As you can see by all of the volunteer opportunities listed below, The Arc of Mower County relies on volunteers to help fulfill our mission. I have found nine good reasons why you should volunteer at The Arc of Mower County:

1. It makes you feel good.

2. It makes you healthier. Studies show that people who volunteer usually consider themselves healthier than people who don’t.

3. It reduces stress. Studies show that, like exercise or meditation, helping others on a regular basis creates a sense of calm and well-being and reduces stress.

4. It can strengthen your immune system. (Studies show that while stress reduces our immunity to illness, the moods and emotions experience by volunteers (optimism, joy, control over one’s fate) can strengthen immunity.

5. It gives you hope.

6. It brings people together.

7. Is inspires fresh ideas.

8. It promotes a “can-do” attitude.

9. It supports families. Volunteering together strengthens the bond within a family and teaches children to view themselves as part of the community.

If see anything below that you would want to participate in, please let me know. Thank you.

•Activity Assistants: Assist with weekly daily gatherings on Tuesday through Saturday based at The Arc. Opportunities include dances, dinners, sporting events, community outings and other fun-filled entertainment

•Committee Members: The Arc has numerous committees that need the expertise of volunteers from the community. Committees usually meet monthly during night or daytime hours convenient to the members.

•Fundraisers: Rose Sale, Taste of Mower County, Waffle Breakfast, People First Car Washes, People First Soup/Chili Supper, and More!

•Housing Access Services: Helping eligible people move into homes of their own.

•Janitorial/Maintenance

•Office Assistant: Assistance is always needed for mailing preparation, computer troubleshooting, inventory and miscellaneous clerical duties, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

•Receptionist: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

•Special Olympics Coaches: Bowling season runs from September through April and the Bocce/Softball season runs from May through August.

Jamey Helgeson is the Program Director at The Arc of Mower County and can be reached at jamey@arcmowercounty.org or by calling 507-433-8994, Extension 102. You can also visit our website (www.arcmowercounty.org) and follow us on Facebook.