Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee (DSAMT)

“We took every step we could to prepare for our special angel, but no matter how many books you read or websites you visit, nothing beat the testimonials and advice of people who have walked this journey a few steps ahead of you.”

April Booten knew that having a community of supporters around her would make a huge difference as she stepped into unknown territory. At 12 weeks into pregnancy, her baby was diagnosed with Down syndrome. She was so glad there was already an organization filled with people who were willing to be by her side. “I knew we were joining a wonderful family,” she comments as she remembers the director of the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee (DSAMT) visiting her in the hospital the day her son was born.

DSAMT works to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. DSAMT provides support, information, and education to everyone who is touched by Down syndrome within the Tennessee area. Like many other parentswho are part of this organization, April believes that the supportive services offered through DSAMT can help her son be an engaged and welcomed member of our community.

When volunteers participate in DSAMT gatherings, they provide more ways for individuals with Down syndrome to interact with peers and be a part of their communities in a meaningful way. From exercise and creative games to cooking, there are all sorts of ways to be involved. Most importantly, volunteers enable the families to become stronger and help connectthem to more resources and support.

Interestingly, those who start volunteering at DSAMT become part of the family and aren’t likely to leave. DSMT volunteers often talk about how they’ve had life-changing experiences after spending time working with people who have Down syndrome.

If you are interested in joining the team and helping out at DSAMT, here are a few upcoming opportunities to volunteer:

Bike Camp
iCan Bike camp is a life-changing, five-day camp for kids and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to learn to ride a conventional two-wheeled bike independently. Campers each attend a 1.5-hour session each day for five days as they learn to ride on specialized equipment, assisted by trained staff and volunteers. Volunteers will work one-on-one with a biker each day for the week.
> Sign up here.

DSAMT Creative Arts Camp
DSAMT Creative Arts Camp is a week-long creative experience for teens and adults with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Activities include visual arts, music, creative movement, games, and hanging out with friends. This year’s camp will focus on nature and the environment and will include a field trip to the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Volunteers will assist with the campers’ experience.
> Sign up here.

DSAMT Kid’s Camp
DSAMT Kids’ Camp is a new camp for DSAMT, designed and led by two behavior analysts who work with children with disabilities including Down syndrome and have extensive experience and understanding addressing goals in a group environment. Children benefit from small group instruction with one of two behavior analysts, while learning alongside age-appropriate peers. Volunteers will assist with small group activities or record data, all under the direction of the behaviorists.
> Sign up here to help with campers ages 3 to 5.
> Sign up here to help with campers ages 6 to 8.

The Buddy Walk
The Buddy Walk® was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to promote acceptance and awareness of people with Down syndrome.The Nashville Buddy Walk has grown significantly over the past 15 years. Our friends with Down syndrome bring their friends, family, teachers, neighbors, legislators, celebrities, therapists, or anyone to promote the importance of understanding, acceptance, and awareness and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of those with Down syndrome. Volunteers will help plan and organize the walk in advance, and on event day will distribute t-shirts, work registration, hand out water, direct people to/from staging areas, supervise activities, and more.
> Sign up to help.
> Sign up to be on The Buddy Walk planning committee.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Sports 4 All Foundation

Adam getting ready for an aerobics class to begin.

It’s a little past 9 a.m. and Adam Holland is already jumping around, anxiously awaiting a dip in the pool. He’s learned that combining a strong kick with some hand pulls can really get him ahead of the crowd, and he can do it on his own. Swim class starts in an hour and and he’s proud to be a leader among over 20 of his peers. Adam is 28 years old and lives with Down syndrome, a disorder resulting in developmental disabilities that typically deter him from participating in activities similar to others his age. Thanks to Sports 4 All Foundation, he has no problem participating in sports and activities. Twice a week, Adam joins 20 to 50 of his peers, all people with various disabilities, in group exercise ranging from yoga to aerobics to swimming. He’s one of the most flexible people in the room and continues to motivate others with his character and excitement.

