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www.pointsoflight.org

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The Good News Coalition brings Jefferson County citizens together to celebrate the positive happenings and spiritual values that link our diverse communities. At this annual breakfast volunteers and community organizations are spotlighted for their contributions.

Barb and Dixie volunteer their time and talents to provide weekly yoga instruction to the adolescents at Family Tree Gemini, a short-term residential treatment center that serves youth who have been abused, neglected, are in family conflict, beyond parent control, or who may be runaway or homeless.

Yoga classes began in September 2000. Barb and Dixie learned about Gemini services through a connection with a local civic group. They then came to Family Tree and, believing that youth would benefit, offered their expertise to teach yoga classes. In addition to classes at Gemini, they also provide classes at other nonprofit programs such as Cenikor.

Youth who have been neglected and abused often express their emotions and act out in negative/destructive ways. Since instituting the yoga program at Gemini, staff have found that youth who participate I the program go to sleep easier and are better able to control their feelings of anger. The numbers of critical incidents have decreased.

Kids who have been abused, like Gemini youth, especially in a sexual manner, may display poor body development and control. Yoga is a gentle way of helping them get back in touch with their bodies. Recreational activities, especially the yoga classes, relieve tension that some of the youth feel because they are no longer living at home and give them a chance to relax and learn new coping strategies. The community definitely benefits when youth engage in positive activities and learn positive ways to express themselves.

What could be better! Barb and Dixie have come to Family Tree weekly for four years. This commitment speaks volumes to kids who are struggling with their relationships and their place in the world. We couldn’t be more proud of and grateful to these two wonderful volunteers.

Volunteer Opportunities:

CRAFT CAROUSEL:  Volunteers work to help cosign and sell handmade gifts of local artisans.  Must commit to working a 3-hour shift one day per week.  Display sale items, sell and record items, receive and record consignments, handle cash, and clean display cabinets.

APPLE DUMPLING GANG:  Help prepare food for lunches, dinners and special events.  Serve refreshments/ meals and help clean up.  Hours will vary according to daytime, weekend or evening events.

FRONT DESK:  As ambassadors for the Center, front desk volunteers are asked to commit to working a 4-hour shift one day per week.  Energetic, caring individuals who are comfortable with phone work, handling money, giving tours, and working with the public.

Weight Room Attendant:  Assist with checking in participants, monitoring for safety, and keeping equipment and facility clean.  Must be CPR certified, or willing to be certified.

For more info, contact:

Lynn Weis at lynnw@apexprd.org or 303. 425.9583
Visit our website at www.apexprd.org

Volunteer Opportunities:

Butterfly Specialist : Serve as a guide to the visiting public interpreting the butterfly conservatory, answering questions and sharing information about our tropical butterflies and plants.

Horticultural Assistant: Plant, prune, weed, and water the beautiful foliage in our conservatory and outdoor butterfly gardens.

Classroom Educator: Share your love of invertebrates with our visiting school children in a classroom setting.  Includes handling live invertebrates.

For more info, contact:

720.974.1868 or volunteering@butterflies.org
We ask for 8 hours per month, very flexible schedule.
Visit our website at www.butterflies.org