VOLUNTEER PROGRAM |
HCI.’s Volunteer Program will provide people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, professionals and local citizens an opportunity to make a difference within their own community and in the lives of those we serve.
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HCI. encourages volunteer opportunities for people with disabilities and seeks to make this program accessible to individuals without discrimination to disability. Two different means of volunteering are utilized (related to time of service). The first type is volunteers involved in time-limited activities, such as committee work for planning activities, interns, one-day special events, recreation events or fund-raising participation, or single task participation.
The second type is volunteers involved on a regularweekly basis. Examples of service include: case managers,computer |
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technicians, information-systems technicians, computer researchers, web-site designers, public relations writers and newsletter editor, clothing clerks, quality assurance assistants, and entertainers.
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Holly Community, Inc. provides a rewarding experience for volunteers that will enable them to improve the quality of services provided to all consumers. Volunteers are the one of the greatest asset that any good |
organization can have. The monetary savings is tremendous but the good will that they bring to the community is priceless.
RECRUITMENT
Holly Community, Inc. has long standing relationships with community individuals, churches, service agencies, senior citizen centers, civic organizations, businesses, etc. Advertisements are placed in local papers, bulletins, newsletters, etc. Flyers are distributed at special events and television and radio are utilized if available. Effective |
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recruitment focuses upon securing committed, reliable volunteers.
Volunteers are recruited through the Salisbury University, Wor Wic Technicial and Community College, local Churches, public and private schools, clubs and organizations like the American Legion, VFW, Elks Club, Epilepsy Association, The Daily Times, “Maggie Magazine”, WBOC, WMDT, Clear Channel, Delmarva Broadcasting Association and community awareness events at Chesapeake Rehabilitation, The Centre at Salisbury, Perdue Farms and Peninsula Regional Medical Center.
STAFF PARTICIPATION
Staff is encouraged to participate in all aspects of program development, both organizational and volunteer management. Staff meetings are held on a regular basis and information regarding volunteer activities, status of recruitment and involvement are shared with staff.
Staff provide essential input for the creation of meaningful and productive roles in which volunteers might serve and to assist in recruitment and training of volunteers from the community.
Staff support volunteers by providing training, supervision and participating in any recognition activities. All staff are encouraged to register as volunteers.
RECOGNITION
Recognition occurs at all stages of volunteer and staff involvement at the very least in the form of “Thank You”. A Volunteer Photo board is in place and updated regularly. Recognition is included in the organization’s newsletter along with an event schedule and volunteer needs.Recommendations will be made to interested parties by the volunteer’s supervisor, if appropriate.
SUCCESS STORIES
One person wrote: “I would like to thank the staff at HCI for accepting me as a volunteer in the computer lab. Every moment spent there has been enjoyable. This working experience will leave a positive lasting inspiration in my life. I have come to the conclusion that the decision I made to volunteer here will be one of the more responsible and productive decisions I have every made.”
Another wrote: “Working at HCI was a wonderful opportunity for me. I was enlightened by the services they provided to the disabled community. I was given the autonomy to make decisions in constructing a Computer Recycling brochure while the entire staff made me feel like a valuable asset to the organization.” |
HCI has had two volunteers receive the Daily Points of Light Award from the President of the United States (Kathy Daly & Jack Lewis). Ms. Daly also received recognition from the State of Maryland for being picked as Wicomico County’s Most Beautiful Person (for her Special Olympics service). Mr. Lewis also received the Frank H. Morris Humanitarian Award.
There have been several persons that have received Presidential Volunteer Awards through the Prize Patrol. The Prize Patrol arrives when you least expect it to brighten the day of some lucky volunteer. |
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PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD
Spectacular achievements of two Holly Community, Inc. volunteers.
Presentation of President’s Volunteer Service Award for outstanding volunteer work. The President’s Volunteer Service Award is an initiative of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation which is intended to honor America’s volunteers and encourages even more Americans to get involved in making a difference within their communities.
