The Paradise Center receives grant to relaunch its volunteer program

The Longboat Key Paradise Center received a $4,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to relaunch its volunteer program. 

Amy Steinhauser, the center's new program manager, will lead the volunteer program. She started in her part-time position in April but was a member of The Paradise Center since moving from New Jersey to Longboat Key in 2021.  

The volunteer program was paused during the pandemic to ensure health safety, explained Executive Director Suzy Brenner in a press release. Now, the staff is excited to reopen the doors to such an important part of the center. 

Brenner said that the money from the grant is mostly for Steinhauser's salary, since coordinating volunteers is a big part of her job description. She also mentioned that the grant will be used to promote the relaunch of the program.

“There's so many people in our community who have had incredibly accomplished careers, and to have them here would be an honor, whether it's helping us in the garden or to help sign people in or set up for a mahjong game," Steinhauser said.

Along with these volunteer positions, Steinhauser added that the center will need volunteers for its annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk that it sponsors in October. She emphasized that center is open to having volunteers help with almost anything, and hopes it will be an opportunity for volunteers to get involved in the community.  

“We talk so much about isolation and loneliness among seniors,” said Brenner. “And one of the things that's important, particularly for senior mental health, is having a purpose outside yourself. One of those purposes is a volunteer assignment like someplace that needs you.”

The press release mentioned that there is no minimum time commitment. Individuals can volunteer short or long-term to make them feel as comfortable as possible.

Steinhauser added in the press release, “We need a team of people we can rely on for ongoing tasks, either on a regular schedule, or for special events as needed. The retirees on Longboat Key have incredible professional experience and we’re lucky to have their skills for even a few hours a week."