Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Hospital Hospitality House of Nashville

Kim’s granddaughter was being born three and a half months early. The panicked call from her daughter two states and five hours away left her breathless. She had to quickly make the trip from Michigan to Nashville, where daughter Lakyn was being rushed to deliver her fragile and severely premature baby. Where Kim would lay her head at night or where she would eat her meals were concerns that would have to wait. She just had to get to Nashville.

Once the crisis passed and the care of this new little life became the focus, a medical social worker made a referral to Hospital Hospitality House (HHH) of Nashville, giving Kim and Lakyn a home away from home during the baby’s long hospital stay. As Kim puts it:

The NAMA volunteer team serving guests one evening.

“We were safe. We could sleep and feel human and alert during visits and when doctors and nurses were giving us important information. We were rested and showered, and we felt hope. We started and ended our days sharing meals with strangers who first became friends, and then family. … Without HHH, my daughter, fresh from the hospital herself, and I would have slept in chairs and a car. We would not have had the money to eat regularly, and showers would have been few and far between. Emotionally and physically, I’m not sure how we would have survived. With HHH, we were safe and cared for. With HHH, our physical needs were met, and our emotional needs were nurtured. With HHH, we had a home, and we had a family.”

The mission of HHH of Nashville is to be a home away from home for patients and families seeking medical treatment in Nashville hospitals by providing lodging, meals and other supportive services. Founded in 1974 as the first hospital hospitality house in the nation, HHH of Nashville has provided over 425,000 nights of lodging, meals, and other supportive services to families from all 95 counties in Tennessee, from all 50 states in the U.S., and from 39 foreign countries. This home-away-from-home has grown to include 35 families each night in HHH’s Residential program as well as Day Services, Partner Hotels, Community Education Workshops, and 55 waiting rooms in hospitals and clinics throughout Davidson, Williamson, and Sumner Counties. In 2012, HHH served over 51,000 patients and families.

Tracy Prater volunteers her skills to play the piano as guests enjoy their evening.

Volunteers are vital to the work of HHH. Volunteers provide evening meals for our 35 families; assist new guest families with registration and orientation to our programs; share their talents by providing guests with special services such as massage and live music; coordinate service projects with their civic or church groups that help with maintenance, landscaping, and organization. Volunteers may also work with HHH staff on special events and fundraising efforts including the HHH Patrons’ Luncheon, the HHH Charity Golf Tournament and Rock the House and/or assist HHH staff in the important day-to-day tasks of running a facility that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! There is a place and an important job just waiting for you or your group!

Interested in helping out at Hospital Hospitality House?
> Click here to view opportunities and sign up.

Questions? Contact HHH Volunteer Coordinator Sherry Daniels at (615) 329-0477 or email daniels@hhhnashville.org. Learn more about HHH of Nashville at www.hhhnashville.org. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter!

Volunteer Leader Spotlight: Adam Jones

The Goalball team takes a break to pose for the camera. Hi, team! (Adam is second from the right.)

It’s one thing to know how to play ball, but to play without using your vision is an extra challenge most people don’t experience. Volunteer Adam Jones takes pleasure in putting on goggles covered in duct tape and playing goalball with Tennessee Association of Blind Athletes (TNABA). It forces him to get outside of his comfort zone and use his other senses to make his way around the court. And, he feels good about helping the athletes prepare for their next tournament.

Adam moved to Nashville in 2009, looking for ways he could get engaged with the Nashville community. He found Hands On Nashville’s website and, after trying a few different volunteer options, found himself frequenting the TNABA court. By 2011, he was leading these volunteer opportunities as a HON Volunteer Leader, making a huge difference in the lives of these athletes. Adam comments that he loved this particular volunteer experience because “it combines my love of sports with my fervor for volunteering.”

Adam in action playing goalball with the TNABA players. Go, Adam!

While some people find it daunting to play a new game like goalball, Adam encourages more people to sign up and take a chance, especially if you love competition. Adam says, “New volunteers should not be afraid to dive in completely. Try to beat the TNABA athletes when you play them. They are most assuredly trying to beat you.”

