There is another way that survivors can beat stress at Christmas. Volunteer with an agency that can make a difference. Focusing on others is a big part of what the season is all about. Every survivors has a skill or skills that they can share. You would be surprised at how much even the smallest acts of kindness can help an agency. Some of the skills that our organization has needed in the past have included:
Organizing a clothing closet
What goes where is a big deal in a closet. If you have ever organized your closet or that of a family member then this is something that you can do. Thrift shops, shelters, crisis pregnancy centers often need volunteers who can help arrange a closet.
Wrap presents
Wrapping presents is a big fundraiser for a lot of charities. Your skills don't have to be perfect. Not only will it help you beat Christmas stress but its a reminder of what the holiday is all about. If wrapping isn't your thing then don't worry. Handing out fliers and telling people about the work of the nonprofit is just as important.
Help on the board
Nonprofits can only operate with the oversight of a board of directors. Check with a nonprofit near you. There may be a board position open. It's a great way to volunteer.
Social Media
These days it is critical to have a web presence. If you can blog (like this article), tweet or retweet then becoming a social media volunteer may be for you. It's an easy way to be involved and it can be a way to help beat Christmas stress.
This is tip number eight of a series. Visit the article Twelve ways to beat Christmas stress to read the first piece in the series.
Showing posts with label volunteers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label volunteers. Show all posts
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Welcome to our new admin on Facebook
Our Facebook page has a new admin. Welcome Liz! If you are a newsletter subscriber you may have already seen her handiwork. Local volunteers know her from all the help she gives at events.
Her bright upbeat attitude is infectious. We have full confidence that Liz will do a great job as an admin! We appreciate her help and welcome her to our Facebook Page with open arms. If you've not dropped by to say hello yet why not point your browser there now? Our url is http://www.facebook.com/hopeforhealingorg
If you would like to volunteer just send an email to countmein (at) hopeforhealing (dot) org. We are looking for volunteer bloggers, social media team members, Voices of Hope and chat room monitors in all of our groups and forums. Locally, we always need help with outreach and education events.
Email us today to begin making a difference for other survivors. You (and they) will be glad.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Working with At Risk Youth in Restorative Justice
We get to work with our Restorative Justice kids tomorrow. It's always good to see them coming. They are a really big help when it comes to getting things done. Like always, there's a lot to do.
The kids are going to get to help us create an educational and awareness display about Hope for Healing.Org. A stack of brochures have to be folded and we're going to get some purple ribbon cards created.
Since Valentine's Day is coming up we have something special for the kids. The four girls who are scheduled will each get a small box of candy that you see in the photo. It's a small thing to do to let the girls know we care.
It's interesting to see what happens when the kids create displays. This gives us the opportunity to explain about the cycle. As they learn about domestic violence the light bulbs come on. You can see it on their faces. Unfortunately, this isn't always the happiest moment.
All too often the kids are familiar with domestic violence on a personal level. It is a rare exception when the kids haven't experienced domestic violence. Another troubling thing is that just about all the kids have friends who are already involved in dangerous relationships.
What we're seeing echoes information on the Love Is Respect Foundation website. This is the site for the National Teen Dating Violence helpline. There is also a live chat feature where kids can get help. Both kids and parents may want to check out the website.
Since Valentine's Day is coming up we have something special for the kids. The four girls who are scheduled will each get a small box of candy that you see in the photo. It's a small thing to do to let the girls know we care.
It's interesting to see what happens when the kids create displays. This gives us the opportunity to explain about the cycle. As they learn about domestic violence the light bulbs come on. You can see it on their faces. Unfortunately, this isn't always the happiest moment.
All too often the kids are familiar with domestic violence on a personal level. It is a rare exception when the kids haven't experienced domestic violence. Another troubling thing is that just about all the kids have friends who are already involved in dangerous relationships.
What we're seeing echoes information on the Love Is Respect Foundation website. This is the site for the National Teen Dating Violence helpline. There is also a live chat feature where kids can get help. Both kids and parents may want to check out the website.
Monday, April 05, 2010
Photos from the service event in Waynesville, NC
Many thanks to First UMC of Waynesville, NC. Here are some of the great photos that we took. You can see the large bag of cards that were made. It's safe to say that everyone had a good time.
We appreciate the space, the opportunity to meet everyone and the supplies that were donated. Thanks again for making a difference in the lives of survivors of sexual and domestic violence!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Jacksboro UMC hosts Hope for Healing.Org volunteer service event
On March 28, 2010, Jacksboro United Methodist Church hosted a volunteer service event everyone had a great time getting to know each other! Inserts were put into podcasts, cards were made, jewelry packaged, books signed, an ebook proofread... With all of the extra hands we were able to accomplish a lot of good.