Demont Elsey
Wednesday, March 31, 2004 Demont is recognized for his outstanding achievements at Holly Community, Inc. During the last year, he has donated approximately 1,000 hours of volunteer service since June, 2003. He has demonstrated computer technology for the disabled, completed research for the computer lab and conducted tours of the agency. Demont is currently enrolled in computer classes at Wor Wic Community College. |
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Whitney King
Whitney is recognized for her outstanding achievements at Holly Community, Inc. Whitney has served approximately 3,000 hours of volunteer service since February, 2003. She has acted as receptionist, secretary, newsletter editor, website development, and participates in community outreach events. She has earned a Certificate in Proficiency in Office Technology and is currently taking classes to earn her Associate’s Degree at Wor Wic Community College. Whitney is Chairman of HCI's Peer Mentoring Group assisting in organizing many activities and events. She is always willing to help where needed. Whitney is a great asset to HCI. |
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DAVID DUITSCHER - WINNER OF WBOC’S JEFFERSON AWARD
Mr. Duitscher is a man of many talents. He is and has been the volunteer Santa at Holly Community’s Christmas Gift Giving at Holly Center, Operation Teddy Bear and many other special events sponsored by Holly Community, Inc for over 15 years.
He has been Santa for the Quota Club, Salisbury Fire Department House #1, Pine Bluff Village Retirement Community, Christ United Methodist Church, and the Elks Lodge in Cambridge.
He also assists with Holly Community, Inc’s Spring Festival each May – if you want good French fries – he is “the man”.
He is one of the volunteer Chaplains at Deer’s Head Center and also serves on their Volunteer Auxiliary Board and helps with fundraisers there.
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He volunteers at Coastal Hospice, has held numerous offices with the Raritan National Community Service Club, former Director of the Maryland Wheelchair Athletic Games, advisor for the Newman Club, and the Blood Bank of Delmarva Lifesaver Program.
He is a “full time” volunteer with more than 1200 hours during 2007 and 700 hours so far for 2008. He was nominated for the Wicomico County’s “Maryland You Are Beautiful” volunteer award several times and received it in 2005. He has received several Governors’ Citations for his volunteer service. |
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He was honored at a small ceremony at Holly Center with several residents, family and friends joining him. He dedicates his life to helping others.
This wonderful, caring man is a most valued citizen of this county. He has contributed to his community in numerous ways and is always willing to help with any project or special event. He is a man who cares about his community, especially those who are less unfortunate. This man exemplifies President Obama's charge of "social responsisiblity"
and reaching out in his community through volunteerism. |
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JACK LEWIS – WINNER OF FRANK H MORRIS HUMANITARIAN AWARD
AND DAILY POINTS OF LIGHT
Mr. Jack Lewis has supported HCI - Holly Community, Inc. through volunteerism for more than 30 years. Mr. Lewis claims that he “just likes to help” people that are less fortunate than himself. He realizes how lucky he is to have two healthy children and says “it makes you stop and think how fortunate a lot of us are” when you work with people with disabilities. Mr. Lewis’ volunteer efforts span from local non profits to the national level.
HCI - Holly Community, Inc.: As HCI’s Mission states ‘promotes access to community resources and support for people with disabilities and their families by offering choices which preserve dignity and increase independence for an improved quality of life’, Mr. Lewis strives each and every day of his life to enhance the lives of others and this is evident through the work he continues to do in our community.
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Over the span of 30 years, he has helped with volunteers efforts at the Holly Center Spring Festival and other events. When he first became a volunteer for Holly Community, he helped with the coordination of HCI’s Annual Spring Festival with duties such as parking control and food preparation. Many other events are credited to his efforts, such as the Chris Biddle Memorial Pedal For Progress, Operation Teddy Bear, Sportsman’s Bingo, Basket Bingo, Christmas Gift Giving, dances, dinners and many more. He has also been influential in securing in-kind gifts and cash donations from the VFW as well as other organizations and businesses. He helps recruit other organizational volunteers for Holly Community, Inc. by encouraging them to assist with many of our sponsored events. He is our biggest supporter when it comes to spreading the word in the community about our services and programs for people with disabilities. |
Mr. Lewis was recently presented The President’s Volunteer Service Award for his many years of committed volunteer efforts with Holly Community, Inc. He has also received the 2007 Frank H Morris Humanitarian Award for over 30 years of championing the cause of improving the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families.
Wicomico County Veterans Memorial Commission: A four-year member of the Wicomico County War Memorial Commission, Mr. Lewis’ service on this committee helps to ensure our veterans receive the proper respect they deserve.
National Guard: Mr. Lewis retired from the National Guard in 2003, where he worked for over 31 years both part-time and full-time. Over his military career, he served on several missions including: Panama for Operation Just Cause; Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm; immediately after 9/11, he was deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for Operation Enduring Freedom; and then to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Because of his dedicated and outstanding service, he was recognized by the White House with an invitation to meet with President Bush regarding the Iraq war issues and veterans concerns.
