Individual Volunteer Opportunities
The Lyngblomsten community knows that every volunteer position is meaningful and every volunteer is essential. Hand-in-hand with our staff, our volunteers form a remarkable team of stakeholders dedicated to delivering compassionate care and innovative services to those who need and deserve such attention.
We rely on middle and high school students ages 13+, college students, working professionals, and those out of the work force to join us as volunteers in multiple positions and for multiple occasions. If you are looking for a community where you can learn and exercise new skills, participate in a service learning experience, provide leadership, or extend a friendly presence, you’ve found the right place with Lyngblomsten!
There are many opportunities available on our Como Park campus, including:
- Being a friendly visitor to an older adult
- Serving on a board or committee
- Providing administrative support
-
Helping with a special event
- Providing customer support at Anna’s café and gift shop
- Participating in a recreational activity
- Supporting our transportation program
- Providing pet visits
- Exercising your creativity through arts and music activities
You can serve through 2nd Half with Lyngblomsten (life enrichment centers) in opportunities encompassing education and the arts; social and outings; health, wellness, and spirituality; resources and support; and more.
Are you someone who:
- Enjoys one-on-one interactions,
- Finds meaning in building and sustaining relationships,
- Is reliable and conscientious, and
- Focuses on capabilities rather than deficiencies?
If so, then volunteering with one of our respite programs could be the perfect fit for you.
What is respite?
Respite is short-term relief that allows caregivers to attend to matters other than caring for their loved ones.
How can I assist with respite?
2nd Half with Lyngblomsten needs volunteers for its daytime group respite program (The Gathering) and for its in-home respite program.
- Spend a day one-on-one with a participant at The Gathering, Lyngblomsten’s group respite program for persons with memory loss
- Serve as a Memory Loss Respite Companion. This involves visiting an older adult with memory loss in his or her own home.
- Learn more about this opportunity by reading our volunteer position description and our Frequently Asked Questions document.
- Volunteer companions are trained through REST® (Respite Education & Support Tools), an evidence-supported program that provides individuals with the education and tools they need to be confident companion.
I'm interested, but I don't know if this is the right fit. How can I learn more?
Learn more about these opportunities at a Respite Q&A Visit with Lyngblomsten staff. The visits are open to anyone in the community and will include:
- A brief overview of respite and volunteer opportunities avilable through 2nd Half with Lyngblomsten,
- A chance to observe The Gathering (our group respite program) in action, and
- A time to ask your questions to Lyngblomsten staff.
Each Respite Q&A Session lasts from 10–11:30 AM. Join us on the following dates:
- Tuesday, April 28, Woodbury Baptist Church in Woodbury
-
Thursday, May 21, First Presbyterian Church in White Bear Lake
To register to attend a visit, contact Jeanne Schuller at (651) 632-5320 or jschuller@lyngblomsten.org.
Tell me more about volunteering with Lyngblomsten.
Volunteer Services supports you every step of the way. We will introduce you to your staff supervisor the first time you volunteer, check in with you as you get acclimated, and help you when you want to transition to a new position or add a new one.
We do ask that all volunteers commit to 40 hours per year,except for our college-aged Service Learning students who commit to 15 hours per semester. To keep track of your hours, you will have access to our online volunteer portal. With it, you not only can check-in and check-out during your time on campus, but you also can sign up for future opportunities and print off time cards of your hours served. It’s that easy! This is a perfect setup if you need to submit documentation to your employer to participate in a volunteer gift-matching program. Visit our Matching Gifts web page for more information about how your volunteer hours can double their impact for Lyngblomsten.
I'm ready to sign up!
The process to become an active volunteer does not take long; there are only a few steps you need to complete. These steps include the following:
- Fill out an application.
- Attend a volunteer orientation. Click here for a list of upcoming monthly orientations. Space is limited, so register early at pcerrito@lyngblomsten.org.
- Interview with a member of the Volunteer Services staff. A background study will be initiated at this time. There is a two-week window for you to go to a Minnesota Department of Human Services background study site to be fingerprinted and photographed. Volunteer Services will review this process with you during your interview.
Complete a background study at a designated location. Visit this website for a list of locations in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. The results will be sent to Lyngblomsten within two days of having your fingerprints and photograph taken.
Employer match support
Does your company match? Many companies offer corporate matching gifts or grants .to nonprofit organizations where their employees volunteer. Find out if your company has a matching gift program by using the tool below.
Contact us:
Learn more about current available opportunities, or explore other opportunities that fit your skills and desires.
Melanie Jagolino
651.632.5499
mjagolino@lyngblomsten.org
