Field Trip Escorts. Every month there are a variety of field trips that take our residents, guests and/or children out on adventures in the community. Volunteers are needed to help residents and guests in wheelchairs with mobility and to provide companions and supervision for children. Walking and being able to push a wheelchair is needed. Hours are flexible, but for the most part happen daytimes during the week.

Transportation Assistance. Frequently residents and guests need to go to medical appointments away from the building. Many of them are more comfortable or need someone to accompany them to their appointment. Transportation is usually provided by BATA or the HealthRide and, as a companion, you are able to ride with the resident for free. Pushing of wheelchairs is usually required, hours are flexible with appointments being scheduled with one to two weeks notice. Transporters are also needed to assist residents to and from our in-house scheduled activities.

Activity Program Assistance. Grand Traverse Pavilions has a very busy activity schedule for both our assisted living residents and skilled nursing residents. Assistance is welcome at any of our programs and volunteer participation usually means that more residents can participate. There are a wide variety of activities to choose from including bingo, music, crafts, woodworking, bowling and church services. Activity staff are in attendance at each of the events and would provide directions as needed. Activities are scheduled seven days a week throughout the day and evening, so hours are flexible.

Game and Card Players. Many of our residents enjoy playing card and board games, but they need someone to provide leadership and motivation to start a game. Due to mobility limitations, the resident may not be able to retrieve or set up a game or find partners to play with them. Volunteers could assist residents with games one-on-one or in a group setting. Hours are flexible and you could set your own schedule. Staff would assist you in identifying residents interested in playing games or cards. You could bring in your favorite game or use cards and games available in the facility.

Nail Technicians. Each week there are scheduled times called Beautiful Nails, when residents and guests are given manicures. Many residents look forward to this special time each week to feel pretty and good about themselves. Assistance is needed to clean, file and polish nails and it can be done at the designated times or on your own. Materials are provided by the facility.

One-on-One Companions. Loneliness and boredom are common complaints from someone confined due to health problems. Residents enjoy one-on-one visits from a volunteer on a regular basis. Companions can simply visit or offer to do small tasks like letter writing or taking the resident for a walk or reading aloud. This volunteer opportunity allows you to build a relationship with a special individual and make a very real difference in their life. Staff would identify an appropriate resident and provide an introduction. Hours are flexible.

ICC Preschool Aide. Volunteers are needed to assist staff with activities, curriculum and supervision of children ages two to five years of age. Position could include activities both in and out of doors. Previous experience and/or educational background with young children helpful. Children are here Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers could be scheduled during those times.

Mending/Sewing. Assistance is needed in sewing name labels in clothing and doing simple mending of residents’ personal clothing. Sewing machines are provided in a designated area. A group of sewing volunteers meet on the first and third Monday of each month in the mornings. You could join that group or come in at another time convenient for you.

Special Events. Grand Traverse Pavilions often hosts or sponsors special events at our facility or in the community. Often these are a one time or annual type event. For example, the Generations Gala, our fundraiser, requires many special event volunteers. This is a great opportunity to support Grand Traverse Pavilions, meet new people and experience variety in your volunteer service.

Your Specialty. If you have a special skill or talent that you would like to share with the residents and guests of Grand Traverse Pavilions, we would like to hear from you. We would be happy to tailor a volunteer experience or activity around your interests. This could be a one time or ongoing event. Don’t be shy.

Helping Hands. There is never enough time in the day to meet all the needs of our residents. Helping Hands volunteers choose a nursing unit and assist the nursing staff in fulfilling resident requests. Tasks performed may include passing out meal trays, assisting residents to dining rooms, delivering and reading resident mail or newspapers, assisting the residents who need to make telephone calls, taking residents to their beauty shop appointments, etc. Hours are flexible, but we would like you to consider volunteering for the same period of time each week so that staff and residents can look forward to your arrival.

To fill out a volunteer form, click here.

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