Showing posts with label volunteers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label volunteers. Show all posts

The Seattle King County free vision clinic runs on volunteers

Monday, October 31, 2022

By Doug Cerretti

Seattle/King County Clinic (SKCC) brings together healthcare organizations, civic agencies, non-profits, private businesses and volunteers from across the State of Washington to produce a giant free health clinic at Seattle Center. 

The Clinic is a major function of the Seattle Center Foundation. 

The four-day volunteer-driven clinic provides free dental, vision and medical care to anyone in the region who struggles to access and/or afford healthcare. 

Patients waiting for their number to be called.
Photo by Doug Cerretti
After an absence of three years due to the pandemic, SKCC was held October 20 - 23, 2022. 

A complete SKCC was not held due to scheduling conflicts; however a vision clinic was held, offering eye exams and prescription eyeglasses at no cost to patients. 

The day started at 6am for patients to receive numbers (250+ waitlisted each day) at the Fischer Pavilion. 

Exam room. Photo by Doug Cerretti
They then migrated to Exhibition Hall to be seen by an optometrist or ophthalmologist for eye examination and eyeglass prescriptions. 

This was followed by selection and fitting of frames. 

Many eyeglass frames to choose from.
Photo by Doug Cerretti
I volunteered in “eyeglass processing” where we ensured that the eyeglass order forms were entered into the online order system and then verified their accuracy. 

The frames and order forms were packaged for shipping to be fabricated. 

Patients will return to Seattle Center December 3-4 to receive their new eyeglasses. 

This description barely touches the work of volunteers to make this event run smoothly. 

Eyeglass processing; order forms generated on the right and verified on the left.
Photo by Doug Cerretti
There were volunteers to check in the volunteers and patients, escorts and waiting area monitors, interpreters, IT support, patients records processing, supply sorting, health insurance navigators and social workers and last, but not least, the visual medical professionals. 

When all is said and done over a thousand people will receive new eyeglasses with the aid of 1100 volunteers.
2018 dental clinic. Photo by Doug Cerretti
As large as the vision clinic is, the complete SKCC with dental, vision and medical care is four times larger. Over four days approximately 4000 patients are treated with the aid of approximately 4000 volunteers. 

The enormity of the complete SKCC is illustrated by the 118 dental chairs on the floor of the Key Arena in 2018. 

Dental x-ray station. Note the hand-held
X-ray gun on the left. Photo by Doug Cerretti
I volunteered at the dental x-ray station in the last two complete SKCC in 2018 and 2019. 

There I entered the x-ray images into the computer, that the dental technicians had produced using hand held x-ray guns.

The next complete SKCC will be held April 2023. 

Volunteering at SKCC is very satisfying and rewarding and I highly recommend it.

Doug Cerretti with ray-gun. "Buck
Rogers doesn’t have anything
on me." Photo by Carrie Stewart.
The first step is to register as a volunteer at https://seattlecenter.org/volunteers/ where your experience is noted such as medical, language abilities or computer experience, for example. 

However, there are many volunteer opportunities that do not require specific skills as SKCC simply requires your time. 

As the next SKCC approaches you will be sent schedules and volunteer opportunities.



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Crime prevention in Lake Forest Park

Saturday, October 29, 2022

Did you know that the Lake Forest Park Police Department provides its citizens with an effective crime prevention tool called "Crime Watch"?

Crime Watch is a free program staffed by volunteers who check homes of residents who are out of town. 

To sign up for a vacation house check, residents fill out a Crime Watch Vacation House Check Form and bring-or send-the completed form to the Lake Forest Park Police Department.
https://www.cityoflfp.gov/DocumentCenter/View/901/Vacation-House-Check-Form?bidld=

The Crime Watch program depends on volunteers. Each volunteer is assigned a partner, both of whom will go out together in a city vehicle to check the houses of those residents who have submitted the Vacation House Check Form. 

