Three Mosaic Volunteers Exemplify the Meaning of National Volunteer Appreciation Week

It’s National Volunteer Week, a week-long celebration that recognizes and thanks volunteers for their contributions that positively impact their communities. 

Since Mosaic’s inception, volunteers have helped us fulfill our mission of empowering people to live fulfilling lives on their own terms. Our efforts to love and serve others would not be possible without them, not then and certainly, not now. 

This week, we are taking the time to express our gratitude for all they do with a campaign themed “Our Volunteers Are the Sweetest.”

Across our locations in 12 states and 750 communities, we are showing appreciation for the thousands of kindhearted volunteers who advocate for disability rights and Medicaid protection, provide care and companionship to those we serve, advance our community relations, assist local Mosaic office staff, and serve on our Board of Directors and The Mosaic Foundation Board of Directors.

Below are stories that highlight a few of Mosaic’s amazing volunteers. Read for yourself just how sweet they are!

Joyce Finnell
Joyce began volunteering for the Mosaic in her city through her Kiwanis Club, a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. 

Her initial responsibilities included organizing and leading monthly meetings for those we support. During the meetings, attendees hear from guest speakers and participate in various projects and activities. 

“The projects range from decorating placemats for children’s hospital patients to making Valentines for veterans or those in nursing homes,” Joyce said.

Since then, she has become even more involved. 

For the last two years, Joyce has led a Kiwanis volunteer group to hang Christmas decorations on the porches of three of Mosaic’s local intermediate care facilities. As an added bonus for the residents, she and the other volunteers bring cookies.

Joyce also helps with the local Mosaic’s annual picnic celebration, which is attended by those served and their families and friends, staff and their families and all Mosaic community partners.

“As a Mosaic Ambassador, Joyce is always spreading our mission and inviting others to come learn more by attending our events,” remarked Mosaic Public Relations Specialist Jessica Westerlin. “She has a heart of service and enjoys making connections with those we support.”

When asked if there was a particular person Mosaic supported who moved her, Joyce recalled a client who would run to greet her during Mosaic’s events and an unexpected encounter with him on another occasion.

“One day I was shopping, and I heard, ‘Aktion Club, Aktion Club!’ and it was that same gentleman, running down the aisle toward me with an excited smile on his face. Although he couldn’t remember my name, he knew I was part of something he enjoyed. I’ll never forget that,” Joyce said. 

The Rev. Rachel Thorson Mithelman
Pastor Rachel’s life has been dedicated to serving others and bringing awareness to those with diverse needs. She served in the parish ministry for more than 37 years, and is currently a board member of the Des Moines Area Religious Council and Calvin Community, an independent and assisted living community for older adults.

Not only does Pastor Rachel volunteer to serve on the Mosaic Board of Directors, but she is also a boots-on-the-ground volunteer for Mosaic in Central Iowa. 

“I simply try to be supportive by attending events, offering a prayer or a table blessing when asked, or helping serve a meal and cleaning up afterwards. I’m glad to help with anything—as are the other wonderful volunteers in central Iowa,” Pastor Rachel said. 

One of her fondest memories of the past year was supporting Mosaic’s Kickball Event last summer. 

“It was so much fun! Staff members and their families, people we serve, and host home providers all came together and had a great time. I coached at second base for a while, then took a turn handing out hot dogs and potato chips from the concession stand so I was able to connect with other volunteers,” Pastor Rachel said.

When asked about why someone who wants to volunteer should choose Mosaic, Pastor Rachel said, “If your passion is to make sure people are connected with a community, Mosaic is a great place to volunteer. When I started my career years ago as a female pastor, I was not welcomed in many settings. That has stayed with me and pushed me to ensure that people know they are valuable members of their community.” 

She added that she does not want people to be left on the margins.

“Volunteering for Mosaic is a way to make sure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are always welcomed and included.”

Tonya Bagwell
Tonya has volunteered for her local Mosaic for years.

“I absolutely love what Mosaic does and what the organization stands for,” Tonya said. “Because my brother has Down’s Syndrome, I’m familiar with facilities that help people with diverse needs, so I know Mosaic is phenomenal. Mosaic makes sure the people they serve have their favorite-color clothing, what they like to eat, make their dreams come true—and there are no labels. They go above and beyond.”  

About the people Mosaic serves in her city, Tonya added, “I love their hugs, their smiles and their joy. I want them to be happy and have things to look forward to.”

Tonya has adopted one of Mosaic’s group residences to brighten holidays for the people supported there. “I do their Christmas every year, I deliver Easter eggs filled with candy, and I do their Halloween. I try to make those holidays happy for the six women who live there.”

Tonya also volunteers for Mosaic events that increase positive awareness of the nonprofit’s work. 

In addition to volunteering, Tonya is an advocate for Rejoicing Spirits, an all-inclusive ministry facilitated through Mosaic’s Church Relations, and a Mosaic donor. 

Importantly, Tonya was honored by Mosaic nationally as Ambassador of the Year, an award that recognizes a volunteer who has demonstrated strong service in developing local community partnerships and donor relationships that advance Mosaic’s mission to relentlessly pursue opportunities that empower people. 

Tonya’s nominator wrote, “Tonya does everything out of love for people we support, wanting each of them to live their best lives.”

Mosaic strives to ensure all our volunteers’ time, skills and experience are appreciated and recognized.

Your connection and companionship with the people we serve is one of the best gifts you can give them. When you give someone we serve the encouragement to learn a new skill or achieve a goal, you are our mission in action.

If you know someone who volunteers for those we support, please recognize and thank them for giving their gifts of time, skills and experience.

To inquire about volunteering for Mosaic, visit Mosaic Volunteer.