Bucket List 2019: Volunteer opportunities in the community

Editor's note: How well do you know our community? Are you itching to try something, or somewhere, new in 2019? This week, the Times-News is running a series of stories about local activities, events or places that should be on your bucket list for 2019. You don't have to travel far to go on an adventure, try a new cuisine or brewery, or make an impact. What's on your bucket list? Send your ideas for Bucket List 2019 to lifestyle@blueridgenow.com or find the story posts on Facebook and we'll share it in a future article.

Henderson County has no shortage of nonprofits and opportunities to lend a hand and make a difference. Are you searching for a new challenge or looking to meet new people while expanding your horizons? If so, volunteering should be on your bucket list for 2019.

With so many worthy causes, it can be difficult to decide where to devote your time, energy and resources. Additionally, most local organizations continue to see an increased demand in services and need your help to help those who need now more than ever.

Below we've detailed more than a dozen local nonprofits offering support to everyone from the elderly to a child in need of a mentor or in foster care; those struggling with homelessness to those seeking quality and affordable healthcare; survivors of abuse and assault to someone seeking to improve their literacy skills. Several offer food, clothing and guidance to our most vulnerable neighbors.

If you're still having trouble narrowing it down, utilize the United Way of Henderson County's volunteer match tool, which can be found at www.liveunitedhc.galaxydigital.com/. The link includes details on local volunteer opportunities and how to sign up.

The United Way also provides funding for several other nonprofits through its annual campaign. If you're interested in volunteering at the local United Way, find out more by calling 828-692-1636 or go to www.liveunitedhc.org.

Safelight

Safelight, a local nonprofit agency providing support for survivors of interpersonal violence, sexual assault and child abuse, has several volunteer opportunities within its wide range of programs and services.

Samples of volunteer opportunities include work at the Dandelion restaurant, the Safelight Resale Store, the front desk at Safelight, the front desk at the Henderson County Family Justice Center, an on-call hospital accompaniment and assistance at the child care center.

“Our work at Safelight simply wouldn't be possible without the time generously donated to us by over 150 volunteers each year,” said Director of Development Laresa Griffin. “We are very grateful when community members choose to give their most precious commodity to help staff care for those affected by interpersonal violence.”

For more information, go to www.safelightfamily.org or email info@safelightfamily.org.

The Free Clinics

The Free Clinics works to ensure Henderson County residents and neighboring communities have quality healthcare, particularly uninsured and low-income clients.

Volunteers' needs range from clinicians (doctors, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists, nutritionists) to lay people, according to The Free Clinics' website.

They may also answer the phone, conduct eligibility screenings and translate for Spanish-speaking patients.

More than 270 active volunteers support the small staff at The Free Clinics so they can provide more than 19,500 patient encounters every year, according to their website.

“Volunteers are the foundation of TFC; volunteers are the reason that TFC exists; volunteers are the reason TFC is able to provide high-quality medical, psychiatric, and pharmaceutical care to patients,” according to a statement on the TFC website. “Volunteers are the reason that TFC is able to offer medically indigent patients care that they would not otherwise receive.”

The next quarterly volunteer information session is 10 a.m. Jan. 17. For more information on volunteering at The Free Clinics, go to www.thefreeclinics.org/volunteer.

Habitat for Humanity

Henderson County Habitat for Humanity believes everyone deserves the opportunity for a better future, and is working to help solve the affordable housing crisis in the area one family at a time.

The nonprofit relies on volunteers to make its mission possible, and opportunities to lend a hand are available in construction, ReStores, development, family services, faith relations and more.

“Our business model is such that without volunteers Habitat wouldn't be able to accomplish the mission of building decent, safe affordable homes. Volunteers build the houses. Without volunteers it would be too expensive to build houses and Habitat's houses would not be affordable to low income families.” said Ron Laughter, President and CEO. “Volunteers also work in our Habitat ReStores and with family services, helping select potential new homeowners and guiding them through the process of building their home. Volunteers are the foundation of Habitat for Humanity.”

For more information about the organization and volunteer opportunities, go to www.habitat-hvl.org/volunteer/.

Hendersonville Rescue Mission

The Hendersonville Rescue Mission has helped feed the hungry and provided shelter for those in need for decades. It also offers programming and tools that work to get people back on the right track.

Volunteers are needed in several areas at the Mission, including the front desk, meal servers, chapel speakers, devotion, clothing closet and the clinic.

“Volunteers and donors are such a vital part of our ministry, and we couldn't keep our doors open with you,” the Mission's volunteer page states.

Those interested in volunteering should go to www.hendersonvillerescuemission.com/get-involved/volunteer.html.

Interfaith Assistance Ministry

Interfaith Assistance Ministry provides emergency relief to Henderson County residents who are in financial crisis by offering food, clothing, funds and guidance and referrals in an atmosphere or compassion and respect, according to the local nonprofit's website.

Volunteer opportunities include interviewing people coming in for assistance, managing files, receptionists, working in the food pantry and clothing closet. A typical volunteer shift is four hours per week, and some volunteers work more often.

IAM has 12 paid staff positions and only four are full-time.

