Volunteer Spotlight: Marianne Fernandez, Coeur d'Alene
Marianne Fernandez started volunteering with Specialized Needs Recreation, a nonprofit organization providing recreational opportunities for people with disabilities, in February of 2009. She began as stage help and designed props and scenery for their annual Talent Show. Over the last four years, she has given significant time, money, and materials to ensure construction and management of Prom Night props as well. And just when you think there couldn't be time for more, Marianne volunteers for monthly activities such as seasonal crafts (for example, pumpkin carving) and Club SNR, a planning group made up of program participants who serve as a Board of Directors. Some of the roles she plays include setup and cleanup staff, warehouse organizer, and designer ... VOLUNTEER EXTRAORDINAIRE!
"I start in February just thinking about what will work and how to organize everything to fit backstage for the Talent Show," said Fernandez. "My peak time for designing scenery is between March and May. I may work an hour a day or up to three, 8-hour days. Once all the parts for scenery are brought together and everything is partially constructed it seems to go very quickly. Fortunately, it's just down to painting touch ups at the very end."
When asked about some of the other events, Fernandez says preparation time can range from 1-2 hours a month and prom takes 20-30 hours to create.
Fernandez finished her MBA at Gonzaga in 2008, as the economy was slowing down. "With all that study time behind me, I wanted to use my new extra time for a worthwhile cause. I had checked out a couple of organizations that had posted the need for volunteers with United Way's Volunteer Center. When I met Angie Goucher, executive director, and Kathy Kelly, coordinator of the SNR program, they had a long wish list, and I felt there could be a good fit."
Fernandez said she has gained courage from her experience with Specialized Needs Recreation. "I had dabbled in getting my own artwork out to galleries and shows, but felt I was always holding myself back. Now I want to do more, and will make more time for my artwork again." The staff and participants have given Fernandez the trust and encouragement she has needed to unveil her artistic side.
When asked about a meaningful moment as a volunteer, Fernandez recalls, "Near the end of Talent Show rehearsals, I like to bring a few props out to see how they will work or if they fit for a particular scene. Seeing the newest art designs brings out the smiles and excitement in us all for the work we are producing."
Marianne is a unique volunteer, states Executive Director Angie Goucher, In the sense that she not only works with the participants, but also puts in additional time, talent and treasure behind the scenes to improve other areas of our programming. Goucher shares that Fernandez is definitely, hard-working and determined. She'll take on a project and ... voil It's perfect Since she has become a volunteer with Specialized Needs Recreation, our Talent Show and Prom Night have become more professional and something to be proud of.
Specialized Needs Recreation believes that every individual can live a joyful, active and fulfilling life provided the opportunity. We organize and champion these opportunities for individuals with special needs in our community. www.snr.bz
Volunteer Opportunity:
Compassionate People Needed for Patients
Crest Home Health and Hospice is looking for in-home volunteers to provide needed support for patients and their families. Compassionate individuals to donate their time to help are vital to the hospice team. Many tasks will include respite care, socialization, life stories, errands, shopping, yard work, reading, letter writing, and much more. There are many ways to give for any type of volunteer. If you have a talent, skill, imagination, creative or professional training, Crest Home Health and Hospice has the opportunity for you!
Volunteers are required to attend a 12-hour training in hospice philosophy and a background check (cost covered by Crest). Please contact Jennifer McLuskie at (208)-765-4343, for further details.
Get Connected!
The United Way of Kootenai County Volunteer Center - GET CONNECTED!
- "One-Stop Volunteer Resource Center" for the whole community
- Ongoing and one-time volunteer opportunities
- TAKE ACTION
Call (208)-667-8112 or visit the United Way's Volunteer Center website www.kootenaiunitedway.org
GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER