THE MENTOR NETWORK’S 5TH ANNUAL NATIONAL
VOLUNTEER DAY photo album!
SATURDAY, MAY 6TH, 2017
Alabama MENTOR Alabama MENTOR volunteers prepared 50 “New to Care� bags that were distributed to the Department of Human Resources. They will be given to children entering foster homes for the first time, so they have the necessities they need to find comfort in their new homes.
CareMeridian Arizona
CareMeridian Arizona volunteers supported Sunshine Acres Children’s Homes, an organization that provides a loving home for children who are separated from their parents and helps them establish long-term relationships with stable parental figures, preparing them for success in adult life. The volunteers cleaned a large garden area and petting zoo for children and visitors to enjoy.
NeuroRestorative Arkansas Volunteers from NeuroRestorative Arkansas made 100 food packages to donate to local families in need, in honor of their coworker, Debbie Eaton, who passed away earlier this year.
California MENTOR, Bakersfield
California MENTOR volunteers in Bakersfield assembled and delivered food baskets to Exceptional Family Center, an organization committed to helping families of children with developmental disabilities, and The Mission at Kern County, which provides shelter to nearly 300 guests and serves more than 500 meals each day.
California MENTOR, Long Beach and CareMeridian California
California MENTOR and CareMeridian volunteers in Long Beach worked with the Compton Initiative to paint two homes, a mural on a non-profit community center campus, and help pick up trash. This non-profit was founded in 2006 with a 40-year commitment to restore the City of Compton through quarterly workdays in partnership with individual volunteers and other organizations.
California MENTOR, Palmdale
California MENTOR volunteers in Palmdale made toiletry and snack care packages for individuals experiencing homelessness in the area. After the volunteers assembled the packages they went into the community to distribute them to those in need.
California MENTOR, Sacramento
California MENTOR volunteers assembled 52 care packages for the Men’s A Street homeless shelter of Sacramento.
California MENTOR, San Jose
California MENTOR volunteers in San Jose gave their time clearing over a half an acre of weeds and overgrowth to prepare the Historical Orchard of the Guadalupe River and Park Conservancy for their planting and fruit season.
CareMeridian California
CareMeridian California volunteers assembled “Sunshine Bags� filled with snacks and other treats to donate to Life After Brain Injury. This non-profit provides free support services to individuals impacted by brain injury in and around Ventura County, California.
CareMeridian Colorado
CareMeridian Colorado volunteers made 50 hygiene packs, including items such as shampoo, soap, lotion, and deodorant to donate to individuals at the Vietnam Veterans of America organization.
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NeuroRestorative Florida NeuroRestorative Florida volunteers sorted nearly 13,000 pounds of donations at Feeding Tampa Bay, a local food bank—enough to provide over 10,000 meals to families in the community.
Florida MENTOR, Avon Park
Florida MENTOR volunteers in Avon Park mucked stalls, swept the barn and cleaned leather saddles and bridles at Heartland Horses, a non-profit that uses horses to challenge perceived limitations of children and adults with disabilities.
Florida MENTOR, Tampa
Florida MENTOR volunteers in Tampa helped prepare meals for those in need at the Metropolitan Ministries Outreach Center and worked behind the scenes in the thrift store to sort donations and assist patrons. The organization serves between 2,500 and 3,000 meals daily.
Georgia MENTOR
Giving those le back to ss fortu nate than I am.
Georgia MENTOR volunteers gave their time at the Atlanta Community Food Bank where they sorted 9,000 pounds of food for distribution to people in need.
REM Iowa, Clinton REM Iowa volunteers cleaned travel cages for the animals, picked up the parking lot, and painted 5 large rooms at the Clinton Humane Society.
REM Iowa, Council Bluffs
To pay it forward!
REM Iowa volunteers in Council Bluffs helped beautify Big Lake Park, a five acre public park overlooking Gilbert Pond.
REM Iowa, Davenport
REM Iowa volunteers painted and did ground clean-up at the Scott County Humane Society, an organization they enjoy giving back to because of their love for animals.
REM Iowa, Des Moines
REM Iowa volunteers from Des Moines picked up over 35 bags of trash in a three-block area around Sam Cohen Park. The 30 volunteers ensured the local park was ready for community members to use and enjoy in the spring and summer months.
