by Joan Perry | Contributing Writer
Years ago I visited an elderly neighbor before his move to a retirement home. He mentioned that things had become so difficult, even driving to get his hair cut had become impossible. I felt ashamed. I’d lived next door to him and didn’t realize that small thing – getting him to a barber might have made a huge difference in his life. If only I’d known.
We often don’t know. That’s what Volunteer Managers do for a non-profit organization. They find out what is needed and recruit and coordinate volunteers to make the difference. Lowcountry Volunteer Managers participated in a Volunteer Fair at the Waring Center in May, so I made it a point to find out what we need to know to help our neighbors West Ashley.
American Red Cross
Liz Hough
liz.hough@redcross.org
Lizz Huff, from the American Red Cross, said there is no doubt that what West Ashley excels at is leaping into action after a disaster. There is nothing like what happens locally after a fire or tragedy in our neighborhoods. Everyone comes together to lend a hand. She suggested that we consider registering for Disaster Action Team training to be prepared when a need arises. Other regular needs are for drivers to transport blood products and blood donor ambassadors.
Trident Area Agency on Aging
Tiffany Hawkins
thawkins@tridentaaa.org
Tiffany Hawkins from the Trident Area Agency on Aging, is looking for volunteers to visit nursing homes, be alert for issues and advocate for families. Issues would be followed up on by the staff ombudsman. They also need help delivering meals. They hoped for a year commitment to a facility for consistency. There is a two-day training and background check required.
Charleston County Parks & Recreation
Kristen Watson
kwatson@ccprc.com
There’s a wealth of opportunities with Charleston County Parks & Recreation. From course monitoring and cheering at races, beach sweeps and cleaning parks, serving beverages at events, to joining the Green Team supporting recycling and composting. Applications are online and you can self-schedule for shifts. After lending a hand for 35 hours, volunteers earn a Volunteer ID pass that grants access to all parks.
My Sister’s House
Susie Ash
susie@mysistershouse.com
Susie Ash from My Sister’s House, says one of the easiest ways to get started is to check their website for the Urgent Needs list. In-person volunteering requires 1.5 hours in Domestic Violence training, and then role specific training. Roles might involve answering the crisis line, outreach, serving as a court advocate, assisting in the donation center or with office and housing.
Respite Care of Charleston
Caitlin Hastie
Sara@respiteCareCharleston.org
Caitlin Hastie is the Day Program Coordinator for Respite Care of Charleston which has a Bees Ferry location. It is a half-day non-medical, social program. Volunteers should be vaccinated, and the role is to socialize with, help prepare meals and play games with participants.
Middleton Place
Stephanie Coyle
scoyle@middletonplace.org
Stephanie Coyle is the Gardening Volunteer Coordinator at Middleton Place. Interested volunteers are invited to make contact for a meet and greet tour. Applicants can see the different roles and determine if they want an inside or outside role and start by shadowing the role. They hope for two four hour shifts a month.
Charleston Parks Conservancy
Kayla Huff
khuff@charlestonparksconservancy.org
Kayla Huff at Charleston Parks Conservancy offers a variety of opportunities. West Ashley neighbors support the Magnolia Community Garden and provide fresh produce to local partners with the Grow it Forward Program.
Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital
Trudi Campbell
gertrude.campbell@rsfh.com
Trudi Cambell at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital explained that the processing requirements for healthcare volunteering require vaccinations, a background check and training, but the roles are successful and rewarding and help maintain the caring atmosphere in our local hospital. She welcomes applicants to make contact and come by to see what might be a good fit. One of the most helpful initial roles is simply welcoming and escorting patients from waiting areas to their testing area.
Bridges of Hope
Ariel Argroe
ariel@bridgessc.org
Ariel Argroe is the program director for Bridges of Hope, which includes Shannon’s Hope Camp, an overnight camp for youth expressing grief and the Sand Dollar Club, a school-based grief support group. There is a free virtual training program for volunteer applicants.
Let’s Walk
Lynn McCollum-Lasher
Lynn@Letswalk.us
Lynn McColum had an opportunity I might be interested in. The Let’s Walk program lines up volunteer companions to walk with people who need company and positive social interaction. They would link us with an individual in our neighborhood who has been assessed by a Physical Therapist. Volunteers would have a background check, wear a badge, and document the walk. She invites us to make contact to see if there is anyone in your neighborhood who could use the company, or if we know someone who needs the service.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Fran Williams
Francesca.m.williams@gmail.com
Fran Williams with VITA – the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program can use your help during tax season. Sponsored by Trident Area Urban League, their mission is to provide free tax preparation to low-income taxpayers and uses West Ashley locations. Free training is provided.
The Barrier Island Free Medical Clinic
www.bifmc.org
Volunteers are welcome at the Johns Island facility but also shares that their free healthcare services include West Ashley uninsured residents who work in the hospitality industry.
Volunteer Managers remind us of the many social benefits of volunteering besides helping our neighbors in need. Volunteer roles provide positive social interaction, look good on job and career applications, and build experience.
Stay healthy my friends and wave at me as I wander. To reach Joan Perry, email westashleywanderer@gmail.com.
