For the past four years, Aaron Umen has been a dedicated volunteer. Umen’s efforts support the nonprofit initiatives World Bird Sanctuary and Food Recovery Network.
World Bird Sanctuary
Since 2016, Aaron Umen has supported the World Bird Sanctuary as a Lower Site Volunteer. His responsibilities include working directly with the head groundskeeper to manage and sustain the Sanctuary’s landscape and grounds. Umen also assists in all processes carried out by the nonprofit initiative. Taking a very hands on approach with his volunteerism, he regularly assists in the building, maintenance and cleaning of large habitats that house birds of prey. To date, he has over 200 volunteer hours logged with World Bird Sanctuary — and counting. Umen looks forward to his continued volunteer efforts on the lower site.
World Bird Sanctuary is a 305 acre reserve that houses and rehabilitates birds and other species who are threatened by extinction. The initiative’s mission is to ensure that diverse bird species are kept safe and healthy, for the long term. Aaron Umen’s volunteerism at World Bird Sanctuary fosters his appreciation for animals and living beings who are in need. He is proud to help preserve and protect the magnificent creatures who reside in World Bird Sanctuary’s hardwood forest.
Food Recovery Network
In 2018, Aaron Umen began volunteering with Case Western Reserve’s chapter of the Food Recovery Network. A driven and dedicated individual, Umen immediately aspired to lead within the initiative. Just two months into his volunteerism, Umen joined Food Recovery Network’s executive board. He now represents the effort as Treasurer. Backed by his studies in Finance and Economics, the role of Treasurer suits his professional plans. His responsibilities as Treasurer of the Food Recovery Network include:
- a minimum of 10 volunteer hours per semester
- weekly attendance at executive board meetings
- directly working with Case Western Reserve Government to negotiate a budget
- control accounts, make and write off necessary purchases and allocate funding
Food Recovery Network is a national effort that fights to end hunger by eliminating food waste. As a volunteer at Case Western’s chapter of the initiative, Aaron Umen delivers and serves uneaten food from dining halls to local soup kitchens. Locations that have directly benefited from this process include soup kitchens at St. Augustine Church and Hunger Center and St. Matthews United Methodist Church. So far, his efforts have helped in contributing to the repurposing of over 300 pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to waste.