Volunteer Alerts
Volunteer with IU Congregation Care Network (CCN) ~ First Friends is excited to partner with the IU Congregational Care Network. This program (which a number of churches in the area participate in) will partner care connectors from First Friends with IU patients with a chronic illness that would benefit from a community support. This support involves a weekly phone call to the patient for a number of months. IU Health will identify the patients and refer them to us to provide support. IU Health will train our care connectors on best practices for this support.
The connectors will document patient phone calls, spend 1 hour a week talking with a patient, listen to patient needs and concerns, connect patients to community resources and networks, help patients navigate systems and communicate patient concerns to our Lead Connector.
Would you be interested in participating in this ministry? Please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org you are interested in serving for 6 months or have questions.
Mid-North Food Pantry: First Friends folks are still assisting at the Mid North Food Pantry on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. Just as most people need grocery stores to remain open, so too does a segment of our community need food pantries to remain open. And volunteers are needed to run the pantries. The Mid North Food Pantry has made a number of changes in its operations to protect its volunteers. For instance, as of now, the pantry has volunteers fill bags of food inside the pantry building and they are then taken outside and provided to those who come to the pantry for food. No pantry customers are currently allowed inside the pantry. There is a conscious effort to keep customers at an acceptable distance from volunteers and from touching items that the volunteers may touch. We will keep the First Friends pantry volunteers up to speed on any future changes to the pantry routine. Thanks to our dedicated group of pantry volunteers.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana is seeking volunteer Bigs. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and they can be matched with children from 8 to 18. Currently, 1,285 matches are being served in our area (Marion, Hamilton, and Johnson Counties). But, over a thousand boys & girls are still on the BBBS match waitlist. Please let the office know if you or another are interested in becoming a Big.
What You Can Do to Stay Connected at a Distance: Second Helpings ~ Second Helpings is desperately in need of financial support as they face the front lines of food scarcity in our local communities. They are working closely with local government and an enormous network of agencies to bring nutritious meals to vulnerable Hoosiers. The demand for Second Helpings meals will continue to go up as many seniors and families living with limited resources either cannot stock their own shelves or are living in shelters for domestic violence, human trafficking and homelessness. Continued financial support during these uncertain times will ensure that Second Helpings can continue to share meals with our neighbors in need. https://www.secondhelpings.org/donate/
Things are changing so quickly right now, for all of us. Second Helpings CEO, Jennifer Vigran, is keeping the community updated through regularly blogging on our website. Read and share to hear how Second Helpings and others are responding to current events Please visit: https://www.secondhelpings.org/news/. Follow their social media to ensure you don’t miss our current blog posts.
Easterseals Crossroads has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for 80 years. Whether helping someone improve physical mobility, return to work or simply gain greater independence for everyday living, Easterseals Crossroads offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals. We provide top-quality, family-focused and innovative services tailored to meet the specific needs of the individuals we serve. View volunteer opportunities here.
Harbor Light Hospice operates under a philosophy of care that provides support to patients with life-limiting illness and their loved ones during end-of-life. Harbor Light Hospice promotes dignity and emphasizes quality of life for those who choose to die in a familiar setting, surrounded by those they love. They are looking for companions for terminally ill patients. If you’d like to volunteer your time, click here for more information.