One of my favorite ways to give to our communities!

 

One of my favorite ways of volunteering.......

 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State

Not Just a Good Cause. A Great Business Partner.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s leading youth mentoring organization that aims to reach local children who need a positive adult role model in their lives. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. Through the programs offered, children create long-term relationships that have a positive impact on their lives.

In 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America was founded by Ernest Coulter, a court clerk from New York City. The Big Brothers Big Sisters mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors. The organization’s vision is to fulfill successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to brighter futures, better schools, and stronger communities for all. Children ages 6 through 18 have an opportunity to participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs across the country.

Big Brothers Big Sisters offers two programs focused on friendship, guidance, and companionship: a community-based and a school-based program. In both programs, a child (called a "little") is assigned a mentor (called a "big") based on similar interests and personalities. Mentoring is provided through a one-on-one basis; one volunteer to one child. Married couples and families have an opportunity to mentor a child together through the Couples and Family Match programs.

In the community-based program, "bigs" take their "littles" to participate in activities in the community. Activities can include a wide variety of events based on the "big/little’s" interest. "Bigs" are encouraged to take their "little" to inexpensive events because the program is focused on building friendships. Volunteers are asked to spend at least 3 to 4 hours with their child at least two times a month.

The school-based mentoring program is based at local public schools. In this program, "bigs" and "littles" work together on homework and reading. "Bigs" meet with their "littles" during the student’s lunch period or a non-essential class at least once a week.

You may be asking yourself, what can my business do to help? Volunteerism has proven to be a smart business strategy for many companies. Volunteerism strengthens the community, increases employee engagement and performance, improves the public image, and provides partnership opportunities.

"Businesses who allow their employees to volunteer see greater productivity and a better work attitude from their employees," Patti Price, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State, said. "The employee feels the employer is behind their volunteer efforts and supports them."

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State has been serving children in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio since 1974. In West Virginia, the organization serves children in Cabell and Wayne counties. The organization was founded through the initiative of a small group of local citizens concerned with children in single-parent homes. Through the community-based and school-based programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State serves approximately 150 children each year.

"Volunteerism comes and goes with the economy," Price said. "When the country is not doing well economically, Big Brother Big Sisters finds itself in need of volunteers. Often people are too worried about their own well-being to volunteer."

Through the school-based program, companies can help by giving their employees one hour per week of time off to mentor a child. Big Brothers Big Sisters staff make the program as convenient as possible for companies who are willing to make the commitment.

In West Virginia, Big Brothers Big Sisters has offices in Charleston, Huntington, Martinsburg, Morgantown and Wheeling. If you are interested in becoming a big brother or big sister please consider contacting an office near you! There is an ongoing need with children always waiting on the waiting list.

Find a location near you: Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central West VirginiaServing Kanawha and Putnam Counties
325 Sixth Avenue, Suite 101; South Charleston, WV 25303
304-146-7900
www.littlemomentsbigmagic.com
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri State
Serving Cabell and Wayne Counties
501 5th Ave. Suite 3; Huntington, WV 25701
304-522-2191
pprice@bbbstristate.org
www.bbbstristate.org 
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern PanhandleServing Berkley, Morgan and Jefferson
117 N. Queen Street; Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-263-5522
bbbswv@yahoo.com
www.bbbswv.org
 Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central West Virginia
Serving Harrison, Marion, Monongalia & Preston Counties
500 Mylan Park, Suite 2; Morgantown, WV 26501
304-983-2383 x 104
bigs4kids@bbbs-ncwv.org
www.bbbs-ncwv.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upper Ohio Valley
Serving Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, and Tyler Counties
3539 Jacob Street; Wheeling, WV 26003
304-232-0520
Skemp@bbbsupperohiovalley.org

Live Healthy

Are you aware of just how powerful you are? You have the power to stop a killer. And you don’t need to become a kung fu master or undercover agent to do it. All you have to do is adopt a few simple habits that’ll put you on the road to a heart healthy lifestyle.

How to Prevent Heart Disease

Do you take care of your family? Goes without saying. Do you take care of your home? Of course. Do you take care of your heart? Probably not.
It may not be at the top of most women’s to-do lists, but caring for your heart through a healthy diet and regular physical activity is the secret weapon to preventing heart disease. While many may assume that popping a few pills that your healthcare provider prescribed is enough to quell symptoms or prevent a heart attack, the real preventative power lies with real changes to your lifestyle – which can reduce the risk for heart disease by as much as 80 percent.