The aerobics class at Project Health brings over 30 participants each week.

Sports 4 All Foundation works to improve the lives of those with disabilities by providing equipment, programming, and education to enable full participation in sports and activities. But, of course, the organization would not be nearly as successful without the help of volunteers. Three to four volunteers often accompany a room of Project Health participants like Adam’s class mentioned above, having fun cheering them on and sharing new skills. Volunteers are also involved in planning events, working at events, and sharing information about Sports 4 All Foundation.

Austin Griffin, a Sports 4 All Foundation work study volunteer, comments, “I didn’t know exactly how to act or how to treat them, but I thought to myself ‘They are people just like me. We all have a disability of some sort. Whether that is not being talented at sports or not being able to sing any song on key. So just treat them as you would anyone.’

“So, that’s what I did. I was timid at first, but as time went on, I became more and more comfortable. I moved from just taking pictures and videos to leading parts of the class. Now every time I go to that class, people come up to give me hugs, handshakes, and high fives. Each person has their own unique personality, and it is a pleasure to see that every week.”

If you’re interested in getting involved, check out the Sports 4 All upcoming volunteer opportunities mentioned below.

> Hoops 4 Health 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament: April 27, 2013 

> Foam Fest: May 4, 2013 

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities:
> Project HEALTH Coach

> Equipment Endowment Assistant

If you have any questions, please contact the Sports 4 All Volunteer Coordinator, Anna Dannibale at anna@s4af.org.

> Learn more about Sports 4 All here.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Nashville Film Festival

No need to fret about the rain because a flood of creatives will be infusing this town with new talent and interesting stories to share. Join them to celebrate the diversity of the human spirit expressed through the art of film. Watch out – the Green Hills megaplex will host the annual Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) from April 18 to 25, bringing together regional, foreign, and international filmmakers, actors, media critics, photographers, and film enthusiasts.

Founded in 1969 by Mary Jane Coleman, NaFF was originally known as the Sinking Creek Film Celebration. Most recently, in 2003, it was renamed The Nashville Film Festival and has been named one of the Top 5 Film Festivals in the U.S. by the Brooks Institute. Over 25,000 visitors attended last year’s event, and another awesome crowd is expected again this year. While last year’s event was saturated with nominations from Middle Tennesseans, this year’s adds on a new twist, welcoming more female directors than ever before. Four of the 13 films so far in the narrative competition are created by women. Nice work, ladies. According to the Nashville Scene, that’s four more than Cannes had in it’s 2012 lineup. Groups like Sundance labs and additional outreach programs have incubated a great era of female filmmakers.

Gypsy Caravan refers to the NaFF as “a mythical place” and comments that it contains “a rich selection of top-quality films, lively audiences from early morning to late at night, and really friendly festival staff making everything flow quite smoothly.”

Never experienced the thrill of engaging in these independent films? Maybe you just want to support talented women making a big statement in the filmmaking business? If you’re inclined to see a few films, why not take the time to volunteer, get a free ticket, and scope the scene (no pun intended)? NaFF has a reputation of being one of the friendliest festivals on the circuit, and that would not happen without the volunteers. The volunteers help guide people to the right places, assist guests into and out of theaters, make sure the grounds are tidy, answer questions about the facility, and much more.

While the list below is not all-inclusive, here are a few areas NaFF could use your help:

Scan Ushers – Collect tickets upon entry, hand out ballots and balloting instructions, collect ballots as patrons exit the theater, direct patrons to correct theaters, and help clean up theaters between films.

Volunteer Booth – Assist with check-in and check-out of volunteers, point people in the right direction, and assist Volunteer Coordinator.

Box Office – Organize will-call tickets, assist patrons with scheduling questions, and check on ticket availability.

Logistics/Facilities – Assist the Facilities Manager with various areas of responsibility including area transitions, fleet vehicle parking and clean-up, extra seating needs, and whatever else is needed.

