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.