Website: http://www.mayflowerhomes.com/
Mission: It is the mission of the Mayflower Community to provide a vibrant, purposeful, and compassionate community of older adults.
Location: Grinnell (0.5 miles from Grinnell College)
Needs: Mayflower supports volunteers, interns, researchers, and employees in fields including health care, nonprofit management, research, marketing and sales, culinary arts, business services and finance, technology, facilities, and wellness. Mayflower welcomes creative and self-starting minds to address resident and operational issues.
The work volunteers and interns do for Mayflower is ‘real work’ that is tied to our service of residents and running of the business. We hope our student volunteers can translate that work into their career and life decisions and transitions from college to life.
In the past, students have offered art classes, musical performances, cultural activities, special events, and have researched the effects of social isolation and LGBTQ inclusion and policy. Mayflower seeks volunteers to provide innovative and new group activities for our residents in our assisted living and health center, research projects across our departments, and collaborations between organizations.
Volunteers and interns add new perspectives, diversity, experiences, and enrich Mayflower Community. Volunteers provide resident-centered care, support, and compassion to the well-being of residents. Volunteers create meaningful one-on-one relationships with Mayflower Community residents that improve the quality of life of both residents and your own life experience.
“My experience throughout these last couple of years working with the Mayflower residents has been incredible! There is not a better feeling than seeing a smile on each one’s face as you spend time doing activities with them.
Activities such as bike rides, movies, games, etc. are a blast and I know the residents really appreciate the time you spend with them.
Mayflower is also very flexible on when you can come volunteer, as (Grinnell) classes can consume your schedule. The staff will be more than happy to make time that fits for you…as the residents will love your company!” – Jake Hull
Volunteers:
- One-time events: Yes.
- Ongoing: Yes.
- Groups possible? Groups are welcome.
- Level and type of volunteerism will determine the amount and level of training required. One-time events, programs, or performances do not require volunteer applications nor specialized training.
When is service needed: Year-round
Number of hours: Flexible hours, as much or little as is possible for the volunteer.
Modality:
- In-person: Yes.
- Hybrid in-person/virtual possible: Yes.
- Fully virtual possible: Yes.
Prerequisites: Completed application form and interview with Mayflower staff to learn of potential volunteer’s skills, interests, and availability.
Background check required: Yes (through Grinnell College for HIPAA)
Training supplied: Depending on the role, volunteers and interns may be supplied with dependent adult abuse and dementia training, especially those who will be serving in Assisted Living and the Health Center. The training we supply many of our volunteers is costly (often $50/hour), so we seek volunteers who are invested in following through on their service, with both sides being clear about the scope and timeframe of projects. Specialized training is not needed for volunteers with the Independent Living.
“It was incredibly rewarding to play my violin for the residents at Mayflower! I was glad to brighten their day and bring back memories of their own musical experiences.” – Sabrina Tang
“My experience as a volunteer at the Mayflower has been truly enriching and I always look forward to spending time with Sallie to practice our French language skills through sharing stories from our lives.” – Mercedes Varela
How to apply: Apply by email, phone, or through the website. http://www.mayflowerhomes.com/
Contact: 641-236-6151. Steve Langerud, Executive Director slangerud@mayflowerhomes.com, or Leslie Jaworski, Director of Community Life ljaworski@mayflowerhomes.com
“As a volunteer at Mayflower, I’m able to share what I learn as a student to connect with and give back to the community that educates and supports me. The residents and employees are so supportive of the College and specifically my experience as a student with it. I have met some fun and lovely people and built relationships that make me feel part of the Grinnell community!” – Aubrie Torhorst
Operation information: Mayflower Community is a nonprofit continuous care residential community (CCRC) for seniors 55 years and older with 245 residents across independent living, assisted living, and a skilled nursing facility for long term care. Mayflower is home to many retired Grinnell College faculty, staff, and residents with family ties to Grinnell College. Mayflower is rich in tradition of innovative and progressive leadership in senior living, involvement and support of the College and greater Grinnell community and welcomes life enrichment and wellness opportunities through intergenerational connections with youth organizations and students at Grinnell College.
Address: 616 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA 50112
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