The items that we created will be distributed or sold to benefit our program. Look for us to have these available when our founder speaks on behalf of the National Child Sexual Assault Coalition in Springhill, Louisiana and at other speaking events.
Photos coming soon!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Got golf tournament experience?
Good news! Hope for Healing.Org is organizing our first fall golf tournament. If you have golf tournament experience and are one of our regular volunteers (or want to be a new one) let us know! We need your knowledge.
We'll be posting more on this as the details develop. Volunteers will be needed the day of the golf tournament who don't have any prior experience. During the formative stages we are looking for people who have successfully put together a golf tournament who can help. We are excited about this fundraising activity. The work has already started. Would you like to join us? Email hello@hopeforhealing.org today to let us know.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Students Learn Skills at Nonprofit Hope for Healing.org
Students learned skills today at our nonprofit, Hope for Healing.Org. We have 4 students working with us for 6 weeks. This is a Stimulus program. Three started jobs yesterday. Another person begins work tomorrow.
The students will process in-kind donations and create inventory. Work on a recycled chair was started b
y a volunteer and juvenile offenders. Today, the chair was completed by a student in the work program.
The chair was sanded and given several coats of paint. Next, material that was tie-dyed by volunteers and other juvenile offenders was cut into strips. The strips were carefully woven to create the chair you see here.
When enough items are created we hope to have an auction and open house. Look for information here later this summer.
Thank you for bringing the donated items to us! We (and the kids) thank you.
The students will process in-kind donations and create inventory. Work on a recycled chair was started b
y a volunteer and juvenile offenders. Today, the chair was completed by a student in the work program.The chair was sanded and given several coats of paint. Next, material that was tie-dyed by volunteers and other juvenile offenders was cut into strips. The strips were carefully woven to create the chair you see here.
When enough items are created we hope to have an auction and open house. Look for information here later this summer.
Thank you for bringing the donated items to us! We (and the kids) thank you.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Busy Day at Local Nonprofit
It was a busy day for our local nonprofit. We had a total of 13 people (most of whom were Hope Youth) sorting, folding and "neatening" the ministry center. It was all hands on deck as we tidied both inside and out.
We really appreciate the efforts of everyone who pitched in to help. Giving up a Saturday to help other isn't easy. When it's a holiday Saturday that volunteers are giving up that makes their time even more special.
The big winners of all this work is going to be the clients we serve.
Thank you volunteers for helping us help others!
C-ya online,
Gayle
We really appreciate the efforts of everyone who pitched in to help. Giving up a Saturday to help other isn't easy. When it's a holiday Saturday that volunteers are giving up that makes their time even more special.
The big winners of all this work is going to be the clients we serve.
Thank you volunteers for helping us help others!
C-ya online,
Gayle
Friday, May 22, 2009
Hope for Healing.Org Ministry Center A Day in Our Life
Today was a busy day at the Hope for Healing.Org Mission Center. I can already tell that our new intern is going to be great. She dived into the pile of donated clothing like a pro. Look for her to be a guest blogger here and helping with online activities in addition to being at the Hope for Healing.Org Mission Center.
While she was working with the clothing a teen volunteer was busy too. He was helping with the weed eating and trash run. Facilitating the trash run was help from another adult volunteer.
Another teen volunteer came by with her mom to talk for a minute. A lady came by to bring newspapers for the dumpster and another lady stopped to ask what we take in in-kind donations.
Then, there was me running around trying to keep things flowing.
While she was working with the clothing a teen volunteer was busy too. He was helping with the weed eating and trash run. Facilitating the trash run was help from another adult volunteer.
Another teen volunteer came by with her mom to talk for a minute. A lady came by to bring newspapers for the dumpster and another lady stopped to ask what we take in in-kind donations.
Then, there was me running around trying to keep things flowing.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Charity Hosts Service Event for National Day of Service Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday
The Strawberry Plains charity Hope for Healing.Org, will host a service event on January 19 at our office on 3130 W. Old Andrew Johnson Hwy., Strawberry Plains, TN 37871.
At the time of this writing, this service event is the only Presidential Inaugural Committee approved event within the state of Tennessee (although it is expected that more organizations will be participating.)
The website of the Presidential Inaugural Committee reads:
At the time of this writing, this service event is the only Presidential Inaugural Committee approved event within the state of Tennessee (although it is expected that more organizations will be participating.)
