Tough times bring out volunteers

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

By Henry Sweets

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-A boom in volunteerism in Teton County has come just in time for – and as a result of – a soft economy.

Susan Eriksen-Meier, a Community Foundation program coordinator, thinks the increase in volunteerism is a result of residents losing their second or third jobs, being entirely unemployed or responding to President Barak Obama’s call to service.

Though volunteerism is a trend that’s difficult to prove, visits to a section of the Community Foundation Web site that matches prospective volunteers with opportunities have “increased exponentially since Christmas,” Eriksen-Meier said.
Terri Marino, executive director for Teton County’s Habitat for Humanity, said a recent “pint night” – a social event aimed at recruiting volunteers – drew about 70 people, compared to an average of 20. A general orientation at Teton Literacy Program on Monday brought in about 15 prospective volunteers compared to three or five at previous meetings.

The piqued interest comes as many nonprofits and service organizations must streamline costs with donations tapering off, while some are trying to do more with less.

Glenda McNichols, who heads the Teton Literacy Program, said her organization is streamlining costs, but there is still a waiting list of students who need tutoring. The Jackson Hole Food Cupboard, which months ago served several people a day, has been serving more than 50 people a day recently.

The cupboard’s first volunteer coordinator was appointed, and new volunteers will be brought in to stock shelves during newly created shifts.

But Marino said the soft economy has an upside because it’s forcing her organization to grow smartly, and people with less work are volunteering.

“[The economic situation] is encouragement to be more nimble and take advantage of volunteer resources,” Marino said. “As we look at land opportunities and ways we can expand our program, our goal is to do that with volunteers not only on the jobsite but to help us in positions that would normally be filled by staff.”

But Habitat is also getting skilled carpenters. One new volunteer, David Yoff, moved here in December, but was unable to find a paying job, although he has carpentry experience. He decided to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity after seeing a volunteer flyer.

 “I came out here and had some trouble finding a job, but still wanted to get back into some type of motivated work environment,” said Yoff, who now works one day a week helping remodel Habitat’s ReStore.

Directors of several valley service organizations say many of the new volunteers are unemployed or underemployed. But, for the most part, volunteer organizers don’t know – or really care – exactly why there seems to be a noticeable boom in volunteerism.

Another new volunteer, Mike Duffy, found Teton Literacy Program’s tutoring program through the Community Foundation Web site, www.CFJacksonHole.org.
“Over the course of time you just do the same thing over and over again,” Duffy said. “And that’s all fine, but I think eventually you look for a little added meaning to your moments.” PJH



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Tough times bring out volunteers | Planet JH News Article: County News

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