The best part about volunteering is “helping to fill a need,” says Adam. He encourages everyone to find an organization or an activity they love and spend time volunteering there. He says, “Whether the need is great or small, local or international, being able to help by giving of myself is both rewarding and uplifting. I appreciate the work that you do at HON and look forward to volunteering with you more in the future.”

Check out the following opportunities where you can volunteer with TNABA this fall:
> Thursday, October 25, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
> Saturday, November 3, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
> Saturday, November 17, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

HON Day BLAST from the PAST Facebook Challenge

Each Wednesday and Friday leading up to Hands On Nashville Day, we’ll post an old-school pic from past Hands On Nashville Days (did you know this event is 21 years old this year?!). On Wednesdays, we’ll ask you to guess what year the photo is from. On Fridays, we’ll ask for your best caption. (Keep it tame, friends. Kids follow our page, too.)

Each correct guess for the year and top-rated photo captions will be entered into our drawing to WIN a prize package from CMT One Country.
Winner will be selected and announced on September 17th.
It’s so easy to be a part of the change and inspire others to do the same. Thanks, CMT One Country, for helping us have fun and make a difference in the Nashville community!

Recipes from Summer Camp

We’re sharing the recipes HON Summer Camp kids learned from the best chefs around town. Take a look and try them in your own home.  

Camp Recipes
Cucumber, Squash, and Corn Salsa – Chef Kristin Beringson

1 cucumber- diced
1 yellow squash- diced
1 cup corn (cooked and cut off the cob)
1 lime
1 t lime zest
1 tomato- diced
2 T cilantro
1 jalapeno- diced
2 t salt
1 t black black pepper
pinch of cayenne (if desired)

Juice the lime after zesting, combine all ingredients.  Salt and pepper to desired taste (might want more or less).  Serve with tortilla chips or with fish or chicken.

Creative Salad – Chef Tony Galzin

I’ll do a healthy garden salad.
I want to blanch and then shock the green beans and broccoli.  I’ll talk about why chefs do this, why it keeps the veggies green, and how it keeps the most nutrients in the veggies.
Then we’ll shave raw squash, and cut cucumbers, tomatoes, and kale to toss with the blanched veggies.
I’ll show the kids how to make a basic vinaigrette with olive oil and vinegar, and we’ll dress the salad and talk about other things they could add in at home.

Ingredients:
Green beans
Broccoli
Squash
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Kale
Olive Oil
Vinegar
Salt and pepper

Spinach Salad 

Ingredients:
36 sliced squash
1 liter of olive oil
2.5 cups of lemon juice
50 oz. spinach
6 cups shredded basil
4 cups feta
salt and pepper to taste

1. Chop squash in thin slivers.
2. Whisk together olive oil and lemon juice. Pour over squash. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Mix together rest of ingredients.
4. Eat and enjoy.

Volunteer Leader Spotlight: Camilla Baird

Eight years ago, Camilla made the big move to Music City. This “concert junkie,” as she calls herself, was out to see new things and put her mark on the world.

It turns out that her passion for live music wasn’t the only thing that made Camilla fall in love with Nashville. The city’s culture of service also made it a great fit for this spunky St. Louis native. Camilla’s fond childhood memories of her parents showing her the importance of serving others inspired her to get involved in community service in her new city. Shortly after moving to town, Camilla found herself involved in all sorts of community happenings that helped those in need.

Nashville CARES became a regular project for Camilla.  “After moving to Nashville,” she mentions, “it was important to follow their lead and give back and grow my roots here.”

For the past 6 months, Camilla has stepped up even more and taken a new role at Nashville CARES as the Volunteer Leader. Each week, she leads volunteer groups in helping to pack food that is given to individuals and families in need. She loves this project because “it serves so many in the Nashville area and beyond.” The CARES packages provide food to help an HIV/AIDS victim and/or family member for weeks. “It feels so good to know that my minor efforts are helping in a major way to provide essential nutrition for those in need,” says Camilla.

