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| Be the change. Volunteer. |
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Hands On
Greater Portland staff, board
members, community partners and
volunteers reflect on what they
are thankful for . . .
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"I am thankful for the people who volunteer with us.
We would not exist without you. You may not see the
direct results of what you contribute, but for those you
impact, it’s life-changing. From serving a meal to
painting a school, you’re making the future brighter;
you ARE the change. Thank you." (Katie Liermann,
Hands On Staff) |
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"Project
leaders are a central part of the Hands On Greater
Portland mission, and we appreciate all of you lending
your leadership skills for the benefit of our volunteers
and partner agencies." (Rachel Rappaport, Hands
On Staff)
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"At some point in our lives, we
realize that giving back is what it’s all about. It’s
really the one true solution. The greatest part of my
job is seeing volunteer after volunteer make the
decision to give back. I never get tired of witnessing
this personal transformation. For most everyone, getting
to this place of giving requires them to overcome
barriers – from a lack of time to family and work
responsibilities. Simply being young can be a barrier. I
am truly grateful that volunteers make the effort to
overcome limitations and find a way to give back. And I
am very grateful that Hands On can help them in their
personal transformations." (Andy Nelson, Hands On
Staff) |
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"We very much appreciate and deeply rely on the
faithful volunteers from Hands On. Our concerts,
literally, wouldn't happen without them. We might have
the musicians there to make music, but Hands On opens
the door and welcomes in the audience. You are our
lifeline - - - thank you!" (Shelley Williams,
Columbia Symphony Orchestra) |
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"Our
project leader Holly is an incredibly thoughtful and
generous person, offering tremendous expertise in all
areas of community organizing. It is because of her
commitment to Film Action Oregon and the Hollywood
Theatre project, in addition to the community as a whole
that we have been so successful in providing fun and
exciting volunteer experiences through Hands on Greater
Portland." (Justen Harn, Film Action Oregon / The
Hollywood Theatre Project) |
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"I’m thankful to work for a mission-driven
organization that values continuous learning and
collaboration. Our volunteers are incredible and I am
honored to know them. I am inspired by every member of
the Hands On staff and am deeply grateful to spend my
days with such an outstanding group of people."
(Becky Blumer, Hands On Staff) |
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"We love the Hands On Greater Portland staff –
always so responsive, professional and supportive. We
are also thankful for the website, without which we
could not find the amazing volunteers needed to enhance
our programs." (Cindy Rapp, Garden Partners) |
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"We are fortunate to do our work in a community with
such a rich array of organizations and partners.
Portland’s collaborative nature and approach to
problem-solving further allows us to take a unique
approach to meeting the needs of each organization."
(Keith Thomajan, Hands On Board Member) |
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"There are not enough words of thanks I can give to
all volunteers who give back to their community. Giving
back, as a volunteer, is the largest gift you can give.
When you give the much needed fiscal donation you are
able to earn that money back, but when you give your
time, you have given it forever. Volunteerism is, in my
mind, the single most important aspect of maintaining a
healthy community." (Andrew Frazier, Hands On
Board Member) |
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"Serving the community literally
gives my life meaning. When I sit down and think about
it, I cannot imagine what the purpose of my life would
be if I did not volunteer. I think there are so many
people who would rarely if ever volunteer if it weren't
for Hands On, so I'm thankful that Hands On makes it so
easy and rewarding to do so." (Bethy Annsa, Hands
On Volunteer & Project Leader) |
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"I’m thankful for all of the people in the world who
find ways to fit volunteering into their lives. Some
find a 2-hour block once a year, some volunteer once a
month, some find time every week, and some make a longer
commitment. Thanks to the Corporation For National and
Community Service, Hands On has 3 AmeriCorps members who
are dedicating a year of their lives to service and
increasing our capacity to get other volunteers out in
the community to make a difference." (Mindy
Coolidge, Hands On Staff) |
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"Having the opportunity to work with
and learn about all the many organizations we partner
with, I have been utterly amazed at the breadth of
impact areas and depth of issues currently addressed
here in the Portland area, as well as the friendly and
spirited volunteer managers that lead their
organizations’ volunteer efforts. Not only are you doing
amazing work for the community, but you also make my job
ten times more enjoyable, as I get to spend my day
corresponding and talking with a great group of people!
Thanks! I’m simply stoked to be serving my AmeriCorps
term with such an amazing organization; its values, its
goals, and the awesome staff make it what it is!"
(Melia Tichenor, Hands On Staff) |
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