Volunteer Opportunities for September 2012

ARC UNITED OF PEQUOT LAKES

Deborah Simmons 218-251-0957 Debsimmons@charter.net

Thrift Store Volunteers — We are looking for volunteers to work in our thrift store in Pequot Lakes. Duties would include, sorting incoming donations, marking, organizing and assisting customers. Daytime hours are Wednesday through Saturday with additional hours during summer months.

BRAINERD LAKES AREA EARLY CHILDHOOD COALITION

Tammy 218-454-5445 tammyfilippi@charter.net

Office Assistant — Help with secretarial tasks. This may include updating computer database and organizing files and binders. Various days and hours available.

BRAINERD PUBLIC LIBRARY

218-829-5574

Shelving Stocker — Volunteers needed to help with shelving books. Flexible hours.

Senior Outreach Program — Help the library by assisting in the delivery of materials (Large print books, audio books/player and videos) to homebound seniors. You determine the days/times that will fit into your schedule. Contact Laurel Hall 218-829-5574.

Board member — Friends of the Brainerd Public Library, an organization that supports and promotes Brainerd Public Library, is looking for individuals to serve on the Friends of the Library Board of Directors. Activities include the used book sale, author visits and programming at the library. For more information call Friends President Gail Brecht at 218-855-1054 or Secretary/Treasurer Sherri Delahunt at 218-963-2699.

BREATH OF LIFE

Bob Schricker 822-3296

Program Assistant — Assist with crafts, music, storytelling, reading, making cookies, clean-up, serving “goodies” and beverages. Answer the phone; assist elderly participants with coats and hats, walkers, canes and wheelchairs. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hours and days are flexible.

Driver — Need volunteer drivers to pick-up/deliver clients to and from the program. No special license is needed and van is provided.

Poker player — We need a volunteer to play Texas Hold’em with a few of our clients. Two days per week.

CENTRAL LAKES COLLEGE —CENTER FOR LIFE LONG LEARNING

Bill Brekken bbrekken@clcmn.edu

218-855-8146

Grant Writer — The Center for Lifelong Learning is looking for a volunteer grant writer(s). If interested, I encourage you to call or email.

CENTRAL MINNESOTA COUNCIL ON AGING

Brenda Wuebkers 800-333-2433 Brenda.Wuebkers@cmcoa.org

Information Advocate for Seniors — Volunteers are needed to provide advocacy on behalf of older adults and disabled persons through the Senior LinkAge Line by assisting Medicare Beneficiaries with Medicare counseling, medical billing errors, health care directives, prescription drug assistance, etc. Training is provided.

CIRCLE OF PARENTS

Joan Johnson 821-6429 jjohnson@pcamn.org

Facilitator and children’s program volunteers — This is a weekly support and education group that meets in Brainerd, Pequot Lakes and Crosby and for anyone in a parenting role. Parents come voluntarily as they seek to improve their parenting skills through mutual self help. Seeking volunteers to facilitate the parents group and to help with the children’s program. Not necessary to be a parent educator. Facilitator and children’s program training available. Stipend available. Please contact.

COMMON GOODS THRIFT STORE/BRIDGES OF HOPE

Natasha Leyk 824-0923 vista@bridgesofhopemn.org

Thrift Store Associates - Volunteers need to restock sales floor, clean and organize merchandise, pick up large donations once a month and other support to Common Goods staff. Monday–Saturday, anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Flexible days and hours.

CONFIDENCE LEARNING CENTER

Mary Harder 828-2344 ext 209, mary@campconfidence.com

Firewood Bundler - Cut our slab wood (good chainsaw skills necessary), bundle, label and stack it. Teams of 3-4 people per jig set works best. We have 3 cutting and bundling jigs to accomplish this project. Choose a time Monday thru Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (must call ahead).

CRISIS LINE & REFERRAL SERVICE

Mary 828-4515, mary.crisisline@brainerd.net

Line Volunteer –To listen, ask questions and guide callers to local resources and empower them to call. Sometimes to be a listening ear. Two shifts per month. Shifts are: 8 a.m.-noon, noon-5 p.m., 5-10 p.m., 10 p.m.-8 a.m.