Camilla moved here eight years ago and it took her a few years to find her niche at Nashville CARES. Why? Because she was eager to experiment with all the HON.org opportunities. Camilla encourages everyone to “be open and willing to try new things until you find a good fit.” With so much need and an accessible opportunity calendar at anyone’s fingertips, there is certainly something for everyone to try. “I love feeling like I made a difference, even if it’s just a little part of my time,” says Camilla.

Making CARES Packages occurs every Tuesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. If you want to participate, click here to sign up for this project.  HON’s Volunteer Leaders and volunteers are an integral part of Hands On Nashville’s mission to impact community needs through volunteerism. Thank you, Camilla, for your leadership and volunteerism!

Tell us a few of your favorite things, and enter to win a dinner at Burger Up

When we asked our staff what they love most about summer, we got some great answers: homegrown tomato/basil sandwiches (yum), reading by the pool, hanging out at the lake, cookouts, cold watermelon on a hot day, long days of sunshine. We then asked ourselves – Is it possible to find volunteer projects that align with these things? Check out this magic:

HON volunteers harvesting vegetables in a community garden.

> Tomato/basil sandwich and cold watermelon = HON Urban Farm and Richland Urban Farm

> Reading by the pool = Reading Buddies

> Hanging out at the lake = Radnor Lake Work Day

> Cookouts = Dinner at Hope Lodge

> Long days of sunshine = Blackberry Jam Music Festival

In the spirit of chasing the ice cream man (or woman) and running through the sprinkler, we’re curious if this same experiment works for you. What’s your favorite thing about summer? When you look at our Opportunity Calendar, can you find a volunteer project that somehow involves this thing? Let us know!

Post your answers* on our Facebook page by Friday, June 8, and enter a chance to win a dinner for four at Burger Up in Nashville. Ready, set, go!

*Answers must include both a favorite thing about summer AND the volunteer opportunity this aligns with. (Be sure to include the hyperlink to the project!) For example, “My favorite thing about summer is taking walks with my dog. I can help the Nashville community by volunteering with the Nashville Humane Association’s Critter Care project.” The winner will be chosen at random by HON staff.

Empowering People to their Full Potential

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Martha O’Bryan Center

“When I finished my G.E.D., I decided I wanted to go to college,” says Michelle McCann. “The Martha O’Bryan Center was right there helping me complete applications and take the necessary steps I needed to get accepted.”

McCann’s dream is to become a social worker. She wants to help people struggling with poverty, just as the Martha O’Bryan Center helped her. “[Recently] I found out that I have been accepted to attend Berea College in Kentucky on a full scholarship. Martha O’Bryan has been there with me for this ride for as long as I can remember, through my falls and through my strengths.”

Every day, the Martha O’Bryan Center empowers people just like Michelle McCann to realize their full potential. On a foundation of Christian faith, the Martha O’Bryan Center serves children, youth, and adults in poverty, enabling them to transform their lives through work, education, employment, and fellowship. The families served by Martha O’Bryan in Cayce Place – Nashville’s oldest, largest, and poorest public housing development – and the surrounding East Nashville area are faced with multiple barriers to success. They live in extreme poverty, in a high-crime area, and do not have ready access to transportation or technology options.

Volunteers play a crucial role in Martha O’Bryan Center’s work. While there are plenty of ongoing volunteer opportunities, one of the organization’s biggest volunteer needs is coming up in June. The 27th Purity Miss Martha’s Ice Cream Crankin’ and Summer Social takes place on June 7, and hundreds of volunteers help make this important event and fundraiser a success. With more than 500 gallons of homemade ice cream available for sampling, volunteers who have a sweet tooth will find this opportunity a perfect fit! With four shifts over three days, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

>Learn more here.

Volunteers also play a role in the Center’s day-to-day activities, including supporting the Early Learning Center as classroom helper; assisting kindergarten through 12th grade students with homework after school; helping to maintain the community garden; offering help as a tutor in the Adult Education and GED classes; delivering meals to seniors and homebound adults; unloading and preparing food boxes for the Food Bank; helping with healthy meal and snack preparation; and more.

>Get involved today.

