Retire-To Volunteering

051 Julie Kramer–Adult Literacy Council

Volunteers Teach More Than 1,700 Adults to Read and Succeed Yearly

Julie Kramer is high on the Nashville Adult Literacy Council (NALC) for its two main goals: Teaching American adults to read and teaching English skills to adult immigrants. Working with classes and through mentoring, nearly 600 volunteers teach more than 1,700 adults each year to read and succeed.

Isolated by the need for a new language, immigrants can turn to NALC for assistance. Becoming more proficient enables newcomers to gain access to the larger community by being able to talk to and understand grocers, doctors, potential employers, and so forth. Learning English allows parents to help their children with school. And the NALC's citizenship classes facilitate the family's move toward citizenship.

Not being able to read also isolates thousands of adult Americans. Nearly one in eight Nashville adults can't read at a functional level. Inability to read labels, complete an application form, comprehend a bill, understand a child's grade card or homework, and so on limits persons' economic quality of life and also affects their physical and emotional health and family and social relationships. Depending on others to read is both inefficient and humiliating. NALC classes offer remedial reading for those seeking to enter high school equivalency classes.

Volunteers make the difference. Find out more about the program, apply to volunteer, or check the monthly training schedule at nashvilleliteracy.org or email [email protected].

Find other episodes in this series at www.retiretovolunteering.com and https://www.facebook.com/EZVolunteering/

Support this series at patreon.com/volunteering.

050 Betti Lose–VITA Tax Prep

Joyfully Serving the Community—St. Luke's Community House

Community volunteer, Betti Lose, enjoys a variety of opportunities at St. Luke's Community House to help the many people served by that organization. In the course of a few weeks, she might do administrative tasks, schedule free Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (VITA) sessions, assist a senior citizen playing bingo, or shelve books in the large and inviting preschool library.

St. Luke's mission is both to help low-income families, seniors, and individuals in West Nashville achieve their potential and to prevent problems that threaten the stability of families and community. The organization works on that mission every day, but January through April they specifically accomplish it by providing free income tax preparation for Nashville area residents with incomes of $64,000 or less. Trained volunteers prepare taxes at no cost to the taxpayer. Refunds are electronically deposited into the client's bank account. These volunteers work with clients by appointment. Betti schedules those appointments.

More information about this vital VITA program is available at their website www.stlch.org. For more details, call St. Luke's front office at 615-350-7893. Christie Bearden, Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager, can be reached directly at 615-324-8375 or [email protected].

Find other episodes in this series at retiretovolunteering.com.

Support this series at patreon.com/volunteering.

049 Bill Farris–Habitat for Humanity

From Banker to Builder—Thanks to Habitat for Humanity

Bill Farris is always learning. Each time he volunteers with Habitat for Humanity he learns something—how to swing a hammer, use a saw safely, measure accurately…and it's fun. He describes a day with Habitat as seeing "ants on crackers"…in other words, a swarm of folks helping to create a home! A retired banker, Bill now thinks of himself as a builder.

"Don't think you can build a house? Join a Habitat group and see what you can accomplish," Bill challenges everyone. Not only do volunteers have the opportunity to learn new skills, but also they can use their existing skills, including painting, landscaping, and even clean up, to finish out the construction. Men, women, and older teens can be part of the team, and the time commitment is flexible.

An ecumenical Christian ministry, Habitat for Humanity provides the life-changing opportunity for people to own affordable quality homes. Habitat family members participate in learning about home ownership and then invest "sweat equity" as they work alongside the volunteers. They too are gaining new skills, and they are also acquiring the dignity of seeing what their own work has achieved and an appreciation for the belief in them exhibited by the commitment of so many volunteers. Together, the families and the volunteers create safer neighborhoods for more children and facilitate a pathway of hope for those served.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville builds 32–50 houses a year in a four-county area. With that many homes to build each year, Habitat is always looking for additional construction volunteers. If you are interested in building as a group, or as an individual, please visit their website www.habitatnashville.org for additional information.

Find other episodes in this series at retiretovolunteering.com.

Support this series at patreon.com/volunteering.

