Two volunteers make significant impact in Avivo’s programs

Volunteers at Avivo have an innate drive to make an impact in the lives of people in our community. Great examples are two volunteers who have been “regulars” at Avivo for the past three years. Passion for serving brings Annette Poelvoorde and Lisa Hegard in once, sometimes twice, a month to volunteer. 

Annette’s first connection with volunteering with Avivo was through Target, her employer. She came with a group of coworkers three years ago to do gardening and painting which benefited families in Avivo’s treatment programs. 

About a year or so later, her daughter’s high school Christian leadership team from Academy of Holy Angels was looking to make a year-long commitment to a nonprofit organization as part of their leadership development service component. They believed committing for a whole year would give them an opportunity to see the long-term impact of their volunteerism. 

“The students were in search of a nonprofit that they could follow through on the work they started and bring about meaningful impact throughout the year,” shares Annette. In 2021, Annette and friend and student-parent, Lisa Hegard, came alongside the student team to serve.  

“It’s important show our kids… to lead by example,” shares Lisa. 

The team volunteers twice a month to receive and sort donated clothing items and set up a Clothing Closet at one of Avivo’s Minneapolis locations. The Clothing Closet provides clothing for adults and children who are connected to Avivo’s recovery programs. 

“I like what [Avivo] does for the community,” shares Lisa. “They offer tiny homes, work with new moms, and help people hone their skills to find jobs.” 

For the past two years, the team has also volunteered numerous shifts to help sort and wrap holiday gifts donors deliver for Avivo’s Adopt-A-Family initiative. 

“I like what [Avivo] does for the community,” shares Lisa. “They offer tiny homes, work with new moms, and help people hone their skills to find jobs.” 

“I like how Avivo serves the whole person as they help people establish their lives again,” adds Annette.  

“I am so grateful for Annette, Lisa and the student team for their long-term commitment,” shares Brittany Biggers, Avivo director of volunteer services. “They are the hands and feet of goodwill and provide lasting impact in the lives of individuals and families Avivo serves.” 

Learn more about volunteering on our website or find information on providing in-kind donations to support some of Avivo’s urgent needs.