Opportunities From: Community Thread

Do you like to build puzzles, sing and dance, play games, hang out with other people and do other fun activities? If so FamilyMeans Day Out Program might be a fit for you. Day Out is a program for caregivers to drop off their care receivers. Caregivers get a well-deserved break while care receivers get to participate in fun activities. This program happens on Fridays from 9:30 am to 1 pm. Volunteers help guide participants, which we call friends, through these activities in a 1:1 ratio. Volunteers can’t and therefore aren’t expected to help with the personal care of clients. While Day Out occurs every Friday volunteers can sign up month by month for Fridays that work for them. Some volunteers like to come as often as possible, and others sign up once a month or less.

Volunteers love this program because there is a real sense of community with the volunteers and the friends. They also enjoy helping friends through these activities and getting to know them. They also really enjoy the themes we have each day and some volunteers really like dressing up for those themes.

Typical Day Out Schedule

9:30-9:45- Volunteer meeting

9:45 to 10- Friends start filtering in

10:00-10:15- Time for chatting

10:15-10:30- Singing

10:30-11:00- Introduction to theme and large group activities like Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, etc.

11:00-12:00- Individual activities like puzzles, games, or just having a conversation

12:00 to 12:30- Lunch- Bring your own

12:30 to 1:00- more large group games

FamilyMeans is looking for volunteers willing to provide in-home respite to families. In-home respite consists of going into caregivers’ homes weekly and providing nonmedical care to care receivers. This can consist of playing games, having conversations, doing other activities or just being there with the care receiver. Volunteers are asked to volunteer 3 hours a week. These times are flexible and can be done at whatever time works best for you and the family you are matched with. This can be done individually, as a family project, or as a small group.

Is this opportunity right for me…

Current FamilyMeans in-home respite differ greatly in their personalities and why they chose this option. Here are some of the reasons why volunteers chose this option and continue volunteering.  

o   They appreciated flexible hours. There is no set time so volunteers can volunteer at times that fit their schedule.

o   Some volunteers enjoy being one on one with people rather than being in a group setting.

o   Some volunteers really like the social aspect of this opportunity. Since we carefully match volunteers and clients based on personalities and interests, to them it feels like spending 3 hours with a friend.  

o   Some volunteers like the gratification that comes with this opportunity. Volunteers get to see how the work they do benefits the caregiver.

This fall, Cimarron Teens from FamilyMeans will be going to Feed My Starving Children to help pack meals. FamilyMeans is looking for volunteers to help provide supervision and sealing food packages for those trips. We will be requesting volunteers that have mobility and will be able to stand for a 90-minute session.  As of now, we are looking for morning shifts, afternoon shift, and night shifts. Please contact on Anh – adoan@familymeans.org -- for confirmation of the dates and times.

While helping at Feed My Starving Children is in the fall volunteers can continue to volunteer for our youth programs afterwards.

FamilyMeans is looking for volunteers to help with our new group respite program Community Connection in partnership with the YMCA of Forest Lake. This program is designed for people who are in the early stages of memory loss and will give them in fun activities designed just for them. Volunteers will assist in setting up, guiding participants through activities, and will help clean up at the end of the day. This program will run on Tuesdays from 12 pm to 4 pm with volunteers being asked to arrive early to set up and stay late to clean up. We can work with you if you are interested but can’t make every week or can’t be there the whole time.

FamilyMeans is looking for volunteers to help with the afternoon snack we prepare for participants at Cimarron Kidspace. Each day when students get out of school we provide them with a snack.

 Volunteers would come in around 2pm/2:30pm and stay until 3:30/4:00pm.  Volunteers can serve as snack helpers 1-5 times/week, depending on their interest and schedule.

We do ask volunteers to make a regular schedule with volunteers letting staff know if they can’t make it on scheduled dates. 

Volunteers would need to do a background check. Volunteers will need to follow food safety guidelines but do not need to go through official food safety certification.  All supplies and ingredients are provided.

