Touchmark Retirement Communities
Volunteering with Waterford
Fulfilling People
- Wellness Forum
- Event Calendar
- Let Your Spirit Soar
- Volunteering in Fargo
“It is abundantly clear from a number of studies that people who live generous lives also live happier lives.”
—Stephen G. Post, PhD, co-author of Why Good Things Happen to Good People
Share your time and talents
Research continues on the positive impact of “giving back” in regard to the physical and emotional well-being of the volunteer. In the past decade, there have been several in-depth studies on the benefits of volunteering for individuals of all ages—youth to older adults.
In Waterford communities, residents are encouraged to participate in a wide range of civic engagement opportunities, and they devote countless hours to community service for deserving programs and organizations.
Volunteers in action slide show
It’s not “Dancing with the Stars,” but residents were rocking the dance floor when local band Rockin’ ’60s and resident assistants from MSUM joined them for an intergenerational dance. Katie Bruckbauer, who owns the 8th Street Studio of Dance and teaches exercise classes at Waterford, and her husband, Mike, taught the waltz, swing, and other dances to residents and students alike.
Volunteer Bill Pallasch delivered special-order pies, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and other treats for mothers who live at Waterford. He even added a singing telegram to the delivery presentation. Executive Chef Jessica Karley prepared the treats, and Bill agreed to deliver them with musical pizzazz. 
Art Instructor and Waterford team member Lindsay Palczewski helps guide and encourage residents’ natural talent during oil, pastel, and watercolor classes. Lindsay (standing) works with Louise Holm and Douglas Sillers.
Waterford residents are always looking for a way to give back to the community. Most recently, they adopted the women and children at the YWCA Cass Clay Emergency Shelter. Betty Richardson and Elsie Brenkworth headed a volunteer effort and worked with other residents to make and donate homemade afghans, scarves, hats, and 40 felt stockings filled with candy. Betty Richardson, alone, knitted and donated 24 scarves. The YWCA reported that the families
were delighted with the donations. Waterford residents and team members will continue to make treats throughout the year and donate them to the adopted families.
In addition to volunteering in the surrounding community, residents provide support to programs and services on the campus, sharing years of life experience, talents, and skills. This unselfish commitment contributes to the relationships and outcomes that enhance the quality of life for both the giver and recipients.
Waterford also invites volunteers from the broader community to support activities and services. A menu of possible volunteer opportunities is posted here, and interested people are encouraged to contact us to pursue the possibilities.
The process of volunteering is very much like applying for a job at Waterford. Volunteer candidates fill out an application and proceed through the process of reference and background checks, orientation, and training. We place a high value on volunteers and want to find the right fit for each one.
To find out more about the volunteer opportunities within Waterford, call the community’s main number or click here to contact us and convey your interest.
Pssst! Inquire about volunteering here!
Volunteers welcome!
Waterford communities in the US and Canada actively recruit individuals who want to make a difference in their own and others’ lives by committing time, talent, and energy to the Life Enrichment/Wellness program offerings. Volunteer opportunities include:
- Piano players
- Musicians
- Gardeners
- Pet pals
- Crafters
- Storytellers
- Walking/hiking buddies
- Bible study leaders
- Exercise buddies
- Cooking connoisseurs
- Hosts and Hostesses
- Artists
- Discussion group leaders
- Board and card game enthusiasts
- Needle crafters-quilters; knitting; crocheting; needlepoint; weavers
- Excursion buddies
For details on available opportunities, talk with the Life Enrichment/Wellness director or complete the application.
Resources about volunteering
These articles and links provide more information about the benefits of volunteerism:
“Growing Older in America: The Health & Retirement Study”
www.nia.nih.gov/ResearchInformation/ExtramuralPrograms/BehavioralAndSocialResearch/HRS.htm
“The 2007 Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating” [Note: This is a 94-page document.]
www.givingandvolunteering.ca/files/giving/en/csgvp_highlights_2007.pdf
© 2010 Touchmark