Heart-Healthy Exercise

Exercising on a regular basis can sound great – in theory. But when it comes to actually doing it, are you among the many who will find anything and everything possible to occupy your time instead?
If every effort to embark on a new fitness plan ends with a new running shoes or exercise equipment that remain unused, it’s time to change your mindset. First of all, know you’re not alone. We all face this struggle; and the good news is that we can all conquer it. After all, you don’t have to workout like you’re training for a marathon to get your heart in great shape.
It can be as simple as walking briskly for just 30 minutes a day. And the housecleaning you did to procrastinate your workout? Believe it or not, that counts as exercise, too. You don’t have to go for an actual run to get a runner’s high. That rush you get at the sight of a gleaming bathroom counts too.
There are so many types of physical activity that can improve your cholesterol levels, lower your blood pressure and simply make you feel good.

This poem is dedicated to the men and women that have been building the most recent Habitat for Humanity House! Thank you.


Dedicated Hearts

Dedicated hearts like yours
Are not so easy to find.
It takes a special person to be
So generous and kind.

To care so much for your fellow man
Is a quality all too rare.
Yet you give of your time and talents,
For all in need to share.

So thank you for being a volunteer,
We're privileged to work with you.
We want you to know how appreciated you are,
Not just today, but the whole year through.

My Thoughts Today,

I am writing today in my own words about the tragic few days we have endured as a country.

The one absolute positive in every single story is how the VOLUNTEERS of each and every community hit by the sadness and loss and all communities across the nation, have been the one group of people that has given of their time so free and unselfishly.

Many Volunteers in West, Texas have lost their lives by helping others....
Who were the first people that ran to help the hurt and injured in Boston, the volunteers...

This is exactly why I have been a very active volunteer for over 25 years...The giving to others make you complete and whole.  If you have never volunteered, I implore you to get out in your community and find an organization that needs you, a school, a family, a church, a shelter....please.
Volunteering knows no age...I have 6 year old children who help with project at their school or church, and I have worked with hundreds of women volunteering into their 90's at hospitals...
Our world is definitely in need of strong communities...we build these through Volunteerism...
I send my prayers to all those hurt, suffering loss, and devastation.

Sincerely,
Meg Nicholas  

 

National Volunteer Week April 21-27, 2013

National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It’s
about demonstrating to the nation that by working together,
we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.

This is the perfect opportunity for your organization and volunteers to seize the moment and share the national spotlight that National Volunteer Week deservedly receives. Simultaneously, you can leverage this brief window of national opportunity to advance your individual cause and promote volunteer commitment in your community.

HandsOn Network Action Centers are the central hub of volunteerism in their communities. This National Volunteer Week 2013 they will lead projects that put people at the center of change, host recognition and award ceremonies and find unique ways to celebrate the impact that service has made in their communities.

         Words of Encouragement For  Volunteers

 

Volunteers are one of the most important people in the world. These are people who have dedicated their lives to help others that are in need of help and love. The article below has a few words of encouragement for volunteers that you can utilize.

Volunteers must know that they are a blessing. They are love in motion. They bring hope to the hopeless, they bring smiles to the sad and they lift up spirits of those who are down.

Volunteers do not essentially have the time, they simply have the heart. No one is more appreciated in this world than a person who lightens the burden of others. Volunteers are encouraged to keep up the good work. They should know that kindness is the utmost wisdom.

I know that you will agree with me when I say that we are very proud of Volunteers. These people don’t get paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless. The work they do is so great that there is no price that will ever amount to it. You can go to alrtnet.org to see some of the work they have done.

Anytime they feel down they should see the smiles they put on other people’s faces. The hope they restore and the love they give to those that need it. They are selfless because they put the needs of others before theirs. They are angels wearing the disguise of normal people living normal lives. These are only some of the words of encouragement for volunteers.

I am certain that you will make good use of the words of encouragement for volunteers that I have mentioned above. Follow my blog and become a volunteer in your community.

Everyone who wants to help Wayne County Habitat for Humanity go register and help "Build It"!

 

 

"Home Run" for Habitat 5K Run/Walk for Wayne County

 

Saturday, April 20th at 7:00am

 

Ceredo Kenova registration 6:30am in the parking lot of

Kenny Queen Hardware.

Go to: Tri-StateRacer.com and sign up...please!