CROSSLAKE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Jo Bierman 218-692-2825 jmbCLAHS@g.mail.com

Buildings & Grounds Assistants — Urgent need for volunteers to help the Building & Grounds Committee in general repair and maintenance of the museums eight historic buildings and the museum grounds. April to mid-Oct. Hours: Flexible.

CROSSLAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Cindy Myogeto, 218-692-4027 Crosslake Area Dir cmyogeto@explorebrainerdlakes.com

Travel/Information Center Assistant. This position requires knowledge of the Crosslake Area.

CROSSLAKE LIBRARY

Kim Larson 218-692-7323

Library Assistants — We are looking for a few good volunteers to work a variety of jobs. We offer a flexible schedule that fits your lifestyle. Some of the duties available include checking books in and out, helping patrons who need assistance with computers, processing books or helping with our children’s programs. We are open Monday-Saturday. Each shift is usually three hours, but you are welcome to work more or less than that depending on your availability.

CROW WING COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES

Patty Ludwig 218-824-1191

Volunteer Drivers — We are seeking volunteers throughout Crow Wing County to help people with transportationto/from medical and miscellaneous appointments. Mileage reimbursement is provided depending on the transport and you choose which rides you would like to do.

CROW WING COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES — PUBLIC HEALTH

Renee 218-824-1206

Office Assistant – Help with filing, copying and assembling packets. Four hours per week. Schedule your own days and hours.

CROW WING COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

218-829-3268

Museum Greeter – Museum greeter for front desk on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Help needed during the Crow Wing County Fair at one of the Historic Society buildings: General Store, Schoolhouse, Holsapple and Wohl House. The fair is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – the shifts are three hours.

CROW WING COUNTY JAIL

Sgt. Tina Theisen 218-822-7050

Visit Coordinator — We are recruiting volunteers that have an interest in coordinating our jail visiting program. Please call to request and application.

CUYUNA IRON RANGE HERITAGE NETWORK SOO LINE DEPOT

Kaye Gillman 218-545-1166 cchps@crosbyironton.net or Myrna Nelson 218-767-2505

Volunteers — We need people to help with displays, greeting people, tours and manpower. Summer hours - seven days/week .

CUYUNA RANGE YOUTH CENTER

Lucy Bartz 218-839-2218

Mentors — Volunteer with old and new friends in a mentoring style with youth grades seven-12. Training and guidance with experienced volunteer provided. For schedule and hours please contact Lucy.

CUYUNA REGIONAL CARE CENTER

Ali Engler 218-546-4353

Music — Perform live music for residents. One time monthly.

Card Player — Play cards with residents. Flexible to your schedule.

Shopper — Run errands for residents. One day a week.

Companion — Be a companion to a resident on outings with staff.

Craft person — Assist residents with crafts.

DORCAS

Kathy Burdorf or 218-828-2811

Thrift store associate — Help with unloading donations, cleaning, hanging, pricing and sorting. Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

DIAMOND WILLOW

Natalie 218-428-7575

Music – Piano/Organist - Perform live music for residents during a non-denominational worship service. Sunday afternoon 3:15 – 3:45 p.m.

ESSENTIA HEALTH-ST. JOSEPH’S MEDICAL CENTER

Deb Anderson 218-828-7610 debanderson@essentiahealth.org

Escort — Volunteer in main lobby to escort people to area of hospital they need to go Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to noon or noon to 4 p.m.

Cancer Center — Visiting with patients, providing treats and making coffee. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-noon or noon-4 p.m.

Office work — Doing a variety of office work; filing, collating, organizing. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-noon.

Delivery Person — Delivering mail to patients, flowers and interdepartmental mail. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-noon or noon to 3:30 p.m.