FamilyMeans is looking for volunteers willing to provide in-home respite to families. In-home respite consists of going into caregivers’ homes weekly and providing nonmedical care to care receivers. This can consist of playing games, having conversations, doing other activities or just being there with the care receiver. Volunteers are asked to volunteer 3 hours a week. These times are flexible and can be done at whatever time works best for you and the family you are matched with. This can be done individually, as a family project, or as a small group.

Is this opportunity right for me…

Current FamilyMeans in-home respite differ greatly in their personalities and why they chose this option. Here are some of the reasons why volunteers chose this option and continue volunteering.  

o   They appreciated flexible hours. There is no set time so volunteers can volunteer at times that fit their schedule.

o   Some volunteers enjoy being one on one with people rather than being in a group setting.

o   Some volunteers really like the social aspect of this opportunity. Since we carefully match volunteers and clients based on personalities and interests, to them it feels like spending 3 hours with a friend.  

o   Some volunteers like the gratification that comes with this opportunity. Volunteers get to see how the work they do benefits the caregiver.

Calling all woodworkers, knitters, crocheters, sewers, cooks and bakers. FamilyMeans is looking for people like you to help mentor our youth in these skills for the Washington County Fair. From now until the county fair FamilyMeans youth will be working on projects in these areas. We are looking for volunteers who are skilled in these fields to help mentor the youth to make sure they learn and have successful projects. Youth come to FamilyMeans after school so this volunteer experience would be in the afternoon. We are flexible on which weekdays and can work with you on a schedule. 

FamilyMeans is looking for volunteers willing to provide in-home respite to families in the Cottage Grove area. In-home respite consists of going into caregivers’ homes weekly and providing nonmedical care to care receivers. This can consist of playing games, having conversations, doing other activities or just being there with the care receiver. Volunteers are asked to volunteer 3 hours a week. These times are flexible and can be done at whatever time works best for you and the family you are matched with. This can be done individually, as a family project, or as a small group.

Is this opportunity right for me…

Current FamilyMeans in-home respite differ greatly in their personalities and why they chose this option. Here are some of the reasons why volunteers chose this option and continue volunteering.  

o   They appreciated flexible hours. There is no set time so volunteers can volunteer at times that fit their schedule.

o   Some volunteers enjoy being one on one with people rather than being in a group setting.

o   Some volunteers really like the social aspect of this opportunity. Since we carefully match volunteers and clients based on personalities and interests, to them it feels like spending 3 hours with a friend.  

o   Some volunteers like the gratification that comes with this opportunity. Volunteers get to see how the work they do benefits the caregiver.

FamilyMeans has several youths at our Teen Center located in Landfall interested in learning how to crochet but they are missing one thing… Someone to teach them. Volunteers would need to be available on a weekday sometime between 2:30 pm to 6 pm. The frequency and length of how long you teach crocheting can be discussed with the program coordinator at the Landfall Teen Center. Any questions about this project can be sent to Dan at dbohnker@familymeans.org.

The Cimarron Teen Center and Cimarron Kids Space are looking for volunteers who are knowledgeable and interested in leading discussions in the following subjects: sewing/knitting, cooking/nutrition, home ed, farming, zoology, nature education and possibly other topics as well.

FamilyMeans Cimarron location is looking for someone to help lead outdoor activities for youth ages 5-18. This includes activities like badminton, soccer, and football. These volunteers will help lead activities that will keep the kids active while helping provide a safe space for them to play. Volunteers are needed from 2:30pm to 6pm. It would be helpful for a volunteer to be the entire time but not a requirement. Any age welcome to apply.

FamilyMeans Landfall’s Investigation Station is looking for a volunteer to help clean up the garden and get it ready for winter. This position is flexible on the time. 

FamilyMeans Cimarron Teen Center is looking for someone to help supervise field trips. These trips include college visits, visits to educational locations, and potential future worksite locations.

Cimarron is looking for a handyperson who would be willing to come has needed to Cimarron when the need arises to help fix, repair and put together items.

