portland
► Help Build Peace Education for Israeli Arab and Jewish Children
Hand in Hand – Inner Portland
► Share your skills and talents with the Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington – Multiple locations in OR & WA
► Volunteer Truck Driver/Truck Crew
Habitat Restore – SE Portland
► Project Access NOW Connect people to health care. Today.
Project Access NOW – NW Portland
► SCORE Counseling - Help Small and Emerging Businesses!
SCORE – Downtown Portland
► Life by Design NW Website Development Project
Life by Design NW – SE Portland
► Box it Up - Create Food Boxes with the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army – N Portland
► Events Committee Member for Reproductive Health
Oregon Foundation for Reproductive Health – Downtown Portland
► Lend a Hand at Kateri Park and Help its Refugee Population
Catholic Charities – SE Portland
► New Youth Perspectives: Mentor Eastern European Youth
Lutheran Community Services – SE Portland
► Join Virginia Garcia Connect! Have fun and make an impact!
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center – Hillsboro
► Support The Salvation Army Community Center
The Salvation Army – NE Portland
► After school program volunteer at Rigler Elementary
I Have A Dream Foundation-Oregon – NE Portland
► Spanish Speakers: Teach or Translate Gardening Workshops
Oregon Food Bank – NE Portland
► Help Build Peace Education for Israeli Arab and Jewish Children
Hand in Hand – Inner Portland
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Save the Date!
Our annual Comcast / Hands On Greater Portland Cares Day 2009 date has been set--Saturday, April 25th. More information will be coming soon.
2009 Heart of The Community Awards
Stephanie Blackman awarded 2009 Hands On Greater Portland Volunteer Award
Stephanie’s involvement with Hands On Greater Portland began in 1999 as a project leader for the Community Energy Project. Over the years she has maintained and evolved her commitment and now teaches PSU capstone classes in conjunction with Hands On. Stephanie teaches students about civic participation and researches the relationship between education and democracy.
An instructor of both undergraduate and graduate level courses in the Graduate School of Education at Portland State University, she has a background in sociology and a strong commitment to social justice in her classes. Stephanie’s interests in civic engagement, political participation, and service-learning in the classroom as ways of building democracy and creating social change have led to an inspiring experience for her students. Stephanie sees engaged learning as the key to personal and social transformation and shares that enthusiasm for service with her students semester after semester, helping to raise the next generation of volunteers and leaders in our community.
Click here to watch an inspiring video on Stephanie, or here to see all of the outstanding award winners.
Give Time and Stuff
Hands On and DonorsResource.org align during tough timesBy Andy Nelson, Executive Director
It didn't take long for Della Rae and I to realize that, besides once being neighbors, we had something in common.
Della is founder of DonorsResource.org, an organization that matches nonprofit organizations with donations of so-called "in-kind" items, such as furniture, books or kitchen ware. Hands On connects volunteers with service opportunities in partnership with dozens of nonprofits.
Della and I realized that if teamed up, we could meet more needs together than we could alone. So that's what we've done. Hands On Greater Portland and DonorsResource.org are forming a partnership that encourages people to "Give time and stuff." Give time by volunteering with Hands On. Give stuff by working with DonorsResource.org to find a home for your, well, stuff.
We're holding a networking event on Thursday, March 5, from 5:30-7 pm here at Hands On (1621 NW 21st Ave.) to introduce nonprofit organizations to what we are doing. Our hope is that nonprofits can access both of our organizations by finding either of us. That's what we hope for people, too. Volunteers with Hands On might be moved to donate via DonorsResource.org. And vice versa.
The difficult economic times motivated us to form our partnership. Needs in our community have never been greater. At the same time, volunteering has never been more popular. Here at Hands On, we are making record number of volunteer connections over the past few weeks. To keep up with demands amid declining resources, Hands On is focusing on its core services, streamlining its resources and looking for collaborations, like this one with DonorsResource.org. By working together to encourage people to "Give time and stuff" we leverage each other's networks and get more people helping.
It's great to be working with Della again. A few years ago, back when our kids were toddlers, we lived next door to each other. I've always admired Della's drive and vision. DonorsResource.org is a great idea, and a resource that we've needed for a long time.
Meanwhile, Hands On is working on additional ways to streamline, focus and collaborate amid these tough difficult times. Needs are great. Volunteers want to help. Hands On is the bridge between people who want to help and community needs. Our services have never been in greater need. Collaborations like this one with DonorsResource.org are allowing us to seize this unique moment in time.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Revival awaits at Zenger Farms projects
A Hands On Boomer Initiative UpdateLooking for a chance to experience the “rebirth” of spring? Hands On Greater Portland’s Boomer Initiative has an opportunity for you in March.
Join us for springtime volunteer projects at Zenger Farm in southeast
The Zenger Farm project follows recent discussions that we organized about Robert Putnam’s book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. A central focus of our discussion was Putnam’s call for revival of meaningful connection to each other and our communities. As we discussed, many of our structures that supported this kind of connection and social accountability in the past are no longer viable. In their place are efforts like ours – the Boomer Initiative.
Hands On’s Boomer Initiative grew from another new effort, Life by Design NW, that seeks to support people contemplating retirement and older adults by providing opportunities for in-depth assessment and life planning, lifelong learning and civic engagement. Hands On organized the
For more information on Hands On’s Boomer Initiative, including additional volunteer opportunities, visit our website.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)