Floaters – Help out in ‘hot-spots’ when extra help is needed in any of the above areas – usually crowd control and ushering with the large theater seatings.

Press & Industry (VIP) tent – Check laminates to verify access to the VIP tent; set-up and replenish refreshments; clear tables when necessary; call any issues to the attention of the proper people. Some off-site opportunities.

Projection – Help organize films to be shown by day and time; queue and mark times, aspect ratio, and other notes on films; keep films organized on the shelf before and after their viewing times; run any errands necessary for the projection staff. This position is in the projection hall above the theaters, so low light and close quarters are to be expected.

> Click here to sign up and volunteer to be a part of this great festival.

Celebrating Corporate Service

Emdeon and its employees believe that doing good in the community is an important part of being in business. That’s why the company remains committed to providing opportunities for employees to give back through numerous charitable organizations’ events year round.  Emdeon employees lend their time and talent to schools and many charitable organizations including Hands On Nashville, American Red Cross, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

“Because Emdeon takes corporate service so seriously, we are honored to be a part of celebrating other company’s volunteer efforts,” 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: Advance Financial, Deloitte, and Schneider Electric.”

Emdeon is the Corporate Service Project Presenting Sponsor for the Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards.

Volunteer Leader Spotlight: Julie Hill

Between her hobbies of hiking, biking, camping, and painting, Julie Hill seems to find herself leading volunteers and helping others on a regular basis. Just like getting in that habitual workout at the gym, Julie needs her community fix – and the community needs her. Twice a month, this southern California native works with a team to help prep and cook food for people who don’t have easy access to fresh produce. She has become an integral part of The Nashville Food Project, a local nonprofit that seeks to provide increased access to healthy foods in homeless and working poor communities across Davidson County.“I like the Nashville Food Project because you have two steps: preparing the food and handing it out to the individuals in need. I find it very fulfilling to be able to meet the individuals that we are there to help,” says Julie. “For me, volunteering is such a rewarding experience; I get the benefits of helping others and meeting great people who enjoy giving back to the community.”

She’s been working with The Nashville Food Project as a Volunteer Leader since September 2012, but has been an active Hands On Nashville volunteer since 2009. From a very young age, Julie was taught that helping her community was part of normal life. She continues to value the opportunity to help out her community and encourage those around her to do the same.

Julie has found Hands On Nashville to be a wonderful place to get connected. “By offering such a great website and partnerships, and the amazing people, Hands On Nashville makes volunteering truly a no-hassle and thoroughly enjoyable experience.”

Are you looking to get involved with The Nashville Food Project like Julie?
➢ Click here to see a list of upcoming opportunities and sign up.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Metropolitan Homelessness Commission

It’s a new year with new possibilities for anyone seeking employment. But before beginning the search, job seekers must have all their ducks in a row. This includes legal proof of identification, an appearance of good health and hygiene, showing the physical ability to follow through with job requirements, and, of course, confidence in acquiring the job. For the homeless population, these aren’t merely ducks… they are elephants. And reining them in without help or resources can prove to be a daunting task.

Volunteer to help guide the Project Homeless Connect attendees on February 13.

Thank goodness for Nashville’s largest homeless service provider event, Project Homeless Connect. The Metropolitan Homelessness Commission is recruiting 500 volunteers to assist individuals and families in need at this important event, which takes place on Wednesday, February 13.

This is a one-day, one-stop event providing individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, or on the brink of homelessness, with access to a broad range of services including housing and employment assistance, medical checkups, eye screenings, foot care, legal services, employment assistance, pet care, food, toiletries, and more. The goal of Project Homeless Connect is to remove barriers to housing and employment. This is a true collaborative effort in which more than 70 agencies and hundreds of volunteers come together to provide thousands of services to an expected 1,000 to 1,500 guests.