Reading Volunteers- FamilyMeans youth sites in Cimarron and Landfall are looking for volunteers to help promote reading. For younger students this might mean reading to the youth, helping them build their reading skills, or helping them find books from the FamilyMeans library. For older youth this could mean helping lead a group book discussion, helping find books that fit their reading level and interests or just helping the youth understand any reading assignments they might have. The tentative times are 3:30 pm – 6pm.

Station in the Library 3:30-5pm to supervise readers or youth who need quiet down time. Lead Reading Time at 5pm.  (Read a book aloud, lead Reader’s theater, organize silent reading or a book club). Any age welcome to apply.

Landfall’s Investigation Station (K-5th grade) is looking for a volunteer willing to assist staff in various ways. This could include helping set up and supervise programming, supervising the youth during play time or helping the youth with homework. Volunteers are needed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from about 3pm to 5:45pm. If a volunteer can’t be there the entire time that is ok. Any age welcome to apply.

Volunteers are needed to help at Cimarron to help translate for youth and their parents. These volunteers will help native youth Spanish speakers with homework, help provide guidance by translating the rules and expectations to youth and parents, and help in other ways. Volunteers are needed from 2:30pm to 6pm, but volunteers do not need to be there the entire time. Any age welcome to apply.

FamilyMeans Teen Centers in Cimarron and Landfall are looking for volunteers to help tutor youth in any of the following subjects at all education levels in English, math, history and science. Volunteers are needed from about 2:30pm to 6pm depending on the location, but volunteers do not need to be there the entire time. Any age welcome to apply

FamilyMeans is looking for someone to help tutor middle school and high school students in science and math at our Landfall locations during the upcoming school year and possibly into the future. 

FamilyMeans provides free after-school and summer programing for youth in the Landfall and Cimarron communities. Many of these students are first- or second-generation immigrants. With the language barrier some of the students have trouble with some classes including science and math. These students are eager to learn but just need someone to help give them a little boost.

By volunteering your time, you can help these students get better grades and thus open up more opportunities for them. Volunteers are primarily needed from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm with flexibility on which day of the week.

 If you have any questions please contact Dan at dbohnker@familymeans.org or by calling 651-789-4055.

FamilyMeans helps provide summer programing and supervision to youth in the low-income communities of Landfall and Cimarron. These programs help give these youth experiences and educational opportunities that they may not get otherwise.

FamilyMeans is looking for volunteers to help assist our staff in providing a safe and educational environment for youth to grow. Assisting our staff includes helping supervise youth participants, helping staff set up and run activities and helping with other tasks.

We are currently looking for volunteers who would be willing to help at our Landfall Investigation Station. Which for youth, K-5th grade. The programming is 11 through 2:30 Monday-Friday but does not include Wednesdays. Volunteers do not need to commit to every day for the whole time, but we do ask for a consistent schedule if possible.  

If you are interested or have questions, please contact Dan at dbohnker@familymeans.org.

FamilyMeans helps provide programing and supervision to youth in the low-income communities of Landfall and Cimarron both in the summer and during the school year. These programs help give youth experiences and educational opportunities that they may not get otherwise. One of these opportunities is helping to grow and maintain a garden which consists of 6, 4x8 raised beds at our location in the community of Landfall called the Landfall Investigation Station for K-5th grade.

Since there are several other activities and opportunities that take up time during the summer, the garden often doesn’t get the time and attention it needs to be successful. That is why FamilyMeans is looking for someone to help maintain this garden throughout the 2024 growing season. This can be done in one of two ways. The first way could be to come in when youth aren’t present and thus does not require a background check. The second way is to come when the youth are present and share your expertise with them. This would require going through a background check.   

Who didn’t love going on a field trip in school? Going to different sites, learning something new, and just getting the chance to get out of school. FamilyMeans Community Connection takes the fun of a field trip and applies to adults with early-stage memory loss. During a Community Connection we meet at a set location and each week explore different topics or do different activities. This gets our clients out of the house and participate in activities that are designed specifically for them. You will not be asked to drive clients you just simply have to show up at the proper location.

We need people who are willing to attend these sessions and help provide a fun and safe environment for our clients. This could mean helping to set up and clean up after activities, being a discussion guide, and helping clients participate in activities.  