Signing up to participate as a crime watch volunteer requires both a background check and a credit check. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lieutenant Diego Zanella at dzanella@cityoflfp.gov



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Parks restoration volunteer opportunities in Lake Forest Park November 5 and 19, 2022

 
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Parks Restoration Volunteer Opportunities

Five Acre Woods 


Saturday

November 5th

9am-12noon


Location:

City Park Five-Acre Woods

18678-18998 40th Pl NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155, USA


The forest is waiting for you!


Questions? 

please email volunteer coordinator polly@gaiaict.com

Grace Cole Nature Park


Saturday

November 19th

9am-12noon


Location:

Grace Cole Nature Park (GCNP)

16735 30th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155, USA


A hidden gem of a park!


Questions?

Contact park restoration lead Jim Mead at jameslmead@comcast.net.


Two opportunities to help restore parks in Lake Forest Park in November. Five Acre Woods on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 9am - noon and Grace Cole Nature Park on Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 9am - noon.



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Sign up to help with the cold weather shelter

Saturday, October 8, 2022

Cold weather shelter at Saint Dunstan's on N 145th

The weather now is unseasonably warm and sunny in spite of wildfire smoke, so it may be hard to think of long and cold nights to come.

But they will come and people will still be living unsheltered even when it is freezing.

The shelter location is set, the pallets are ready. All that is needed are caring volunteers who will spend a night or two at the cold weather shelter.

It's an on call position, based on when temperatures drop. For more information or to sign up, email staff@nuhsa.org or call 206-550-5626.




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We Heart Seattle and Camp United We Stand clean up 1500 pounds of garbage

Friday, September 30, 2022

Volunteers cleaning up trash in Shoreline 

When residents from the tent city United We Stand discovered a huge trash site in the trees by the I-5 exit ramp at N 175th, they decided to do something about it.

They partnered with We Heart Seattle - an action-based, boots-on-the-ground movement that organizes trash cleanups in public spaces and offers resources to those in need.

BEFORE - this is what the site looked like when they started
With We Heart Seattle's truck, U Haul, volunteers and equipment, campers from Camp United We Stand, along with volunteers from Seattle and Shoreline, cleared over 1500 lbs of garbage on Saturday, September 24, 2022.

AFTER - this is what it looked like after they cleared 1500 pounds of trash

Beverly Hawkins, Board Member of Camp United We Stand, we elated. 

"Volunteers from Seattle and Shoreline, from Camp United We Stand, and We Heart Seattle came together for a great job of beautifying a piece of Shoreline."

Camp United We Stand is hosted in turn by several Shoreline churches. They are presently located at Shoreline Free Methodist Church at 510 NE 175th St.



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Northwest Neighbors Network seeks board members

Monday, September 5, 2022

Are you passionate about helping seniors age well in their own homes? 

Are you looking for volunteer opportunities with a committed, enthusiastic nonprofit Board of Directors? 

The Northwest Neighbors Network is looking for individuals like you to serve as Board members for 6-8 hours per month and 1-2 year terms. 

There are many opportunities to engage, including community outreach, social events, finance and fundraising, volunteer management, and more across our service areas of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Edmonds, Woodway, Lynnwood, Brier, and Mountlake Terrace. 

If you are interested in learning more, please contact NNN’s Board President, Suzy Chandler, via email: suzy@northwestneighborsnetwork.org



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City of Lake Forest Park seeking applications for the newly formed Salary Commission

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

The City of Lake Forest Park is still seeking applications for the new Salary Commission. 

Please reach out to City Clerk Matt McLean for more information and to apply.

The salary commission is authorized by Ordinance 1246, and their purpose is to review and make binding salary and benefits recommendations for the City’s elected officials.



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Volunteer opportunities at North Helpline

Monday, August 1, 2022

Volunteers at North Helpline
North Helpline is a big and busy charity serving the Lake City, Bitter Lake, and general north Seattle community.