FOSTER GRANDPARENT/SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM

Marcia Ferris 218-839-6650 Marcia.Ferris@lssmn.org

FGP — 1:1 attention to children in schools, Headstart, shelters, pre-schools. Age 55+, Tax-free stipend, meals, mileage and volunteer liability insurance provided. Monday-Friday, 15 hours per week.

GIRL SCOUTS OF MINNESOTA & WISCONSIN LAKES AND PINES

Monica Husen 828-3515, mhusen@gslakesandpines.org

Troop meetings and special events — We are looking for volunteers to help lead troupes and organize special events that are held throughout the year. To find out more please give us a call.

GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPICE PROGRAM

Kris Kayser 218-851-1137

Hospice Volunteer — Provide in-home services to the terminally ill patient and their family, through listening, one to one visiting, reading and support. Days/hours to fit your schedule.

Office Assistants — Help with secretarial work in the Hospice office in Nisswa. Various days and hours.

GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY-BETHANY

Liz Foss, Activity Director 218-825-2504 efoss@good-sam.com

We have a wide variety of volunteer positions for you to consider, for example... Abiders (Specially trained volunteers serving dying residents when there are no family members or friends available to be present at the time of death.), bingo, bird care–aviary with colorful birds, bowling, church service escorts, dining escorts, caring partners, chapel music-organ & piano, fancy fingernails, gift shop volunteers, Hair care Escorts, Hospitality Cart, Hosts/Hostesses, mail route, musicians, popcorn poppers, Wii games, make popcorn.

GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY–SAMARITAN HOUSES

Glenda Christensen, Activity Director, 218-855-6642

Musicians — Looking for volunteers/groups who would enjoy sharing their musical talents with residents; church groups, choirs, dance groups, etc.

GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY-WOODLAND

Tina Dunlap 218-829-1429

Escort — Assist resident to dining room everyday; 7:15-7:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-noon, and/or 5:15-5:45 p.m.

Hospitality Helper — Looking for volunteers who would like to serve on a Hospitality Committee, serving for parties, special events and funeral lunches.

Bingo Assistant — Assist residents in finding, covering and calling off Bingo. Fridays, 2:45–4 p.m.

Visitor — Visit with residents on a one-to-one basis.

Drivers — Volunteers to drive a 20-passenger bus — need to have a Class B passenger-endorsed license one or two Sundays a month.

House Sitter — Elmwood and Oakwood Samaritan Houses, late afternoon hours.

HALLETT COTTAGES ARBOR

Lori Smedstad or Maggie Moneta 218-545-8534

Various Opportunities — One-on-one visits, piano playing, sing-a-longs, reading to residents, craft projects, assisting residents on outings, musical performances and table games. Opportunities for individuals and/or families, anytime of the day or evening. Organizations to sponsor monthly birthday parties.

HARMONY HOUSE OF BRAINERD

Shelley or Carrie 828-4142

Friendly Visitor — Come to visit and be a friend to some of our residents.

Nail Care — Assist with “Fancy Fingers” (nail care). We provide all of the supplies. Time/day convenient to your schedule.

Gift of Music — Come to play the piano or whatever instrument you play.

Bible Study Group — Lead a group of residents in reading scriptures.

Talent — Whatever your talent is we would love to have you come and share it.

HEARTWOOD SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

Lori Smedstad & Maggie Moneta 218-545-8534

Various Opportunities – We have volunteer openings ranging from personal visits, drivers for our in-house shuttle van, creating and assisting with simple crafts or activities, reading stories, writing letters, sharing your musical talents once a month or assisting residents on outings. Training and orientation are provided for all volunteer positions.

JESSIE F. HALLETT MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Linda Anderson Friends@halletlibrary.com or Peggi Beseres 218-546-8005 www.hallettlibrary.org

JFHML Friends Foundation — Friends group needs members to support the library with fundraising projects, including working two or three hour shifts in used bookstore: Backstreet Books. Meetings are held in large meeting room of library second Tuesday of each month (except June or July) from 5-6 p.m. Also, people needed to help make “repurposed book art” for store.

