Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Welcome to our new AmeriCorps member!


We are happy to announce that a new AmeriCorps member has joined our Volunteer Department! Anna McKinnon will be running our Senior Lunch Program as well as some of our Benefits Outreach programs. She is new to New York City and a native of Washington D.C. Anna graduated from Tulane University this past May with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Sociology.  She previously interned with the Lung Cancer Alliance in Washington D.C. and the Orleans Public Defenders in New Orleans. Anna is very interested in social work and hopes to go to grad school to pursue an MSW in the next few years after gaining more professional experience. Welcome to our new New Yorker and Met Council team member!


Monday, July 15, 2013

July 2013 Volunteer of the Month- Andrew Schaeffer

Congratulations to Andrew Schaeffer, our July 2013 Volunteer of the Month!

Andrew is originally from Ohio and has a Bachelors degree in History and German studies from Union College.  He was on the track and cross country team all throughout high school and college and went on to teach English classes in Germany after graduating.  These experiences inspired him to become a personal trainer because he likes being able to teach and interact with people on a one on one basis and foster such connections.

Andrew currently works at Equinox gym but has made time to volunteer with Met Council since November 2012. For the past 9 months, he has been leading a fitness workshop for seniors at our Feinberg senior residence. He has excelled as a volunteer and demonstrates outstanding commitment to the clients. Each week, he comes prepared with a lesson plan that is geared towards each specific client’s strengths and abilities.  He makes sure to give each client specialized attention for their needs. Andrew has also generously donated some equipment such as mats and weights from the gym he works at to ensure our clients have the best experience.


Andrew believes that it is important to contribute to the community any way you can when he states, “if you have a skill, you should share it for free sometimes.”  He thinks that fitness classes are important but often too expensive.  He enjoys helping people feel better and reduce physical pain by providing these free lessons and making fitness accessible to all. After months of leading this weekly fitness workshop for our clients, Andrew and the clients have developed personal relationships beyond instructor and participants. As Meredith Balk, a resident and participant, describes, “You will always feel better after the class, physically and mentally.”

On behalf of our staff and clients, we thank Andrew for the hundreds of hours he has devoted to Met Council and appreciate all the aid you have provided our clients!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Volunteer on 7/17 to Canvass Sandy Survivors in Brooklyn

Sheepshead Bay needs your help! Individuals and groups are needed on Wednesday 7/17 from 6:00-8:30pm to survey residents door-to-door to assess current needs in this recovering community. Training and materials will be provided on-site. Ages 16 and up.

Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Turkish speakers are especially needed for this project, although language skills are not required. Volunteers of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate.

For more info or to sign up, contact Alex at metcouncilvolunteer@gmail.com or 212-453-9526.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Jobs, Careers and Volunteering... seeing how they are all connected

We all know that finding a job in the current economy is tough, but did you know that volunteering is now proven to give you a leg up in the hiring processes? Check out this new study from the Corporation for National and Community Service to learn more. If this inspires you to want to volunteer, Met Council is always in need of great volunteers. 

http://www.nationalservice.gov/impact-our-nation/research-and-reports/volunteering-pathway-employment-report

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

How Service Can Save Us

Have you seen this past week's TIME magazine cover? Just in case you haven't, here is is:
 


Photo-illustration of three combat veterans painting a wall blue

In the cover story "Can Service Save Us?", Joe Klein argues that public service programs like The Mission Continues, can be therapeutic for returning troops by giving them back a sense of purpose. It is a really great, quick article to read that I would recommend.

Such a story has larger implications for public service programs like AmeriCorps, PeaceCorps, and The Mission Continues, just to name a few. These programs have such a profound impact on the volunteers serving and the communities in which they work. Such programs provide an invaluable experience, skills training, and an ultimate sense of purpose for their participants and ultimately better our local, state, and national community. Check out more information on national service programs here.



Monday, July 1, 2013

BBYO Stand UP and Rebuild Day of Service

Check out the great day of service that BBYO had with us. They even blogged about it. Read their post here: http://bbyo.org/blog/pep/bbyo_stand_up_rebuild_service/