We ask volunteers stay for an entire session which is 4 hours (1/2 hour before, 3 hours program and ½ hour afterward). Sessions will be weekly for 4 to 6 weeks. It would be great if a volunteer could attend every session but we don’t require it.   

Everyone deserves a night out. Unfortunately, sometimes people are too busy taking care of their spouse, parent or other connection to really do that. FamilyMeans new program will allow caregivers a night out while their care receiver enjoys a fun few hours in a safe environment.

To run this event, we are looking for volunteers ready to have some fun and like to help people. If that’s you please consider joining our Night Out Fun Crew. The Night Out Fun Crew will help care receivers participate in fun activities while providing a safe environment. Night Out will meet once a month on the 4th Tuesday of every month for 2 hours for 5:30 to 7:30. This is a great opportunity for people who work but would still like to give back to their community. Even in just that short amount of time volunteers can make a difference in caregivers’ lives.

Volunteers can come once or make volunteering at this event a monthly occurrence. Groups and families are welcome to sign up together. Volunteers can sign up by emailing Dan at dbohnker@familymeans.org or by calling at 651-789-4055.    

Are you part of a small group that is looking to help others? How about providing respite to caregivers of older adults, or caregivers to those with disabilities? By doing this you are giving these caregivers, who often put their wellbeing on hold, a break. Your group would be providing companionship to the care receiver by exploring mutual interests whether that’s building puzzles, playing games, watching movies etc. During this time the caregiver can do what they need to do. Volunteers are not expected to, nor should they be asked to help the clients in the bathroom, with medications or other personal tasks. Our current volunteers really like the bond they build with the families and how much of an impact they make on our clients’ lives. Everyone in your small group would go through training and, when a good match is found, meet the family. Then the small group would work together so one or two people would be with the caregiver for at least two hours every week. We have no set time for volunteers and clients to meet so you can volunteer on your schedule. We do ask for a 3-month commitment. 

Are you and your family looking for something you can all do together? How about providing respite to caregivers of older adults, or caregivers to those with disabilities? By doing this you are giving these caregivers, who often put their wellbeing on hold, a break. Your family would be providing companionship to the care receiver by exploring mutual interests whether that’s building puzzles, playing games, watching movies etc. During this time the caregiver can do what they need to do. Volunteers are not expected to, nor should they be asked to help the clients in the bathroom, with medications or other personal tasks. Our current volunteers really like the bond they build with the families and how much of an impact they make on our clients’ lives. It would be a great family bonding experience spending time together helping others. We have no set time for volunteers and clients to meet so you can volunteer on your schedule. We do ask for a 2 hour/week and 3-month commitment. 

FamilyMeans is looking for volunteers to provide companionship and supervision to youth with special needs so their caregivers can take a break. Volunteers do not need to help with any personal tasks.  If interested, let Dan know at dbohnker@familymeans.org.

Are you looking for an experience that will aide you in your school life, professional life or personal life?

If you can spend time with a child who has a disability or a senior who may be frail, have memory loss or a chronic health condition we would like to meet with you.

This volunteer, internship, Service - Community Learning Role can take place two-four times a month for two - four hours. There are needs for day, evening and weekend volunteer throughout Washington County.

You will not be providing any type of care other than companionship and supervision of the person you are spending time with. This is a great experience for Social Work Students, Human Services Students, Nursing Students, Special Ed Teachers, and so many more students. 

The best part is you will have fun while learning and your time will make a difference. 

If you are looking for a great learning opportunity that you can make work with school, home and work life lets talk.  

If you can commit to 12 weeks of service 2-4 times a month for 2-4 hours a visit or 40 plus hours of an internship lets talk. 

We have needs for day, evening and weekend hours in Cottage Grove, Woodbury, Oakdale, Stillwater, Bayport, Mahtomedi and other cities in Washington County. 

You can spend time with a senior who is frail or has some memory loss or with a child who has a disability.

You get to learn while having fun and helping someone else. You must have transportation and be able to pass a criminal background check.