JUNIOR ACHIVEMENT Jessica Gangl 218-825-2308 Jgangl@jaum.org

Classroom Volunteers — 12 in-classroom volunteers needed; materials and training provided.

KINSHIP PARTNERS 218-829-4606 or toll free 877-730-5437 mail@kinshippartners.org

Mentors — Providing positive role models to youth in Crow Wing County, southern Cass County and now the Staples/Motley area.

LAKES AREA GUYS NETWORK (LAGN) Luke Morcomb 218-829-4606

Heroes — LAGN is partnered with Kinship and works with boys ages 11-15.

LAKES AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Kevin 828-8517 kevin.pelkey@lakesareahabitat.org

Family Support Partners, Retail/ReStore Staff, Construction/Deconstruction workers. Positions are flexible.

LAKES AREA INTERFAITH CAREGIVERS

Kelly or Colleen 218-820-7454

Drivers — Volunteers needed to drive individuals to and from their medical appointments.

LAKES AREA RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROJECT

Stephanie Haider 218-568 4145 www.office.assistant@larjp.org website: www.larjp.org

Facilitators — Volunteers sought to facilitate four or more cases per year. Training required, but prior experience is not.

LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER

DeAnn Barry or Paula 218-829-9345

Front Desk Greeter — 8 a.m. to noon or noon to 4 p.m.

Gift Shop Clerk, Bingo Callers — Wednesdays

Donut Production Crew — Thursdays

LSS SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM

Lucy Hanninen 218-824-6026

Kitchen Helper — 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Meals on Wheels Drivers — Deliver meals to shut-ins

North Star Apartment Driver — Deliver meals

MOUNTED EAGLES

Shirley Adolphson

320-692-4819, Toni Wasilensky 218-825-4944 or Toll Free at 888-828-9920

e-mail: info@mountedeagles.org website: www.mountedeagles.org

Horse Lovers — Need volunteers to help teach therapeutic horsemanship. Call or stop in at Spirit Horse Center.

NISSWA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

218-963-2620 request@nisswa.com

Event Volunteers; Travel/Information Center Assistant — This position requires knowledge of the Lakes Area and Nisswa.

NEW PATHWAYS/INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK

Angie Kingbird 218-454-0460

Board of Directors; Advisory Board members; Brainerd Site Planning Committee

NISSWA AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Leanne Carlson, 218-963-2432.

Front Desk Assistant, Collections Aide, Handyman

NORTHLAND ARBORETUM

Peg Serani 218-829-8770

Information Desk and Outdoor Positions

OFFICE OF OMBUDSMAN FOR LONG-TERM CARE

Jane Brink 218-825-2005 or 800-657-3591 jane.m.brink@state.mn.us

Advocate — Help promote the well-being and quality of life for residents in long-term care facilities.

OUR HOME Danielle Othoudt 320-495-3820 dothoudt@voamn.org

Mechanic; Childcare provider — Second and fourth Thursday of every month from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.;

Youth Mentor — Scheduling is flexible.

PEQUOT LAKES AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Karen Bye 218-568-4808

Museum Greeters – Noon to 4 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day.

PEQUOT LAKES LIBRARY

Nancy or Donna 218-568-6181 nkadams@uslink.net

Library Volunteer — Greet patrons, check books in and out, shelve books, basic computer knowledge. Morning shift 9 a.m.-noon, afternoon shift noon-4 p.m.

RELEASE ADVANCE PLANNING (RAP)

Glen Olsen; 218-824-1268, email: glen.olsen@co.crow-wing.mn.us

Tutor/Mentor — Assist a Crow Wing County jail inmate gain his or her High School Diploma or GED. The volunteer will be working with someone who is seeking a second chance to make a better life for themself by getting the education that they failed to get when they were younger. After passing a background check, you will be given a tour of the jail and instructions to help you to prepare yourself for working with this population. The volunteer will be working through the Jail Programs Department and the days and hours are usually flexible.

