Page 144 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2020

GOLDEN YEARS
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster
photos courtesy of Gulf Coast HUB for Volunteers & Nonpro ts
One of the keys to staying healthy in your Golden Years is to stay active, and what better way to do that than to help others in the process?
Volunteer Hubs such as the Gulf Coast HUB for Volunteers & Nonpro ts are a great place to start if you aren’t sure how to get involved. These organizations work by connecting volunteers and nonpro ts, equipping both with the resources they need to a ect positive change in communities.
Bridget Turan serves as director of the Gulf Coast HUB for Volunteers & Nonpro ts and says that about 30 percent of the volunteers she helps place are over the age of 60. “Volunteering, regardless of age, can help you make friends, learn new skills and even feel happier and healthier,” she says. “It’s been proven that giving your time and talents to others can help your mental and physical health by reducing stress, combatting depression, keeping you mentally stimulated and providing a sense of purpose.”
Turan adds that volunteering can t into any schedule as volunteers can give as much or as little time a nonpro t as they would like. “I suggest volunteering for di erent organizations so you can nd the one you may want to give more time to and that you fall in love with helping,” said Turan. “Most nonpro ts rely solely on volunteer help to run, so they will take any and all help they can get.”
All of the opportunities on the HUB website are available to volunteers of any age. The HUB website currently lists more than 75 opportunities available for volunteers ages 16 through 100, including the Gulfport Arts Center, Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum, INFINITY Science Center and more.
To get involved, visit gulfcoasthub.org and register an account. “When you register, the system will ask what areas of interest you have, such as animals, children or mental health,” Turan says. “Then you will only be noti ed when an opportunity that ts your interests is posted.” You can also email volunteer@mgccf.org to be added to the HUB’s email and monthly newsletter list.
Senior Gulf Coast HUB Volunteers partcipate in community service projects and help with disaster relief.
Gulf Coast HUB for Volunteers & Nonpro ts
11975 Seaway Rd., Ste. B151, Gulfport 228.596.5011 • www.gulfcoasthub.org • volunteer@mgccf.org
144 | November 2020 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living