With such a large event, your hands are certainly needed. Volunteer Vette Hughes, a Bank of America employee, said volunteering at Project Homeless Connect was a great experience for her. “The best part is to be able to help people. I love being able to give time. It has made me see that I can do more about homelessness. I am more aware - homeless people are just people like you and me. Everybody needs help sometime.”

Jason Vanover, of Reliant Bank, volunteered for the second year and said he felt like the day really made a difference to a lot of the guests. “Navigating the ID system is not an easy task. And having the right ID is the lynchpin for so many things. And the people are so appreciative.“

If you’re interested in getting involved, volunteers are needed to help with registration, crowd management, check out, guidance, setup/cleanup, and other duties. One of the main needs is for volunteer guides to pair up with the guests. As a volunteer guide, you will ensure that your assigned guest receives the proper services and respect as they navigate the event. Because so many people in our community come together and care, life is more navigable for our homeless population. You, in addition to the 500 other volunteers and 70 agencies, will help move Nashvillians who are experiencing homelessness one step forward. Read below and see how to be a part of this amazing day.

How to volunteer for Project Homeless Connect on Wednesday, February 13:
> Click here to see volunteer opportunities.
> View Project Homeless Connect’s Website.

Still have questions? Email Tojuana Jordan at Tojuana.Jordan@nashville.gov or call her at 615-880-2773.

Sycamore Pop Up Dinner

Chef Galzin, his wife Caroline, and Jackalope Brewmaster Bailey at the last pop-up dinner in November.

Sycamore Pop Up Dinner
Sunday, January 27
Cafe Fundamental, 1115 Porter Road
$70 per person (includes four courses with cocktail pairings)

On January 27, Sycamore Nashville is hosting yet another pop-up dinner benefiting the Hands On Nashville Urban Farm. This is the second in a series of several pop-up dinners both Chef Galzin and his wife Caroline have initiated since moving to Nashville in July. (Also, right after moving to town, Chef Galzin spent a day at the Farm teaching youth how to make a healthy dish from the veggies they helped to grow.)

As they make plans for their first restaurant together, the Galzins have caused

Wine-braised Pork Sugo with house made pasta from November’s dinner. YUM! We can’t wait to see what’s served this round.

quite a pop-up craze. Their innovative approach not only educates the Nashville community on sustainable practices, but also brings together resources that benefit the local community in a unique way. At their last dinner, Chef Galzin used a whole hog from Phillips Pharm in Davidson County, while carefully explaining his process of using the entire pig to prepare the meal. He reflected on the beauty of food, the culinary responsibility we all have, and the work that we do to support the farming communities here locally. The beer pairings added some laid-back spunk to the dinner, too. Did we mention that proceeds from this dinner were donated to the Hands On Nashville Urban Farm? Philanthropy is a key goal and something they’d like to keep integral in their planning as they prepare for a future restaurant. (Now you know why we love them so much!)

The first course from November’s dinner at Jackalope featured Rillette, City Ham and Pate. Pure deliciousness.

If you weren’t able to attend their last night of deliciousness, you best get your tickets for January’s event happening at Cafe Fundamental, with proceeds again benefiting the HON Urban Farm. This month’s special will feature four-course meals using two whole lambs from Philips Pharm and special craft cocktails from PourTaste mixologists Jon and Lindsay Yeager. Tickets are $70 per person – and are about to sell out. Click here and purchase yours today. See you at the table!

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: NALC

Remember that time you spelled “rhinoceros” wrong in the first grade? It was supposed to be your shining moment, a spelling bee stud kind-of-moment, yet you stood there with the blank stare, and showed everyone what you didn’t know. Imagine if everyday felt that way even though your spelling bee days were long past. The truth is, over 1,500 Nashville adults struggle with literacy, yet most of us don’t know it.

