Being a volunteer provides an opportunity to use your talents to help others, develop new interests, make new friends, grow in compassion and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from giving.

To Become a Volunteer:

1. Call the Director of Therapeutic Recreation for an interview, 920-921-9520.
   
2. Fill out an application.
   
3. Complete the volunteer orientation and your personal training program.
   
   

Areas of Service:

Each volunteer opportunity is a positive approach to meeting the physical, social and emotional needs of the residents of Lutheran Home.

• Individual visits
  
• Transport residents to various events
  
• Outdoor walks
  
• Musicians to Perform
  
• Crafts, Activities, Games
  
• Bringing in pets
  
• Discussion groups, Men’s Group
  
• “Adopt” a grandparent
  
• Reading (individual/group)
  
• Treasures Unlimited Gift Shop
  
  

Individual Visits

Visits are one of the most positive ways to make a difference in the lives of the residents. Visits take place on a personal, one-on-one basis and are about getting acquainted with each other. A visitor comes with an open heart to talk and listen with a resident. Residents are happy to have someone to talk to, and someone with a smile and new personality. Visitors can encourage residents to share their background – what life was like growing up, education, employment, family life. Reminiscing about the past, with its memorable stories, experiences, and relationships, is a favorite pastime of theirs. A visit can change their attitude for the day and give them something special in the midst of their usual daily routine.

There is always something to learn from talking with these people. As a young person visiting with residents, there is the discovery of the world without electricity, with hard labor on the farm, the Depression, one-room schoolhouses, and so much more. As an older adult, there are likenesses to discover and wisdom to be shared. With less talkative residents, one can simply learn a new creative approach to conversation, realizing a visit is more than just words. A small encounter in another person’s life always carries its rewards.

Transport residents to various events

With the busyness of meals, therapy, activities, games, and church services, helpers are always needed to transport residents around the building. Most residents are confined to wheelchairs and need a guiding hand to the elevators. The Beauty Salon and the Wellness and Rehab Center within the Lutheran Home look for volunteers to transport residents to and from their appointments.

Outdoor Walks

Volunteers can offer to take residents outside for walks in their wheelchairs. A stroll outdoors stimulates their senses as you both enjoy the fresh air and visit on the way.

Volunteering as a Musician

Share your musical talents with the residents, who are eager for entertainment. It’s as simple as offering a concert on the piano, violin, or whatever instrument you play. If you are a teacher, consider bringing in your students to play during residents’ mealtimes or another part of the day.

Helping with Activities, Games and Crafts

Every day there are stimulating activities fostered to our residents’ social, emotional, and spiritual needs. You can get involved in Remember When, trivia, fingernail painting, reading club, jokes and riddles, staying in shape, spiritual growth and prayer. Group craft projects like painting, sewing, and ceramics are offered weekly, where residents, staff, and helpers engage in creativity, fun, and working together. There is something for everyone. Volunteer in what you do best or learn something new.

Bringing in pets

Residents love to see dogs, cats, rabbits, or other pets that you want to bring in for a visit. Take your pet down the halls and stop in for room visits. Pet Therapy is one of the happiest ways to brighten another person’s day.

Discussion groups, Men’s Group

Anyone interested in talking about a certain topic or a current event can volunteer to lead discussion groups or socials. The Men’s Group is in need of volunteers to talk about any male related interest like hunting, fishing, history, etc. to be shared among our male population.

“Adopting” a Grandparent

Adopting a grandparent involves making a commitment and establishing a friendship with a certain elderly resident. It involves taking an active interest in their life and in showing them love. You might come in a few times a week for a visit or call on the phone to say hello. Take them out to eat, to a concert, to a family event. As you reach out to them, they will enjoy becoming involved in your life as well. Your effort will mean the world to them and they will never forget you.

Volunteering to Read

One of the most popular pastimes for residents is reading. Even reading can be lonely though if one feels isolated from others. That is why volunteering to read on an individual basis or in a group setting is important. Reading helps stimulate the mind, distracting residents from their troubles and leading them into the world of imagination.

Treasures Unlimited Gift Shop

Volunteer to work in our own little gift shop.

Lutheran Homes and Health Services, Inc.
244 North Macy Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935-3362
920-921-9520
Fax: 920-921-0819
info@fdllutheranhome.org