Alzheimer’s Association Hosting Volunteer Open House Events

Learn How You Can Join the Movement to End Alzheimer’s Disease

The Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter will host three free Volunteer Open House events this month to introduce the organization, share volunteer opportunities and recruit new high-impact volunteers.

Open house event is February 26 in Avon at the chapter’s office at 37309 Harvest Avenue. The event times at all three locations are 9-11 a.m. or 4-6 p.m. Guests simply pick a date and location and choose a session time.

Attendees are encouraged to drop in. The events will resemble a job fair, said Marilyn Hahn, chapter volunteer engagement manager. Attendees will check-in and then move throughout the room to visit the departments that interest them. Each chapter department will have a table and display board highlighting the impact, requirements and benefits of their volunteer positions. Copies of volunteer position descriptions will be available. Current volunteers and staff will be on hand to answer questions, she said

Attendees ready to commit will complete a volunteer application and schedule a 15-minute phone interview with Hahn with placement to follow.

The organization is specifically seeking volunteers to teach educational programs, create awareness while raising funds, promote change in public policy and facilitate support groups. However, many other opportunities are available, including “done in a day” events, office projects and data entry. Anyone interested in volunteering in any capacity is encouraged to attend.

To register for any open house event, contact Hahn at mahahn@alz.org, or 216.342.5596 and indicate your choices.

Volunteer Ann Paras, of Avon Lake, said, “I feel like I’ve received way more than I give as a volunteer. You give your time but … you receive ten times what you give.” Paras will be at the Avon open house event on the 26th.

A volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association for more than eight years, Paras currently facilitates several caregiver and early stage support groups. Paras has helped as an office volunteer, served as a Walk to End Alzheimer’s committee chair, Reason to Hope event co-chair, and has served on many other Association committees. She has presented community education programs and continues to be an advocate always willing to share information about Alzheimer’s Association programs and services.

The disease is very personal for Paras. Her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2000 and her mother had vascular dementia. After her parents’ deaths, she got involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and started an adult children’s support group that grew out of her own caregiver experiences.

Of being a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, Paras said, “I’ve always felt very appreciated.”

About Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter

The Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter serves Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties. The Association’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The disease currently affects more than five million American adults and is the sixth leading cause of death in the country. Visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 toll-free Helpline at 800.272.3900.