“Let Your Voice Be Heard”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Sheryl Click’s Corner 1 Program Highlight 2 Volunteer Highlight 3 Hilltop Safety Watch 3 Volunteer Opportunities 4 Program Liaison Highlight 4 Christmas Eve Meal 5 Delivery Project Thank You Volunteer Satisfaction 6 Survey Volunteer Training 6 Opportunities

Leading through action to make a difference for

people of all ages

Sheryl Click’s

Corner

Effective Volunteer

Engagement & Retention

The Hilltop Volunteer Program continues to grow

and develop with each passing year, 2018 is no ex-

ception. The year has just begun and it is already shaping up to be one of promise

and possibilities for our volunteers. I am excited about where the volunteer program

is going and I know that its evolution and ultimate success lies in the effective en-

gagement and retention of volunteers.

At Hilltop, effective volunteer engagement and retention starts with the commitment

of our leadership to the vision of how volunteers can support and fulfill our organiza-

tion’s mission. I am happy to share that volunteers continue to be on our leadership’s

radar and this fiscal year, for the first time, volunteers are included in the organiza-

tion’s 2017-18 strategic plan.

In addition, effective engagement and retention are only as strong as the commitment

volunteers make to our organization. According to Dennis C. Kinlaw, author of

Coaching for Commitment, volunteers will remain committed to your organization

when these elements are present:

Clarity…of the mission and of their roles in that mission

Competency… tools and resources to do the work well

Influence… input into their position design now and in the future

Appreciation…support and acknowledgement for their contributed time

Enjoyment… in meaningful work with others who share the passion for

the mission

This year, the volunteer program will work with our volunteers, program liaisons,

volunteer coordinators, and leadership to strengthen each of these elements. By fo-

cusing our efforts to provide well designed position descriptions, strategic recruit-

ment, orientation and training, evaluation, effective supervision and meaningful

recognition, we can ensure for effective volunteer engagement. Likewise in doing

these things well, retention of volunteers will be the achieved outcome.

As Saint Francis of Assisi once said, “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do

what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

Volunteer Services Staff

& Volunteers

Manager- Sheryl Click

Jo Ann Rezen

Administrative Volunteer

Volunteer Coordinators:

Shelby Laird

Senior Services

Sheryl Click

Child & Family Services

Youth & Adult Residential Ser-

vices

Professional Services

Tiffany Waugh

Miscellaneous Services

Leather Bang

Property Services

Paige Cadman

Marketing & Development Services

Teresha Taylor

Montrose Services

DV Services

Program Volunteer Liaisons

Karen Clymer

B4 Babies

Anna Cubel

Hilltop Health Access/

Access +

Dennis Rodriquez

Family First

Kristy Skidmore

Cooking Matters

Maria Martinez

Environmental Services

Lisa Vega

Life Adjustment Program

Louis Palmer

Landscaping/Maintenance

Dwight Ross

Residential Youth Services

Alternative Treatment Unit

Tiffany Paramore

Senior Daybreak

Joanie Leinbach

Workforce Center

Amanda Salinas

Hilltop Wellness Program

Tiffany Waugh

Supporting Our Seniors

Christie Higgins

ADRC

Julie Mendelson

The Commons

The Fountains

Kevin Matthews

Get Real

Susan Volkman

Human Resources

Program Highlight:

Get Real is a program that delivers front line services to the youth of Me-

sa County. Our mission is to address the various issues that teens face

day-to-day and to create a therapeutic environment for them to openly

express themselves. We encourage our youth to be leaders in their com-

munities by promoting healthy coping skills, positive decision making,

pro-social engagement, as well as therapeutic mentorship.

Inside the classroom, our curriculum encompasses sexual health, preg-

nancy prevention, healthy relationships, motivation, goal achievement,

mental toughness, and a variety of other topics. Outside the classroom,

we encourage our clients to stay active and make healthy life choices.

Our program is fortunate enough to be able to fund pro-social activities

like hiking, swimming, gym memberships, sporting events, as well as

many other forms of entertainment. With so few programs for Mesa

County’s youth, our mission is to provide ample opportunities for clients

to venture outside of their day-to-day routines and try new things while

in a safe and supervised environment.

We’re pleased to offer many opportunities for volunteers and people who

want to give back to our community by working with the youth. Whether

it’s one-on-one mentoring, facilitating group activities, or just going for a

walk, our volunteers have the freedom to choose the setting where they

feel most comfortable. Our volunteer program is a fulfilling and reward-

ing experience that can have a tremendous impact on many lives. If it

sounds like something that interests you please reach out to us!

