Volunteers

Help us make a difference for care-partners and people living with dementia or a chronic disability!

We need help with:
1. Programs/Events
2. Outreach/Marketing
3. Administration/Office
4. Gardens/Horticulture

If you live North of Boston, are at least age 14, and are interested in joining us as a volunteer, please:

• Download, complete & return our Volunteer Application
• E-mail volunteer (at) rest-stop-ranch.com, or call 978-887-4202.

Thanks for your interest! Please scroll down this page to learn more.
~ The Rest.Stop.Ranch -Making a Difference- Team

Programs/Events Help (Weekends)
Events (offered on either Saturday or Sunday) are our year-round Memory Café, and our Seasonal Sunday Stroll.

Year-round Events, Volunteer Roles:
Events Team (experience not necessary)
Hospitality/Welcome Team
Event Set-up & Breakdown

Seasonal Events, Volunteer Roles:
Nature Guides (for People with Special Needs)
Picnic Area Support
Activities: Drums & Dancing
Activities: Bird Tales
Activities: Fish Tales
Activities: Flower Fun (Craft/Arranging)
Parking Management

Outreach/Marketing Help (Anytime)
Outreach Team (experience not necessary)
Help Manage Print Literature
Help Distribute Print Literature
Help Manage Online Presence
Share our Story & Services with Friends
Visit & Present to:

• Healthcare Partners
• Schools/Education Partners
• Councils on Aging
• Aging and Disability Agencies
• Faith-based Organizations
• Public Libraries

Administration/Office Help (Anytime)
Office Team (experience not necessary)
Help Manage Paper Files (Paper Organization)
Help Manage Digital Files (Data Entry & Organization)

Garden/Horticulture Help (Anytime)
Horticulture Team (experience not necessary)
Spring/Fall Cleanup
Build Trails and/or Garden Beds
Maintain Trails and/or Garden Beds
Plant, Weed, Harvest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caregiver Support Group (Thursday Evenings)
Group Facilitator(s) trained by Alzheimer’s Association or AFTD.

What are the Benefits?
– Rest.Stop.Ranch volunteers have the opportunity to become part of a dynamic and highly-participative Rest.Stop.Ranch communitee consisting of Mary, Karl, team members, program participants, contributors (of plants and funds), volunteers, mentors, and project stakeholders.
– Rest.Stop.Ranch volunteers have the opportunity to experience meaningful and gratifying work:
1. support families living with long-term illness and disability
2. develop wheelchair-accessible gardens for the present and future
3. meet guests with disabilities with kindness and love

Requirements for Helping in the Garden
– At least 14 years old.
– Enthusiasm for Rest.Stop.Ranch Programs and a commitment to learning about conservation, stewardship, and universal access.
– Ability to lift 20 pounds, the ability to stoop and bend, and the ability to tolerate local weather.
– No prior gardening knowledge is required; all necessary knowledge is taught.
– Ability to talk informally to children and adults, both in groups and one-on-one.
– Ability to communicate Rest.Stop.Ranch rules effectively in a non-threatening manner.
– Must be reliable, responsible, and flexible.
– The ability to walk or stand for a significant amount of time.
– All required information and communication techniques will be taught.
– Report to work on time and in uniform.
– Work with a positive, can-do attitude with all guests and members of the team.

Minimum Time
– A one-time contribution of project time, or a regular commitment of your choosing is appreciated.

Training
– Volunteers are paired with a member of the Rest.Stop.Ranch team to perform their duties, and additional on-the-job training will be provided by those team members.

Uniform
– All volunteers will be issued a volunteer ID name tag, which must be worn when acting in a role supporting guests.
– Long pants are considered appropriate (khakis and blue jeans are acceptable).
– For safety reasons, closed-toe shoes and socks are required; no sandals.
– A hat, sunscreen, and water bottle are all encouraged (also, work gloves if working in the garden).

Support
– Rest.Stop.Ranch team members are available to provide assistance, supervision, and mentoring as needed.

How to Apply
– Complete & Return to us: Rest.Stop.Ranch Volunteer Application.

Or, Please e-mail volunteer (at) rest-stop-ranch.com if you have questions.