The website of the Presidential Inaugural Committee reads:
In 1994, to further commemorate a man who lived his life in service to others, Congress transformed the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday into a national day of community service. To honor Dr. King’s legacy, the President-elect and Vice President-elect and their families, joined by Americans in communities all across the country, will participate in activities dedicated to serving others...
Part of that commitment includes organizing a National Day of Service to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King., Jr. on January 19, 2009. Volunteers are invited to help the less fortunate in Strawberry Plains by working in the organizations clothing closet. Clothes will be sorted, folded and organized in preparation for the summer season.
To sign up for the event please visit the website of the Presidential Inaugural Committee here: http://www.pic2009.org/page/event/detail/dayofservicejanuary19/jrr
For more information about Hope for Healing.Org please contact us at 964.6673 or email gayle@hopeforhealing.orgSunday, October 26, 2008
A+ Angel Food, Volunteers, Holiday Craft Show
Thanks to our volunteers for a terrific Angel Food distribution and more. We got a lot accomplished yesterday. Everything went really well. This was Mildred's first time at coordinating. Feedback was great!
Also on Angel Food days we are joined by juvenile offenders through Restorative Justice. These are kids who are giving court-ordered community service. They just pitched right in and went to work. Jason had them carrying food boxes, sanding and re-creating furniture and more - right along with other Hope Youth Volunteers. You couldn't have asked for better.
Overall, all the kids helped with the distribution. They also sanded wood items and learned how to turn items that need some TLC into beautiful pieces. A chair was completely repainted and padding replaced. We all worked to make a battered kitchen table into a workable, pretty piece. The girls helped make Santa Claus pins from cinnamon sticks, sand wood and recreate furniture. They also helped a grateful Gwen out in the thrift shop. These items and more will be available at our holiday craft show.
The neatest thing about creating these items isn't in having terrific items to sell. (Although that is a plus.) The best thing is that the kids have a chance to recreate their views on the world. Helping carry food boxes helps their self-esteem. Creating items gives them new skills and helps their self-esteem.
Basically, at-risk kids have a place they can go that they feel is safe. They have a chance to stretch their wings and grow. With that opportunity, lots of positive things happen.
Also on Angel Food days we are joined by juvenile offenders through Restorative Justice. These are kids who are giving court-ordered community service. They just pitched right in and went to work. Jason had them carrying food boxes, sanding and re-creating furniture and more - right along with other Hope Youth Volunteers. You couldn't have asked for better.
Overall, all the kids helped with the distribution. They also sanded wood items and learned how to turn items that need some TLC into beautiful pieces. A chair was completely repainted and padding replaced. We all worked to make a battered kitchen table into a workable, pretty piece. The girls helped make Santa Claus pins from cinnamon sticks, sand wood and recreate furniture. They also helped a grateful Gwen out in the thrift shop. These items and more will be available at our holiday craft show.
The neatest thing about creating these items isn't in having terrific items to sell. (Although that is a plus.) The best thing is that the kids have a chance to recreate their views on the world. Helping carry food boxes helps their self-esteem. Creating items gives them new skills and helps their self-esteem.
Basically, at-risk kids have a place they can go that they feel is safe. They have a chance to stretch their wings and grow. With that opportunity, lots of positive things happen.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Carson-Newman College Dance Team Makes Hope Happen!
Thanks Carson-Newman College Dance Team and Operation Inasmuch!These wonderful women created domestic violence awareness cards, cleaned, rearranged, straightened, folded and sorted clothing, made signs and interacted with Hope Youth - all in about 2 1/2 hours! Our hat is off to them.
Part of the work they did may help beyond the border of our community.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. There are never enough of these to go around. The awareness cards will be used at all of our October events, in mail-outs and be given out at our annual prayer service. Some cards will stay here. Others will be given to churches throughout East Tennessee.
Calling Operation Inasmuch a positive experience is an understatement. Not only were valuable services provided but the youth really enjoyed working with the team. One youth said she liked being around them because she wasn't treated like a kid and she's already looking forward to next time.
Our staff seconds her viewpoint! It's hard to argue with results like that.
The 2008 Dance Team Members include:
Danielle Beckler
Brittany Rice
*Bethany Wells
Leah Brooks
Kristin Bouldin
*Allee Johnson
Logan McDaniel
Pamela Gray
Kimberly Grantham
Jillian Howell
Friday, September 19, 2008
Welcome Carson-Newman Dance Team!
Tomorrow is going to be a big day for us. The dance team of Carson-Newman college is going to come help. We always love volunteers but we especially love this group. This is the third year they have come as part of Operation Inasmuch (OI for short.)
Operation Inasmuch was piloted as a community ministry project in the fall of 2006. That year, 300 students participated. About two dozen projects participated.