At Get Real, we envision a bright future for our youth so we strive to

ensure that they have the necessary resources to propel forward and

achieve their goals!

Hilltop

Safety Watch:

Winter Weather is finally here. Remember these tips to avoid slips, trips, and falls due to snow and icy conditions:

Wear Proper Footwear for traction and stability. Wear skid resistant soles.

Be Aware of changing con-ditions due to freeze and thaw cycles.

Apply Ice Melt on walk-ways and other concrete sur-faces sparingly. When ap-plied on top of existing ice it will improve traction and aid in ice removal. Clear treated areas ASAP to prevent re-freezing.

Take Short Steps when walking on icy surfaces. Walk like a penguin!

Avoid Shortcuts through snow piles and other snow covered areas.

Exercise Caution when exiting or entering your vehicle. Watch for black ice build-up on asphalt surfaces.

Pay Attention and Stay Focused. Be prepared for a slip or a fall!

Volunteer Highlight: Karie Harmon, Get Real Program

The Get Real program is fortunate to have a terrific volunteer who is truly

dedicated to the people she works with. Karie Harmon is the person we’d

like to recognize for this month’s Volunteer Highlight. Karie grew up in

Seattle, Washington where she met her high school sweetheart and husband

of 20 years. She loves being active and especially enjoys hiking, going for

walks, playing tennis, and soaking in everything nature has to offer. She’s

lived in the Grand Valley for the past 15 years and has three teenage chil-

dren of her own. Being a mother was always a goal for Karie and she’s

grateful for everything that life has blessed her with. She overcame many

obstacles throughout her childhood and had to persevere through some dif-

ficult times. Even with all the chaos that life can create, Karie doesn’t al-

low her past experiences to dictate her future. As she says, “Life isn’t easy

and we aren’t meant to go through it alone.” This perspective is what con-

tinues to fuel her passion for helping others and drives her to support those

in similar situations. Karie believes “everyone deserves a place to shine in

this world,” and she reminds those who cross her path that they are loved,

they are wanted, and they are important. We couldn’t ask for a better vol-

unteer. Karie is a wonderful role model and her kind, welcoming personali-

ty is a refreshing change for many of the teens she works with. Get Real

appreciates all she does for the program and she’ll always be welcomed

with open arms!

Hilltop

Volunteer Opportunities

Hilltop Community Resources is

looking for volunteers:

In Delta, Montrose, Ouray

Counties:

Domestic Violence Services

(Crisis Line)

The Family Resource Center

(Office & Reception

Support)

Child & Family

(Life Skills Mentor)

In Mesa County:

Domestic Violence Services

(Crisis Line Support)

Fountains & Commons

(Resident Companions)

(Activities Facilitation)

Life Adjustment Program

(Resident Companions)

(Activities Facilitation)

(Interns)

Family First

(Special Events Support)

(Child Care Support)

(Transportation Support)

Corporate

(Special Events/Projects)

(Program Internships)

ADRC

(Interns)

Supporting Our Seniors

(Driver)

Residential Youth Services

(Interns)

Alternative Treatment Unit

(Administrative Support)

For more information about this or other

volunteer opportunities with Hilltop please

contact Sheryl Click, Manager of

Volunteer Services, at 244-0659 or

sherylc@htop.org

Volunteer Liaison Highlight:

Kevin Matthews, Get Real Facilitator

Kevin Matthews is the

Facilitator for Hilltop’s

Get Real Program.

Get Real is a front line

service provider for

Mesa County’s youth

and provides various

resources to at-risk

families. Whether it’s

one-on-one mentorship,

pro-social engagement,

in-class presentations, or

life skills coaching, Get

Real does it all.

Kevin was born in the

country of Trinidad &

Tobago and moved to

Denver, Colorado when

he was five-years-old.

He enjoys golfing, snowboarding, traveling, and enjoying time with his fami-

ly and dogs. He’s always had a passion for animals and hopes to open an

animal sanctuary someday. Growing up, Kevin lacked a positive male influ-

ence so he found himself emulating people who weren’t the best role models.

After enduring some difficult times as a juvenile he decided it was time for a

change. He distanced himself from the negative influences in his neighbor-

hood, graduated from high school, and overcame many adversities. During his

senior year, he received the distinguished honor of Colorado All-State Run-

ning Back as well as All-State Center Fielder. In 2011, he moved to the

Grand Valley to attend Colorado Mesa University and pursue a degree in

Criminal Justice. He graduated with his Bachelor’s in May of 2016 and has

since been working with at-risk youth throughout Mesa County. Education is

something that is very important to Kevin. One of his life goals is to attain his

PhD before the age of 30. Kevin enjoys being able to give back to his com-

munity by being the role model that he didn’t have growing up. His life pas-

sion has always been to work with the youth and the Get Real program has

given him the opportunity to use his unique life experiences as a strength.

