VOLUNTEERS IN PLANO

Volunteer Resources

1520 Avenue K

972-941-7114

Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm

Volunteers In Plano

Volunteers in Plano establishes meaningful partnerships between volunteers and municipal departments through volunteer service. Learn how you can get involved at volunteersinplano.org or call 972-941-7114.

A Snapshot of Current Volunteer Opportunities

Sam Johnson Recreation Center for Adults 50+

Kitchen Volunteers - From preparing lunches in the Gazebo Café to greeting patrons, there are many ways volunteers support the Sam Johnson Recreation Center. Volunteers don’t have to be 50 to serve and can apply anytime throughout the year. Contact Morgan at 972-941-7627 for more information.

Greeter Volunteers - Are you an SJC member who wants to get more involved? Give back to your community by volunteering as a Greeter! Greeters serve as a friendly face to members when they arrive, direct visitors to the specific rooms where programs are being held, and answer general questions about the Recreation Center. Contact Morgan at 972-941-7627 for more information.

972-941-7250

Special Events

Sign up now to be a Special Event Volunteer. Individuals and groups welcome! Our special event list has a variety of one-time activities. If you join the list, you will receive our VIP Event Alert emails about upcoming opportunities. Subscribe by sending an email to VolunteersinPlano@plano.gov.

Foster Pets for Plano Animal Services

Love cute kittens? Apply to become a foster volunteer through Plano Animal Services! Foster volunteers temporarily care for animals needing extra attention due to minor health issue or kittens too young for adoption. The devotion, care and socialization given during this time increase the animal’s chance to be adopted by a loving home. Training is provided, no previous foster experienced required. If you have time and space to care for an animal in your home,email Morgan Green-Griffin at morgangg@plano.gov for additional information.

Good Neighbor Volunteer Program

Neighborhood Services is looking for volunteers for their Good Neighbor Volunteer Program. If you love lending a helping hand by working on minor exterior home repairs, trimming trees, landscaping and more, then contact us about becoming a neighborhood builder. If you enjoy engaging with residents, empowering others, collaborating with a team to find solutions, sharing knowledge and bringing awareness, then contact us about becoming a neighborhood ambassador. We are recruiting residents to volunteer their time to assist residents with exterior property maintenance tasks, mentor a neighborhood to help them form a neighborhood group, and/or share valuable information about Neighborhood Services at an outreach event. We are looking for Plano residents who want to serve Plano residents! To learn more, please email best@plano.gov with the subject GNVP.

planoparks.org 10

Recreational And Social Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities

Adapted Recreation programs are designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities from 12 months to over 60 years of age. Adapted Recreation staff is composed of certified special education teachers, certified paraprofessionals, and volunteers, who are on hand for most programs to assist and encourage the individuals as needed. Any individuals requiring assistance with matters not directly related to the activities and needing assistance with toileting and feeding must bring a chaperone/aide. For information please contact Dianne Dillon at 972-941-7272.

Aquatics

How to Read the Activity/Course Information

NEW! SHINING STARS PARENT & ME (1-3 YRS)

This class will focus on simplifying soccer into specific components, while teammates work together to build new skills in a fun, non-competitive environment. Experienced instructors, along with puppet friends, Mimi and Pepe take you and your little one through a world of exciting physical activity. A onetime $30 registration fee to Shining Stars includes a jersey and soccer ball. Parent/caregiver participant is required.

60123 NRC Sa 9am-9:55am 9/9 4 Sanneh $125

The title of the course is SHINING STARS PARENT & ME. The Course Code is 60123 and it meets at THE NATURE & RETREAT CENTER AT OAK POINT PARK on SATURDAYS from 9am9:55am, begins SEPTEMBER 9 meets 4 times, the instructor is SANNEH and the fee for this course is $125.

CAR = Carpenter Park Recreation Center

LRC = Liberty Recreation Center

SJC = Sam Johnson Recreation Center for Adults 50+

NRC = The Nature & Retreat Center at Oak Point Park

OPC = Oak Point Recreation Center

NEW! PRESCHOOL ADAPTIVE AQUATICS (3-5 YRS)

This class is designed for children with disabilities who want to learn to be safe in the water and basic swimming skills. It is a parent/child class and will need a responsible adult in the water for the child to participate. This class covers safe submersions, floats, glides, and rudimentary front and back crawl.

NEW! YOUTH ADAPTIVE AQUATICS (6-12 YRS)

This class is designed for children with disabilities who want to learn to be safe in the water and different swimming skills. This class covers safe submersions, floats, glides, and rudimentary front and back crawl. A responsible adult buddy (16 yrs or older) is required to participate in class.

NEW! ADULT ADAPTIVE AQUATICS (13 YRS & UP)

This class is designed for students with disabilities who want to learn to be safe in the water and different swimming skills. This class covers safe submersions, floats, glides, and rudimentary front and back crawl. A responsible adult buddy is required to participate in class.

972-941-7250 planoparks.org 11

Crafts and Fine Arts

NEW! PAINT POURING WITH JOY (16 YRS & UP)

This class will teach teens and adults with special needs the techniques for creating a one of a kind piece of artwork. Colorful cells will appear before your eyes as you learn different techniques to paint pouring. To allow the paint to set, the artwork will be available to pick up the following Monday. The paint is not washable, so please wear appropriate clothing that you do not mind getting paint on.