 

We need your help, We need your support, We need you...so we can build homes for those in need!

Location and Contact Information!!!

• 608 Hendricks Street
• Wayne, West Virginia 25570

Phone	(304) 272-3861
Email	waynecountyhabitat@yahoo.com
Website	http://www.habitat.org

                                    Volunteer West Virginia
                      710 Central Ave., Charleston, W.Va. 25302
Phone: 304.558.0111 | Toll Free: 800.WVHELPS | Fax: 304.558.0101

VOLUNTEERWV.ORG

Their mission statement:
 Volunteer West Virginia, the state's Commission for National and Community Service, challenges West Virginians to strengthen their communities through service and volunteerism. Through our programs and services, we identify and mobilize resources, promote an ethic of service, and empower communities to solve problems and improve the quality of life for individuals and families.

Volunteering and Civic Engagement in West Virginia

Overall, in West Virginia in 2011:

• 22.7% of residents volunteer, ranking them 46th among the 50 states and Washington, DC.
• 34.2 volunteer hours per resident.
• 74.5% do favors for their neighbors.
• 90% eat dinner with their family a few times a week or more.
• 43.7% discuss politics a few times a month or more.
• 332,610 volunteers.
• 50.2 million hours of service.
• $1.1 billion of service contributed.

Benefits of volunteering

Volunteering has a meaningful, positive impact on your community. But did you know that it can have many benefits for you too? Here are some reasons to volunteer:

 

Learn or develop a new skill

Volunteering is the perfect vehicle to discover something you are really good at and develop a new skill. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” It is never too late to learn new skills and no reason why you should stop adding to your knowledge just because you are in employment or have finished education. Planning and implementing a major fundraising event can develop goal setting, planning and budgeting skills. Supervising and training other volunteers helps to develop supervisory and training skills. These are examples of skills that can enhance a career but you don’t have to develop skills with the intention of facilitating your career. Painting a mural or making banners for International Volunteer Day – to celebrate the wonderful and priceless work that volunteers do – could gently push you to discover graphics and art talents. Explore your love for music and learn to DJ (disc jockey) so you can offer your newfound panache to local youth club discos. The possibilities are many.

Be part of your community

No man or woman is an island. We sometimes take for granted the community that we live in. People and societies co-depend on each other for survival but growth of such things as commercialism are seeing traditional values being disregarded. Communities are suffering due to the growth of secular societies but at the same time we can really bridge that expanding gap through volunteering. Volunteering is ultimately about helping others and having an impact on people’s wellbeing. What better way is there to connect with your commmunity and give a little back? As a volunteer, you certainly return to society some of the benefits that society gives you.

Motivation and sense of achievement

Fundamentally, volunteering is about giving your time, energy and skills freely. Unlike many things in life there is choice involved in volunteering. As a volunteer you have made a decision to help on your own accord, free from pressure to act from others. Volunteers predominantly express a sense of achievement and motivation, and this is ultimately generated from your desire and enthusiasm to help. Sometimes volunteers are regarded as do-gooders and those that hold that view also assume that one person can never make a differnece. It may be true that no one person can solve all the world’s problems, but what you can do is make that little corner of the world where you live just that little bit better.

Boost your career options

A survey carried out by TimeBank through Reed Executive showed that among 200 of the UK’s leading businesses

• 73% of employers would recruit a candidate with volunteering experience over one without
• 94% of employers believe that volunteering can add to skills
• 94% of employees who volunteered to learn new skills had benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary, or being promoted

Also, if you are thinking of a career change then volunteering is a perfect way to explore new fields. If you have a passion for the arts but have career in computing then why not volunteer at your local theatre? Or if your ambitions are to be a doctor why not find out about volunteer opportunities at your local hospital – the ideal way to expand your work portfolio in your field and to gain a real insight into your chosen path.

New interests and hobbies

Sometimes we do get locked into the “rat-race” of life and volunteering can give that escape to everday routine and create a balance in our lives. Finding new interests and hobbies through volunteering can be fun, relaxing and energizing. Help run a youth radio station or website for a few hours a week or assist in publishing a charity newsletter. The energy and sense of fulfilment can carry over to a work situation and sometimes helps to relieve tensions and foster new perspectives for old situations. Sometimes a volunteer experience can lead you to something you never even thought about or help you discover a hobby or interest you were unaware of. You can strengthen your personal/professional mission and vision by exploring opportunities and expanding your horizons.

