Evie Engel and Tom Wagener have supported Store to Door in virtually every capacity for a combined total of 22 years. Between the two, they have volunteered as grocery order takers, grocery shoppers, delivery drivers and even behind-the-scenes program coordinators. Now, when they’re not travelling to exciting destinations, they are substitute delivery drivers and we’re so grateful!
Volunteer Spotlight: Glen York
When Glen first started as a volunteer order taker in 2000, it was in a small office in NW Portland. He then moved along with us to a bigger office in the Con-way building in the NW. And he’s still making calls each week to support homebound seniors – but now from our new office in Multnomah Village. “I really do think it’s a wonderful service,” says Glen. “It also helps me appreciate that I can do and go anywhere I want. Many of the people I talk to can’t.” Thank you, Glen, and all of the more than 60 other volunteer order takers for caring about and connecting with clients each week!
Volunteer Spotlight: Shirley Bernstein
Shirley Bernstein is one of the key volunteers behind Store to Door’s money-saving coupon program. For more than 12 years, Shirley has volunteered every week to cut, sort, and organize valuable coupons that are used to save clients’ money. And when you have a low or fixed income like many Store to Door clients do, coupons help make ends meet. “The best part of the job,” says Shirley, “is that I get to talk to the staff and help people who can’t get out and do the shopping.” Shirley herself is a Store to Door client so volunteering each week is her way to give back. Thank you for 12 wonderful years, Shirley!
Volunteer Spotlight: Jerry Stewart
This is a story of one of our many volunteers who make this program possible. “I want to get in as many steps as I can,” says Jerry Stewart, dedicated volunteer grocery shopper. Jerry, with his Fitbit and water bottle, is determined to log thousands of steps every time he shops. And he not only shops, but he arrives at the store before everyone else to haul the supplies out of storage for the day. Recently he’s also become a driver to deliver groceries. Multi-talented Jerry has also assembled new office chairs, organized computer chords, and even invented a brace to keep our outreach board upright on windy days at local farmer’s markets. Jerry’s fabulous wife, Priscilla, is a Store to Door Order Taker, too. Jerry’s other talents? He makes a mean home-made bread that rivals any local bakery. Thank you, Jerry, for your dedication and for making us all smile.
Join Our Team
Store to Door is seeking a dynamic individual to join our team as the Volunteer & Outreach Manager!
Job Title: Volunteer & Outreach Manager
Reports To: Director of Development
FLSA Status: Exempt
Office Location: SW Portland (Multnomah Village)
Organization Overview:
Store to Door supports independent living for Portland area seniors and people with disabilities by providing a low-cost, volunteer-based grocery shopping and delivery service. Our award-winning organization is the only one of its kind in Oregon. This year, over 600 volunteers will help us make 8,800 deliveries to 500+ elders. We’ve been delivering nourishment and social connections to homebound people in our community for over 25 years.
Position Summary:
The Volunteer & Outreach Manager is responsible for ongoing volunteer recruitment, training, coordination, support, and recognition. These responsibilities include corporate partnership development and building general community awareness for Store to Door’s program. Goals include increasing the number of volunteers and volunteer hours; securing on-going corporate volunteer commitments; and supporting the process of engaging corporate donors. We desire candidates who have a passion for serving older adults and are professional, friendly, and organized.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
• Recruit volunteers by identifying and contacting corporate and business partner prospects, publishing recruitments in print and online, scheduling and attending outreach fairs and events, giving presentations, serving as a representative of Store to Door at various events and networking opportunities, and collaborating with Hands on Greater Portland.
• Support the organization’s goal of increased visibility and volunteer engagement through public relations and marketing activities.
• Coordinate and lead Store to Door’s Corporate Outreach Committee, which consists of board members and community volunteers, and primarily focuses on corporate and business engagement. Collaborate with Development Director and Executive Director to develop prospects for corporate and business sponsorships.
• Screen volunteer applications conduct background checks and interviews. Refine Store to Door’s application process as needed. Place volunteers in appropriate positions based on volunteer preferences/skills, program protocols, logistics, and geographic location.
• Train and provide orientation for volunteer groups and individuals. Provide information on program history and procedures; volunteer roles and expectations; aging and social services currently available to elders in our community; and strategies for facilitating client self-advocacy and gatekeeper advocacy. Conduct job specific training (order taking or administrative).
• Provide ongoing volunteer management, support, and recognition.
o Manage volunteer database and provide monthly reports.
o Maintain positive relationships with volunteers and corporate contacts via email, telephone, and in person.
o Organize volunteer/partner appreciation and networking events.
o Collaborate with Program Manager and other staff to ensure all program and volunteer needs are met effectively in a timely manner.
• Evaluate the impact of Store to Door’s volunteer program and measure volunteer satisfaction by utilizing annual surveys.
• Provide support to all departments, which demonstrates respect, teamwork and collaboration with staff, volunteers and community partners
• Other duties as assigned
Education & Knowledge
• Bachelor degree in Community Engagement, Social Work, Nonprofit Management or related field
• Knowledge of volunteer recruitment and retention strategies
Skills, Abilities & Experience
• Demonstrated hands-on experience and proficiency with computer applications including MS Office Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. Comfortable with computer applications and web-based applications.