“Volunteers power our hand-up, not a handout approach. They make it possible to provide assistance to the thousands of people we help every year.” IAM states on its website. “The volunteer positions at IAM are crucial to our operations.”

IAM expanded its hours to Saturdays this year, which gives more members of the community a chance to volunteer.

For more information, call 828-697-7029 ext. 2209, email volunteer.managers@iam-hc.org, or go to www.iamhendersoncounty.org/volunteer.html.

Thrive

Thrive continues to see a demand in services, as the local nonprofit works to help people with housing instability issues in the area. The waitlist for services continues to grow.

Volunteer opportunities are open to help the clients Thrive serves, whether it be through offering professional services or assisting with a move.

Professional help is needed with licensed clinicians, such as psychiatrists, nurses and dietitians and personal trainers. Other areas of help include social recreational programming support and assistance moving families into their new homes.

"Volunteers provide valuable support to Thrive staff as well as the individuals and families we serve," said Executive Director Kristen Martin. "The joy on our clients' faces when members of the community help them move into a new home, throw them a holiday party, or spend time tutoring them is priceless. We are not able to achieve our mission of helping move people from surviving to thriving without our community's support."

For more information on volunteering, go to www.thrive4health.org/about-us/volunteering/ or email Kristen Martin at kmartin@thrive4health.org.

Blue Ridge Humane Society

The Blue Ridge Humane Society helps ensure homeless pets in the community are cared for and loved.

Volunteer gigs range from walking dogs to cuddling cats. Several other opportunities are available throughout the shelter, programming, fundraising and the thrift stores.

“Blue Ridge Humane Society is honored to have some of the most dedicated volunteers around,” the nonprofit states on its website. “Our volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that we are constantly moving forward in our efforts to protect homeless pets in our community.”

Without volunteers, the local Humane Society says it would not able to save hundreds of animals' lives every year.

For more information, go to www.blueridgehumane.org/get-involved/volunteer/.

Four Seasons

Four Seasons cares for people with serious illness and their families as they go through one of the most challenging and emotional times in their lives.

Volunteer opportunities are available in and with caregiver respite in a home care setting, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, the Elizabeth House, transportation and errands, pet therapy, hair stylists, bereavement client care, administrative support, veterans, facilities and maintenance, the home store, activities, outreach, fundraising, baking, sewing, gardening and greeting.

“Whether your goal is to meet new people, become more involved in the community, or give your time in honor of the care we provide, there are many ways you can help,” according to the Four Seasons website. “Many of our volunteers are family members or neighbors of those we have served – and they want to give back.”

To speak with someone about volunteer options, call 828-692-6178. For more information, go to www.fourseasonscfl.org/how-you-can-help/volunteer-opportunities/.

Blue Ridge Literacy Council

The Blue Ridge Literacy Council works to change lives through improved literacy and English communication skills for adult learners.

Opportunities at the nonprofit are available with tutoring, event volunteering, office volunteering and database entry.

"Blue Ridge Literacy Council serves over 300 people annually. As a small organization, our small staff of 3.5 employees could not transform lives through literacy without the 150 volunteers who come alongside us,” said Autumn Weil, Executive Director. “Our volunteers carry out our mission every day by providing their time, talent and treasure to ensure adult learners throughout Henderson County reach their full potential as parents, employees, citizens and community members."

Those interested in learning more are encouraged to attend a Mission Monday on the second Monday of every month at 11 a.m. to noon. Call 828-696-3811 to sign up.

For more information on the Blue Ridge Literacy Council, go to www.litcouncil.org.

The Council on Aging

The Council on Aging for Henderson County provides and coordinates services to keep older adults living independently.

Volunteer opportunities include helping with Meals on Wheels, The Sammy Williams Center for Active Living, thrift shops and office administration.

“A nonprofit organization such as the Council on Aging is only as strong as its volunteers make it,” the council's website states. “We've been relying on folks like you, people who want to make a difference, who have some extra time available, who might know others who've benefitted from our services ever since we were incorporated in 1969.”

For more information, go to www.coahc.org/volunteers or call 828-692-4203.

Crossnore School and Children's Home

New to Henderson County this year, Crossnore School and Children's Home is a nonprofit providing residential foster care for children in crisis. The organization is committed to providing “a sanctuary of hope and healing for children.”

Volunteer opportunities include reading with students to help fill educational gaps, utilizing a special skillset or talent to teach things like music or art, developing a relationship with one of the cottages to further enhance the living space and supporting staff by offering skills in the areas of maintenance, housekeeping and landscaping.

On each of Crossnore's campuses, volunteers log an average of 500 to 700 volunteer hours per year, according to the nonprofit's website.

To find out more about the organization and volunteering, go to www.crossnore.org/volunteer/.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina, including its Henderson County branch, aim to transform children's lives through mentoring and supportive services.

The local nonprofit selects and matches mentors with children facing adversity and provides ongoing activities, training and support services for both families and volunteers to foster a successful match relationship and a lasting connection, according to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina website.

Littles gain a role model through their Big, while gaining new experiences and knowledge for the future.

For more information, call 828-693-8153 or go to www.bbbswnc.org/tag/henderson-county.