Pictured above: (Standing) Holly Wolford, Jennifer Zink, Beth Madden. (Seated) Grant Mitchell, Tracy Augustyniak, Kayli Miller. Not pictured: Ann Lambrix By: Tracy Augustyniak, Client Manager
Do you work for a company like mine that encourages employees to volunteer within their community? Lighthouse Lab Services not only encourages its employees to volunteer, but also gives them time each year to do so. By allowing 16 hours of Volunteer Time Off (VTO) a year for full-time employees, Lighthouse is creating an engaged, teamwork-driven business culture.
Volunteering helps you develop skills such as adaptability, collaboration, and empathy. If you are looking for a place to volunteer and meet some wonderful people, I highly recommend Sunshine Communities located in Maumee, Ohio. On May 10, a few of us from RCM Solutions spent some time there playing bingo and planting flowers!
Sunshine Communities is a nonprofit that supports people of all ages with physical and developmental disabilities. The grounds are beautiful and have a private boardwalk (built by volunteers), a stage for summer concerts and movies. The facility also holds Sunshine Acres, a barn, and a greenhouse. Additionally, Sunshine individuals and staff run Georgette’s Grounds and Gifts, a coffee shop and gift store in downtown Maumee. Down the block from the main building is Sunshine Studios, which is an art studio space and gift store. It offers a work environment to individuals and classes in the community.
Volunteering at Sunshine Communities
Sunshine has an array of residential options throughout Lucas and Fulton County. They offer round-the-clock support at 16 family care homes. Some individuals choose to live on their own or with a roommate and those individuals have the option of round-the-clock care or assistance with any medical and social needs or help with the difficulties of everyday life. They treat each individual living at Sunshine with dignity and ensure they are comfortable, safe, and have a voice in decision making.
One of the things that impressed me with Sunshine is the time they take with each individual. They teach job skills in a variety of industries and the more challenging skills of teamwork, respect, and patience. There are Sunshine-employer partnerships that offer jobs in the community. Additionally, individuals can work at any of the Sunshine properties. Some individuals are not able to work and may choose to participate in activities and recreation.
In 2007, the Sunshine Vocational Center was built. Located on the Maumee campus, it offers many programs throughout the week for those that live off-campus but would like access to the vocational activities Sunshine offers.
Lighthouse Lab Services fosters growth and encourages its employees to give back to the community by offering VTO hours. Volunteering with your coworkers can help create a bond amongst team members, which will in turn create a more positive office environment. Additionally, having a shared interest and goals unites people and creates happier and more fulfilled teams. If you are interested in learning more about Lighthouse Lab Services or joining our team, be sure to check out our careers page!