Volunteer Experience and Training
Emmanuel Community Park, a ministry of Emmanuel Communities: Meals of Hope 2020-2021
- Volunteer weekly on Wednesdays for food packaging and distribution
- It was my honor and privilege to give the commencement invocation at the FGCU graduation ceremony on December 16, 2018
- My invocation begins at 37:50 on the video.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q2anzxWuM0
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Sun Coast-Lee County 2020 - present
- Big Sister to Erica, age 8
Green County Sexual Assault Recovery Program (SARP) Jan 2018 - April 2019
- Attend monthly volunteer meetings
- Participate in events creating community awareness
- Hotline on call answering rotation
- Advocate for victim at the hospital with SANE (sexual assault nurse exam)
Democratic Party of Green County, WI
- 2018 Attend fundraising event for Democratic candidates
- 2016 Work phone banks and do door-to-door knocking
- 2012 Work phone banks at Democrat office
- 2008 Door-to-door knocking
- 2004 Door-to-door knocking
Double H Ranch - A Hole in the Wall Camp – Lake Luzerne, NY - 2008-2011
“The mission of the Double H Ranch is to provide specialized camping and year-round support for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Our purpose is to enrich their lives and provide camp experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe and medically sound. All programs are FREE of charge and capture the magic of the Adirondacks.”
I volunteered as a cabin counselor, working alongside the full time staff, to create a fun and safe camp experience for kids. I provided direct care and supervision to kids aged 6-16, assisted with campers at program areas, provided personal care to campers in regard to personal hygiene, assisted with behavioral management, and provided a positive role model to great kids!
Training was held for one day prior to the beginning of camp each year. It included medical and safety issues campers face, behavioral issues we might encounter, and overall camp guidelines. I volunteered for a week in July 2008 - 2010 in the Wolf Cabin. This cabin houses 12 boys ages 11-13. In July of 2011 I was in the Bear Cabin. This cabin houses 12 girls ages 15-16.
Volunteer activities at Grace Lutheran Church – Monroe, WI
ELCA National Youth Gathering Coordinator 2012
Organized the registration and fundraising for the group
Organized monthly Bible studies for six months before the trip
Traveled with the group of five youth by bus to New Orleans, LA
Created a memory photo book for each youth
Confirmation Coordinator 2011-2013
Organize two parent meetings during the year
Coordinate treat & acolyte schedules with parents
Organize six Lenten suppers & Palm Sunday Breakfast
Small group guide for seventh and eighth grade girls
Green County Family Promise Volunteer 2011-2013
Attended 3 hour required training for program
Overnight host for guests in church basement
Office Angel at the Day Center
First Wave Book of Faith Congregation Coordinator 2009-2010
Attend Synod training events
Co-ordinate Book of Faith events in the congregation
Adult Christian Education Coordinator 2009-2013
Strive to increase the Biblical fluency within the congregation
Organize Bible studies for the congregation
Lead Bible studies for the congregation
Support other lay leaders for Bible education
Christian Life Ministry Committee co-chair 2009-2010
Stewardship program geared towards educating the congregation
how everything we have belongs to God
Stewardship is more than meeting the budget for the church
Webmaster 2006-2013
Maintain and layout website content
Hand chimes 2006-2011
Participate in weekly rehearsals and play on Sunday mornings
Lydia Circle 2004-2021
Attend monthly Bible studies and fellowship meetings
Church council member 2005-2007
- In 2006 I served as Vice-President. During this time our pastor resigned and supply pastors served us. This was a very painful time for our congregation. I learned a lot going through this process, especially as time has passed and I can look back and evaluate everyone’s role. I feel I have learned lessons, particularly in listening and knowing when to speak up, that will serve me well for future conflicts I will face in my life.
- In 2007 I served as President during our time to call a pastor. Serving as president with no pastor was challenging and educational. I was the first contact for many situations and questions that needed to be dealt with. Questions ranged from our food pantry next door, building usage, and “when are we going to get a pastor.” I did my best to lead the congregation during this time, always being aware of keeping us as Biblically focused as possible. As president I organized our yearly retreat and kept our meetings productive and timely.
WELCA Board council rep 2007
Member of the Women of Grace ELCA committee.
Participated in monthly meetings as the council rep for
decisions regarding financial decisions, fundraisers, and fellowship events.
Intern Supervisory Committee 2005-2006
Committee member to supervise our intern.
Participated in monthly meetings for evaluation and oversight of our intern.
Memorial Committee council rep 2005-2006
Committee member to oversee memorial gifts
Participated in monthly meetings as the council rep for
decisions on investing and spending the memorial money.
Confirmation guide 2001-2006
Confirmation guide for my daughter’s and my son’s class
Each group consisted of four confirmands.
Class met weekly for large group and small group activities.
We did outside service activities:
ringing the Salvation Army Bell and community service.
Our small groups met for many months and became quite close.
Being able to mentor these young adolescents during this time was very rewarding.
Vacation Bible School snack coordinator 1992-1994
Organize and make snacks for Summer Vacation Bible School
Community Volunteer Activities
United Way Marketing Volunteer 2009
Billboard Picture (click to view)
Co-Leader Young American’s 4-H 1998-2007
Along with two other co-leaders, we were leaders for our club. I handled the fundraisers and assisted at meetings. We participated in many community activities like highway clean up, adopt-a-grandparent, and nursing home visits. As a club we worked on our project areas and our record books. I also coordinated with the County extension agent for club registration materials and fair events. Our troop ranged from 20-35 members per year. Our family hosted an exchange youth from Missouri for two weeks and we worked at the Breakfast on the Farm. Green County Extension Office provided an evening training session that was mandatory for all volunteers. This training included guidelines for volunteers and safety for the members.
Venture Crew 1812 2005-2007
I assisted with the annual chili fundraiser by serving and cleaning up.
Co-Leader Girl Scout Troop 366 1989-1996
Along with one other troop co-leader, we organized the weekly meetings, the campouts, and the badge projects for a troop of 10 - 12 girls.
Northside Elementary School Volunteer 1988-1994
I served as a regular volunteer in the classroom, on testing days for vision and hearing, and reading help in the library.
For the 91-92 school year I served as the Volunteer Coordinator. I collected volunteer parent registration forms, matched with teacher requests, organized weekly schedule for volunteers, and filled in when volunteers were absent.