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JPMF is a volunteer based non-profit organization. Volunteers
are always welcome!
Volunteer opportunities include the annual golf challenge,
the family fun picnic, grant writing, silent auction solicitation
and becoming a “Swim Buddy”!
Swim Buddies
The JPMF Splash! program relies heavily on volunteers.
Volunteer “swim buddies” are paired with participants
to ensure that varying abilities and individual needs are
met. Swim buddies provide a sense of inclusion which fosters
diversity and enhances the community. Lifeguard certification
will be funded by JPMF for those volunteers that commit for
the entire swim session. The volunteer participation for an
entire session not only provides the participants with consistency,
but ensures that the community has more lifeguards who have
experience working with children with special needs.
To participate as a JPMF “swim buddy” you must
be...
- At least 13 years old.
- Enthusiastic and ready to make a difference.
Benefits of becoming a JPMF swim buddy:
- Volunteer Hour Requirements – Your hours
as JPMF “swim buddy” can fulfill graduation
and service requirements.
- Lifeguard Certification – JPMF will pay
for your lifeguard certification in exchange for volunteering
for an entire session
- Sensitivity Awareness – Swim Buddies see
first hand the many wonderful abilities that people with
disabilities have. Future lifeguards understand how to
help children of all abilities at the pool
- Character Building – As a swim buddy, you
can build self esteem, independence and responsibility
for others
- Personal Satisfaction – genuinely feel
the reward of making a difference in someone’s life
Volunteer News
Volunteer Appreciation Reception for JPMF
Swim Buddies was held at the James Lee Community Center
on April 28, 2007. JPMF thanked the individuals that are
the heart of our program...our volunteers!! Redskin punter
Mike Bragg spoke about making a difference and thanked them
for their involvement in the JPMF Splash! program.
Testimonial
Below is a letter written by a volunteer that wanted to
share what he experienced while working with the Make a
Splash program.
“The "JPMF Splash!"
program was a very rewarding experience. The first Saturday
I attended was somewhat intimidating, because I really
did not know what to expect. I never really had any
interaction with a child or teen with a mental disability;
so this was going to be something new for me. My first
“swim buddy” was named Jeremy, who was 21
years old. It was something that I will never forget.
First of all the instructor came to me, specifically,
and told me that Jeremy does not liked to be touched,
at all! I remember feeling somewhat worried because
I didn’t want to do anything wrong, but at the
same time this person was my responsibility. After an
hour of swimming, Jeremy warmed up to me and was no
longer afraid to make contact. After the session, the
swimming instructor approached me again to thank me
and let me know that this was the most Jeremy had ever
opened up for an unfamiliar person, especially a volunteer.
It was a good feeling to know that I was able to help,
and at the same time it encouraged me to want to help
more. Because of this program, I intend to volunteer
more within the community. Helping others who are less
fortunate offers a sense of gratitude and appreciation
that is without comparison. I hope that this program
will continue to help our special needs population.”
Thank you.
Jon Meckley
JPMF Volunteer |
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