I work in an industry in Cambridge, Minnesota, that is always in need of good volunteers. The health care industry, especially nursing and assisted living facilities can always use a helping hand via volunteers. Recently, as many of us are aware, these facilities have been hit hard by the current economy. They have had to make cutbacks in many areas including their recreation dept. Although recreation is still a part of the resident’s care plans, many of these facilities are depending on volunteers to help out in this area. With the volunteering help of kids and teens, it makes the day a lot more pleasant for these residents. There is also a need for volunteers to help individuals who still live in their homes but require a minimum amount of assistance, companionship and support from program volunteers to remain independent. Here are some facilities in the Cambridge, Mn. area that are in need of kids and teen volunteers this summer.
Grace Point Crossing, 135 Fern St., Cambridge, Mn.: This nursing home is in need of kids and teens to come in and share their talent and love of music. The only requirement is that you enjoy music and serving others and are dependable. Contact the facility directly for more information.
The Commons, 1545 Riverhills Pkwy. N.W., Cambridge, Mn.: This senior assisted living facility is looking for young volunteers to help with bingo games for the residents. The kids and teen volunteers would help with setting up the bingo game, call the bingo numbers, score the bingo cards and distribute the prizes. The volunteers are needed for this program on the 2nd and 4th Sat. of each month. The only skills required are that you’re dependable and enjoy working and serving others. You must be able to speak clearly when calling the bingo numbers. Contact The Commons for more information.
Dakota Communities, 1555 Central Ave. S.W., Cambridge, Mn.: Dakota Communities home for people with developmental disabilities is looking for musicians who could join them and share their love of music. Weather your talent is singing or playing the guitar, it’s a perfect opportunity for musical inclined kids and teens to come in and share their gifts and talents to an audience that will respond with applause and cheers, and smiles galore. For information on this volunteer opportunity go to www.dakotacommunities.com.
Lutheran Social Services Volunteers: This organization that has offices statewide, including the Cambridge area is looking for senior companion volunteers. All age groups, including kids and teens are welcome to volunteer their time to help individuals who live in their own homes but need some assistance with grocery shopping, correspondence, personal errands, recreational activities or just a listening ear and offer of encouragement. These volunteers should be able to provide a stable and regular presence as needed. For information and what would be required of you as a volunteer go to volunteers@lssmn.org.
This is just a few of the many volunteer opportunities that are available for kids and teens in the Cambridge, Mn. area. For more ways to volunteer check with local churches who may need help in their nurseries, a neighbor who may need assistance with their lawn care or your local hospital who could use kids or teen volunteers just to read or help write a letter for some of their bed bound patients who may not be able to do this on their own.
Sources: dakota communities.com
volunteers@lssmn.org
The Commons
Grace Point Crossing
