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Only volunteering one time in a group? Send Emily an email with the following included:

Each member's first and last name

Which event will your group be attending

Please ensure each member creates an account on Volunteer Matters.

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Letter of Hour Confirmation / Recommendation

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Letter of Hour Confirmation / Recommendation

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If you have volunteered 10 or more hours and would like a letter of recommendation or need a letter of confirmation for school, click the link below to fill out the survey.

Your hours MUST be recorded on Give Pulse to receive a letter of recommendation.

Once the survey has been completed, email Lauren and she will send over the letter as soon as possible.

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YMCA Letter of Recommendation Request Form

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Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

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To access the track at Walter C Young, park at the Pembroke Pines YMCA Aquatic Center lot.

1361 NW 129th Ave, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028

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Assist. Program Director| Tiera Chaney: 954-270-1953 tchaney@ymcasouthflorida.org

Assist. Program Director| Lauren Wiseman: 954-270-4959

lwiseman@ymcasouthflorida.org

Senior Program Director| Garland Jones: 786-526-4728 gjones@ymcasouthflorida.org

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Volunteers must be 15 years and older to participate.

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Volunteers must be 15 years and older to participate.

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If someone under 15 years of age would like to volunteer, an adult over 18 years of age must be alongside them at all times.

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STEP 1: Create an Account on Volunteer Matters and Complete Background Check

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STEP 1: Create an Account on Volunteer Matters and Complete Background Check

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Volunteering Under 10 Hours Per Year:
Create your volunteer account. Once your account is created, please email the Volunteer Coordinator at lwiseman@ymcasouthflorida.org

Volunteering 10+ Hours Per Year:
Create your volunteer account then email the Volunteer Coordinator to get the background check assigned to your account. lwiseman@ymcasouthflorida.org

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STEP 2: Join the Band Communication App!

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STEP 2: Join the Band Communication App!

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Join the Band app to receive updates to your volunteer opportunities, chat with the team, and view photos from events.

(Highly recommended if volunteering at multiple events)

If you are under 18, raise your age.

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'YMCA Adaptive Recreation Volunteers' group invitation on BAND

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Welcome to the YMCA Recreational Therapy and Adaptive Sports Volunteer Community! Hello everyone! We're thrilled to have you join our volunteer community here on Band. This space is designed for us to stay connected, share updates, coordinate volunteer schedules, and support one another in our mission to serve our participants effectively.

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STEP 3: Give Pulse: Sign up for Programs!

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STEP 3: Give Pulse: Sign up for Programs!

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Create your account and sign up!

How to Sign Up:

1. Hover over the blue program boxes

2. Click on a box to view program details

3. Select the date(s) you would like to volunteer

4. Click "Sign up"

Important:

If you would like letters of hour confirmation or recommendation, you must record all volunteer hours in Give Pulse.

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Learn about the perks of volunteering with YMCA Adaptive Recreation!

How to gain additional hours

Letters of recommendation

Volunteer Hours Certificates

and more!

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Learn how to receive 100 hours in as little as 6 weeks with continuous commitment!

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Seasonal Volunteer Opportunities – Earn 100 hours with YMCA

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Want to share our volunteering? Download this flyer and send it out!

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Want to share our volunteering? Send this link to complete the volunteer inquiry form. Once the form is completed, await the welcome email from Emily!

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Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

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View the step-by-step instructions to sign up on Give Pulse, by smartphone or Laptop/Desktop.

Laptop/Desktop has the best view!

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Programs held:

Special Olympics Basketball

Drive N Dunk Modified Basketball

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Programs Held:

Special Olympics Aquatics

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View the step-by-step instructions to record your hours (add impact) on Give Pulse!

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Am I able to bring a friend?

Yes, of course! If your friend is new to volunteering with us, you will receive an additional volunteer hour.

Can I share your volunteer information?

Yes, please do! If you wish to share our information, you can share the link to this Padlet, the volunteer flyer, or the link to the Google Form to inquire about volunteering.

Can I volunteer even though I do not need hours for school?

Yes! We love it when you volunteer just to give back to your community! Our participants also love to see a familiar face. Volunteering with us is a great way to build relationships with participants, volunteers, and our team. Great way to build your resume for future endeavors.

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

Volunteers must be a minimum of 15 years old. There are no maximum age limits to volunteering with us! Those under 15 years old must have an adult accompanying them.

Am I needed for Volunteering?

Of course! Our programs rely on volunteers to ensure participants receive a meaningful recreational experience.

Do I have to work with participants while at the volunteer opportunity?

YES! If you are volunteering with us, the only option is to work with participants.

Do I need experience in the sport/activity to volunteer?

Nope! We place volunteers with no experience with participants who are easier to work with and at stations that are easy to direct. Our team is always floating around to ensure volunteers and participants are working successfully!

Where do I sign up for the program?

On Give Pulse, the link is listed in the second section of this Padlet!

Where do I find more volunteer opportunities with Adaptive Recreation?

All of our volunteer opportunities are listed on Give Pulse. Use the guide listed in the second section of this Padlet to learn more!