REM Iowa, Hiawatha
REM Iowa volunteers in Hiawatha pulled weeds and mulched around Camp Courageous, a Community Partner of The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation. This organization is a year-round therapeutic camp for people of all ages with various disabilities. Another group of volunteers did spring cleaning at the Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC) of Iowa, a comprehensive substance abuse prevention and treatment agency.
REM Iowa, Hiawatha
REM Iowa volunteers gave their time at Families Helping Families and Ronald McDonald House Charities. Those helping the Ronald McDonald House marked the route for the organization’s Red Shoe Run, which raised funds and awareness for the organization. Other volunteers went to Families Helping Families, a Community Partner of The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation, which raises awareness and provides access to basic items and resources for children in foster care throughout the state of Iowa. The volunteers did spring cleaning both inside and outside and organized the clothing closet, a free store for families supporting children in foster care to access clothing, shoes and supplies.
NeuroRestorative Carbondale
NeuroRestorative Carbondale volunteers spruced up the area around Green Earth Trail in preparation for an upcoming Community Play Day, an annual event for children. The group spread 2.5 tons of gravel, replanted indigenous plants that were over-crowded and trimmed back the branches along the trail.
NeuroRestorative Illinois, Chicago
NeuroRestorative Chicago volunteers joined other volunteers from the community for the Beautification Commission’s Daylily Project in the Village of Palatine along the Northwest Highway.
Indiana MENTOR, Bloomington
Indiana MENTOR volunteers in Bloomington cleaned up the grounds at the local Boys and Girls Club and landscaped a community dog park at Pawsabilities, an organization that trains service dogs.
Indiana MENTOR, Fort Wayne
Indiana MENTOR volunteers in Fort Wayne filled 250 grocery sacks with food at the Community Harvest Food Bank which were delivered to seniors who are unable to leave their homes.
Indiana MENTOR, Indianapolis
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Indiana MENTOR volunteers in Indianapolis worked in the food pantry at St. Vincent de Paul unloading and shelving donations of food.
Indiana MENTOR, New Castle
Indiana MENTOR volunteers in New Castle gave their time at Outfitters, an organization that provides new and quality used clothing to children from lowincome families in South Madison County. The group sorted, hung and displayed the donated items for customers to come in and “shop� with ease.
NeuroRestorative Kentucky, Ashland
NeuroRestorative Kentucky volunteers in Ashland painted and did yard work at Safe Harbor of Northeast Kentucky, an emergency shelter and advocacy center that provides confidential, caring and supportive services to individuals affected by domestic violence in the surrounding counties.
NeuroRestorative Kentucky, Lexington
NeuroRestorative Kentucky volunteers cleaned the barn at Central Kentucky Riding for Hope in Lexington, which is an organization dedicated to enriching the community by improving the quality of life and the health of children and adults with physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs through therapeutic activities with horses.
NeuroRestorative Louisiana
Giving back is its own reward.
NeuroRestorative Louisiana volunteers hosted a pet adoption party with the Tangi Humane Society, leading to adoptions for three dogs. The participants in the program are animals lovers so this is an event they look forward to planning and participating in each year.
NeuroRestorative Maine
NeuroRestorative Maine volunteers handed out donated bicycle helmets, did helmet fittings, and presented brain injury prevention information to parents in Standish.
NeuroRestorative Maryland
To g my et to k no com mu w nity
Volunteers from NeuroRestorative Maryland and our Adult Day Health Services in Maryland came together to volunteer with the City of Greenbelt Environmental Services. The group planted trees and replaced dirt along the roadway of Breezewood Drive that was lost due to erosion.
The MENTOR Network
Volunteers from the corporate office in Boston, the North Andover Shared Services Center, and our Adult Day Health Services in Massachusetts did a spring cleanup at the Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester. Over 60 volunteers worked to spruce up the exterior of the Club and paint classrooms.
Massachusetts MENTOR
Massachusetts MENTOR volunteers mulched, planted geraniums, and raked the area around the community room at the Dedham Housing Authority which provides housing and resources to low-income families in the community.
NeuroRestorative Massachusetts, Billerica
NeuroRestorative Massachusetts volunteers in Billerica made and packaged treats to donate to the local Humane Society, an organization they enjoy giving back to because of their love for animals.