New experiences

Volunteering is a brilliant way to get life experience. Whether you build a library or mail flyers to raise awareness for a local charity, you will experience the real world through hands-on work. This guide section has established that volunteers can do almost anything and with the new millenium has dawned an era of infinite volunteer opportunities. For example, it is possible to volunteer in developing countries and see the direct impact of your actions on some of the most vulnerable people of the world. You could skydive for charity, a chance to experience the ultimate thrill and raise funds to help the charity continue its work. 
 
Meeting a diverse range of people

Volunteering brings together a diverse range of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Both the recipients of your volunteer efforts and your co-workers can be a rich source of inspiration and an excellent way to develop your interpersonal skills. Volunteering also offers an incredible networking opportunity. Not only will you develop lasting personal and professional relationships but it is also a great way to learn about people from all walks of life, different environments, and new industries. Networking is an exciting benefit of volunteering and you can never tell who you will meet or what new information you will learn and what impact this could have on your life.

Send a signal to your employer, teachers, friends and family…

People pay attention to your life outside the environment in which they have direct contact with you. For example, your employer would be interested in the activities that gives you a good work-life balance, just as academic institutions are interested in your extra-curricular activities. Volunteering reflects and supports a complete picture of you, and gives real examples of your commitment, dedication and interests. Show people what you are passionate about and maybe you will inspire them too!
References:
Ten Professional Development Benefits of Volunteering (Everything I Learned in Life I Learned through Volunteering). Mary V. Merrill, LSW, Merrill Associates
TimeBank volunteer research

BUILD more homes. SERVE more families. RAISE more help.

TRANSFORM our community like never before.

Now more than ever, DISCOVER how you can partner with our efforts.

Huntington WV Area Habitat For Humanity welcomes everyone from any faith - or from no faith - who is willing to help improve the lives of working families in Cabell County, WV and Lawrence County, OH (with the exception of Coal Grove, Ironton and Hanging Rock) with affordable and decent housing, by picking up a hammer or giving in other ways.

This begins with you.  We invite you to GET INVOLVED!

7 Resolutions to Improve Heart Health in 2013

 

by Kate Silver

Did you know that in your lifetime, your heart will perform more physical work than any other muscle in your body? Your heart truly takes care of you, so it’s important that you care for your heart.

In 2013, resolve to make heart health a priority. To get started, you don’t have to do anything life-changing. In fact, according to Anne Albers, MD, an OhioHealth cardiologist who specializes in women’s heart health, small changes are often more effective. “With any resolution, you want to do manageable changes,” says Albers. “I like to have attainable goals, because if you set really high expectations, if you can’t meet those, you’re not going to do anything. Something is better than nothing.”

Albers shared the following steps to improve heart health in 2013, and beyond.

1. Quit smoking. Smoking is one of the most preventable causes of premature death. For one, it increases the risk for heart disease. In addition, when you stop smoking, you help lower your blood pressure and lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol. “If you want to live longer, stop smoking,” says Albers.

2. Avoid second-hand smoke. For women, we know that even being around smoke increases the risk for heart disease and death. Avoid it whenever possible.

3. Know your numbers. You owe it to yourself to take an active role in your own health. Find out your blood pressure, cholesterol and weight and discuss those numbers with your doctor. With his or her help, you can monitor any changes and make informed decisions.

4. Process out processed foods. In 2013, try switching out just one process food for something you make yourself. It doesn’t have to be complicated – it can be as simple as a soup. By switching over from processed foods, which are usually high in sodium, you can make a difference in your blood pressure and overall health.

5. Get moving. It’s easy to be sedentary, particularly if you drive to work and sit at a computer all day. Small steps can make a big difference. Try parking further away from the office, choosing the stairs, taking a walk after lunch and standing up every hour at your desk to stretch. If you have a pedometer, aim for 10,000 steps a day. If not, try to get 20 to 30 minutes of moderate activity a day or 150 minutes a week.

6. Get your friends and family on board. Women are the caretakers. Whether we’re taking care of our parents, our children, our partners or looking out for friends, we have a unique ability to influence changes in diet and exercise. You can impact a lot of people just through your own choices.

7. Spread awareness. It still comes as a surprise to many people when they learn that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. It’s up to all of us to inform our circles of the risks and the actions a person can take to minimize those risks. What seems like a simple conversation could save someone’s life.