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Personal Services Volunteer Request

Volunteers are Saluting our Community with a Printed Matter Cleanout Day
LightHouse News

Volunteers are Saluting our Community with a Printed Matter Cleanout Day

With our new offices opening in May, we’re raring to update our programs and services. We’re getting a head-start with our first spring cleanout day for blind folks who need to go through mounds of printed matter.

LightHouse Printed Matter Spring Cleaning Day – Let Our Volunteers Give You a Hand
Do you have printed documents you’d like help going through? Perhaps your CCTV or handheld magnifier no longer work and you could use a second set of eyes to get through your mail? We’re making an early start on May 6 at our new offices, where we’ll pair you with a friendly volunteer who can read through some of that stack with you.

When: Friday, May 6, appointment to be determined
Where: LightHouse for the Blind – new office at 1155 Market Street, 10th Floor

Private Reading Rooms adjacent our New Volunteer Lounge
Our new office comes equipped with private, soundproofed reading rooms just next to our Volunteer Lounge. We’ll reserve an appointment with you in one of these comfortable rooms – just contact our Volunteer Engagement Specialist, Justine Harris-Richburgh at volunteer@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7320 to schedule time with a volunteer reader. Sign up soon – there are a limited number of appointments available.

LightHouse News

LightHouse Volunteers Rock

Volunteer Liz Klein speaks in front of crowd after being honored by the LightHouse, as Justine Harris-Richburgh looks on.Last month the LightHouse rolled out the red carpet at our appreciation party to celebrate the importance and generosity of our volunteers. From Board members, who oversee the interworking of the organization, to our core of Personal Services Volunteers, who work one-on-one with blind individuals, all were honored and feted.

Each department recognized volunteers who went above and beyond in their giving. Here is a list of these volunteers:

Steven Feher (Access to Information Services)
Bill Gerry (President’s Corner)
Greater Napa Kiwanis Club (Enchanted Hills Camp)
Germaine Henderson (Employment Immersion)
Sheri Johnson (LightHouse of Marin)
Liz Klein (Community Services)
Jennifer Lee: (Information Technology)
Janice On (Youth Services)

LightHouse Volunteer Engagement Specialist Justine Harris-Richburgh told us with a smile, “I am still feeling intense warmth from the LightHouse Volunteer Appreciation Party. With a full house of volunteers, board members and staff in attendance, new friends were made and appreciation celebrated as we recognized volunteers with extraordinary giving. Volunteering and giving really are special kinds of selflessness and the Volunteering Team would truly like to give thanks to all of our volunteers. Let us celebrate you again next year.”

If you would like to volunteer at the LightHouse, you can contact Justine Harris-Richburgh at volunteer@lighthouse-sf.org or jump a step ahead and complete your volunteer registration. Just go to https://lighthouse-sf.org/donate/volunteer/ to get started.

LightHouse News

Make Good on Your New Year’s Fitness Resolution with the LightHouse Fitness Partner Program

Image: Two figures ride on a tandem bikeDo you want to get a move on with your 2015 fitness goals? Working with a LightHouse Fitness Partner could help you be your healthiest self yet. Our volunteer Fitness Partners bring with them a wide range of personal health and fitness experience and will work with you to get and keep you moving and active.

Perhaps you’ve always wanted to go to the gym but could use a gym buddy. We can help match you with that person. Or maybe after reading countless articles on how yoga is good for the heart, body and mind, you’re finally ready to perfect your Sun Salutation. Your next yoga Fitness Partner is in Child Pose waiting for you as we speak. LightHouse Fitness Partners can get you moving in a variety of ways, from tandem bike riding to running, hiking and good ol’ walks around the block.

LightHouse student Isidro C. is an avid bike rider and is currently on the wait list for a Fitness Partner who is interested in tandem biking. He told us, “Bike riding is important to me because it is sometimes the only opportunity for me to be active. It’s a good way for me to stay fit and take in some fresh air once a week.”

Are you interested in volunteering as a Fitness Partner? Our most requested health and fitness activities are walking, running and bike riding at all experience levels.

For all inquiries, contact Justine Harris-Richburgh, Volunteer Engagement Specialist, at volunteer@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7320.

 

LightHouse News

It’s Easy to Volunteer and It’s Good For You, Too

Did you know that volunteering is good for you in all kinds of ways? In addition to the good feeling you get from making a difference to others, it can help you gain new skills, give you the chance to meet people and build your network, try different kinds of work before making a longer commitment, and sometimes lead to part or full-time paid employment. It may even improve your physical health by lowering your blood pressure.

