Research continues on the positive impact of “giving back” in regard to the physical and emotional well-being of the volunteer. In the past decade, there have been several in-depth studies on the benefits of volunteering for individuals of all ages—youth to older adults.
Location: Life Enrichment > Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteers at Touchmark
In this section
“It is abundantly clear from a number of studies that people who live generous lives also live happier lives.”
Share your time and talents
In Touchmark communities, residents are encouraged to participate in a wide range of civic engagement opportunities, and they devote countless hours to community service for deserving programs and organizations.
Volunteers in action slideshow
Volunteer Chris Hammerstad calls bingo. Chris, who is the volunteer coordinator for the Appleton Area Newcomer’s Club, faithfully organizes members of her group to serve at Touchmark. “I enjoy volunteering, because it is rewarding, helps others, and is fulfilling,” says Chris. “It’ fun to share their excitement, stories, and joy.” The Newcomer’s Club members help with special events, decorating, birthday parties, shopping, special services, and bingo.
Resident Jerri Pitelka visits her pen pals at Butte des Morts Elementary School.
Brownie Troop 413 visited Touchmark and helped create crafty fl oral arrangements. More than 20 residents joined the 6- and 7-year-old girls and their parents around tables to make bright bouquets from tissue paper and pipe cleaners. Resident Maxine Bathe and Brownie Katy Giminez show off their new bouquet.
In addition to volunteering in the surrounding community, residents provide support to programs and services on the campus, sharing years of life experience, talents, and skills. This unselfish commitment contributes to the relationships and outcomes that enhance the quality of life for both the giver and recipients.
Touchmark also invites volunteers from the broader community to support activities and services. A menu of possible volunteer opportunities is posted here, and interested people are encouraged to contact us to pursue the possibilities.
The process of volunteering is very much like applying for a job at Touchmark. Volunteer candidates fill out an application and proceed through the process of reference and background checks, orientation, and training. We place a high value on volunteers and want to find the right fit for each one.
To find out more about the volunteer opportunities within Touchmark, call the community’s main number or click here to contact us and convey your interest.
Volunteers welcome!
Touchmark communities in the US and Canada actively recruit individuals who want to make a difference in their own and others’ lives by committing time, talent, and energy to the Life Enrichment/Wellness program offerings. Volunteer opportunities include:
- Piano players
- Musicians
- Gardeners
- Pet pals
- Crafters
- Storytellers
- Walking/hiking buddies
- Bible study leaders
- Exercise buddies
- Cooking connoisseurs
- Hosts and Hostesses
- Artists
- Discussion group leaders
- Board and card game enthusiasts
- Needle crafters-quilters; knitting; crocheting; needlepoint; weavers
- Excursion buddies
For details on available opportunities, talk with the Life Enrichment/Wellness director or complete the application.
Resources about volunteering
These articles and links provide more information about the benefits of volunteerism:
“Growing Older in America: The Health & Retirement Study”
www.nia.nih.gov/ResearchInformation/ExtramuralPrograms/Behavioral...
“The 2007 Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating” [Note: This is a 94-page document.]
www.givingandvolunteering.ca/files/giving/en/csgvp_highlights_2007.pdf
© 2012 Touchmark