048 Sherri Settles–Tennessee Donor Services

Improving Lives by Connecting People—Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation

Everyone has an opportunity to leave a legacy as a registered organ and tissue donor. As a donor, you can save and improve lives of individuals in need of a lifesaving transplant and those whose lives are impacted by tissue donation. Or you can volunteer as an ambassador, telling your story to community groups of how giving or receiving an organ or tissue donation has had an impact on you and your family. Or you can help get the word out through mailings, special projects, and participating in the big fundraising concert. Volunteering at any level helps connect people who have great need with those who can give of themselves.

Sherri Settles, staff with Tennessee Donor Services, talks about how volunteers, donors, and families make donation and transplantation possible. By mobilizing the power of people and the potential of technology, Tennessee Donor Services extend the reach of each donor's gift, honoring their gift of life. Visit the Tennessee Donor Services website (tds.dcids.org) for more information.

Find other episodes in the series at retiretovolunteering.com.

Support this series at patreon.com/volunteering.

047 Ron Schlagheck—Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels—More Than Just a Meal

For Ron Schlagheck and his wife, the invitation to drive for Meals on Wheels came from their church. Volunteers at various churches often take turns preparing the meals. Other volunteers deliver them.

The recipients are usually homebound and are unable to purchase or prepare their own meals due to health and/or physical limitations. These individuals not only enjoy the hot nutritional meals, but also the visits from volunteers who care about them and make sure that they are doing well.

The recipients are not only receivers, but also givers. Kindness and appreciation abound. Ron and his wife continue to be amazed at the reception they receive each time they make their delivery!

In addition to Meals on Wheels, Ron's days are busy volunteering in local community councils, University of Florida Alumni Association, STEM mentoring, AARP advocacy, and church projects.

For more information, visit a Meals on Wheels website.

Find other episodes in the series at retiretovolunteering.com.

Support this series at patreon.com/volunteering.

046 Tiffany Cloud—Alzheimer's Association

Alzheimer's Outreach—More Awareness Needed

Tiffany Cloud-Mann, Vice President of Programs & Outreach for the Mid-South Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, helps work on the global, national, and local levels to enhance care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

The Mid South Chapter offers several educational programs for community members and families facing Alzheimer's. Locally, volunteers assist with health fairs and in the office preparing mailings and answering inquiries. Other volunteers use their expertise as speakers on behalf of the Association or as organizers for the big fundraising walks. Yet others get sponsors and make the walk.

At the state and federal level, the Alzheimer's Association is the leading voice for Alzheimer's disease advocacy, fighting for critical Alzheimer's research, prevention, and care initiatives. The organization diligently works to make Alzheimer's a national priority. In this interview Tiffany speaks to how volunteers can make a difference for this vital work, as well.

The organization provides caregivers and families with comprehensive online resources and information through their Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Center and a professionally staffed 24/7 daily, a helpline (1-800-272-3900), which offers information and advice to more than 300,000 callers each year and provides translation services in more than 200 languages. For more information visit alz.org.

Find other episodes in the series at retiretovolunteering.com.

You can support this series at patreon.com/volunteering.

045 Susan Brown—The Little Pantry That Could

Serving Those in Need—The Little Pantry With a Big Heart

After teaching elementary school for 37 years, Susan Brown found another way to make a connection with others: serving neighbors who are in need through The Little Pantry That Could. After a "100-Year" flood in Nashville in 2010, Stacy Cowney realized that access to healthy food wasn't a widely available resource. She committed to changing that, and The Little Pantry That Could, which she directs, was born.

Giving food provisions like fresh fruits and vegetables, and a variety of shelf-stable goods to anyone in need is the volunteers' primary mission, but shoppers have other needs, as well. And in whatever way Little Pantry volunteers can help, they will. Susan and other volunteers make personal connections with each shopper, letting them know that they are cared for and that they are important. Also, staff and volunteers believe that having a choice gives persons a sense of dignity, and so visitors are able to take what they need without question.

Born and raised in Nashville, Susan has retired and has also become a Master Gardener. She loves gardening and hiking and volunteering. Three days a week, she is making the world a kinder place, helping those in need.