“I am about to graduate from SFSU and I feel truly blessed to have worked with some of these students. They have inspired me and taught me that anything is possible and I’m so thankful.” –LightHouse Personal Services Volunteer Jacquelyn Orozco

If you are looking for volunteer opportunities check in with the LightHouse. We can match you with a blind or visually impaired student who could benefit greatly from your assistance, or provide you with other ways of contributing, such as helping us with the programs and services we offer.

The process is so simple:

  • Read about currently available volunteer opportunities.
  • Complete the easy online volunteer registration form.
  • LightHouse Volunteer Engagement Specialist Justine Harris-Richburgh will contact you to set up an initial appointment.
  • You’ll then get an invitation to participate in an orientation session. Volunteer Orientations are held one Saturday a month.

The next orientation is slated for Saturday, April 11 with orientations to follow one Saturday a month. For more information or to sign-up to attend an orientation, contact Justine Harris-Richburgh, Volunteer Engagement Specialist at volunteer@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7320.

LightHouse News

Calling all East Bay Residents – Volunteer in the New Year with the LightHouse

If you live in the East Bay, the LightHouse is looking for you. With the New Year, there’s been an increase in requests for services from those we serve that live in the East Bay. What better time than now to join the LightHouse as a Personal Services Volunteer.

Longtime friend and student of the LightHouse Lori Castner, who lives in the East Bay told us, “Unfortunately for us, our former LightHouse volunteer has moved out of the area. He was wonderful – he worked with me and my husband for ten years and in that time became more than a volunteer, he became a friend. He assisted us in so many ways – for example, during the elections he helped us complete our absentee ballots. He helped us get birthday, anniversary and holiday cards out on time. With the help of a Personal Services Volunteer, it just takes us so much less time to run errands and get through tasks like sorting through mail and completing paperwork. It makes a huge difference in the amount we can accomplish. We’re definitely looking forward to being matched with someone again here in the East Bay.”

Another LightHouse student, Employment Immersion graduate and East Bay resident Dennis Shepard and his wife Debrah Willard were just recently matched with a LightHouse Personal Services volunteer. “We’re thankful for our new volunteer. Our house runs 100% better when we have someone to help us every week. Especially with running errands and minor household projects – which can be interesting with two guide dogs in tow. We coordinate our schedules so it’s easy for everyone involved.”

There are many reasons to volunteer. Volunteering feels good and allows us to do our civic duty, gain experience that can be put on a resume and exercise our innate, human need to feel needed. The LightHouse has students in the Oakland and Berkeley East Bay area waiting to connect with and hear from you. Start 2015 off right by volunteering as a Personal Services Volunteer. Contact our Volunteer Engagement Specialist, Justine Harris-Richburgh, at volunteer@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7320.

LightHouse Student Dennis Shepard and his Guide Dog Harvard

LightHouse News

Become a Personal Services Volunteer

Are you an individual who believes the simplest pleasures in life sometimes have the most profound impact? Do you prefer to work with people in a one-to-one capacity, rather than in large groups, or on large projects? More importantly, would you like to make a significant contribution to the life of a blind or low vision person in as little as two hours per week? The LightHouse’s Personal Services Volunteer (PSV) program may be just the right fit for you.

Some examples of the daily living tasks our clients may need assistance with are: reading mail; reading books, newspapers and periodicals; writing checks, helping with letters and correspondence; organization/marking/labeling; grocery shopping with or without the client; running errands; attending cultural, social and sporting events; walking; and accessing transportation.

For more information about LightHouse’s Personal Services Volunteer program, or any other questions related to volunteerism at LightHouse, please contact Justine Harris-Richburgh, Coordinator of Volunteer Services and Employment Immersion, at 415-694-7320 or volunteer@lighthouse-sf.org.

LightHouse News

Could You Use a Helping Hand?

Could you benefit from the assistance of a LightHouse Personal Services Volunteer? Our Personal Services volunteers can work with you in a number of areas such as:

-reading mail, books, newspapers and periodicals
-writing checks, letters and correspondence
-home organization such as marking or labeling
-grocery shopping or errands with the client
-attending cultural, social or sporting events
-walking or transportation

LightHouse volunteers are eager to work with you on some of the everyday aspects of life that may be challenging. In talking with you, Volunteer Coordinator Justine Harris-Richburgh will determine what kind of volunteer you are looking for to help you find the best match. You may only be looking for short term assistance or you might be interested in a longer term working relationship. It’s up to you.

Lori Castner and her husband, Mike, are both blind and have been working with volunteers from the LightHouse Personal Services program for over ten years. “My husband and I are pretty resourceful, but we do sometimes need help with tasks we can’t do easily on our own, such as writing checks and greeting cards and sorting quickly through mail. We’ve had good luck getting readers from the LightHouse; they screen their people and really make an effort to make a good match.”

