Do you love volunteering at PHFS?
Are there things you'd like to change?
Inquiring minds want to know!
The 2014 Volunteer Program Survey is live online, and we're asking all volunteers to fill it out. It takes about five minutes, is entirely confidential, and will play a primary role in helping us shape and improve the volunteer experience at PHFS over the coming year.
|
|
Update: New PHFS Animal Policy
|
As some of our regular volunteers may know, PHFS has seen an increase in the number of service and assistance animals that have come into shelter with families. Because of this, we have revisited our Assistance Animal Policy. Please click the link to read our updated policy regarding animals in shelter.
*Thank you to our friends at Banfield Hospital for your professional advice and guidance during this process. |
Wednesday, February 4th
Wednesday, February 18th
|
- Bath towels
- Stomach medicine (Prilosec, Pepto, Zantac)
- Emergen-C packs
- Allergy medicine
- Sanitizing wipes (i.e. Lysol Wipes)
|
Meal Provider Volunteers: we want your help and feedback! At the Goose, we are struggling with low guest attendance at dinner, and we would love your help to figure out some creative solutions.
Please join us Wednesday, February 25th, from 6-7pm, at the Goose Hollow Family Shelter to eat some yummy food and help us figure out what to do going forward. We really value your input, and we want your help!
Thanks!
- Matthew Kertman, Director of Outreach |
|
 |
|
|
The 'You Complete Me' Volunteer Challenge Has Begun!
|
|
Overnight Hosts Win BIG in February
|
|
|
It's back and better than ever! Last year, two volunteers won the challenge for their incredible contributions to PHFS. It's year #2, so we're going bigger and better. Here's what you need to know:
The You Complete Me volunteer drive runs from February 1 - February 28. During this time, we challenge volunteers to help fill all of our Overnight Host shifts. That's right: every last one.
Besides the allure of Tom Cruise's dewy eyes, we also have a few prizes for you. There are two ways you can win. Here's how it works:
- Volunteer in the most Overnight Host shifts during the month of February: win $75 to McMenamin's
- Get the most friends to volunteer as an Overnight Host during the month of February: win $40 to Powell's Books
All jokes aside, we are ever-so-grateful for your support year-round. During the post-holiday season, though, volunteerism plummets nationwide, and here at PHFS we struggle to support 8 families each night. And so the You Complete Me challenge is our way of asking you to come in and help fill all those crucial Overnight Host shifts. Better yet, sign up a friend, and do it together!
This February, instead of roses, take part in the You Complete Me volunteer drive with your partner or friend, and sign up for an Overnight Host shift together! You'll be bringing them into the biggest, warmest family in Portland.
- Matthew Kertman, Director of Outreach
|
|
|
|
|
|
Volunteer Spotlight:
Sue McCauley
|
 | |
Sue, with her husband, at their Dixieland band concert at the Farmer's Market last year.
|
I'm honored that you have selected me to feature in your newsletter. I began volunteering in September 2014, I think. I heard about your program from a friend. I had been looking for four years, since retiring, for a volunteer opportunity that would allow me to "give back" to my community. PHFS has done that for me.
I have volunteered primarily in the morning shift at Thirteen Salmon, once a week. I also have, with others in my family, cooked the evening meal, twice. I recently taught my first Life Lab class on healthy eating on a budget. I chose the morning shift because I am a morning person and I have loved cooking breakfast for the guests and cleaning up the kitchen and other areas. I enjoy cooking the evening meal with others in my family, because I love to cook and I love involving my grandchildren in serving food at the shelter. I was interested in teaching the Life Class because I enjoy teaching adults and developing curriculum. I previously worked as a trainer/counselor who helped disabled adults look for work. Life Classes are an extension of that interest.
My favorite thing about volunteering is that I feel totally in sync with the shelter philosophy and goals. I have always felt respected and valued as a volunteer and I see Guests of the shelter being respected and valued. This means a great deal to me and tells me everything I need to know about the program.
My advice to new volunteers is to watch and listen to staff and other volunteers until you get the lay of the land. Treat guests the way you would want to be treated. Respect the work of staff members and accept that your role is to do the mundane cooking, cleaning, etc. There will still be plenty of opportunities to interact with Guests.
Outside of PHFS, I spend my time with my grandchildren, who range in age from 4-13. They all live in the area and I try to spend time with each of them every week. I also play the clarinet and am active in two bands, the Beaverton Community Band and a Dixieland Band. You can see us playing at farmers markets in the summer. For the past 9 years I have marched in the Grand Floral Parade with the One More Time Around Again Marching Band.
I am grateful that both of my sons live in Portland with their families. I am grateful for my health and my friends and for PHFS. On Groundhogs Day, Feb 2nd, I will celebrate my 47th wedding anniversary.
That's about it.
Thanks, Sue
|
|
|
|
