Make a Difference
Volunteers play an important part in the success of our organization and in the lives of our clients. Whether it’s sharing your time with a client, playing a game or going for a walk and fostering a friendship along the way, you can make a difference.
Volunteer Opportunities
We have volunteer opportunities to fit a variety of interests and time commitments.
- Support for Families: assist in monthly Saturday Fun Respite events and activities
- Special Events: Assist with planning, set up, clean up and a variety of activities
Dinner Theater -Postponed until 2023
Golf Tournament –Mon. July 11, 2022
125th Anniversary Summer Fun Day – Sun. August 21, 2022
Flannel Gala -Thurs. September 22, 2022
Community Thanksgiving Dinner -Thurs. November 24, 2022
LBSA’s December Gala -Sat. December 3, 2022
- College Friends: College students are paired with an LBSA client for weekly visits
- Community Friends: Community members are paired with an LBSA client for weekly visits
- Corporate or Team Events: If you have a group looking for a volunteer project, we can match some of our needs with your group’s skillset or interest
Internships
Internships at Laura Baker Services Association are flexible, meaningful and unique – perfect for students or those wanting to dig into the field of disability support services. Internships can be customized to meet students’ objectives or other personal goals.
“I’ve been volunteering for LBSA for the last eight years in a variety of different roles and I am honored and feel incredibly fortunate to have LBSA part of my life.”– LBSA Volunteer
Sign Up to Volunteer
Interested in making a difference? Please complete the form to get started.
Recognizing Distinguished Service
At the conclusion of Robert (Bob) Bonner’s stellar service on the LBSA Board of Trustees, the board chose to honor Bob with a Distinguished Service Award, named in his honor. Annually, we honor those who have made a real difference at LBSA through their constant involvement, time, energy and resources.
Past Award Recipients
- Greg Closser (2021)
- Frank Zastera (2020)
- Dave and Ruthie Neuger (2019)
- Chris and Sheila Kennelly (2018)
- Cheryl Buck (2017)
- Annette Nierobisz and Rob Morrow (2016)
- Charlie and Lorraine Sewich (2015)
- Ed and Anne Lundstrom (2014)
- Bob and Marilyn Matta (2013)
- Mike Hero (2012)
- Steve Kelly (2011)
- Bill Cowles and Pam Schiele (2010)
2022 Award Recipient
Abby Grismer
Abby Grismer’ s relationship with LBSA has seemed a bit like a line from REO Speedwagon’s song I can’t fight this feeling any longer… “What started out as friendship has grown stronger”.
It all began when Abby signed up for LBSA’s College Friends program during her freshman year at St. Olaf. Over time she developed a great relationship with her friend Tonya and Tonya’s family. That friendship was the foundation for Abby’s growing involvement with LBSA during her college career. She has organized a variety of fun events, recruited student volunteers, and has served as the main contact between LBSA and the St. Olaf community for the last several years. When COVID hit and life became virtual for all of us, she found creative ways to engage with Tonya virtually.
Abby has a unique blend of pragmatic intelligence, expansive heart, get it done attitude, and passion for people with developmental disabilities and the mission of LBSA. She has left a legacy to the LBSA community.
As Abby’s Household Director says, “The world would be a better place with more Abby Grismers!”