They have food banks in Lake City and Bitter Lake. They help people stay housed, clothed, and fed. They have client services staff who help clients access other available services like reduced fare Orca cards.

They have an immediate need for volunteers and have a lot of opportunities.

Volunteer Openings

There are lots of opportunities to get to know your neighbors this summer and give back through volunteering!

We welcome volunteers of High School age and above. 

Greeter, Check-in and Registration
Bitter Lake* and Lake City
  • Wednesdays: 8:45-11:15am, 11:15am-2:00pm
  • Thursdays: 3:45-7:00pm
  • Saturdays: 8:45-11:15am,11:15am-2:00pm
  • *Only Saturdays needed at BL

*NEW* Videographer and Photographer

Help us showcase our work in a new way!

Home Delivery Driving
  • Thursdays, 2:00-5:00pm
Home Delivery Packing
  • Tuesday and Thursdays, 9:30-1:30pm

*Volunteers joining us onsite will need to show us their proof of COVID-19 Vaccination status.*




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Beach clean-up August 6 at RB Saltwater Park with On Sacred Ground Land Trust

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Join us for a beach clean-up at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park!

Saturday, Aug 6, 2022 from 10am-2pm
  • Help remove microplastics from the marine environment
  • Learn about landscaping practices that mitigate negative climate change impacts
  • Observe mealworms composting styrofoam™
Meet members of the Snohomish Tribe's Blue Heron Canoe Family and paddle a traditional canoe

Hosted by On Sacred Ground Land Trust and the City of Shoreline's Environmental Mini-Grants program



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Volunteer opportunities this Saturday at Shoreline Farmers Market

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
 
The Shoreline Farmers Market is looking for engaged and enthusiastic volunteers to help at Kids Day this Saturday, July 30, 2022.
  • Are you an artist? Create thank you cards with kids.
  • Love taking photos and capturing precious moments? Snap photos for us to use on social media.
  • Big fan of smoothies? Work the smoothie bike station.
  • Looking to flex your muscles? Help us set-up or tear-down the canopies.
Email kara@shorelinefarmersmarket.org for more information



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Always toward the sun

Thursday, July 14, 2022

 
Photo by Susan Westphal

In case we forget where it is, this sunflower at the Twin Ponds community garden will keep us apprised of the location of the sun.

The Twin Ponds food bank garden provides organic, fresh vegetables to local food banks during the entire growing season, currently the Lake City North Helpline. 

It was created and is maintained by volunteers.

Correction: produce currently goes to the North Helpline Food Bank


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Roots of Empathy in Shoreline Schools

Friday, July 8, 2022

Have you been wondering how you can give back to the Shoreline community? Have you ever considered becoming a Roots of Empathy Instructor?

Several Shoreline elementary schools are in need of volunteers who are willing to train as Roots of Empathy Instructors for the upcoming school year. 

Applications are currently being accepted and training dates are scheduled for October 18-20, 2022.

What is Roots of Empathy? 

Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program that fosters empathy in children, now entering its 16th year of partnership with elementary schools in the Shoreline and Lake Forest Park area. 

Empathy enables children to build healthy relationships, reduces bullying and aggression, and contributes to their well-being. We are in need of a few more people who are willing to give time to children and watch them evolve over the school year as they observe “their” baby grow.

Want to see what Roots of Empathy looks like?

Click to view a recent BBC World Hacks feature on the Roots of Empathy program that explains how Roots of Empathy works and why a baby is such a powerful teacher of empathy. 

You can also take a peek at this Q13 segment that was filmed in a Meridian Park Elementary class in 2020. 

Finally, learn more about what being an Instructor means here.

Please reach out to Suz Fix, local Program Manager, at sfix@rootsofempathy.org if you’re interested in joining Roots of Empathy in changing the world, child by child.



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Volunteer at Hopelink Food Bank in Shoreline

Saturday, June 25, 2022

Volunteers in the Hopelink Food Bank
Hopelink Food Bank has been open in a market format since early May at its location in Ronald Commons, 17837 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133 (enter from southbound on Aurora.

