Would you like to engineer a dream for someone?
Sometimes, a device is all that stands in the way of an individual with a disability achieving independence or pursuing their passion. When that device is not available in the marketplace, that’s when May We Help steps in. May We Help volunteers design, build, and deliver custom devices at no cost to hundreds of recipients every year.
The team consists of nearly 100 engineers, industrial designers, inventors, welders, woodworkers, seamstresses, doctors, OTs, PTs, and makers and tinkerers of all types. The general sentiment of a May We Help volunteer is best summed up by this volunteer who said,
“There’s nothing as satisfying as using my skill set to help others.”
While at many non-profits, volunteers assist the staff to see through the organization’s mission, at May We Help, the staff exists to support the work of the volunteers. Better still, the founders remain two of the organization’s key workhorses. Join them, won’t you?
How it works:
Volunteer Match
Learn MoreRequests for devices are continually being submitted to May We Help and shared with the May We Help volunteer team. Volunteers take on requests that they feel match their respective skill sets and interests. Once a match is made, the original request becomes an official project consisting of a recipient and a volunteer or team of volunteers.
Discovery visit
Learn MoreVolunteers then arrange a time to meet with the recipient to discuss the project. We call this the Discovery Visit, and during this visit, volunteers learn more about the recipient and the environment in which they hope to thrive! Discovery Visits are an essential part of the May We Help process and form the basis for collaboration and design.
Design & Build
Learn MoreUsing May We Help’s state of the art Impact 100 Workshop, volunteers go to work designing and building the custom solution.
Delivery
Learn MoreOnce the solution is complete, it’s time for Delivery! Volunteers get to deliver the completed solution and enjoy watching their work transform the recipient’s life. It’s as rewarding and exciting for the volunteer as it is for the recipient!
Volunteer Meetings
Volunteer meetings are held once a month. A casual dinner is served at 6:00 pm and the meeting begins at 6:30 pm. While not mandatory, many volunteers attend the majority of the meetings and enjoy connecting and brainstorming with other volunteers! At every meeting, we aim to:
- Inspire by sharing one-of-a-kind solutions recently completed by volunteers
- Inform by sharing new project requests
- Educate with guest speakers on topics that expand volunteer skill sets
- Connect with the community and other volunteers
Time Commitments
May We Help volunteers are rather autonomous! They decide what projects to take and how many. Each project is unique as each recipient requires individualized attention. Last year, the average project was completed in 29 days.
Learn More
For a tour of May We help or to learn more, please contact Brianne Wilkerson at [email protected] or 513-344-5103
Or join us at a volunteer meeting! Volunteer meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS
Chris & Janet Garner
Bob Woolf
Eileen Bloustein
Jeff DeVol