• Demonstrated experience in volunteer recruitment, management, coordination and retention; experience engaging highly skilled corporate volunteers preferred
• Demonstrated skills and proficiency in the production of formal reports and presentations
• Excellent organizational and time management skills including the ability to set priorities and organize multiple projects. Must be flexible to changing deadlines and last-minute work assignments
• Strong written and oral communications skills, including editing and proofreading
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and inter-dependently
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with volunteers, staff and community partners
• Vehicle available to perform job duties
• Ability to work in a team environment and effectively communicate with diverse populations including minority, low income and persons with disabilities
• Knowledge of and passion for senior services
• Must pass criminal background check
Any satisfactory combination of experience, training and/or education which ensures the ability to perform the work may substitute for the above qualifications.
Working Conditions/Physical Demands
Fast paced, with significant people interaction. Ability to lift up to 40lbs. Minimal reaching, bending and stooping. Sitting for extended periods of time. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, 10 key and phone.
Salary:
$32,677-$35,560
Store to Door offers full-time employees a health care stipend; paid vacation, holidays, personal days, and volunteer time; as well as a supportive and flexible work environment.
Application Guidelines/Contact:
Please provide a cover letter and resume as one PDF attachment (brevity is appreciated); email your application to Katharine@StoretoDoorofOregon.org with the subject line “Volunteer & Outreach Manager.”
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will be accepted until 5pm on 4/21/16.
Volunteer Night Out in April
To celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month, join the fun at the Volunteer Night Out! Enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers as you mingle with fellow volunteers and staff. You might even win a fabulous door prize like a FitBit, yoga class pass, or a soccer ball signed by a Portland Thorn!
- Date: Monday, April 25, 2016
- Time: 4:00pm to 6:00pm
- Location: Columbia River Brewing Company, 1728 NE 40th Ave, Portland
Connect with old friends, meet new ones, and have a great time. Click here to RSVP.
This event is sponsored by:
Free Talk on Dementia
Worldwide, 47.5 million people have dementia and there are 7.7 million new cases every year. What are the signs? How do we connect with those who suffer from it? Attend a free talk by CTC Dementia Care Management’s Christy Turner, CDP, to find out more. Whether you know someone with dementia or just want to learn the telltale signs, you will benefit from Christy’s tips.
- Date: Monday, April 11, 2016
- Time: 3pm-4pm
- Place: Hollywood Senior Center (1820 NE 40th Ave, Portland)
Call 503-200-3333 for more information.
Please RSVP here.
Gatekeeper Program Information
You can help open the gates to community support for the elderly and persons with disabilities. What to watch for:
- Communication: Confused, disoriented, forgetful, excessive reminiscing, angry or hostile.
- Economic Condition: Extensive confusion concerning money matters, expressed difficulty in paying bills, or inability to afford transportation.
- Social Condition: Older person or person with a disability living alone, or otherwise isolated from social contact. Possible victim of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Emotional Health: Excessive statements of rejection, not eating or sleeping well, recent loss of spouse, relative, friend or pet. Appears extremely anxious, fidgety or withdrawn.
- Personal Appearance: Unkempt, dirty clothes, uncombed hair or unshaven.
- Physical Limitations: Severe difficulty seeing, speaking, hearing or moving about.
- Condition of Home: In need of repair, neglected yard, old newspapers lying about, offensive odors or unattended pets.
Call Multnomah County Aging & Disability Services at 503-988-3646 to report any concerns.
Special Projects Keep Her Motivated
“By helping on special projects, I can keep my skills updated and keep my mind sharp,” explains Myrna, who volunteered more than 100 hours last year for Store to Door. Myrna’s one of several amazing volunteers who help behind-the-scenes with a variety of projects to keep our program moving forward.
Why does she support Store to Door? She feels it’s vital for seniors to stay independent and to have fresh, nourishing food. She also appreciates that our volunteers interact personally with clients on the phone and when they deliver the groceries. “It is a ‘breath of fresh air’ every week I step into the Store to Door office and see all of the wonderful, passionate and creative faces. I feel blessed that I am able to give back to my community!” Thank you so much, Myrna, for your dedication and for brightening our office every single time you’re here.
8 Years of Dedication
“My name is Maureen and I’ve been a Store to Door volunteer for about 8 years.” Maureen is a Remote Order Taker — calling local seniors and people with disabilities each week from her home to visit a little and take their grocery orders. “I was looking for something weekly I could do to help others since my job is only part time.” What’s her favorite part of making the calls? “I enjoy getting to know the clients and helping them with their orders.” She adds, “I know Store to Door really helps people who have difficulty getting out and shopping on their own.”
We did the math and estimate that Maureen has made more than 1,600 calls on behalf of Store to Door over her 8 years of service. Thank you so very much, Maureen, and thank you to every one of our dedicated Remote Order Takers!