NeuroRestorative Massachusetts, Raynham
NeuroRestorative Massachusetts volunteers in Raynham made 30 bird feeders to donate to local nursing homes and senior centers.
NeuroRestorative Michigan
NeuroRestorative Michigan volunteers from Novi and Ann Arbor did a spring cleanup at Avalon Housing. They spread 4 yards of mulch around the 45 unit apartment complex which focuses on assisting families and individuals overcoming chronic homelessness.
REM Arrowhead, Minnesota
REM Arrowhead volunteers from Duluth did an extensive cleanup and beautification project at St. Louis Quarry Park.
REM Central Lakes, Minnesota
Volunteers from St. Cloud picked up over 60 bags of trash from 15 acres of land across Heritage Park.
REM Heartland, Minnesota
More than 50 volunteers from REM Heartland cleaned up debris and laid out mulch around Sibley Park.
REM Hennepin, Minnesota
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Volunteers from REM Hennepin helped out at Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People where they packaged non-perishable food items to distribute to families in need in the area.
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REM Ramsey, Minnesota
Volunteers from North St. Paul did a thorough cleanup and beautification project at Battle Creek Regional Park.
REM River Bluffs, Minnesota
Volunteers from REM River Bluffs picked up 45 pounds of trash and 10 pounds of invasive weeds at Spring Lake Park Reserve, readying it for spring.
REM Woodvale, Minnesota
Volunteers planted 75 cranberry bushes and 5 silver maple trees with the Parks Department in Albert Lea.
REM Woodvale, Minnesota
Volunteers from REM Woodvale, Austin cleaned and beautified Mill Pond and Todd Park.
REM Mississippi
Over 75 volunteers from REM Mississippi cleaned out flower beds and camp cabins at Camp Sunshine in McComb, an organization that provides retreats combining respite, recreation and support, while enabling hope and promoting joy, for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families through the various stages of a child’s illness.
Missouri MENTOR, Columbia
Missouri MENTOR volunteers in Columbia hosted a blood drive with the Red Cross at their office. The employees publicized the event and made snacks for blood donors.
Missouri MENTOR, Harrisonville
Missouri MENTOR volunteers in Harrisonville finished a deck, planted flowers, pulled weeds and sorted donations at the Family Resource Center of Cass County. This organization creates new opportunities and experiences for families in need in the county.
Missouri MENTOR, Jefferson City
It is fun and makes me feel good.
Missouri MENTOR volunteers in Jefferson City participated in the Rock & Roll 5K which raises money for the Council for a Drug Free Youth.
Missouri MENTOR, Kansas City
Missouri MENTOR volunteers in Kansas City did a thorough cleanup around Lake Jacomo in Blue Springs in partnership with the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department.
Missouri MENTOR, St. Louis
It make s me fe el part of a team.
Missouri MENTOR volunteers in St. Louis prepped beds for the animals and beautified the property at Five Acres Animal Shelter.
CareMeridian Nevada
CareMeridian volunteers in Las Vegas went to Clean the World, a nonprofit that collects and recycles soap and hygiene products discarded by the hospitality industry to prevent environmental waste and donates to people in need. The group sorted over 25 barrels of soap.
NeuroRestorative New Jersey
NeuroRestorative New Jersey volunteers from Egg Harbor City, Delran and Galloway made 463 sandwiches and 331 cookie bags to donate to Cathedral Kitchen, the largest emergency food provider in Camden, New Jersey.
REM New Jersey, New Jersey MENTOR, Pennsylvania MENTOR
Over 65 volunteers from REM New Jersey, New Jersey MENTOR, and Pennsylvania MENTOR came together to volunteer at South Delsea Drive Park in Glassboro, New Jersey. The group planted flowers at the park’s Senior Center, cleaned the kitchen which is used for Meals on Wheels, and more.
NeuroRestorative North Carolina
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NeuroRestorative North Carolina volunteers prepared 50 hygiene packs to donate to the Raleigh Rescue Mission, a non-profit serving individuals experiencing homelessness in the community.
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REM North Dakota, Devil’s Lake
REM North Dakota volunteers in Devils Lake hosted a bake sale and donated the proceeds, $310.25, to Fishing Has No Boundaries. This non-profit’s goal is to open up the outdoors for people with disabilities through the world of fishing.
REM North Dakota, Grafton
REM North Dakota volunteers in Grafton spent time at the Lutheran Sunset Nursing Home giving manicures, playing games, reading and listening to music with residents.
REM North Dakota, Minot
REM North Dakota volunteers in Minot picked up litter and tree limbs at the Roosevelt Park Zoo in order to maintain clear paths so people of all abilities are able to enjoy the zoo.
REM Ohio, Akron
REM Ohio volunteers in Akron moved over 30 yards of mulch, cleaned the grounds, and planted a sensory garden for campers at the Akron Rotary Camp.
NeuroRestorative Rhode Island
NeuroRestorative Rhode Island volunteers collected and donated 18 themed gift baskets for a raffle and 4 laundry baskets full of animal food to benefit rescue animals at the Little Rhody Bully Breed Club, a recipient of The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation’s Community Champions grant.
South Carolina MENTOR, Charleston
South Carolina MENTOR volunteers in Charleston participated in a community garden planting day at the Sangaree Library.
South Carolina MENTOR, Columbia
South Carolina MENTOR volunteers in Columbia prepared hygiene kits and organized donations at Hannah’s House, a shelter for women and children.
South Carolina MENTOR, Columbia
South Carolina MENTOR volunteers in Columbia gave their time at The Family Shelter where they served meals and assisted with yard work for the organization that provides emergency food and shelter to children and families experiencing homelessness.
South Carolina MENTOR, Greenville
To som be p ethi art o f ng lar ger
South Carolina MENTOR volunteers in Greenville sorted food at the Harvest Hope Food Bank.
NeuroRestorative San Antonio
NeuroRestorative San Antonio volunteers worked at the San Antonio Food Bank where they prepared 42 pallets of food for distribution.
NeuroRestorative Virginia, Blacksburg
NeuroRestorative Blacksburg volunteers worked in Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore organizing a storage room in order to make it functional again for the organization.
REM West Virginia, Bridgeport
REM West Virginia volunteers in Bridgeport cleaned the Humane Society and walked and fed the animals.
REM West Virginia, Saint Albans REM West Virginia volunteers in Saint Albans painted, cleaned the grounds, and prepared meals at the Hansford Senior Center.
REM West Virginia, Benwood
REM West Virginia volunteers from Benwood cleaned, organized donations and served meals at the Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling.
REM West Virginia, Beckley
REM West Virginia volunteers in Beckley did grounds keeping and food service at Pine Haven, a homeless shelter. The group painted, sorted donated clothing, and organized a storage room.
REM Wisconsin, Eau Claire
REM Wisconsin volunteers in Eau Claire did grounds beautification projects at Bolton Refuge House, Beacon House, and Dove Healthcare. Bolton Refuge House serves individuals affected by domestic violence, Beacon House is a shelter for women dealing with substance abuse, and Dove Healthcare provides short- and long-term rehabilitation services.
REM Wisconsin, La Crosse
REM Wisconsin volunteers in La Crosse worked at the Salvation Army. One group beautified the grounds of the shelter while the other group sorted 30 bags of donations for the thrift store.
REM Wisconsin, La Farge
REM Wisconsin volunteers in La Farge painted 50 posts in the La Farge Village Park and collected several boxes of food to donate to the community’s food pantry.
REM Wisconsin, Madison
REM Wisconsin volunteers in Madison did a thorough cleaning of a transitional housing unit run by Porchlight, a non-profit that provides emergency shelter, food, employment services, counseling, and affordable transitional and permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness in the Dane County area. Among the volunteers were The MENTOR Network’s President and CEO Bruce Nardella and Chief Quality Officer Gerry Morrissey.
Special thanks to these additional sites for participating in Volunteer Day 2017: Delaware MENTOR Indiana MENTOR, Lafayette NeuroRestorative New Hampshire REM Ohio, Columbus REM Ohio, Cincinnati MENTOR Oregon NeuroRestorative Tennessee REM West Virginia, Martinsburg REM West Virginia, Williamstown REM Wisconsin, Abrams/Stiles
The opp ortunity to help others.
To tea c c h com ild h my pa ren ssi on . e my k a m To nity a u m com lace! p r e t bet
We Hope to See You Next Year!
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!