The Paradise Center’s volunteer program thrives after relaunch

By Petra Rivera
| 5:00 a.m. July 27, 2024

Angela Bennink and Tory Newman at the mahjong table

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Executive Director of The Paradise Center Amy Steinhauser describes its volunteer program as “volunteers in paradise.”

Last October, Steinhauser relaunched the volunteer program when she was working part-time at the center as the program manager. Through her work, TPC now has 14 volunteers. Since the program began, they have clocked just under 300 hours as of June.

“We wouldn’t be able to do anything without our volunteers,” said Steinhauser. “Both me and Debby teach classes, so it is so important to have people helping during those times and other events like mahjong on Tuesdays.”

Tory Newman works the front desk at The Paradise Center.

The program was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure health safety. A $4,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County in July 2023 jumpstarted the volunteer program's revival.

The money for the grant was used mostly for Steinhauser’s salary, since coordinating volunteers was a big part of her job as program manager. Now, through the network of volunteers she's built, funding isn’t needed specifically for the program anymore. For other funding needs, the nonprofit relies on its membership dues and its loyal sponsors around the island.

Current Program Manager Debby Debile organizes the volunteer program. Volunteers help with a variety of positions, including working the front desk, gardening, leading programs, marketing and helping out with events. Some volunteers have scheduled hours, and others come in when they can.

Angela Bennink working in the garden at the Paradise Center. — Angela Bennink working in the garden at The Paradise Center.

Angela Bennink started attending classes at TPC during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said that she was quickly drawn into the community and became friends with many of the regulars.

“I was already spending all my time here, so I thought why not help,” said Bennink. “The people really make it here. When I volunteer, I feel like I’m giving back to them and just keeping my favorite place going.”

Tory Newman also started attending the center during the pandemic. It was a no-brainer for her when Steinhauser was asking for volunteers. Newman said the center is a great asset to the community, providing opportunities to work on body, mind and social skills.

Newman emphasized that if people wanted to give back to Longboat Key as a whole, The Paradise Center is a great place to do it.

author

Petra Rivera

Petra Rivera is the Longboat community reporter. She holds a bachelor’s degree of journalism with an emphasis on reporting and writing from the University of Missouri. Previously, she was a food and drink writer for Vox magazine as well as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian.