Last week George Zens suggested that “the well is drying up,” as some area fundraisers are struggling. MOM, too, struggles in some respects, especially this past month. But I hope his commentary, and this one, actually stirs up community resources to dig deep and to maintain the wells we do have.

Wells run deep in Middleton

The well of in-kind donations and community resources for MOM runs deep in Middleton. So deep that our reputation for mobilizing resources is getting around—well beyond Dane County, even beyond Wisconsin. At a recent conference of United Way Executive Directors from 26 states, I was asked to present the model that MOM uses for mobilizing so many resources. I got to brag about Middleton as the Little Engine that Could… adopt the poor in so many ways.

The well of volunteers would dry up without the churches, to be sure. What began with one church in 1980 became eight churches by 1996 and 32 churches by 2003, twelve of whom are core member churches with representatives on our Board of Directors.

But the churches do not work alone. In collaboration with the Madison Development Corporation and the Kiwanis Club and MOM, Asbury Methodist has adopted the low-income apartment complex known as Forest Harbor. Together a playground gets rebuilt, church picnics get staged there, cars get repaired, food pantry visits are made, and rent gets paid for families at risk of eviction.

We mobilize volunteers not only from the pulpit, but through the Middleton Chamber of Commerce: From donated warehouse space to the charitable purpose of a city-sponsored food festival,… From pro bono legal services and financial mentoring to discounted graphic and print services,... From hundreds of food drives to businesses giving their employees time off work to rake leaves for the elderly homeowners and sort food at our Distribution Center. Other businesses actually replenish the well of the nonprofit where their respective employees volunteer their time, such as the CUNA Mutual Group's “Dollars for Doers” award of $500 for all that Ken Miska does for MOM.

MOM feeds and deepens these wellsprings of goodwill through various means, such as the MTT , local United Way rallies, and the schools—where service learning is often required. Likewise, we collaborate with service clubs, the Senior Center, and the Scouts. Often clients become volunteers who, in turn, become donors or in-kind givers, as a way of “paying it forward” (vs. simply paying it back).

Community assets are developed long-term as children learn to serve. Volunteer service offers kids a constructive use of their time and reinforces positive values. A case in point is Kelsey Mease (age 11) who organized a clothing drive as a service project for Sauk Trail Elementary. After delivering those clothes to our Clothing Closet, she even got busy as a “fashion consultant” to kids who came with their parents looking for an outfit.

Wells without maintenance can run dry

Our volunteer base for all MOM programs grew from 115 in 1997 to over 450 in 2003, yet it's still hard to fill some critical holes, as most new volunteers prefer flexibility and/or short-term assignments, whereas our needs are for more steady regulars and longer commitments.

To address the problem of wells running dry, MOM offers year-round training, team support and respite care. The Stephen Ministry graduates 16 volunteers on March 9 and commissions them March 14 at High Point Church. Volunteer Coordinators Sarah and Claudia and Ellen and Kermit are there to lean on. Otherwise volunteers can burn out and quit at any time, especially if we don't steward and pace our resources and remind people how thankful we are for what they do.

As I was telling the United Way execs gathered last week, wells do not dry up when we embrace the community, join clubs, network at Chamber events, enjoy social hours, patronize local establishments, return favors, and initiate co-ventures. All this before we ask for money.

Sometimes we have not because we ask not (Matthew 7:7-11). Other times we have not because we don't recognize a good gift when it's handed to us. POP Coordinator, Claudia Miska, is quick to recognize a treasure where others see only trouble, “I help the seniors with whatever requests, referrals, or donations come my way. What may be tossed out by one is a treasure to others. Case in point: One young man called to offer an electric lift chair. That chair has been a godsend to four elderly clients to date, most recently 80-year-old Bob Hines.

One MOM Board member I know and love through joining the Middleton Optimists and the Chamber illustrates this last point about relationships. He was not that big of a donor until he had made house calls with me to low-income families, delivering furniture or food, and blessing those homes in prayer. When people volunteer their time (their hands and legs and backs), their heart will follow. Now, out of his heart and an exposure to the needs, he underwrites the whole Distribution Center.

Join our wellsprings of goodwill

Looking for a service project, even a wellspring of goodwill, to cultivate? Call Sarah (826-3409). She may point you to the front desk, to the Pantry, or to the Project for Older People (POP). And both would point you to the examples of Esther & Jahn Tinglum, Saul Levin, Norman Everson and Richard Pelkey. Just two weeks ago, these five POP volunteers received recognition on WIBA Radio and a plaque from Total Awards and Promotions.

Each is noteworthy and worth emulating.

Esther Tinglum has been a POP Volunteer Driver for 16 years. Her smile and attitude toward life brightens the clients' day. Esther also volunteers at the Oakwood Resale Shop. Her husband Jahn has been volunteering 18 years as a POP Driver and Handyman. Jahn can fix anything and do it with a smile. At age 79, he is older than most clients he helps—a true inspiration to us all!

Saul Levin has been a POP Driver and Outdoor Chores Volunteer for seven years. Saul responds to every call he receives. In addition, he volunteers with Jewish Social Services and the RSVP's “Volunteers in School” program. Saul and his wife also belong to a square dance club!

Norm Everson has been volunteering with POP for seven years—as a Driver, Respite caregiver, and Outdoor Maintenance Volunteer. Norm shares beautiful homegrown dahlias with his care receivers. He is also active in the Kiwanis Club at all levels.

Richard Pelkey has been a POP Driver for two years. He is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays without fail, unless traveling to visit one of his nine children. Other days of the week, Richard cooks and serves meals to the homeless.

Tasks that most of us do without much thought—e.g., driving to the store, hairdresser or doctor; changing bed linens; or taking out the garbage—cause anxiety or stress for some people age 65+. POP volunteers build relationships that can help relieve these anxieties. And relationships determine whether wells run deep, or dry up.

© 2004 Middleton Outreach Ministry

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