OASIS Volunteers Share Gifts of Experience, Talent and Time
"Every person is gifted. What a person can be, he ought to be," says Gladys Barker. For the past 24 years, Barker has shared her gifts with OASIS by coordinating the "Contemporary Issues" series, recruiting community leaders to lead stimulating discussions on diverse subjects.
OASIS depends on thousands of volunteers to pursue its mission of enriching lives and strengthening communities. They make a positive impact on the lives of tens of thousands of adults and children each year.
Dian Odell breaks down computer phobias for mature adults. Aaron and Jackie Epstein work with children to decode the mysteries of reading. Jack Houseworth organizes educational programs. Lee Courtnage helps veterans tell their stories.
These are just a few of the many OASIS volunteers who assume key roles at every level, tutoring children, welcoming participants, teaching classes, providing peer support, planning programs, managing daily operations, building community awareness and more.
Throughout 2007 we will share stories about our volunteers across the country. People like Lee Courtnage, who leads a team of interviewers who record veterans' oral histories for the Library of Congress. And Aaron and Jackie Epstein who tutor several students and recruit and mentor new tutors in their community. We invite you to check back next month for more stories.
We want to know more about how people find rewarding ways to serve. If you would like to share your story of how volunteering has enriched your life, please email jbranham @ oasisnet.org.