They are getting great feedback from the customers, but it takes more people volunteering to make it successful.
 
They have a handful of regular volunteers to pick up rescue groceries, get food sorted and on the shelves or in the refrigerator, and help customers when they visit - and they would love to have more!

If you are interested in helping Shoreline residents deal with food insecurity please consider a three or four hour volunteer shift once a week.
 
Go to hopelink.volunteerhub.com for information or email site manager Johnny Fikru: jfiku@hopelink.org



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North Helpline needs volunteers

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Photo courtesy North Helpline
North Helpline is looking to fill a few volunteer positions. 

Are you able to join our team?

The Positions:

Distribution Check-In and Registration

Register and check-in folks accessing our Lake City and Bitter Lake services sites during the distribution of food and hygiene items.
  • Wednesdays, 8:45-11:15am and 11:15-2:00pm
  • Thursdays, 3:45-7:00pm
  • Saturdays 8:45-12:15pm and 11:15-2:00pm
Apply: esther@northhelpline.org

Home Delivery Drivers

Deliver food boxes to community members.
  • Thursdays, 2-5pm
Home Delivery Box Packing

Pack food boxes to be delivered members of our community.
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-1:30pm
Learn More on our Website

Questions? volunteers@northhelpline.org



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Friendship Academy finds a new home in Shoreline

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Friendship Academy
Photo by Marla Tullio
Some Shoreline area residents may have noticed the new sign that says Friendship Academy on the old police station at N 185th and Midvale. 

Hmmmm I wonder what that is? 

Well, it’s the new home of an established nonprofit called Friendship Adventures that has served adults with disabilities in our area for over 18 years. 

After operating for many years out of community centers and other temporary spaces, Friendship Adventures finally has a home.

Friendship Adventures provides recreation and social programs such as cooking, art, and dance classes, holiday parties, social activities, field trips, health and fitness programs, formal and themed dances, vacations, daytime activity programs, and day trips around the greater Seattle area. 

The focus is on adults over the age of 21 with developmental disabilities, many of whom are socially isolated and basically alone outside of their living situations. 

Friendship Adventures was formed to fill that void, building friendships one smile at a time!

Friendship Adventures is currently looking for paid part-time staff and instructors, volunteers, and donations to get our programs up and running. 

Do you have a special skill or talent you’d like to teach in a small group setting? Does your teen need volunteer hours or do you or someone you know need a part-time job helping people have fun in the community? Would you like to come help us in our garden? Friendship Adventures is looking for you!

Learn more at https://friendshipadventures.org and please contact us at info@friendshipadventures.org



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Volunteer position at Shoreline Farmers Market packing produce bags for seniors

Wednesday, May 18, 2022


Are you looking to give back to your community? We have a great opportunity for you!

The farmers market is seeking out four detail-oriented volunteers who can commit two hours of their time every Saturday morning (from June 10 - August 13). 

Volunteers will work together sorting vegetables and packing fresh produce bags for seniors in our community who have been identified by the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center and Northwest Neighbors Network.

These bags will be delivered to seniors in the community, providing fresh access to healthy and nutritious food. 

Sounds great right? This is a chance to be outside in the fresh air, meet new people, and give back to others! 

Reach out to kara@shorelinefarmersmarket.org you're interested in learning more.



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Walk Leaders wanted for Shoreline Walks

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Want to help keep our community moving? 

The City of Shoreline is looking for more volunteers to help lead free community walks. 

Shoreline Walks is a free volunteer-led community program that helps adults stay active, meet new people (or connect with old friends) and feel safer and more confident exploring our city by foot.

Walks explore trails, neighborhoods, parks and streets and often incorporate interesting conversational topics such as art, history and nature.

