My mom is 50 years old with 3 major diseases; Diabetes, Heart disease and Multiple sclerosis. She's suffered over 6 heart attacks, one stoke that left her partially blind, over half a dozen heart surgeries including a triple bypass at age 40, and dozens upon dozens of scary visits to the hospital due to mystery symptoms caused by her MS. She takes over 30 different medications- which has made her lose a lot of her hair so now she wears a hair piece. Due to her conditions she was forced to retire early at age 48 and went on disability at age 49. My father works 7 days a week 10+ hours a day most weeks just so they can survive. Since my mom got sick in 2000, the upkeep in their home has decreased more and more as time went on. Though my mom is home all day nearly every day- she is unable to do much otherwise she is sent into a MS flare up. My father has no time or energy to do much with the house because he is working so hard. So thus my 26 year old brother and I (24) have taken it upon ourselves to take on the project. We have re-roofed the house, gutted and remodeled the small bathroom, installed all new cabinets and counter tops in the kitchen, gutted large bathroom and installed large standing shower so mom can fit a chair, tore up rotting back deck, fixed water damaged floors in two bedrooms and kitchen, resided and painted the house. But due to work schedules and a strict budget, our efforts have been slow going recently. Currently my parents kitchen is being worked on but due to finances the work is at a halt. We don't have enough money to hire a contractor to fix water damaged floors in the kitchen. My brother and some friends attempted the job but are not confident in their work. We have enough money to pay for the new flooring and to finish the counters but that is all that is left in the budget.
We'd still like to fix the kitchen floor, paint, we have to finish my parents large bathroom, install a new deck, make the front porch more handicapped accessible (my mom walks with a cane or walker and the stairs are hard for her) and generally make the home safer for my mom. She falls a lot and has been known to get bruises and injuries from falling at home. ...The back deck was a large wood deck that we tore up two summers ago because it was rotted. We haven't replaced any of it because we can't afford lumber.
Basically we are looking for any help we can get for the projects we have left. Supplies as well as man power would be so greatly appreciated. My brother has been working the hardest on this project (I am disabled myself and cannot help as much) and he is beginning to get discouraged and burnt out. It would be such a relief to get some help. Please, anything you can do- whether it be donating some time, skills, materials or an encouraging word- we'd appreciate it.
We're currently in need of lumber (for small deck in the back and ramp in the front), paint, painting supplies (brushes, tape, rollers, anything!), helping hands with building deck/ramp, carpet cleaner, contractor to help repair floor, large mirror for parents private bathroom, plumber to install new toilet and fix caulking on showers... that would be amazing if we could get this much help but anything will help!!
I know I am sharing a very private struggle with the world of Craigslist, but we are desperate and are depending on our faith that there are good and generous people in the world still. Thank you so much for your time and please, if you have anything you may be able to donate- get in touch!
Here is a video of my mom from he birthday in October. The whole family chipped in and got her a stainless steal range for her new kitchen. She's been dreaming of an all stainless steal appliance kitchen for years but couldn't afford much- so we thought it would be a great 50th bday present! She still hasn't gotten to use it because the kitchen isn't finished- with the help of generous strangers, we hope she will be able to use it soon ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtROFG2HmTw
Happy Holidays
J.
The first photo is of my mom the first day she got to meet her new dogs that my husband and I drove to california to pick up for her. Her last dog died about a year ago and she was heart broken and lonely so when she asked for shitzus and my friend happened to have pomeranian/shitzus he was giving away, we jumped at the chance to get them for her!
Required skills:
-Passionate about implementing a small fee on plastic bags in Bellingham
-Organized and able to articulate oneself well
-Desire to work with people
This is a volunteer position that will require 2-5 hours a week. Perfect for a student, and a great resume builder!
High academic achievement
Strong English abilities
Interest in American culture
Every year, FIEA brings foreign high school students and caring host families together to embark on an exciting cross-cultural journey. Host families are eligible for a modest $50/month tax deduction, but the real rewards are intangible: exposing your family to another culture, sharing your home and family life with a visitor from abroad, and making a personal investment in global cooperation and understanding.
FIEA is currently looking for loving and caring families to host students starting in Spring 2010. Please visit our website for more information: www.orgsites.com/dc/forte or email alex@forteintl.com directly.
