Living in a community of like-minded people such as Bethesda Gardens in Monument can be a rewarding experience. Having neighbors close by with similar life experiences and interests is a blessing for each resident. But there’s an outside world too, and what goes on in the world at large also matters. It’s important to remain an active participant within that larger community. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to do that regardless of age. Here are just a few options you might try.
Many areas throughout the country have community garden programs and Monument is no different. The city has a vibrant gardening program available with classes and information about participation as well as best practices for getting the most out of the garden. There are numerous ways to be involved, as there's always a need for people to help with planting, upkeep or other tasks necessary for the garden’s maintenance.
Similar to a community garden, localities throughout the country have areas designated for specific flowers, plants and trees to provide a better aesthetic to the urban environment. Local parks especially are often designated as areas for various decorative vegetation. Monument has numerous parks throughout the city, and, as with the community gardens, these areas need help in a variety of ways. Aside from the obvious physical activity and getting outdoors, this can also help get you out into the community.
Almost every locality in the nation has a segment of the population that is at least somewhat underfed, and our local community is not immune to this issue. There are more than a few local shelters and churches running food pantries and feeding operations that could use some assistance. From actively feeding the homeless to helping with organization and inventory, there are numerous opportunities for someone willing to help out. Being someone who serves others in need is a great way to be more involved.
Everyone knows that children are the future, and what could be a better way to be involved in the community than helping to ensure its future? Local children of all ages are in need of quality guidance from people just like you who’ve been through the things they’re experiencing for the first time. Just as Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) says: “start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Mentoring can be your chance to do just that and there are tons of opportunities to find a youth near Bethesda Gardens assisted living community in Monument to guide.
What could be more community-centric than the local library? The Pikes Peak Library District has plenty of opportunities for you to get involved. The opportunities vary based on what the library needs, but there are both short-term and long-term volunteer options for those inclined.
This one might fly under the radar for a lot of people, but getting involved in education could be a fantastic way to stay active in the community. You can sign up to become a substitute teacher for the Lewis-Palmer School District or even register for classes at Pike's Peak Community College. Community colleges often have many workshops and classes of interest for seniors to attend or assist with.
While that term might not be used as much anymore, the job itself is still absolutely crucial to hospital operations. Perhaps you might consider volunteering at Tri-Lakes Health Pavilion, or even Children's Hospital Colorado. It doesn’t matter if you’re helping out with hospital tasks or knitting blankets for newborns, there’s something you can do as a volunteer at a hospital. Plus, what better way to be involved in the community than to support one of its most important safety institutions.
This one should be the most obvious because there’s so much community involvement and outreach going on at churches everywhere. There are at least 16 churches just within Monument—not to mention the greater Colorado Springs area. You might offer to help with administrative tasks, organize fundraisers, work with kids in the nursery or help spread the Gospel. The choice is yours. Best of all, the odds are there’s people at one of these churches praying for someone with exactly your skills to come along right now.
Trying out some of these ideas can help you become an integral part of your area while offering you the opportunity to be a servant to your fellow man as the Bible calls you to do. Getting out, being active, and supporting your community is an excellent and rewarding way to spend some of your free time, so choose one of these ideas or another option that you're comfortable with.