The Shoreline Walks program was started in 2013, but during the last couple years has exploded in popularity due to the Covid-19 pandemic and everyone’s need to get outdoors for safer recreation and social experiences. 

The city is looking for more walk leaders willing to lead additional walks to help meet the growing demand of this great program.

Being a walk leader is a simple and rewarding way to give back to your community. 

City of Shoreline Recreation Staff will help you organize your first walk, which generally ranges from 2-3 miles in length and can be any level of difficulty. Walks take place all over the City of Shoreline and are advertised on the website www.shorelinewa.gov/shorelinewalks

If you know of great walking routes around our city and would like to lead a group walk, please contact Marianne Johnson, Recreation Specialist at mjohnson@shorelinewa.gov, 206-801-2638. Training provided.



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Compass Housing: Gardening with volunteers

Saturday, April 30, 2022

 Program Manager Corinne Stipek McKisson
and Case Managers Addisu and Amy.
Story and photos from Compass Housing

Volunteers from Shoreline Covenant Church, Ronald United Methodist Church, North Seattle Friends, The Practicing Church and Lake Forest Park Rotary put on their gloves, tugged on their boots, and worked with Compass staff and residents to revitalize our amazing garden beds at Ronald Commons!

Fifteen volunteers weeded, raked, and shoveled for nearly four hours and the results speak for themselves!

The volunteers worked alongside Ronald Commons residents and staff.
Before and After
It is so wonderful to be able to have volunteers back and serving our programs! 

If you want to get involved with Compass, check out where we could use your help here: https://www.compasshousingalliance.org/volunteer/.

4-30-2022 story updated

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Volunteer opportunity: Pick up groceries for Shoreline Hopelink

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Shoreline Trader Joe's
Photo by Wayne Pridemore
Make a huge difference in your community today by volunteering one hour a week!

Hopelink Shoreline Market is in search of a volunteer to help pick up food donations from the Shoreline Trader Joe’s. 

On Tuesday mornings, you’ll drive your vehicle to the Shoreline Trader Joe's, pick up food donations, and drive the donation back to Shoreline Hopelink. 

Volunteers must be at least 18, have a valid license and proof of insurance and be able to lift at least 25 pounds. 

Sign up here: https://hopelink.volunteerhub.com/event/5902b2ec-8bbc-4ec2-9c0a-f8f1264d662c

This opportunity is not available to complete School or Court-Ordered Community Service.



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Echo Lake work party call for volunteers

Saturday, March 19, 2022

Friends of Echo Lake at work party
Photo courtesy FOEL

Help restore the riparian wetlands area at Echo Lake Park.

Friends of Echo Lake and volunteers from around the community are busy restoring this area on beautiful Echo Lake. 

Echo Lake has very little undeveloped shoreline, and this area in the park contains important habitat for otter, birds, insects and fish, and serves to filter run off after storms. 

Our native plants will include new tall conifers, to sequester carbon and provide shade. 

Echo Lake drains into Lake Ballinger, with creeks flowing from there to Lake Washington and on to Puget Sound. 

Echo Lake Park Riparian area has been degraded by invasive plants and frequent trespassing into the protected area, and needs our help.

On Saturday, April 2, 2022 we will have our second work party, to remove invasive plants, add mulch and new native plants.

Newbies are welcome! We will provide tools, direction, snacks and drinks, and gloves. We had 15 volunteers at our first work party, and it was a great way to get to know other folks in the neighborhood, beautify the park and get some exercise. 

All you need is sturdy shoes and clothing, a water bottle, sack lunch and elbow grease. Adults and minors (at least age 13 accompanied by a parent) are welcome.

If you would like to join us, please register on the link below. Click on JOIN THIS EVENT at top right.

https://shoreline.greencitypartnerships.org/event/292/

Friends of Echo Lake is grateful for support from the City of Shoreline, the Green Shoreline Partnership, and The King County Conservation District. And for all our volunteers!

Question? Please email Ann Michel at agrmichel@gmail.com



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