Planting a tree to provide privacy at the labyrinth

Thank you!

Thank you for considering Glade Run as a place to volunteer! We greatly appreciate the time donated to our agency by many giving individuals, schools and businesses every year. Your work as a volunteer does directly impact the lives of the children here who need it the most.

How to Begin

Please contact our Executive Director of the Glade Run Foundation, Sheila Talarico, to schdule a tour of our Zelienople campus. We value your time, so it helps to ensure that your interest is a good fit for our need.

Afterwards, if you feel that you are still interested in pursuing volunteering at Glade Run, We will provide with you a packet of applications, clearances, background checks, etc. that must be completed. The amount of information required will seem overwhelming, but please understand the importance of this process. Glade Run is licensed by the Department of Public Welfare and accredited by The Joint Commission. These entities dictate the amount of information that needs to be maintained on volunteers prior to having direct contact with the children in our care.

We do also offer some opportunities to volunteer that do not involve direct contact with the children that we serve.

Types of Volunteer Opportunities at Glade Run

Animal & Horticulture Program

Volunteers assist the staff with all areas of the therapeutic animal programs; including feeding and grooming the animals, cleaning the stables and assisting the staff in conducting lessons. The therapeutic horticulture program runs year round with an active greenhouse and garden. Volunteers may assist in many areas of this program.

Spiritual Program

Volunteers assist the Choir Director and Pianist in preparing for performances offered on Sundays during the chapel service, as well as performances off campus at various churches and for senior citizen groups.

Office Assistance

We always need help with bulk mailings and sorting in-kind inventory.

Campus Cleanup

General campus cleanup including landscaping, mulching and painting.

Special Events

Periodically throughout the year, Glade Run Foundation Office hosts special events on and off campus. Volunteers for special events may be requested to spend the majority of a day and/or evening involved in the set-up, hosting and clean-up of an event. This volunteering opportunity does not involve interaction with children receiving services from Glade Run Lutheran Services.

Christmas Program

Would you like to be one of Santa’s elves? We provide Christmas gifts for over 700 children and families donated from businesses, congregations and individuals. This annual effort requires help with processing wish lists, making gift tags, mailings to raise interest, mailing gift tags to interested parties, accepting gift donations, sorting and distributing gifts, and ensuring gifts are delivered and picked up by staff members. In kind gift drive assistance is also needed at Easter, Haloween, Summer and back to school.

What to Expect as a Volunteer:

• You will be treated with courtesy and respect. We value your service.
• You will have the assistance of the foundation staff in scheduling and coordinating your activities.
• You will be given an orientation to Glade Run Lutheran Services, its organization and its programs.
• You are encouraged to provide feedback about your volunteer experience.
• If you are a student, we would be happy to write a letter that summarizes your work and the amount of time you’ve spent with us.

The Last Word on Confidentiality

It is imperative that all volunteers keep information confidential which might be obtained either directly or indirectly about any child or staff member. The volunteer is required to review and acknowledge that they understand their responsibilities with regard to the following:

• Confidentiality – Glade Run’s Procedure C-3
• HIPAA Privacy Training