We rely on more than 300 volunteers to support our comprehensive programs each year. These dedicated individuals devote their valuable time to helping neighbors, and we’ve been looking for ways to enhance their experience through learning opportunities.
In the last few months, we’ve offered a Nepali language class, a poverty simulation training, and a CPR/First Aid training.
Because many families we serve at our South Hills Family Center speak Nepali, our dedicated volunteers expressed an interest in learning a few useful phrases. Language barriers can often make communication challenging between volunteers and participants, particularly during our food pantry distributions. We strive to create an inclusive environment, and volunteers felt that speaking to participants in their native language would help them feel more welcome.
In July, Fatherhood Coordinator Netra Kafley hosted a class to teach volunteers his native language. To ensure the lesson was practical, Netra asked volunteers which phrases they wanted to learn most and provided phonetic spellings to make pronunciation easier. Volunteers were grateful to learn useful phrases and Netra was touched that they were working to be more inclusive.
Children and Youth Director Mary Pannier brought United Way of Southwestern PA’s Poverty Simulation exercise to volunteers in September. Presenters from United Way led a discussion with participants, followed by volunteers and staff breaking into groups to engage in the poverty simulation board game. Each person was assigned a persona and had to make difficult decisions based on their current situation. For instance, one fictional person was a single parent trying to make ends meet. When asked to choose between paying for enriching extracurriculars or utility bills, the outcomes for both choices were somewhat negative. Participating in the exercise was enlightening for volunteers who may not have fully understood some of the reasons why clients end up coming to SHIM for help.
In October, SHIM partnered with The Life Safety Pro to provide CPR and First Aid training to volunteers. Many of our volunteer activities involve physical activity and/or working with children. Equipping volunteers with CPR and First Aid training increases the chances that someone will have vital knowledge if an accident occurs in the workplace. Volunteers learned about AEDs, how to stop excessive bleeding, and how to administer CPR.
Volunteers provide crucial support to SHIM, powering programs across the organization. Without them, we couldn’t possibly serve the 8,500 people relying on our services. We’re so grateful for their willingness to learn new skills to better serve our neighbors.
Interested in volunteering? Head to shimcares.org/volunteer to get started!
