Volunteer role
Little Hospice in Edina, Westwood Community Church youth ministry in Chanhassen, SoleCare for Souls in Minneapolis and St. Paul, who provides foot care for people experiencing homelessness.
How do I choose to volunteer in this field
I spent most of my nursing career in oncology, so the hospital was a natural attraction. The Westwood Community Church role is a perfect fit because I love working with youth and young adults. While on a youth ministry visit to Calvary Baptist Church I saw people come up, ask what was going on and were told “foot care.” Being a nurse I was curious so went to check it out.
The most rewarding aspect of volunteering
My first SoleCare for Souls experience changed my life in many ways at the right time. I encourage people to give it a try, and tell me they are not people who might receive far more than they give. It counteracts the effects of stress, anger, depression. It makes you happy and improves your social skills and confidence. It makes this world a better place. It allows us to step back from our own personal experiences and evaluate things. And it provides a sense of purpose.
Volunteer role
Volunteer at the Wilder Foundation’s African-American Baby Coalition and Project since October 2022, conducting collection and research, conducting literature reviews and developing research tools to support Healthy Black Pregnancy.
How do I choose to volunteer in this field
My visa doesn’t allow me to work, and I don’t want to sit at home. I want to continue learning in my professional field and understand more about the Twin Cities community. I applied to volunteer at the Wilder Foundation and was given the opportunity to work on a maternal and child health project.
The most rewarding aspect of volunteering
Volunteering gives me the opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of the community, to follow my passion while still being involved. Volunteering is a great way to connect to communities and learn more about them. Apart from that it has given me a broader knowledge of many maternal health initiatives.
I’ve always wanted to do whatever I can to bridge the gap between the fortunate and the less fortunate. Connecting the dots for others and helping them assist us on our own journey of healing, enhancing our emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
Volunteer role
Adoptive grandfather at Nevis Public School. Director of the Akeley/Nevis Community Food Shelf. Assists with the Hubbard County Food Shelf, Park Rapids and Nevis Muskie Days summer concert series.
How do I choose to volunteer in this field
My wife and I moved from the metro area to northern Minnesota while retiring. My plan to stay active and connected included volunteering, so I contacted a local agency, found a starting assignment and grew from there.
The most rewarding aspect of volunteering
Regarding the foster grandparent program, it really helps to keep me motivated. Sometimes [the students] just need someone to talk to. I like to do that because in that day, in that moment, it’s really important to them, even though I think it’s a trivial matter. If I break through and form a relationship with one of those students, it’s the best part of my day. In my working life, I am a corporate liaison with a metro food bank. Working on two food aisles in our community is a more personal experience. I have known many of our customers. I have made great friends and a sense of accomplishment and community.
Join the Volunteer Challenge on Facebook
Throughout March, The Star Tribune will explore the various elements of volunteerism, from how finding opportunities that work for you to how helping others can backfire and make your life better. And every Saturday, we’ll throw in a challenge for an action you can take. Join this group to share details of your trip and help motivate each other.
Join here
Volunteer role
Volunteer since 2017 at Quatrefoil Library, an LGBTQ+ themed lending library and community space, now president of the board.
How do I choose to volunteer in this field
My first job in high school was storing books at the local library. I moved here in 2016 and stopped at Quatrefoil a few months later, maybe having seen it on a flyer from Twin Cities Pride. I was like, wow, there’s so much more to it than I thought. [Later] I volunteer at Minneapolis Pride, handing out fliers, selling used books. One of the board members at the time was there, and he courted me to be on the board. It was a really cool opportunity to be invited.
The most rewarding aspect of volunteering
The good feeling I have when I get involved with events; nice to see others come and enjoy it. It’s a community, so that’s great, and it’s so different from my day job, so I can forget about the pressures of work. Joining a board is great for young professionals. I’ve studied random things like negotiating our lease and how to read an organization’s financial statements.
