GCM Volunteer Team-
Together we can make a difference!
Help us build something great as we contribute to the success of others. We are looking for people who want to make a difference.
Volunteer Opportunities
Job Search Counseling - Helping clients search the local job data bases. Interview coaching and resume preparation. Time commitment: a 3 hour shift every week
Interview Rooms - talking with clients who are in crisis and who are seeking services from GCM. Duties include talking with clients, entering their information into the computer, and providing additional information on other GCM services. Time commitment: a 3 hour shift every week
Food Pantry - stocking shelves, unloading donations, putting together food bags and handing out food to clients.
Time commitment: a 3 hour shift every week
USDA Food - People to help hand out food to people 2 Mondays a month.
Time commitment: a 3 hour shift
S.T.E.P.S. Counselor - a willingness to help people work through their crisis. Developing an Action Plan and holding the clients accountable for reaching desired goals of self-improvement. On the job training is provided.
Time commitment: a 3 hour shift every week
Bible Study/STEPS Instructors - General Studies, Money Management, Health and Nutrition, Character/Leadership Development, Parenting Skills. Instructors teach skills based on Biblical Principles.
Time commitment: (1-2 hours) a week at GCM, a local church, or other organization in the community.
Dental Clinic - Dentist (can get 1 CEU credit for each 1 hour of service),clinic receptionist, interviewers, and coordinators.
Time commitment: A 1/2 day each month, quarter or year
Administration - Office workers to answer phones, data entry, mailings, etc.
Time commitment: a 3 hour shift every week
Marketing and Public Relations - volunteers who can write press releases, send emails, produce newsletters and brochures, create displays, and maintain scrapbooks.
Time commitment: Variable
| 5 Surprising Ways Volunteering Transforms Your Health | | Did you know that volunteering can improve your whole health — body, mind and spirit? A study of Americans over the age of 60 found that those who volunteered reported lower disability and higher levels of well-being than those who did not volunteer. Check out five exciting ways volunteering can boost your health: |
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| VOLUNTEERING IMPROVES YOUR SOCIAL WELL-BEING | | Volunteering often involves socializing and building strong bonds with others — and this can do wonders for your health. According to the National Institute on Aging, positive indicators of social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin 6, an inflammatory factor associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer. So whether you’re helping clean up your local park with a group of 20 community members or spending time at your favorite animal shelter with a few friends, you’re reaping the healthy benefits of working with others. |
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| VOLUNTEERING HELPS YOU STAY ACTIVE | | Getting out and planting flowers in your community garden or repainting your town’s library are just a few ways you can volunteer and get in some exercise. These types of activities help you work different muscles and build strength. Plus, they’re a fun alternative to your typical workout routine. Just be sure to check with your doctor before participating in a volunteer gig that involves a lot of physical activity. You’ll want to make sure the activity you’re doing is safe for your body. |
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| VOLUNTEERING GIVES YOU PURPOSE | | Your community, non-profit organizations, charities, and the people they serve depend on volunteers to support their causes. That’s why when you volunteer, you matter — and this sense of purpose can have a big impact on your health. So if you have an organization in mind that you’d like to help out but aren’t sure how to, check online to see if it has volunteer opportunities in your area. |
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| VOLUNTEERING BOOSTS YOUR MOOD | | Volunteering is uplifting — you meet new people, learn new skills, and make a difference in someone’s life. Surrounding yourself with these positive vibes helps you build confidence, develop a strong support system, and feel, well, happier. This can help combat symptoms of depression, and since your mental health is strongly connected to your physical health, your overall health can benefit from the mood-boosting power of giving back. |
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| VOLUNTEERING KEEPS YOUR MIND SHARP | Challenging your brain is a great way to keep it strong. And when you participate in mentally stimulating volunteer activities like tutoring or event planning, you’re doing just that. These types of volunteer activities help improve the cognitive functions of your brain, like your working memory and information processing. So if you’re looking for new ways to stay sharp, try volunteering at your local school or check with your local community center to see if there are any upcoming events you can help out on.
Life gets busy and finding time to volunteer may seem challenging. But volunteering just 100 hours of your time a year — or two hours a week — can benefit your health. So find a cause that matters to you, donate the time you can to it, and enjoy what you get from giving back. |
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