We were honored to be one of the first sites to participate. Hopefully, Operation Inasmuch will continue to happen for years to come!
See you tomorrow!
Operation Inasmuch was piloted as a community ministry project in the fall of 2006. That year, 300 students participated. About two dozen projects participated.
We were honored to be one of the first sites to participate. Hopefully, Operation Inasmuch will continue to happen for years to come!
See you tomorrow!
Friday, November 02, 2007
Belk $5 Charity Day Tickets on Sale Now!
See our article on the website of the Koxville News Sentinel.
http://knoxville.yourhub.com/CARTERSTRAWBERRYPLAINS/Stories/Clubs-and-Organization/News/Story~386521.aspx
The holiday season always mean an increased need for the services we provide. Besides the usual need for food, clothing and necessities there is an emphasis on familiy activities during the holiday season. Most families enjoy this time of year eagerly gathering for Thanksgiving dinner and catching up with relatives. But for families already under stress the added strain of the holidays flares tempers and shortens fuses. Helpline calls increase and so do requests for help with basic necessities.
We do the best we can but we need your help.
Fundraisers, like the mentioned Belk Charity sale provide needed funds for us to operate on and help families with. People are also needed to help sell tickets individually and/or volunteer at a table in the department store.
But the help we need isn't limited to fundraising. We need help in all areas.f
Monday night we're having a helpline training. Do you have a heart for others? Would you have an evening a month or a weekend to answer calls? If so, call or email us for the location and time of the training. Calls are forwarded into a cell phone that goes where you go. The training is free.
http://knoxville.yourhub.com/CARTERSTRAWBERRYPLAINS/Stories/Clubs-and-Organization/News/Story~386521.aspx
The holiday season always mean an increased need for the services we provide. Besides the usual need for food, clothing and necessities there is an emphasis on familiy activities during the holiday season. Most families enjoy this time of year eagerly gathering for Thanksgiving dinner and catching up with relatives. But for families already under stress the added strain of the holidays flares tempers and shortens fuses. Helpline calls increase and so do requests for help with basic necessities.
We do the best we can but we need your help.
Fundraisers, like the mentioned Belk Charity sale provide needed funds for us to operate on and help families with. People are also needed to help sell tickets individually and/or volunteer at a table in the department store.
But the help we need isn't limited to fundraising. We need help in all areas.f
Monday night we're having a helpline training. Do you have a heart for others? Would you have an evening a month or a weekend to answer calls? If so, call or email us for the location and time of the training. Calls are forwarded into a cell phone that goes where you go. The training is free.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Secondhand Hope Receives Business License
It's official! Secondhand Hope has now received our business license. We'll have it framed and on the wall today.
So much has been going on lately. Yesterday for example we had 4 teen volunteers. They did put up shelving, sorted clothes, unloaded a donation and picked up litter. Gwen was there to help coordinate. Great job guys!!
Today, they'll be trimming mirrors, sorting, folding, stacking and rinsing donated soft drink bottles. The 20 oz. bottles go to a recycler and stays out of the landfill. The money goes to help stop domestic violence. It's an unbeatable combination!
Oh, there goes the phone.
C-ya online!
So much has been going on lately. Yesterday for example we had 4 teen volunteers. They did put up shelving, sorted clothes, unloaded a donation and picked up litter. Gwen was there to help coordinate. Great job guys!!
Today, they'll be trimming mirrors, sorting, folding, stacking and rinsing donated soft drink bottles. The 20 oz. bottles go to a recycler and stays out of the landfill. The money goes to help stop domestic violence. It's an unbeatable combination!
Oh, there goes the phone.
C-ya online!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Volunteers Take Honors at Carter High School Awards Ceremony
Kids You Rock!
The Carter High School underclass awards were given this morning. Several of our volunteers received honors. Our kids were recognized for volunteerism, science, welding and (previously recognized) for their work in the band.
We're SO proud of you all!
And don't forget, our volunteer bash is happening later this summer. Allie is already hard at work putting it together. We'll be recognizing everyone. Be sure to email your ideas to her at alexandria@hopeforhealing.org
And again, GO HOPE VOLS GO!!!
The Carter High School underclass awards were given this morning. Several of our volunteers received honors. Our kids were recognized for volunteerism, science, welding and (previously recognized) for their work in the band.
We're SO proud of you all!
And don't forget, our volunteer bash is happening later this summer. Allie is already hard at work putting it together. We'll be recognizing everyone. Be sure to email your ideas to her at alexandria@hopeforhealing.org
And again, GO HOPE VOLS GO!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)