Proficient in computer applications of Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel or experience in data base program
Fluent in Spanish and English, written and spoken
Professional demeanor over the phone and in person
Able to draft and edit letters in Spanish and English
Maintain confidentiality in all matters
Able to work with high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
PREFERRED SKILLS:
Previous experience as legal assistant or paralegal
Previous experience in immigration law office
Experience with Computer programs of Microsoft Publisher and Powerpoint
Self-directed; enjoys taking responsibility to see project through
Previous experience in non-profit organization; outreach experience
We would like a volunteer who can give a minimum of 10 hours per week
If you are at all interested in the country of Mongolia, or just helping children, please respond to this ad or contact us through out website: http://www.blueskyeducationproject.org.
Construction Opportunities:
We currently have two build sites: One in Sumas, and one in Blaine. We generally have construction work parties on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30am-3:00pm.
HomeStore Opportunities:
We just opened our retail outlet, the HomeStore, where we take donated furniture, housewares, and building materials, and then sell them to make money to build more houses! You can sign up to help out with merchandising, cashiering, and picking up donations. If you would like to shop or donate any items we are open Monday-Saturday from 9:00am-5:00pm, plus on Fridays until 8:00pm. Located at 1385 Admiral Pl, Ferndale WA 98248.
Unpaid Position Title: Community Outreach Intern Bellingham, WA
Supervised by: Regional Sports and Training Managers Special Olympics Washington
Hours: 10 15 hours per week
Function:
The Outreach Intern will assist the Regional Sports and Program Managers for Special Olympics Washington (SOWA) in helping to organize and recruit for volunteer events and community outreach events. The position will work directly on strategies that enhance and strengthen Special Olympics Washington programs, recruit new athletes and grow the volunteer base. This will be done through grassroots outreach in the communities we serve. This position will also provide an opportunity to learn about the not-for-profit sector while helping to advance important strategies that affords those with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to experience the joy that Special Olympics brings to their lives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Volunteer Recruitment and Community Outreach:
Assist in producing outreach materials such as volunteer flyers, fact sheets, and other promotional materials.
Work with our coaches throughout the region to collect their biographical information, including key skills sets that can be leveraged to advance SOWAs mission. Bios will be completed by in person interview, phone interview, and written communication.
Gathers and verifies factual information through interviews, observation, and research.
Provide input and recommendations and assist in the development and maintenance of a local events calendar to be used as a communications and informational tool
Help in setting up and staffing outreach tables at local events. This may require occasional evening and weekend commitments.
Assist in the development of partnerships with other sports organizations
Youth Volunteers:
Assist Regional Sports and Training Managers in identifying possible education partners.
Assist in creating educational resources for youth volunteer events.
Help the organization think creatively about how we can engage high school and college students in volunteer events, including follow-up with key schools and youth groups.
Other Responsibilities Include:
Assist in event planning and coordination for trainings and other outreach events.
Data entry and record updating for volunteers.
Special Olympics Washington maintains a fast-paced action-oriented work environment. All Interns are expected to fill in as necessary to support staff on special and ongoing projects and to help ensure the smooth operation of internal office affairs, including some administrative help such as database entry and preparing for mailings.
Special Olympics Washington values the contributions of our interns. All interns have the opportunity to meet with SOWA leadership to advance their professional and career development.
QUALIFICATIONS
College student or recent graduate preferred
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Power Point, Publisher and Word
Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and personalities
Ability to organize and manage multiple activities and set priorities
Must be self-directed, energetic, and able to work in a fast-paced work environment
Experience with Rasiers Edge or other database program is a plus
Graphic design experience is a plus
Help needed with playing Grinch, PC computer operations(burning images onto
cds) and customer service/cashier. Please contact us today to help with this unique
and exciting holiday event, supporting a great cause. Many different shifts and dates
available.
Where: Bottom floor of Waldron Building, 1314 12th Street, Fairhaven, in south
Bellingham, along with the Whatcom Art Guild "Holiday Festival of Arts & Crafts".
Schedule: Friday through Monday 10 am - 6 pm
November 20-23
November 27-30
December 4-7
December 11-14
December 18-21