Could you use a helping hand? If you are interested in being matched with a Personal Services Volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Engagement Specialist, Justine Harris-Richburgh, at volunteer@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7320.

volunteer working with LightHouse client

 

LightHouse News

Enrich your Life By Working with a Personal Services Volunteer

Are you blind or have low vision? Could you use help with tasks such as reading mail, shopping for groceries or keeping fit? One of the most exciting and popular services we offer at the LightHouse is our Personal Services Volunteer program where we match volunteers with LightHouse clients who might need extra assistance.

Senior Alfritz Ngantung has been a part of the LightHouse community for many years. For the past three years he has worked with Personal Services Volunteer Kurt Lipschutz. Kurt is a poet, and songwriter (working chiefly with Bay Area recording artist Chuck Prophet). He’s lived in San Francisco since 1980 and had a cornea transplant in 2008, which motivated him to volunteer at the LightHouse.

With Kurt’s help, Alfritz efficiently manages his mail and important paperwork. For example, Kurt worked diligently with Alfred on the daunting application for United States citizenship; we congratulate Alfritz on successfully becoming a U.S. citizen. They make sure Alfritz stays active with invigorating walks through his neighborhood and the two have developed a rapport that provides Alfritz with companionship and lively conversation.

Alfritz speaks very highly of Kurt, “He really helps me out. I feel a true connection and friendship. We meet every Saturday and I really look forward to the time spent together.” Working with a Personal Services Volunteer for the past three years has really helped Alfritz remain independent and thus, much happier. He told us, “When you’re blind or low vision and aging, sometimes you have to re-learn how to be self-sufficient and regain your self-confidence. You have to recognize that you have limits and need help sometimes – you should never feel bad about that.”

Alfritz believes strongly that many people can benefit from the assistance and companionship of a LightHouse Personal Services Volunteer. Our Personal Services volunteers can work with you in a number of areas such as:

-reading mail, books, newspapers and periodicals
-writing checks, letters and correspondence
-home organization such as marking or labeling
-grocery shopping or errands with the client
-attending cultural, social or sporting events
-walking or transportation

LightHouse volunteers are eager to work with blind or visually impaired clients on some of the everyday aspects of life that may be challenging. In talking with you, Volunteer Coordinator Justine Harris-Richburgh will determine what kind of volunteer you are looking for to help you find the best match. You may only be looking for short term assistance or you might be interested in a longer term working relationship. It’s up to you.

Could you use a helping hand? If you are interested in being matched with a Personal Services Volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Justine Harris-Richburgh, at volunteer@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7320.

Client Alfritz E. Ngantung, left, with friend and fellow LightHouse client, Vincent

 

LightHouse News

Activate Your Generous Spirit – Become a LightHouse Volunteer Today

Are you an individual who believes the simplest pleasures in life sometimes have the most profound impact? Do you prefer to work with people in a one-to-one capacity rather than in large groups? Would you like to make a significant contribution to the life of someone who is blind or has low vision in as little as two hours per week? Or are you blind or low vision and interested in working with one of our dedicated volunteers to promote your independence and fitness?

In addition to all of the other services we provide for blind and low vision folks, the LightHouse has an exceptional Personal Services Volunteer Program, where we match those able to help with those needing assistance with tasks such as going over paperwork, organizing their home or going to the grocery store. And if you are finally ready to “get your fitness on” and looking for someone to walk, run, bicycle or other exercise with, the LightHouse can pair you with a Fitness Partner.

Make a difference in somebody’s life. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Justine Harris-Richburgh at 415-694-7320 or volunteer@lighthouse-sf.org to be paired with a Personal Service Volunteer or Fitness Partner today.

Eager to get started? Sign up with our basic online application. Then, call Justine to seal the deal!

LightHouse News

Activate Your Generous Spirit – Become a LightHouse Volunteer Today

1 Commenton Activate Your Generous Spirit – Become a LightHouse Volunteer Today

Are you an individual who believes the simplest pleasures in life sometimes have the most profound impact? Do you prefer to work with people in a one-to-one capacity rather than in large groups? Would you like to make a significant contribution to the life of someone who is blind or low vision in as little as two hours per week? Or are you blind or low vision and interested in working with one of our dedicated volunteers to promote your independence and fitness?

In addition to all of the other services we provide for blind and low vision folks, the LightHouse has an exceptional Personal Services Volunteer Program, where we match those able to help with those needing assistance with tasks such as going over paperwork, organizing their home or going to the grocery store. And if you are finally ready to “get your fitness on” and looking for someone to walk, run, bicycle or other exercise with, the LightHouse can pair you with a Fitness Partner.

Make a difference in somebody’s life. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Justine Harris-Richburgh at 415-694-7320 or volunteer@lighthouse-sf.org to be paired with a Personal Service Volunteer or Fitness Partner today.

Sign that says, “Become a Volunteer Today!”