Thanks for being interested in being a volunteer and supporter of the General Store Co-op starting at Reality Kitchen, 645 River Rd. ! We’ve come a long way in the past two years (plus!) thanks to so many individuals, neighbors, groups, businesses, organizations and donor foundations and, of course, we’re so grateful and couldn’t be doing this without your help ! Some of these outstanding supporters include:
The Tykeson Foundation, Jules EF Kessler Community Fund, Friendly Street Fund, McKay Family Foundation, IBEW Local 280, 100+ Women Who Care, Storm Family Foundation, Utter Living Trust, Lisa and Philip Speers, Rainbow Valley Design and Construction, Kristina Hall, Philip DeLong, Northwood Christian Church, Ann and William Swindells Fund, Corey Unfried, Michael Keating, Ellen Tykeson and Ken Hiday, Three Rivers Foundation, NW Business Development, The ReMax Integrity Foundation, Torani, Finish Line Car Wash, John Hale and Nancy Nelson, Rebecca Schoen, Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, Tom and Carol Williams Fund, Diane Batenhorst, Eugene Lodge #11 Acient Free and Accepted Masons, Abel Richards Family Living Trust, Lynn and Roberta Egli, Julie and Kevin Jones, Randal Moore, Educational Equity Now, Chambers Family Foundation, Spirit Mountain Community Fund, Donor Advised Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation and many other kind folks, just like you, and we thank you so very much !
Purpose: Reality Kitchen Nonprofit operates an integrated workplace where individuals of all abilities learn and work together. This policy draft establishes the structural framework for the Co-op’s neighborhood volunteers staffing our new General Store (organic bulk goods and Lane County local products).
- The “Side-by-Side” Peer Model: Volunteers do not act as managers, chaperones, or supervisors over our program learners who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Instead, volunteers are collaborative peers and allies. They work shoulder-to-shoulder, modeling professional retail habits, sharing the workload, and fostering mutual respect.
- Presuming Competence: Every volunteer must approach their shift under the core principle of Presuming Competence. Volunteers should offer supportive, empowering assistance without over-managing or taking away a learner’s independence.
- Operational Accountability: To respect our community, our shoppers, and our learners, volunteer positions are treated with the structural rigor of a paid job. Volunteers are expected to show up on time, adhere to standard grocery retail shifts, maintain strict hygiene, and follow all Oregon food safety protocols.
Volunteer Questionaire
Please be sure to fill out this Contact Information completely and give us any additional information to help us reach you. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Evangelista at 541.337.1323, and thanks !