Volunteer Department 2017

Volunteer Department Overview The volunteer department at Hammer has over 500 volunteers – many of whom volunteer monthly or even weekly.

Volunteers are matched to positions according to their interests and availability. All volunteers are interviewed, screened and go through volunteer orientation prior to starting their role. Volunteer screening includes the interview, criminal background checks, and driver’s license checks if the volunteer will be driving their vehicle. Volunteer orientation includes Hammer’s history, volunteer policies and procedures, confidentiality, HIPAA, and our maltreatment policy/procedure.

Many volunteers work directly with the residents based upon common interests. These volunteer positions include, but are not limited to: basketball, bowling, church drivers, computer tutors, concerts, crafts, exercise partners, guitar instructors, journaling, movies, museum escorts, out to eat, piano instructors, pet therapy, reading tutors, sports, voice lessons. All of these needs are based on the current needs and wants of the individuals we support. The staff who work in the volunteer department meet with the house staff regularly to update these needs. If a volunteer is assigned a position with one or more of our residents, the volunteer also receives training from the staff who work directly with them. This is done the first time a volunteer visits the home where they are introduced to everyone and receive specific training from the house staff.

Hammer also has many volunteer opportunities that usually do not have direct contact with the individuals we support. These volunteer roles include: office assistants, event assistants, committee members, newsletter writers, photographers, gardeners, rakers, window washers, and board members.

We recognize our volunteers throughout the year with birthday cards, anniversary cards, welcome cards, and an annual thank you from all of the residents and staff. We also nominate volunteers throughout the year for community awards. We also recognize our staff for working well with volunteers.

The volunteer staff writes articles for Hammer’s newsletter, Discoveries, where you will also find our most up to date volunteer needs. We also put out a volunteer e-newsletter three times per year.

For more information, please contact Cathy Thoma at 952-435-8554 or email cthoma@hammer.org or visit our website, https://www.hammer.org/getinvolved/volunteer/