Thankfully, the Nashville Adult Literacy Council (NALC) has recognized the need for volunteer tutors to help teach reading to U.S.-born adults and guide adult immigrants in learning English skills. NALC serves over 1,500 adults annually, with the help of 500 volunteer tutors and 33 classes. NALC’s vision is for all to learn and for all to help build a community of adults empowered through literacy.

James Morehead, 2012 NALC Literacy Learner of the Year, comments, “When I was young, I always had a hard time reading and writing. I could not do things like make a grocery list. I had to draw pictures of the food when I went to the store. It was also hard to do things like fill out job applications to see if I could get a job. For a long time, I could not drive because I could not pass the driver’s test,” says James.

“Now, I can do things like write ‘Happy Birthday’ and read the newspaper. Most importantly, I can write a letter to my wife to show her how much I love her.”

James has the confidence he needs to flourish in the world today because of people like you who volunteer their time to teach him to read. The NALC would not exist if it weren’t for the people who share their knowledge, patience, and encouragement. Annually, over 500 volunteer tutors dedicate thousands of hours to teaching their fellow adults to read and write, and speak English. Volunteers from all backgrounds and occupations tutor with NALC. No teaching experience is necessary! If you can read, you can help.

Aside from volunteering with the Start Now Program and One-on-One Tutoring Program, creative and devoted volunteers help NALC with events, office work, speaking engagements and community outreach, teaching classes, and facilitating extra-curricular activities for learners.

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Nashville Adult Literacy Council holds volunteer trainings once or twice per month for both the Start Now and One-on-One Tutoring programs. Currently, there are 100 learners on NALC’s waiting list waiting for a one-on-one tutor.

One-on-One Tutoring Program
The One-on-One Tutoring Program is Nashville Adult Literacy Council’s primary mission. In this program, NALC matches one adult learner with one volunteer tutor based on schedule and location preference. Tutors are asked to commit to a minimum of six months with their learner, meeting between two and three hours per week.

Upcoming trainings for the One-on-One Tutoring Program are:
> Friday, January 11th, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
> Saturday, January 26th, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Start Now Program
Due to NALC’s growth and success, immediate accommodation for every learner is difficult. In fact, it can take six months or longer for a learner to be matched with a volunteer tutor. The Start Now Program allows learners to get immediate service while waiting to be matched with a long-term volunteer tutor. It also allows volunteer tutors greater scheduling flexibility than the One-on-One Tutoring Program. Tutors sign up for hour-long appointments as often or as little as their schedule permits, and meet with a new learner each visit.

Upcoming Trainings for the Start Now Program are:
> Wednesday, January 30th, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
> Tuesday, February 26th, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Monthly training dates are always listed on NALC’s website.

GET INVOLVED
If you are interested in volunteering with the Nashville Adult Literacy Council, please email info@nashvilleliteracy.org or call 615-298-8060. For more information, visit the website at Nashvilleliteracy.org.

Nonprofit Partner Feature: NeedLink

Volunteers help people sign up for the food box program, make calls to let them know when their box will be delivered, and deliver the 1,500 boxes to people in need throughout Davidson County.

Mr. Cole’s story is all too common. He retired early after undergoing serious medical issues. Then his wife lost her vision during surgery to remove a brain tumor. Now she is no longer able to work, and the couple has exhausted their savings and struggle to pay for medication and other basic needs. They went from getting by just fine to worried about how to cover basic living expenses.

For many people in our community, there’s a very fine line between financial security and crisis. NeedLink Nashville recognizes this, and works to help people meet basic needs in times of emergency.

“NeedLink Nashville helped us keep our lights on,” Mr. Cole says.

Year-round, the organization helps people remain in stable housing and connected to

NeedLink is able to help nearly 10,000 people each year.

critical utility services. During the holidays, NeedLink spreads warmth and cheer with its holiday food box delivery. In fact, volunteers have been helping NeedLink feed people during the holidays for more than 100 years!

“As a single father of four, a food box means a lot. I’ll be able to feed my girls and my little boy a holiday meal that they will remember,” shares Kevin, a food box recipient.

