Recognizing a special volunteer
The United Way Volunteer Center offers many opportunities to get involved and volunteer. We work to connect members of our community with volunteer opportunities that help build the capacity of our local nonprofits. We know that volunteers are vital to the well-being of our community- and that is why we are recognizing a special volunteer.
Martin Petersen, Ombudsman Volunteer Extraordinaire
Martin Petersen is one of 18 volunteer ombudsmen assigned to facilities in Kootenai and Bonner Counties. The Area Agency on Aging ombudsmen are advocates for residents of assisted-living and skilled-nursing facilities. They visit residents, observe their environment to ensure resident rights are honored and care is what it should be. "Martin is a master at building rapport and trust," said Jan Noyes, Volunteer Ombudsman Coordinator. "He gives the long term care residents a voice, follows through and helps solve problems to make their lives better. The Ombudsman Program can count on Martin to do a great job."
Petersen has been with the Ombudsman Program for over a year making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable residents in his assigned facility. When asked what the benefits of being a volunteer were, Petersen said, "I get so much back. I love these residents and they love me. It's a rewarding career, even if this is a volunteer job. It's an honest way to spend my time and energy. It's a very personal feeling ... an inward satisfaction."
Petersen began volunteering with the Boy Scouts when his children were young, he continued volunteer activities while working full time; serving on the City of Coeur d'Alene's Sign Board, volunteering with his church and participating in various services clubs. After entering retirement he found the Ombudsmen Program. Petersen's passion and dedication in caring for the elderly and working to ensure their needs are met is apparent. He has many personal stories and kind words to share about the residents he visits.
"Volunteering is a passion that comes from wanting things to be better. You are trying to give back because you have been given so much," said Petersen. "If you think back at the things that changed your life or that turned you in different directions, you will find it was probably a volunteer that changed your life."
Volunteer Opportunity
Attention crafters, cooks, gardeners and others with skills and hobbies to share!
Trinity Group Homes needs YOU!
Trinity Group Homes, Inc. seeks to improve the lives of individuals with diagnosed major mental illness in North Idaho by providing life skills training in semi-independent, residential group home settings.
Trinity Group Homes would like to offer their residents opportunities to learn new skills. Volunteers are needed to lead crafts or other special interest groups such as; nutrition, couponing, beading, knitting, gardening, etc.
To volunteer contact Alisha Keifert at (208) 667-9607 or [email protected]
To find out more about volunteer opportunities visit United Way's Volunteer Center www.kootenaiunitedway.org or (208) 667-8112.