What do I wear?

Under each volunteer opportunity on Give Pulse, there is a list of what to bring/wear for that specific activity. For swimming, wear a 1 piece suit that covers you up or a t-shirt and shorts. Every other program, wear athletic clothing and sneakers.

What do I bring?

Under each volunteer opportunity on Give Pulse, there is a list of what to bring. Always bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

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Rose G. Price Park Miracle Baseball Field

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Rose G. Price Park Miracle Baseball Field

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Program Held Here:

Rolling Kicks modified kickball

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If you are joining us for Special Olympic programs, please complete the steps below: or click the attached link

1. Download the "Class A Volunteer Registration Form" and complete

2. Complete the "Protective Behaviors" course by using the link below:

https://www.specialolympics.org/protective-behaviors

Minimum Age: 16 y.o. for assistant coaches/volunteers

Minimum Age: 18 y.o. for head Coaches

Once completed, send the completed "Class A Volunteer Registration Form" and a screenshot of the certificate from the "Protective Behaviors" course to Tiera Chaney | tchaney@ymcasouthflorida.org to receive 4 additional volunteer hours.

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Garland D. Jones, MS, LRT, CTRS

Senior Program Director, Special Needs | Adaptive Recreation | M.O.S.T.

Garland is a licensed and board-certified recreational therapist with over 15 years of experience in the field of recreation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Recreation, and Exercise Science from Bethune-Cookman University and a Master’s degree in Recreation and Sports Management with a concentration in Recreational Therapy from Florida International University. She is currently a third-year Doctoral student at Capella University pursuing a Doctorate of Public Health (DrPH).

Garland has worked extensively with parks and recreation agencies, state-funded programs, private community-based organizations, higher education, and special needs initiatives, including Special Olympics Georgia, Miracle League, and Sunshine League. Her expertise includes program development, public health initiatives, and adaptive sports, ensuring participants have access to meaningful recreational experiences.

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Assistant Program Director, Adaptive Recreation | Volunteer Coordinator

Lauren is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Lauren has provided services to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Oregon prior to coming to Florida. Lauren specializes in evidence-based program development, accessibility, expressive arts, and adaptive sports to enhance participant outcomes and quality of life.

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Assistant Program Director, Adaptive Recreation | Community Partners Coordinator

Tiera holds a Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from Florida International University and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). She has experience in adaptive sports, veterans’ programs, and therapeutic recreation for individuals with disabilities. Tiera has worked with programs like Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation, developing specialized programs designed to enhance engagement, socialization, and overall well-being for participants in a variety of community-based and clinical settings.

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Special Olympics Basketball, Tennis, Soccer & Flag Football

Top: Lightweight t-shirt or sweatshirt (cotton or polyester). Bottoms: Gym shorts, sweatpants, track pants, or yoga pants.

Shoes: Closed-toe, flat-soled shoes, or athletic footwear

Special Olympics Flag Football & Soccer

Shoes: Rubber-cleated or flat-soled shoes

Not permitted: Metal cleats, spikes, and hiking boots

Swim Buddies & Special Olympics Swimming

Arrive swim-ready or change before the session starts. 

Approved swimwear:

One-piece swimsuits

T-shirts

Swim trunks/bottoms

Water shoes

All swimwear must be modest and appropriate.

Not permitted: Bikinis, two-piece suits, Speedo briefs, or see-through swimwear.

Essentials

Sunscreen

Towel

Sunglasses

Hat

Lunch or snack

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Top: lightweight t-shirt or sweatshirt (cotton or polyester)

Bottoms: Gym Shorts, sweatpants, track pants, or yoga pants

Shoes: Closed-toe or athletic footwear

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Please do not wear the following:

Crop tops

Shorts that are above the fingertips when arms are straight down

Muscle shirts

Spaghetti Strap Tank tops

Two Piece Swim Suits

Speedos

See through swim wear

Flip flops at events other than swimming

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Unified Partner - Volunteer Registration Form

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Unified Partner - Volunteer Registration Form

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If you are joining us for Special Olympics Sports and are interested in becoming a Unified Partner, please complete the steps below:

1. Fill out and return the Unified Partner Registration Form

2. Complete the "Protective Behaviors" course by using the link below:

Once completed, send the completed form and certificate from the "Protective Behaviors" Course to Tiera Chaney | TChaney@ymcasouthflorida.org

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Class B - Event Volunteer Registration Form

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Class B - Event Volunteer Registration Form

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Class B Volunteers: (one-time event)

Complete class B form

Must present a valid photo ID upon arrival

Typically will complete the day upon arrival at the event

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Need to download all of your hours? Check out this guide to download your hours from Give Pulse.

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1. Review the "Volunteer Orientation" Slideshow to learn about our policies, expectations, and program guidelines

2. Complete the Orientation Survey using the link below (please note: the survey may only be taken once)

3. After submitting the survey, email the Volunteer Coordinator to confirm completion.

Volunteers who score 20 out of 26 points or higher will be awarded 2 volunteer hours.

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