Employers benefit directly and indirectly. Those providing healthcare benefits to retirees have a vested interest in encouraging active lifestyles to promote physical and emotional wellbeing. Employees at local businesses have their stress reduced by volunteers' efforts in a number of ways. Workers with relatives living at a nursing home know that their own visits are complimented by volunteers like June Greene at Brookside. As Debbie Paradis, Activities Director explains, some residents can't go places but they still like to hear what's going on.
Volunteers are a bridge to the outside world.
Local economies feel the impact of volunteers' activities. The kids get a kick out of it they graduate, but I stay in the third grade. Rector is improving the skills of future employees. Follansbee is in his third year doing woodworking with the students, ages 3-5. Patricia Stevens, Headstart teacher, explains that the children are learning listening skills and fine motor coordination, as well as improving their self esteem.