>Become involved at a deeper level. Once you complete this application, volunteers will be invited to a Volunteer Orientation.

Nashville’s Volunteer Heroes

We LOVE this time of year. The days are getting longer, the weather is in perfect balance, and… April is National Volunteer Month! Each April, we host a celebration of ALL Nashville volunteers at the Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards luncheon. This year, 105 incredible volunteers were nominated by nonprofits, faith-based groups, businesses, and individuals in recognition of the life-changing service they provide our community. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated! (See the entire list of these amazing people here, and if you happen to run into one of them around town, be sure to give them a high-five.)

On April 10 at the luncheon, six Strobel Award recipients will be selected from 18 finalists. From starting a running group with women in recovery at Magdalene House to recycling old mattresses while providing employment for the homeless, these 18 finalists are truly inspiring.

> Read about the Civic Volunteer Group finalists, including Belmont University Students in Free Enterprise, Oasis Center’s Middle School Teen Outreach Program, and The Patient and Family Advisory Councils at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

> Read about the Community Impact Award finalists, including Alice Essary, Gertrude Caldwell, and Tangerine Zielinski.

> Read about the Corporate Service Project Award finalists, including Dell ProSupport, Elite Martial Arts of Brentwood, and Reliant Bank.

> Read about the Direct Service Volunteer Award finalists, including Larry and Beth Lisle, Nancy Little, and Darlene Vastano.

> Read about the Volunteer Innovator Award finalists, including Marcie Brolund, Re-New (Julie Davis and Cheryl Hays), and John Poole.

> Read about the Youth Volunteer Award finalists, including Elizabeth Calton, Hui Cheng, and Simran Mahtani.

In grateful recognition of the sponsors of the 2012 Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards, Hands On Nashville would like to offer a sneak peek into why these generous organizations serve as great examples of community volunteerism at its best.

Caring for the Community Beyond Hospital Walls
Presenting Sponsor: HCA/TriStar Health

It is only fitting that the Presenting Sponsor of Middle Tennessee’s largest and longest running volunteer recognition ceremony – named for a beloved community volunteer whose life work focused on caring for others – is  HCA/TriStar Health. Committed to the care and improvement of human life, HCA/TriStar Health employees not only deliver healthcare services; they also improve lives through volunteerism and community outreach.

Every year, HCA/TriStar employees choose nonprofits to support with their time or money (or both!) through the company’s “Caring for the Community” campaign. During the 2011 Caring for the Community campaign, HCA employees pledged $2.9M to meet the needs of nonprofit agencies, and served 10,500 hours during HCA Community Day.

“We want to inspire each other to make a commitment to get involved with a local nonprofit and help,” said Joanne Pulles, president of the HCA Foundation and Hope Fund. “It’s a natural extension of our mission at HCA. We’re dedicated to the care and improvement of human life both inside and beyond the walls of the hospital, and are proud once again to present the Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards.”

Driving a Brighter Future in Nashville
Founding Sponsor: Ford Motor Company

What do creating an urban farm and making energy efficient upgrades to homes have in common? Aside from the fact that they are both Hands On Nashville programs and are made possible by the hard work of volunteers, both programs require a lot of stuff. (Think tools, insulation, dirt… You get the idea.) HON staff members spend a lot of time hauling all that stuff around Nashville in vehicles generously donated by Ford Motor Company.

Beyond making the already complicated logistics of these programs a bit more manageable, Ford Motor Company is also committed to engaging its employees in volunteerism. In 2011, more than 100 employees from Ford’s Nashville Business Center improved the energy efficiency of four low-income homes through HON’s Home Energy Savings Program; prepared garden beds for the summer growing season at HON’s urban garden; and supported youth programs at Oasis Center through a variety of projects.

“In the words of our executive chairman Bill Ford, ‘A good company delivers excellent products and services. A great company does all that and strives to make the world a better place,’” said Evelyn Sanders, director of Ford Motor Credit’s Nashville Business Center. “We are grateful to all the Strobel nominees for making Middle Tennessee an even better place for all of us.”

