Introduction/Welcome
Greetings from Up North! Courage Center Duluth is busy wrapping up fall programs and gearing up for our largest program – adaptive skiing at Spirit Mountain. At this time, we have 46 returning volunteers and 25 new volunteers busy training for their roles as assistants and instructors while registrations pour in from youth and adults with physical disabilities and from youth with autism spectrum disorders. Our fall programs have a been so much fun for the students as well as the volunteers – swimming at the YMCA, archery, power soccer, rock climbing at the College of St. Scholastica and our new after school program. Please see below for highlights about survey results, award nomination opportunities and special volunteer opportunities. - Lisa Lauzon, Coordinator of Volunteers, Courage Center Duluth
Recognition
Volunteer Services Survey - We heard YOU !
Thank you for taking the time to complete the Volunteer Survey. One of the most overwhelming items of feedback was all our current volunteers are interested in taking on or exploring additional roles. To do so, please contact the volunteer services office at volunteerservices@couragecenter.org and we'll be happy to meet with you to see what else you would like to take on.
New volunteer opportunities will continue to be posted online on the Courage Center Facebook page and on the website at www.couragecenter.org under the Volunteer tab. You will be able to see open positions divided out by each location.
Volunteers - NOMINATE YOUR STAFF SUPERVISOR FOR THE ANNETTE PANTEL AWARD
As a registered Courage Center volunteer, you have the opportunity to nominate your staff supervisor for the Annette Pantel Award by filling out and submitting this form (Word verion or PDF version). The award, named for retired social worker Annette Pantel, honors staff supervisors of volunteers who value and advocate for volunteer participation in Courage Center's mission through outstanding teamwork, creativity, innovation and a spirit of fun.
Does that describe your staff supervisor? If so (and we hope it does), please consider filling out a nomination form.
Click on one of the links provided above. If you have any questions regarding this award or the nomination process, please contact Kathy Hayes at 763-520-0255 or Kathleen.Hayes@CourageCenter.org .
Deadline for nominations is Thursday, March 1.
Thank you!
Outreach - Courage Center Duluth
Who we are
Courage Center Duluth is a satellite program of Courage Center for people experiencing barriers to health and independence. Locally we have been serving people with disabilities in the Northland since 1979. Our programs fill a special need in the Greater Duluth community by giving children and adults with disabilities opportunities to practice active living and participate in community recreation. Programs bring families and friends together through sports and recreation programs that provide not only the equipment necessary to do the sport, but the training, support, and encouragement to make participants successful. Our programs create a community where people with disabilities aren’t "different." They meet new friends, learn how to take risks, and increase confidence in their abilities. They also become physically stronger, healthier, and enjoy an improved self-image. For youth with disabilities, the skills they learn and the self-confidence they develop through our programs are essential to their growth – physically, mentally, and emotionally. As a result of their experiences with Courage Center Duluth, youth are more likely to grow into strong, healthy adults who are active, contributing members of our society.
It's a fact that nearly every American will be touched by a disability at some point in their lives. Disabilities span across gender, age, and socio-economic status and ultimately don't discriminate. People with disabilities face many obstacles on their road to independence. Statistically people with disabilities are less likely to be employed and less likely to engage in recreational or leisure activities. For children with disabilities, life can be especially challenging. Families are also invited to participate because when disability affects a family member, it impacts the entire family. As one person learns new adapted recreation skills, we invite the family to share in the success and excitement. Without accessible recreation programs available, children with disabilities are especially “at risk.” Social isolation from peers, health problems associated with inactivity, and an overall lack of development are outcomes for many growing up without access to recreation opportunities.
Program manager
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Eric Larson has been with Courage Center since 1994 as the overall program coordinator for Courage Center Duluth. He brings a wealth of personal outdoor leadership skills and experience to his work, and over the years has developed a multitude of programs and opportunities for people of all levels of physical ability.
Development work - telling Courage Center Duluth's story in the community to raise funds to support the programs - is Eric's current focus. In his capacity as fundraiser, Eric organizes and hosts large-scale special events such as the National Hand cycling Championships and the Shoot for Fun sporting clays event. |
Volunteer coordinator
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Lisa Lauzon is the coordinator of volunteers for Courage Center Duluth. Her responsibilities include recruiting, training, supervising and recognizing volunteers for each program offered. Lisa also maintains the database for all volunteer information and activities. Her favorite duty is organizing volunteer recognition events. She supports program needs by networking with resources in the community that may provide volunteer leadership or financial support to Courage Center Duluth. In addition, Lisa works 10 hours a week as an administrative assistant to the Sports and Rec staff in Duluth. Volunteers undoubtedly play a critical role in our delivering of programs and services. In 2010, Courage Center Duluth utilized 178 registered volunteers who donated hours 3200 hours of time. |
Sports & Recreation Coordinator
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Mark Hanna started at Courage Center Duluth in January 2010. He is responsible for developing, coordinating, managing and evaluating all Courage Center Duluth autism programs. He has been managing youth development and adult fitness programs around the Duluth area for more than 15 years, and brings a wealth of coordination and organizational development skills and experience to Courage Center Duluth. |
Ski and Snowboard Program
To infinity and beyond! The Ski and Snowboard program ski-a-thon fundraiser has a new home online. Participants can create their own online headquarters, post to social media and can now collect donations online at www.couragecenter.org/skiathon.
G-Alumni Article
Thank to you General Mills employees to volunteering at the 2011 Gala. For more information, click here.
Vital Aging Network (VAN) Forum
The February topic is Aging in Place: Services that Pave the Way. The flyer link is http://vital-aging-network.org/files/media/forum212.pdf
Volunteer Opportunities with Courage Center
Aquatics - Courage Center Duluth. Volunteers are needed in Duluth Wednesdays, Feb. 22- March 14, 5:30-6 p.m.
One-on-one assistance with lessons led by YMCA staff in the pool for youth with autism. Basic swimming skills required.
Youth Fitness - Courage St. Croix. Help youth develop lifetime fitness and nutrition skills and individualized fitness training. Be a volunteer role model for young people and promote fun while getting fit. Training provided.
Times: Year round; Tuesdays and Thursdays; 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Location: Courage Center St Croix Fitness Center
Special Upcoming Opportunity - 2012 World Paralympics. The Nordic Ski Foundation is proud to partner with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), a branch of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), to host the 2012 World Paralympics. This event will bring top Paralympic athletes from around the world to Minneapolis for 2 days of racing in Theodore Wirth Park right behind Courage Center. The races will take place February 1st and 2nd, and culminate with athletes participating in the City of Lakes Loppet. This event marks the first time in seven years that the United States will be holding an international Nordic skiing competition. We would like to encourage you to come out and cheer on the athletes. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, go to http://www.loppet.org/events/paralympics/ or contact kristin.klaustermeier@couragecenter.org.
Save the Dates
Moonlight Madness: Friday, Feb. 17, 2012.
Courage Cup: Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012.
Shoot for Fun - Duluth: April 28, 2012.