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

(Highly recommended if volunteering at multiple events)

If you are under 18, raise your age.

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.

• How to gain additional hours

• Letters of recommendation

• Volunteer Hours Certificates

• and more!

• Each member's first and last name

• Which event will your group be attending

Please ensure each member creates an account on Volunteer Matters.

Laptop/Desktop has the best view!

• Special Olympics Basketball

• Drive N Dunk Modified Basketball

• Special Olympics Aquatics

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

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.

• Rolling Kicks modified kickball

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.

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

Tip: Right-Click links and open in a new tab for easier navigation

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Shoes: Closed-toe or athletic footwear

• 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

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

• Complete class B form

• Must present a valid photo ID upon arrival

• Typically will complete the day upon arrival at the event

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.

1361 NW 129th Ave, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028