RESPITE & CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM

Rana Peeling 218-820-8144

Respite Care Volunteer — To stay with someone age 60 or older with a chronic health condition, providing visitation and safety, while the family caregiver takes a break and gets out of the home. Flexible days and hours.

RSVP VOLUNTEER SERVICES

Mike Koecheler 218-824-1345 www.rsvpvolunteerservices.org

Visionaries — I am in need of volunteers to fill open positions with our non-profit partnership agencies. Whether you want to use your brain, back or heart we have an opportunity for you. We specialize in matching the skills and talents of volunteers like you with needs in our community.

SECOND HARVEST NORTH CENTRAL FOOD BANK — Sandy McKay at 218-326-4420 or sandy@secondharvestncfb.com

Distribution Assistants — Work on-site at our Brainerd MAC & NAPS location helping to register program participants or carrying 40-pound boxes of food. Regular one day a month; commitment preferred. Must be friendly, enjoy working with people, able to sit for short periods of time and/or lift 40-pound boxes of food. Wear casual, comfortable shoes and clothing.

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Melissa Barrick 218-828-6197 or e-mail to: Melissa.barrick@co.crow-wing.mn.us

Help preserve our natural resources — Shoreline Restoration and Management Projects work is sporadic; if interested working outdoors and like plants give us a call.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS–BRAINERD AREA LAKERS

Doug Bolton 218-963-7332 debolton@charter.net

Coach — Coach adult athletes in basketball, aquatics, bowling or track and field. Sports seasons last eight weeks, with practices lasting 1 1/2 hours once per week. Training is provided by Special Olympics Minnesota staff. You must be at least 18 to coach.

Local Sports Management Team Member — Provide general management direction and administrative support to ensure the delivery of quality Special Olympics sports training programs and athlete competition events that are available to all eligible individuals in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Meet once per month. Specific sports knowledge not required.

THE SHOP Cindy Moore 218-838-7014

Mentors — Interact one-on-one with youth ages 14-21 doing activities, playing games, teaching them a new skill etc. Hours are Wednesday-Saturday 3 p.m-9 p.m. and Sunday 3 p.m.-7 p.m.

TRIAD / S.A.L.T. – Tina Elder/Becky Koecheler 829-4749

Core Management Team Member — TRIAD/S.A.L.T. is collaboration between law enforcement and adults 55 plus in the community who work together on a joint approach to crime issues that effect seniors. Provide general management/leadership direction and administrative support to ensure the delivery of quality programs to individuals in Crow Wing County.

UNITED WAY OF CROW WING & SOUTHERN CASS COUNTIES Faith at faith.uw@brainerd.net or 218-829-2619.

Special Events Volunteers — Volunteers needed for special events and projects.

WILD & FREE WILDLIFE REHAB Dr. Deb Eskedahl 320-692-4180

Animal Transporter — Pick up injured or orphaned animals throughout Northern Minnesota and return to Garrison Animal Hospital. Days and hours variable.

Fundraiser — Help with various fundraising events throughout the year. Days and hours variable.

WOMEN’S CENTER OF MID MN Julie Guth 218-828-1216 mmwomctr@integra.net

Legal Advocate — Provide emotional support and information during court hearings to battered women seeking protective orders. Intensive training provided. Must be available Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

YOUTH WELLNESS INITIATIVE Roger Lynn (218) 831-9571

Volunteer Treasurer — Be a member of the Board of Directors which meets once every other month (second Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. of the even months) and attend the Executive Committee meetings (second Thursdays, 11 a.m.-noon on the even months). Oversee the work of the accountant who keeps the financial records using Quick Books, make a financial report to the board, assure accurate financial records and generate the yearly budget.

To list your volunteer opportunities or get further information about volunteering please contact Mike Koecheler at RSVP Volunteer Services, 204 Laurel St., Suite No. 11, Brainerd, MN, 56401; 824-1345 (Office), 824-1346 (Fax); or rsvp@co.crow-wing.mn.us