He’s grateful for everything that life has blessed him with and is anxious to

see what the future holds!

2017 Christmas Eve Meal Delivery Project Warms Hearts of Participants

Hilltop and Gray Gourmet would like to thank the 128 volunteers who provided 256 hours of support help-

ing to assemble and deliver 301 meals to 139 home bound seniors and their families on Christmas Eve

across the Grand Valley. Here are some comments from clients and volunteers who participated:

Gray Gourmet Clients:

“I received two lovely dinners on Christmas Eve. My son from Durango was able to join me. Our thanks

to Hilltop’s generosity and thoughtful gesture on preparing the delicious dinners.”

“With great appreciation to all who helped prepare and deliver a delicious Christmas turkey dinner. It

would have been difficult for me to stand any length of time or take pans out of an oven. Again, thank

you, one and all.”

“Thank you for the Christmas meals and delivery. The food was delicious and delivered warm and with a

smile. The people who enjoyed the meal had no other food planned. It was most generous of you.”

“Thank you for providing the delicious Christmas turkey dinner to our home on Christmas Eve. It made

the season special. May God bless all of you.”

“Can’t thank you all very much for the wonderful turkey dinner you sent to our home. Thank you to the

cooks that did the work and the people who took the time to bring it to us. God bless you all.”

Volunteers:

“I’m happy to have helped. Kudos to your team for making it so efficient.”

“You are amazing! Your organization makes it a joy to volunteer!”

“Sheryl, thank you and all the staff at the Commons for taking time on this huge project! As volunteers we

appreciate how organized and thoughtful you all are.”

Volunteer Training Opportunity:

Foundational Coaching

Would you like to earn and acquire new skills that can help

you grow personally or professionally as a communicator

and/or manager? Hilltop will be offering a six session

training series on Foundational Coaching this spring. The

sessions will be held in The Common’s Garden Room (625

27 ½ Road), from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the following dates:

Session I. What is Coaching? /Filters and the Hook and Ladder, Expectations vs. Possibility

Friday, March 23rd

Session II. Polarity Management and Conflict Friday, April 6th

Session III. Hats/ Accountability vs. Responsibility/ My 10 Acres/Armor /Persona Friday, April 20th

Session IV. The Paradox of Listening and Speaking for the Future-Acknowledgement Friday, May 4th

Session V. Handling Stress/ Persona Friday, May 18th

Session VI. Having the Whole of Coaching, Complete vs. Finished Friday, June 1st

If you would like to sign up to attend the complete

training series or would like more information, please

contact Sheryl Click at (970) 244-0659 or by email:

Sherylc@htop.org.

Keep An Eye Out!

The 2018 Volunteer Satisfaction Survey is Coming in February

Let your voice be heard by sharing im-

portant feedback about your volunteer ex-

perience.

Surveys will be available in hard copy and

electronic formats. Please only choose one

format to submit.

All surveys returned by the February 28th

deadline will be included in a drawing for

$100 worth of gift cards.

Look What You Did!

Hilltop would like to thank the 23 volunteers who

provided 71 hours of support to make The Re-

source Center Christmas store a huge success.

Special thanks to Myndi Baker and all The Re-

source Center staff that made the store possible.

The store served 79 adults and their 199 children.

We were very blessed by the support of our com-

munity in donating gifts and gift cards. Also, the

support of Vineyard Community Church and

Messiah Lutheran Church was unmeasurable in

ensuring that setup, delivery, pickups, and store

volunteers were available.

Upcoming Hilltop Training

Opportunities for Volunteers

February New Employee & Volunteer Training (NEVT)

Tuesday, 6th or Thursday, 15th, from 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m., at the Hilltop corporate office (1331 Hermosa Ave.)

March New Employee & Volunteer Training (NEVT)

Tuesday, 6thor Thursday, 15th, from 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m., Hilltop corporate office

April New Employee & Volunteer Training (NEVT)

Tuesday, 3rd or Thursday, 19th, from 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m., Hilltop corporate office

Hilltop is considering offering Standard First Aid &

CPR training to volunteers. If you would be inter-

ested in having this type of training offered, please

contact Sheryl Click.

To sign up, contact Sheryl Click at (970) 244-0659

or by email: Sherylc@htop.org