Celebrating SSP's Volunteers
April 9, 2024
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Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month form SSP! April marks National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and it is no surprise that volunteers play vital roles and fulfill important duties that benefit communities. When volunteers provide support to charitable and nonprofit organizations by offering their skills and expertise, they help these organizations fulfill their purpose. Volunteering can make an immeasurable difference in people's lives, and it can often benefit the volunteer, as well.
According to the 
Mayo Clinic, research has shown that volunteering can provide significant health benefits. These include improved physical and mental health, a sense of purpose by utilizing valuable skills, and nurturing new and existing relationships. At Senior Services Plus, we are proud to host a variety of volunteer opportunities that give community members a chance to give back and witness these positive benefits of volunteering. As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month, we want to take a moment to highlight some of our dedicated volunteers that work hard to contribute to our mission: to provide opportunities and resources to individuals as they age.
Meals on Wheels
One of our mission-driven programs, Meals on Wheels, receives support from volunteers who pack and deliver meals to clients. Mark Peters, a Meals on Wheels volunteer of four years, says that volunteering has given him a sense of structure and purpose. "It has helped me mentally and has given me priorities. Seeing the smiles on the clients' faces...you make their day, but they make your whole week."
Additionally, Mark states that his favorite thing about volunteering is, "that each week, the clients look forward to seeing us...it is great to get cheered up by them and help in any way we can."
Another Meals on Wheels volunteer, Kathleen Hill, has also been serving with SSP for over four years. "The volunteers are awesome," says Kathleen, "I love working with them, getting to see the clients, and talking to them during deliveries."
Purpose and gratitude are a couple things Kathleen has taken away from her time volunteering. She says delivering meals gives her something to look forward to, and she enjoys hearing stories from clients to learn more about their lives.
Community Resources
Another mission-driven program at SSP, Community Resources helps with small, honey-do tasks in the home. These tasks are completed for clients solely with the help of program volunteers. Our volunteers come with a wide range of knowledge and expertise, so we are equipped to help clients however they need.
Tom Hough, volunteer since February of 2023, uses his skills to assist with installations in client homes. This includes installation of light bulbs, hanging pictures, installing window insulation kits during cold winter months, and smoke detectors.
Beth Holtz, volunteer since May of 2022, and Jayne Simmons, volunteer since November of 2023, specialize in technology assistance. Jayne teaches clients how to use their smartphone devices. Beth also assists with smartphones as well as accessing email and technology techniques such as scanning QR codes.
Other Volunteer Opportunities at SSP
Meals on Wheels and Community Resources are just a few of the volunteer opportunities SSP provides. Our School House Acres farm takes seasonal volunteers, where you can learn some gardening techniques while producing crops that supplement our School House Grill restaurant and the Meals on Wheels program. Additionally, we are always seeking volunteers for our Social Connections program, where participants make phone calls to older adults in the area in an effort to combat social isolation.
Many of our programs at SSP wouldn't be able to run without the help of our volunteers. Volunteers are essential to our organization and many other non-profits as they support mission-driven initiatives. We want to thank all our volunteers for their hard work and dedication, as well as all others who volunteer their time to help those in need.
If you are interested in volunteering with SSP, feel free to visit our Volunteer Page to see our available opportunities, or complete our Volunteer Survey.
Senior Services Plus, Inc.
Senior Services Plus (SSP) is committed to creating inclusive, diverse, and equitable environments for all. With open arms, we strive to foster a sense of belonging where everyone is valued. As a board, as a staff, and as volunteers we welcome the contributions and participation of all people. We recognize and celebrate that everyone has unique abilities, needs, and experiences and we acknowledge the important of diversity in all its forms. SSP is dedicated to ensuring fair treatment, equity of opportunity, and impartiality in access to information and resources for all. SSP is actively engaged in identifying and dismantling racist and oppressive behaviors, policies, and practices to advance justice and create a more inclusive and equitable society.