Volunteering Together for a Cause
Civic Volunteer Group Award Presenting Sponsor: U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company

When employees volunteer together to address an issue or benefit a cause, amazing things can happen. U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) and its parent company, Altria, have seen this first hand. In 2011, USSTC and Altria Group employees built on their already strong culture of teamwork and caring by rebuilding Radnor Lake hiking trails destroyed by the May 2010 flood; creating rain gardens with Cumberland River Compact; improving the grounds at Monroe Harding Children’s Home; supporting Metro Nashville Public Schools during Hands On Nashville Day; and more.

“Volunteering together for a cause is core to Altria’s and U.S. Smokeless Tobacco’s culture,” said Olivia Wood of Altria Client Services. “We are proud to honor all the volunteer groups who do incredible work in our community, and the finalists for the Civic Volunteer Group Award: Belmont University Students in Free Enterprise, Oasis Center’s Middle School Teen Outreach Program, and The Patient and Family Advisory Councils at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.”

The Engine Behind Community Impact
Community Impact Award Presenting Sponsor: C3 Consulting

C3 Consulting knows that groups are more innovative and productive when they have access to meeting space that is designed specifically to allow teams to gather, dream, plan, and grow. That’s why the company opened the engine, a creative new meeting space adjacent to the firm’s corporate offices in the heart of Nashville on Sidco drive. The space is available for professional and community organizations to use for problem-solving, strategic planning, team building, and a variety of other meetings.

With the engine and C3’s ongoing commitment to supporting nonprofits, the company’s impact on the community makes it a perfect match for the Mary Catherine Strobel Community Impact Award. “We are pleased to recognize volunteers who make a difference in their neighborhoods by presenting the Community Impact Award,” said Beth Chase, president and CEO of C3 Consulting. “Alice Essary, Gertrude Caldwell, and Tangerine Zielinski have made significant contributions to the community through their work, and we are honored to recognize their achievements.”

Celebrating Corporate Service
Corporate Service Project Award Presenting Sponsor: Emdeon

Emdeon employees are committed to doing the right thing, in the workplace and in their communities. Because Emdeon shares its employees’ enthusiasm for community involvement, the company offers paid days off specifically dedicated for volunteerism. In 2011, Emdeon employees used this time to build a sensory and reading garden at McGavock Elementary School; improve schools as part of Hands On Nashville Day; and sort, bag, and tag holiday gifts for the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, among other initiatives. In 2012, Emdeon will play a key role in the Nashville Waterway Recovery and Restoration Project through a variety of volunteer projects.

“Because Emdeon takes corporate service so seriously, we are honored to be a part of celebrating the volunteerism of other companies,” said Susan Byrd, vice president of human resources at Emdeon. “We look forward to presenting the Corporate Service Project Award to one of three amazing companies: Dell ProSupport, Elite Martial Arts of Brentwood, and Reliant Bank.”

Giving Time, Talent, and Heart
Direct Service Award Presenting Sponsor: McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations

Direct service is all about hands-on efforts that further an organization’s mission. For the past seven years, the work of the talented individuals at McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations has embodied the heart of the Mary Catherine Strobel Direct Service Award. Through its generous gift of time and expertise, MP&F artfully tells the HON story to media, volunteers, and other stakeholders, allowing HON to recruit more volunteers and make a bigger impact in the community. And HON isn’t the only charity that benefits from MP&F’s generosity: In 2011, MP&F provided more than 3,800 hours of pro bono service to 30 Middle Tennessee nonprofit organizations.

“We have seen the power of direct service and what it can mean for nonprofits,” said MP&F founding partner Mike Pigott. “We are proud to honor finalists for the Strobel Direct Service Award who are doing life-changing direct service work in our community: Larry and Beth Lisle, Nancy Little, and Darlene Vastano.”

Powering Volunteerism (and Engines) Through Innovation
Volunteer Innovator Award Presenting Sponsor: Cummins, Inc.