HOLIDAY CRAFTS & GIFTS (14 YRS & UP)

Do you have the characteristics that allow you to think outside the box, and that will result in innovative or different approaches to a particular task? If so, come out and enjoy a fun afternoon in putting your talents to work in creating a unique holiday gift to give away or to keep for yourself. Supplies are included.

LUNCH WITH FRIENDS (18 YRS & UP)

Students will eat lunch with old and new friends, and then dive into a world of art. This class works on a variety of arts and crafts projects ranging from drawing to painting, and sometimes a 3-dementional piece of work. Bring a sack lunch and drink, and be ready to make some art. Class artwork is periodically featured with Plano Public Library.

Dance

ADAPTED CREATIVE MOVEMENT (5-14 YRS)

Creative movement is a fun introduction to basic dance terminology and technique for individuals with special needs. To help this age group thrive we intersperse creative dance games that teach skills and steps, with traditional exercises to grow their dance experience.

DANCE CLUB (15 YRS & UP)

Come join us for a fun night of dancing along with other fun activities each month. We will meet at Sam Johnson Recreation Center, 401 W. 16th Street. The goal of this program is to increase socialization, self-esteem, and physical exercise. Light refreshments are provided. Parents are asked to pick up participants rather than arrange for public transportation.

HOLIDAY PARTY (15 YRS & UP)

If dressing up is something you like to do, then put on your fancy dress/tux, and come out to a fun, fantastic holiday party, and enjoy dancing and dinner with your peers. We are asking each participant to bring a canned food item, to be donated to families in need. Parents and care providers may also register for the dinner if they prefer to stay and eat. Drop-off and pick-up will be at SJC. Parents, please arrange to pick up participants yourselves.

Educational

CONTINUING ED/LUNCH W/FRIENDS COMBO (18 YRS & UP)

This special offer is for those families that wish to sign up for both the Continuing Education Class and Lunch with Friends. Sign up for the combo class and save $25.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASS (18 YRS & UP)

Keep your academic skills sharp by enrolling in this post graduate class. You will work on math, spelling, reading, and writing skills that will enhance your daily interactions on the job as well as in the community.

972-941-7250 planoparks.org 12

FUN BUNCH BOWLERS (14 YRS & UP)

Adaptive bowling for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities gives participants the opportunity to strengthen their fine motor skills while having fun interacting with their peers. Bowlers meet at Allen Bowl, 1011 S. Greenville Ave, Allen, on alternate Saturdays. Registration fee covers bowling, and shoe rental.

SPECIAL STRONG (13 YRS & UP)

Special Strong is a program that helps those with disabilities through individualized and personalized strength training and social coaching. We have created an affordable adapted fitness training program that promotes optimal health and well-being. Our certified trainers lead engaging group classes that provide individuals with the opportunity to interact with others, develop new friendships, improve their socialization skills, and get into the best health and shape of their life. Group classes are designed for any fitness level; however, anyone who is unable to follow instructions must bring their shadow person.

Kid’s Activities

ADAPTED GYMNASTICS BOYS (3-6 YRS)

Students with special needs will feel a real sense of accomplishment and independence as they learn how to roll, hang, swing, and go upside down all by themselves. Students will be taught basic skills on the pommel horse, high bar, parallel bars, floor vault and other activities. Each child will progress at a rate which they are most comfortable.

ADAPTED GYMNASTICS GIRLS (3-7 YRS)

In this beginning gymnastics class for children with special needs, they will learn very basic skills on the vault, bars, beam, floor and trampoline, as well as other activities. They won’t know it, but they will also be improving their gross motor skills, hand eye coordination, body awareness and building self-esteem. Each child will progress at a rate which they are most comfortable.

SPECIAL STRONG/KICKBOXING (13 YRS & UP)

Special Strong is a program that helps those with disabilities through individualized and personalized strength training and social coaching. We have created an affordable adapted fitness training program that promotes optimal health and well-being. Our certified trainers lead engaging group classes that provide individuals with the opportunity to interact with others, develop new friendships, improve their socialization skills, and get into the best health and shape of their life. Group classes are designed for any fitness level; however, anyone who is unable to follow instructions must bring their shadow person.

NEW! SNG AEROBICS (18-35 YRS)

Come join our Special Needs Gymnastics instructor, as she provides tools to train your mind, body and soul through aerobic and anaerobic balance. This class will give you a new outlook on exercising. Please bring a spiral notebook and pencil to take notes and document achievements.

SOCIAL SKILLS GYMNASTICS (7 YRS & UP)

What a great way to improve social skills for individuals with special needs... by participating in a challenging, yet fun, adapted gymnastics class with your peers. Improving the ability to appropriately socialize with your peers will be the emphasis of this class, as students are introduced to beginning skills on the gymnastics equipment.

NEW! SHINING STARS PARENT & ME (1-3 YRS)

This class will focus on simplifying soccer into specific components, while teammates work together to build new skills in a fun, noncompetitive environment. Experienced instructors, along with puppet friends, Mimi and Pepe take you and your little one through a world of exciting physical activity. A one-time $30 registration fee to Shining Stars includes a jersey and soccer ball. Parent/caregiver participant is required.