The Little Pantry opens its doors to people all over Davidson and surrounding counties. To find out more about this unique organization, visit www.thelittlepantrythatcould.org or call or text 615-260-5769.

You can find other episodes in the series at retiretovolunteering.com.

You can support this series at patreon.com/volunteering.

044 Monk Baird—Habitat for Humanity

Bringing People Together—To Build Homes, Communities, and Hope

From wife, mother, and homemaker to Habitat insulation specialist, Monk Baird leaves no stone unturned or any grass growing under her feet! A true Nashville community volunteer, she has an impact far and wide, making a difference by delivering Meals on Wheels, preparing and serving meals for Loaves and Fishes, and insulating and building homes for Habitat for Humanity in greater Nashville as well as on the Gulf Coast after a hurricane and in Ireland and Hawaii. Asked how many houses she has helped build…a long pause…"too many to count," she replied.

"It's fun, and it makes you feel good," Monk says about why she volunteers, adding, "If I didn't stay physically active, I would be atrophied." Directly helping others is what her life all about. Needless to say in her 85+ years, she not only has made a difference to many, but also has served as an example and mentor to even more.

At Habitat of Humanity, they build. They build because they believe that everyone, everywhere, should have a healthy, affordable place to call home. Volunteers make the homes possible! Churches, businesses, and other organizations offer opportunities to volunteer with a group for a one-day or complete build. Individuals may also volunteer.

To learn more about Habitat, visit www.habitat.org. For additional information specific to Nashville, visit: www.habitatnashville.org.

You can find other episodes in the series at retiretovolunteering.com.

You can support this series at patreon.com/volunteering.

043 Beth Howard–The Café at Thistle Farms

The Café at Thistle Farms—Home to Anyone Who Walks Through Their Doors

Growing up in a conservative household in the Bible belt, Beth Howard learned very early in life that any honest job is one of which to be proud. After meeting friends for coffee numerous times at The Café at Thistle Farms, Beth felt called to volunteer in The Café helping in countless ways. It wasn't long before she knew she was in the right place—giving back to others by waiting on tables, taking out the garbage, and any job which allowed the ladies of Magdalene to spend more time interacting with customers.

The Café feels like home to anyone who walks through the doors. It was built and staffed by the Magdalene graduates and dedicated volunteers. It is a warm and inviting spot for catching up with friends, enjoying a homemade meal, sipping a cup of tea or coffee, or sharing a story—and for discovering or reaffirming that Love Heals!

Beth cut her professional life cut short to make time to take care of a son with cancer and her aging mother. Beth feels she's being as deliberate about future choices as well. She shares, "I'm taking each day as it comes, doing all I can to volunteer my time to causes that are most meaningful to me. For today, it's working. "

For more information about Magdalene, Thistle Farms, and The Café at Thistle Farms go to the website: thistlefarms.org.

You can find other episodes in the series at retiretovolunteering.com.

You can support this series at patreon.com/volunteering.

042 Bill Miller—Bible Study in Prison

Offering Prisoners a New Way of Life

In a maximum security prison, Bill Miller, a retired pastor, invites inmates to discover new life through their weekly study of the Bible and other related materials*. As inmates and volunteer alike read, reflect, discuss commentary, and then share how God is speaking to them through the study that particular week, they develop respect for one another, even when they disagree, and find a community of caring. Bill notes those who attend these studies at Riverbend, the prison, are just like every other group he has led.

Bill has also been able to mentor inmates and parolees, lead worship and serve Communion, be a part of the serving team at the Christmas dinner, attend parole hearings, be a pen pal, and visit with inmates. Bill says, "I marvel at the ways in which the involvement of persons with inmates and parolees has transformed the lives of those reaching out to establish relationships as well as those being served." He reminds us—"in giving we receive and in receiving we give." Bill talks about putting ourselves in position to find how God graces us in our reaching out to God, to one another, and to the hurting people all around us.

To reach out to prisoners or parolees, check with your local church or denominational office.

*The studies Bill most often uses are in the Disciple Bible Study series, available at cokesbury.com or Amazon.com.

You can find other episodes in the series at retiretovolunteering.com.

You can support this series at patreon.com/volunteering.