Many of us know the feeling. We want to volunteer, but with busy jobs and hectic schedules, it can often be difficult to carve out time. Cummins, Inc. doesn’t let that stand in the way of its employees’ volunteerism. Through an innovative volunteer program, Cummins partners with HON to provide large service projects at its Nashville headquarters, in addition to off-site opportunities.

In 2011, Cummins employees adapted toys for Technology Access Center, giving children with disabilities the chance to engage in fun activities independently; planted rain gardens to help protect our waterways; refurbished Smith Springs Recreational Area at J. Percy Priest Lake; and more. This year, in addition to continuing much of its work from 2011, Cummins will also play a key role in the Nashville Waterway Recovery and Restoration Project.

“As the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of technology products for engine-powered equipment, innovation is at the center of what we do,” said Josh Inman, sourcing director for Cummins Filtration. “Marcie Brolund, the YWCA Re-New program (Julie Davis and Cheryl Hays), and John Poole are remarkable volunteers responding creatively to an unmet community need. We are pleased to honor these volunteer innovators at the 2012 Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards luncheon.”

Promoting Compassionate Care Among Young Volunteers
Youth Volunteer Award Presenting Sponsor: Baptist Healing Trust

Most volunteerism starts from a small seed of hope and compassionate care. And from tiny seeds, abundant gardens can bloom. The Baptist Healing Trust knows that young people who volunteer serve as an inspiration to others, and can cause a great ripple effect in communities. The Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards’ longest-serving award sponsor of eight years, Baptist Healing Trust once again will honor youth volunteers at the 2012 awards luncheon.

“Each year, we are inspired by the young people nominated for the Strobel Youth Volunteer Award,” said Catherine Self, president and CEO of Baptist Healing Trust. “Each of them is driven to volunteer by a sense of compassionate care for those who need it, and serve as powerful examples for all of us. We are truly honored to recognize Youth Volunteer Award finalists Elizabeth Calton, Hui Cheng, and Simran Mahtani at this year’s Strobel Awards.”

What It’s Like To Volunteer with The Nashville Food Project (Courtesy of Nashville Scene)

We couldn’t resist sharing this great article, written by Nashville Scene food blogger Chris Chamberlain, giving a glimpse of what it’s like to volunteer with The Nashville Food Project.

Chris shares the history of The Nashville Food Project, its mission to help address poverty and food insecurity in Nashville, and how the organization is tackling these big issues via volunteers, cooking, growing, and outreach.

Chris writes: “I was fortunate enough to be invited to join Judy Wright and Mary Carter in the kitchen recently as we all worked to prepare 100 nutritious and tasty meals for people living in several North Nashville hotels. Like an episode of Chopped, we took a few minutes to meal-plan as we shopped the pantry to see what was available, with particular attention to ensuring that as little food was wasted as possible. …

“… The afternoon cooking schedule stays fairly full, but where you Bitesters could really help out is with their Tuesday prep work. A combination of Hands On Nashville volunteers and other good folks who just come over the transom work together in shifts to wash and chop vegetables, slice bread, make desserts, and participate in other aspects of meal preparation.

“… by all accounts it is a very fun atmosphere if you’d like to help out with this worthy venture. Judy described it as a joyous ‘Kibbutz-like’ environment with people from all walks of life coming together to work in the prep kitchen while they socialize with new friends and catch up with old ones. For a genuinely rewarding way to give back to your community, I encourage you to consider supporting The Nashville Food Project with your time, your money or both.”

Ok, that sounds FUN. Sign us up.

>Read Chris’ entire blog post here: Cooking Up a Storm with The Nashville Food Project.

>Sign up to volunteer with The Nashville Food Project at HON.org. 

One of the things we love about Nashville is the community of compassionate people working hard to create a more sustainable food system with increased access to fresh, healthy food. The Nashville Food Project, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, East Nashville Cooperative Ministry, Good Food for Good People, Nashville Mobile Market, West Nashville United Methodist Church, Nashville Urban Harvest, Community Food Advocates, and many others offer ways for the community to get involved in this work. Volunteer opportunities with many of these organizations and at Hands On Nashville’s own Urban Farm are available at HON.org. Have questions about how volunteering via HON.org works? Email us.