VFW: Although he was not eligible for membership in the VFW until his service with Operation Desert Storm in 1990, he was very involved at the local level helping assist veterans, their families and the community. Mr. Lewis currently holds many volunteer positions within the VFW. He serves as the Department Fund Raising Chairman and a member of the Public Relations Committee. Throughout his years of service to the VFW, he has served on many other committees’ such as the Military Assistance Program for 4 years. As the Military Assistance Program, National Chairman, he worked closely with the Family Readiness Coordinators throughout Maryland to ensure our military personnel as well as their families were aware of the program and asked for assistance when they needed it. “It’s all about the soldiers knowing their families are being cared for” as he has stated many times. An avid supporter of this program, he is currently mentoring his predecessor to ensure our military and their family members are taken care of.
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Along with his State position in the VFW and the committee work that he is involved in Mr. Lewis also serves as Post Quartermaster (Treasurer) on the local level. Having held this position since 2003, he over sees the operating budget and money management of the Post. Mr. Lewis also has served in the position of Post Commander for 6 terms. Through his involvement in the VFW and his belief in Holly Community’s mission, Mr. Lewis has been and continues to be influential in many charitable donations to support Holly Community, Inc. He is currently serving as State Junior Vice Commander for the Department of Maryland, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) with aspirations
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of becoming State Commander for the 2009-2010 VFW administrative year.
Easter Seals: Mr. Lewis assisted Easter Seals with their Annual Softball Challenge Tournament by recruiting teams and sponsors to participate as well as coordinating a challenge game between the VFW and American Legion each year.
March of Dimes: Mr. Lewis has participated in the March of Dimes Walk America for more than 25 years and is always looking for ways to promote the organization through his endeavors.
Wor-Wic Community College/Michael J. McMullen’s Scholarship Fund: He was influential in getting the Michael McMullen Scholarship Fund off the ground through Wor-Wic Community College. Mr. McMullen was an EMT for the local Fire Department killed in Iraq. Being not only a veteran but someone that we could look up to in our community, Mr. Lewis felt a scholarship in Michael McMullen’s name would not only memorialize one of his fellow veterans but help our community by offering scholarships for other Emergency Medical Technician’s in our area to further their education, ultimately benefiting our community-at-large. With little to no effort, Mr. Lewis secured just shy of the $10,000 needed to start the scholarship, with other small donations, the scholarship was made public within 12 days.
Family Readiness (National Guard): Mr. Lewis has committed many years to assist the National Guard’s Family Readiness Program. His belief is that if you are taking care of the families back home, the soldier can focus more on his job and get back to them safely. He has coordinated donations for families in need through the VFW’s Military Assistance Program and other agencies.
All in all Mr. Lewis is a well-rounded volunteer with many resources at his fingertips. Many people have said “If there’s a way, Jack will find it!”. He has offered his talents of networking and getting the job done to many organizations over the years. We at HCI find it an asset that he not only is committed to our organization and the individuals with disabilities that we serve but he, at the same time, is committed to many other great organizations and causes.
A more dedicated and devoted volunteer than Jack Lewis cannot be found. “When a volunteer like Mr. Lewis comes along you thank your lucky stars and pray for more like him!” as stated by former HCI Executive Director Elaine Peterson. Mr. Lewis has always given 200% to every project he gets involved in and is passionate about. |
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KATHY DALY RECEIVES NATIONAL DAILY POINT OF LIGHT AWARD
The National Daily Point of Light Award honors individuals and volunteer groups that have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities. It focuses on the goals for children and youth set by the President’s Summit for America’s Future. Each weekday, one volunteer or |
volunteer effort in the country is recognized by this award. Her nomination read as follows :“Ms. Daly is the recent past president of Holly Community, Inc.(HCI) and has served nine years on the board. Holly Community, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to serving people with disabilities in the nine counties of the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland.
For the past two years, Ms. Daly has been instrumental in organizing the Lower Shore Annual Spring Games for Special Olympics. There had been no games within 75 miles for eight years previous to 2004. Ms. Daly formed committees, managed finding a location, sponsors, and scheduled the events of the day. As a result of her efforts, HCI will continue to sponsor this event annually. Over 160 athletes and over 200 volunteers participated each year.” |
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