With a small-but-mighty staff of two, NeedLink is able to help nearly 10,000 people each year. That requires a lot of volunteers to help greet clients, answer phone calls, and do daily office tasks.

A lot of extra hands are also needed during the holidays. Volunteers help people sign up for the food box program, make calls to let them know when their box will be delivered, and deliver the 1,500 boxes to people in need throughout Davidson County. Teams of volunteers also help with the holiday mailer, annual special edition, and Rudolph’s Red Nose Run.

Here is a glance at some upcoming opportunities to help out!
Nov. 7 – Special Edition Paper Stuffing
December 7 – Red Nose Run Setup and Course Volunteers
December 11 – Call Holiday Food Box Recipients
December 15 – Holiday Food Box Deliveries

> See upcoming volunteer opportunities with NeedLink here.

> Check out our 2012 Holiday Volunteer Guide for more ways to help NeedLink and other nonprofits during the holiday season. 

> Learn more about NeedLink at www.needlink.org, or follow them on social media! @NeedLink1912 and www.facebook.com/needlinknashville. Questions? Email jann@needlink.org or call (615) 269-6682.

Volunteer Leader Spotlight: Kristen O’Hare

Guest blog post by Kristen O’Hare
I got to know Hands On Nashville 10 years ago as a Belmont University student.  Then, I would volunteer periodically and participate in events like Hands On Nashville Day, our community’s largest day of service in Metro Schools.

My real and meaningful relationship with Hands On Nashville began with a simple text message I received on May 3, 2010.  It read, “Sandbaggers are needed immediately in Metro Center to stop the levee from breaking.” While my own apartment had water from Mill Creek filtering in through the front door, I felt an undeniable need to respond to that text; so, I drove to Metro Center.  As I approached the volunteer site, Metro Police warned me that if the levee were to break, we’d all be in danger. With a smile and a nod, I joined dozens of other volunteers.

“The pride I had looking at the volunteers around me was overwhelming.”

With the toss of my first sandbag, something inside of me changed. I could actually feel it. With every additional sandbag I touched over the next 6 hours, the pride I had looking at the volunteers around me was overwhelming.  We were wet, cold, tired, and covered in sand fleas; yet we kept working.  Each of us wanted to lessen the impact of the 1,000-year flood.

We came together as strangers, but we left as neighbors.  For me, the dirty water from the flooded Cumberland River washed me clean.

In the weeks following the flood, I’d deliver food and water; tear down homes; and set up distribution centers.  I even honed my skills driving a big rented Budget truck to deliver supplies. Volunteering had become by passion, and I was glad that Hands On Nashville provided me so many opportunities to make a difference.  In fact, through my HON flood volunteerism, I connected with the Red Cross.  Today, after months of training, I am a certified Red Cross first responder.  I assist in a variety of disasters – from house fires to floods – and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help people when they most need me.

I am also proud to serve as a Hands On Nashville volunteer leader.  One Saturday every month, I guide other volunteers in cleanup projects at the Nashville City Cemetery – our city’s oldest public cemetery.  Due to its historical and architectural significance, the Nashville City Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Many prominent figures are buried there – from Nashville’s founders Charlotte and James Robertson to two of the original Fisk Jubilee Singers.

This project is a perfect match for my skills.  As a museum curatorial assistant at the Grand Ole Opry, I have expertise in the preservation and restoration of historic artifacts.  During this project, I teach other volunteers  how to slow the deterioration of headstones.  By clearing away magnolia tree seeds, nuts, and other natural materials, we do our best to maintain this important piece of history.

But, for me, being a HON volunteer leader is even more than completing important service projects.  When I put on my volunteer leader shirt – the one with the handprint surrounded by little circles – I do so knowing that I represent not only Hands On Nashville, but all of the volunteers that go out and give of themselves in their free time.  That’s powerful.

Interested in leading a volunteer project?
> Click here and learn how to get started.