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A question of priority - Volunteering |
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Written by Erin Frustaci
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Thursday, 18 January 2007 |
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Page 5 of 5
FIVE COOL PLACES TO VOLUNTEER
Here is but a sampling of the volunteer opportunities in northern Colorado. Whether your passion is for kids, Mother Nature, arts, the homelessness, the disabled, animals or anything else, there’s probably an organization that could use your help. For a complete list of where to volunteer in both Larimer and Weld counties, contact United Way 211 by calling 211 or visit www.firstcall211.org or www.unitedway-weld.org.
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 1. Arts & Culture
Arts Alive
• http://artsalivefc.org
• 482.2232
You’ve heard the term, “starving artist” and if it weren’t for volunteers, programs like Arts Alive really would starve.
“We survive a lot of times on volunteers,” said Debra Becker, Arts Alive executive director.
Volunteer opportunities include helping with marketing, fundraising events, newsletters and with many other areas that run the gamut.
Arts Alive promotes and supports the arts in Fort Collins and works to strengthen awareness in the community. The organization is constantly promoting programs, projects, performances and exhibits.
In addition, the organization coordinates fundraising activities to assist the arts financially.
Arts Alive also works with the Poudre School District, Colorado State University and other organizations to develop educational programs.
“When art is encouraged, education and human growth are also encouraged,” Becker said. “I can’t stress enough how important the arts are to culture.”
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 2. Environment
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program
• www.fcgov.com/naturalareas
• 416.2480
Protecting natural lands takes several hands. The city of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program brings the hands of volunteers to nature.
“People really do have a role in taking care of these places,” said Zoe Shark, volunteer coordinator.
This environmental organization offers great opportunities for people who like to be in the outdoors. Opportunities vary depending on the volunteer’s time commitment.
Adopt-A-Trail volunteers pick up trash once a month. For those who want to do more, trainings are offered for Trail Hosts and Master Naturalist volunteers. These volunteers spend more time out on the trails answering questions or giving tours.
“Natural areas provide a unique experience important for the quality of life. It’s why people want to live here,” Shark said.
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 3. Faith-based
Interfaith
Hospitality Network’s Angel House
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• In Larimer County: 663.1716
• Interfaith in Greeley: 378.0100
Often faith and volunteering intertwine. Such is the case for programs like the Interfaith Hospitality Network, which helps homeless families get back on their feet.
“We help homeless families help themselves,” said executive director AnnMarie Arbo. “It’s a shelter with a self-sufficiency program attached to it.”
The program is held together by a network of churches, which provide a place for families to stay at night and meals on a rotating basis. The Angel House in Loveland, a staffed day center, offers counseling, mentoring and assistance with house and job searches.
“I think this is an absolutely amazing organization that really helps people. Instead of giving a handout, we give a hand up,” Arbo said.
Volunteers provide meals and offer companionship. They might help children with homework or simply visit with families suffering hardships.
While most of the volunteers are involved through their church, Arbo said anyone can help out. Several community groups and clubs also volunteer with Angel House.
“I never turn a volunteer away because you never know who they are,” Arbo said.
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 4. Disabilities
Hearts and Horses
• www.heartsandhorses.org
• 663.4200
Hearts and Horses in Loveland touches lives through horses. The organization reaches out to the disabled community through equine-oriented therapy.
Carrie Coyne, volunteer coordinator, gets choked up when she talks about the emotional impact of the program.
“Even the volunteers tell me their lives are changed. It’s a very emotional thing to have a part in making that change. It’s a very healing place,” Coyne said.
Volunteers help with everything from office work to cleaning stalls and taking care of the horses to helping individuals on rides.
The idea behind therapeutic horseback riding is it gives the rider a similar feeling of movement that comes with walking.
Volunteer trainings are the second Saturday of every month. Make a reservation to attend. Hearts and Horses operates with the help of 125 volunteers a week.
“My philosophy is people need to find a place they enjoy and feel is a positive interaction,” Coyne said.
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 5. Animals
Wild Animal Sanctuary
• www.wildlife-sanctuary.org
• 303.536.0118
The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, on the plains of Weld County, helps lions and tigers and bears... oh, my. The center takes care of animals that have been abused, abandoned or illegally kept.
“The two main things we do are rescue these animals from all over the country, giving them a good home — and educate other people. These animals are not pets or products of entertainment,” development director Toni Scalera said.
The sanctuary was founded by Pat Craig. Running an organization like this is not always easy. The help and support of volunteers is what overcomes various challenges.
Volunteer opportunities include administration work, animal care and construction.
“Animal care involves feeding and cleaning,” Scalera said. “We do not do any training. We just give them room service and maid service.”
The facility is open to the public from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. except during holidays or bad weather. Calling ahead is recommended.
Interested volunteers can gather information on The Wild Animal Sanctuary’s Web site.
“It’s rewarding knowing you are helping a component of the animal kingdom that is in desperate need of help,” Scalera said. | Only registered users can write comments.
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