Editor’s Note: A top priority for LeadingAge Kansas is to tackle the issue of the long-term care workforce crisis in the state. One of the ways that we do that is by sharing best practices and successes of our members. The idea for this article came from a break out session at the 2016 Policy and Leadership Conference focused on Workforce and Leadership. Research shows that introducing individuals to a career in aging services should start in school-aged children. Schowalter Villa is doing this in their community through their Jr. Volunteer Program. We recently interviewed Michelle Rider, Volunteer Coordinator to learn more.
LeadingAge Kansas (LK): Tell us about your program. What is it?
Michelle Rider (MR): The Schowalter Villa Junior Volunteer Program introduces kids ages 12-17 to the world of volunteering and health care careers. Junior volunteers gain new skills, meet new people, and help make a difference in the community! Schowalter Villa focuses on an Intergenerational approach that blends the generations, all while encouraging a healthy relationship between children in the community and seniors at Schowalter Villa. We invite kids to our campus to be a part of this program during the summer months to foster even more of these interactions.
LK: When was it implemented and what led to its development?
MR: The program began over 25 years ago with [employee’s] children coming to volunteer during the summer, and slowly progressed to more community attending. It also was put in place for the intergenerational interactions at the Villa.
LK: Where does it take place and how does it work?
MR: It takes place on the Schowalter Villa Campus. Mainly in the Health Care and Assisted Living areas. Applications are sent out to those who were a part of the program the previous year, and involve Hesston middle and high school before the school year comes to an end in May. We ask that the school distributes the applications to students who would be responsible and interested in this opportunity. Their parents fill out the application with them and send it in. The application lists activity opportunities and times available so the student can fill out what fits their schedule and availability. We then have a group orientation where we review the policies and procedures of Schowalter Villa for our volunteers. A sensory training is put in place for the Junior Volunteers to experience what it like to live with dementia, have diminished eye sight and other difficulties that our residents face on a day to day basis. The Junior Volunteers, based on their application, are then designated one to two days a week where they come in to help with our activities for 1-2 hours. We celebrate the end of the summer with a themed party, snacks, prizes and games.
LK: How has it helped recruit, retain or engage your workforce?
MR: The Junior Volunteer Program has grown significantly in just the past two years. The students have a fun experience while volunteering and the word spreads! We had 18 Junior Volunteers in 2015 and that number grew to 28 in 2016. I have 8 individuals who were or are now employed with the Villa after serving as a Jr. Volunteer. One fun fact is that one of our very first Jr. Volunteers is still employed with us today!
LK: How has it evolved and what lessons have been learned along the way?
MR: This is my second year of overseeing the program. It was well organized when I arrived and it has grown over the past two years. The kids are really enjoying their time making a difference in the lives of our residents. The same goes for the residents. They enjoy their time spent developing relationships with the students. As far as lessons learned, I have learned how to simplify the scheduling process. It can be tricky scheduling 28 volunteers in one week and trying to place them in an area they enjoy. I have a spreadsheet that I use and Life Enrichment helps to keep track of who is coming and when.
LK: How is this program funded and who is involved?
MR: It is funded through the Schowalter Villa volunteer budget and the Life Enrichment Team, Chaplain, and the Volunteer Coordinator all support the program.
LK: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about the program?
MR: The program is unique because it allows these students to get a feel for the life plan community, and possibly effect their career decisions as time goes on. Many of our Junior Volunteers are now current staff members who had a positive experience in the program, and are now working in long-term care.
Any LeadingAge Kansas member interested in learning more about this program or to implement a version in their own communities can contact Michelle at (620) 327-3497.
