Northbrook is a generous community. We see it in many ways, including the outpouring of donations during our annual food drive to benefit the Northfield Township Food Pantry, and in the many people who volunteer their time with us and throughout the area.
We recently spoke with some Northbrook residents about their experience with volunteering, and the surprising benefits they got in return.
Karen Zmrhal didn’t expect to see a packed crowd for her “Volunteering 101” presentation at the library last October.
“We’ve never had 48 people. It’s astounding!” Karen said. “It’s such a pleasant surprise to see how people today are giving up their time to serve others.”
As a volunteer for HandsOn Suburban Chicago, Karen helps bring awareness about volunteering opportunities in the northwest suburbs.
In class, Karen asked attendees questions about their passions, skills, and what they hoped to get out of volunteering.
Northbrook resident Janet Isaacman was looking for a way to give back through volunteering, but was having difficulty finding an opportunity that aligned with her skills as a retired educator.
It wasn’t until Janet contacted HandsOn Suburban Chicago that she was able to find a good match for her background and experience.
Through their volunteer referral service she was placed at the Tarkington Elementary School in Wheeling, where she provides one-on-one-help to students who are struggling with the curriculum.
“I went through a formal interview to make sure that we were a good fit for each other and we shared expectations for the role,” Janet said.
Beyond academic guidance, Janet mentors students, a perfect use for her 10 years of experience as an educator. “It’s almost like a relationship of grandmother and grandchild,” said Janet, about her connection with the students.
Janet said she feels fortunate to have such a meaningful role at the school. And as much as she puts in the time, energy, and teaching skills, she gains “structure, self-worth, and social networking” in return.
Jordan Friedman, Executive Director of HandsOn Suburban Chicago, said the group’s “Volunteer101” classes dispel myths about volunteering and gives people a broader understanding of what being a volunteer can look like and all the different opportunities that they might not have considered.
He emphasizes that volunteering is for everyone, from retirees, to children, to those who are in between jobs or looking to make a career move. “It shows they’re proactive,” he said. “You’re able to say: ‘I’ve been looking and volunteering, bringing my skills to the table and here’s the outcome.’”
There are also generational preferences and different motivations, Jordan said. “Older people may seek something that’s set at the same time on a weekly basis or fits a certain skill set. Younger people tend to be interested in cause-based volunteering or shorter term volunteer projects.”
Sammy Bellman, a Northbrook teen and member of the library’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB), began volunteering at the library in summer 2016, helping to facilitate various children’s programs at the library, including craft groups and garden activities.
“By helping out, I’ve really learned to be a part of my community making a difference,” Sammy said. “I’ve also gained closer relationships with many of the librarians and it always brightens my day when they remember who I am and we catch up.”
