There are a variety of ways in which individuals, families, businesses, and friends of Grand Traverse Pavilions can provide residents/tenants and guests with much-needed assistance.

Hundreds of individuals from the community are currently serving as volunteers, generously giving of their time and talents in support of the programs and services of The Pavilions.

These men and women are spending individual time reading or writing letters for the residents; providing entertainment; facilitating interdenominational and memorial services; sewing for residents; caring for landscape and courtyard gardening; assisting residents, children and guests with transportation to and from medical appointments or field trips.

Field Trip Escorts:
Every month there are a variety of field trips that take our residents, out on adventures in the community.  Volunteers are needed to help residents and guests in wheelchairs with mobility and to provide companions.  Walking and being able to push a wheelchair is required.  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 require 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:
Assistance is welcome at any of our activity programs and volunteer participation will allow more residents to 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 will 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/tenants 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/tenant 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/tenants 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, when residents and guests are given manicures.  It's called Beautiful Nails and many residents/tenants 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/tenants enjoy one-on-one visits from a volunteer.  Companions can simply visit or offer to do small tasks like letter writing or taking the resident/tenant for a walk or reading alound.  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/tenant and provide an introduction and hours are flexible.

Special Events:
Grand Traverse Pavilions often hosts or sponsors special events on our Campus or in the community.  Often these are a one time or annual type event.  For example, the Annual fundraiser.  This is a great opportunity to support Grand Traverse Pavilions and meet new people.

Helping Hands:
Helping Hands volunteers choose a Pavilion 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.

For more information call
231-932-3000