Volunteering in Carolina Preserve
Carolina Preserve residents have a rich and deep tradition of volunteerism and service to their neighbors and the wider community. The Carolina Preserve Homeowners Association is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors made up of volunteer homeowners elected to two-year terms of office. Approximately half of the Directors are elected each year, so their terms are staggered and there is always experience on the Board. The Board is advised by five standing Committees of resident volunteers: Architectural Review Committee, Clubs and Groups Advisory Committee, Finance Committee, Information Technology Committee, and Lifestyle Advisory Committee. In addition, the Board can form temporary Task Forces to address projects and issues affecting the community. Between the Board, Committees, and Task Forces, there are well over 50 resident volunteers serving the Homeowners Association at any time.
There are also many Carolina Preserve resident organizations dedicated to community service in Carolina Preserve, the Town of Cary, and beyond. Below are a few examples:
Adopt-A-Spot – Helps preserve the beauty and health of our community by removing litter from the roads on the periphery of Carolina Preserve.
Beautification Work Group – Identifies common areas within Carolina Preserve that are in need of beautification through plantings of trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, perennials, and/or annual flowers; and provides residents an opportunity to volunteer their time and energy to design and plant in those identified common areas.
Carolina Preserve Cares – Provides volunteer opportunities for CP residents who have the time and interest in giving back. Examples of current projects include providing tutors and mentors to a Cary elementary school, preparing and serving meals to the poor, donating clothing and food to those who need it, providing holiday gifts to children who would not otherwise receive them, and responding to emergency situations experienced by families throughout the year by providing needed clothing and other items.
Carolina Preserve Geezers – Give time and talent to build affordable homes by volunteering weekly at the Durham Habitat for Humanity.
Community Emergency Response Team – Ensures that individual, family, and community safety is achieved through specialized training under the direction of the Cary Fire Department; establishes a neighborhood preparedness plan for Carolina Preserve which is designed to enhance the abilities of individuals and the community to reduce their emergency needs; and manages existing resources until professional assistance becomes available after an emergency or natural disaster.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group – Provides support to caregivers, relatives, friends of people with dementia. Members share their experiences, information, and questions. The goal is to assist oneself and others via discussion, literature, DVDs, conferences, and notification of external conferences and resources. The Group sponsors special conferences/meetings and maintains a resource library available to all Carolina Preserve residents.
Good Samaritans – Sends e-cards and/or notes to our neighbors for reasons such as illness, loss of a loved one, or simply for someone in need of encouragement.
Neighborhood Watch – A Crime Prevention program that involves citizens working with each other and with law enforcement agencies to reduce crime and victimization in the communities.
Thriving in Place – Provides temporary assistance to residents who need a little help to be able to age in place – and thrive! – in their Carolina Preserve homes. Example services include rides to medical or business appointments, help with household chores like changing light bulbs or smoke alarm batteries, periodic check-in calls/visits, and referrals to local vendor resources.
Veterans Club – In keeping with their mission to promote flag etiquette, provides installation of an entire flag unit to residents or will replace a worn or faded flag, at cost. They also support USO of RDU throughout the year.
