Volunteer Wayne
By Other
Published in News on February 6, 2005 8:58 AM
Volunteer Wayne offers opportunities for people of all ages to serve Wayne County. The service is provided by Volunteer Wayne and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at Wayne Community College. More information may be obtained by contacting Joy Pearce at 735-5151 ext. 336 or at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwwc/volunteer for more information.
O llamar representatives de Latinos por Volunteer Wayne/RSVP: Gaspar Gonzalez, (910) 296-1851, o Willie Cartegena, (919) 735-5010 ext 116.
Volunteer Wayne/RSVP is growing! We are now assisting 70 community agencies with their volunteer needs. That translates to a multitude of diverse volunteer opportunities throughout Wayne County.
At Volunteer Wayne/RSVP, we recognize that all people have time and talents to share, and that communities are strengthened when people connect across their differences through volunteer service.
Whether you have just one hour a month, or several days a week to share, we can help you find a rewarding experience where your contribution makes a difference in Wayne County. The following is just a sampling of opportunities in the local area.
ADVOCATE FOR
ABUSED OR
NEGLECTED CHILDREN
One by one, individuals are responding to this advocacy for children. However, the need is tremendous and more volunteers are needed.
Wayne County has been designated by the state as a county of "critical need" as a result of the increase of child abuse and neglect. Do you have a minimum of five hours a month to investigate the needs of a child and advocate for the best interests of that child?
This program provides advocacy services for children who are involved in the court system as a result of abuse, neglect and dependency. Last year more than 425 children in Wayne, Lenoir, and Greene counties were served through this program.
BLOOD SUPPLIES
ARE LOW!
You can make a difference if you are able to schedule blood drive appointments on the phone. Flexible hours for one or two people willing to take a leadership role. Training is available.
With holiday schedules, blood donations are low.
Unfortunately, holiday accidents resulting from increased travel create a higher demand for blood.
By calling to schedule appointments for blood drives, you can help give the gift of life. You never know when you or a family member may be on the receiving end. Blood drives are scheduled every month.
SUPPORT WOMEN
IN CRISIS PREGNANCY
A faith-based non-profit organization can use your office skills. After completing an in-service training period, responsibilities will include making client appointments, greeting clients, performing simple office duties, and answering and directing all incoming calls. The volunteer commits to a four-hour shift once a week.
This organization is not affiliated with any denomination, however, volunteers must agree with the organization's basic principles in order to participate.
PHONE PALS
Make a difference in the life of a homebound individual. Simply make a phone call once a week to check on their well-being. Phone call recipients are referred by the Meals on Wheels program as individuals who do not have family or friends to perform this simple, yet important act of caring.
CLERICAL HELP
Office skills are needed for this position that will free staff for more complex duties. Filing, answering phones, and other tasks will help this non- profit in its mission to train girls in leadership. Flexible hours. Will train.
FAITH, FUN AND GAMES
FOR ASSISTED LIVING
You can make the day a little brighter for the elderly. Activities available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are calling Bingo from 1-3 p.m. or conducting devotionals anytime between 10-11:30 a.m. Located in Pikeville.
DELIVER MEALS
TO THE HOMEBOUND
Deliver a hot meal as well as to check on homebound individuals. Only an hour of your time will bring smiles to the appreciative people served.
RESPITE FOR CAREGIVERS
A few individuals with sufficient strength to maneuver wheelchairs can be a tremendous help at this senior center.
Also, at least two caring individuals with patience and understanding of dementia are needed to assist with the Alzheimer's respite program on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
TEACHERS NEED YOU
A variety of positions are available in several schools at various grade levels.
Some require special skills while others do not. Some of the opportunities include: working directly with students, monitoring halls, grading papers, making copies, and filing.
Special needs include preparing seventh-grade students for the end-of-the-year writing test and one-on-one attention with bilingual and special-needs students.
KEEP CHILDREN SAFE
Home Alone Program is looking for volunteers to teach first aid, Internet safety, and child abduction prevention.
Time commitment varies from as little as six hours (including training) to as much time as you wish with this worthwhile program. Retired teachers, law enforcement, emergency and medical personnel are ideally suited for this opportunity.
EMBRACE
THE MIRACLE
Help prepare new mothers for their role as a parent through this ongoing project.
Each newborn baby in Wayne County receives a basket of educational items and samples. Volunteers assist in assembling the baskets and/or delivering them to the maternity ward at Wayne Memorial hospital.
Some light lifting -- under 30 pounds -- may be involved.
Individuals or groups may participate.
Volunteers are also needed to assemble 40 Spanish baby baskets (days and times optional). Other support activities can use volunteers in baby basket data entry.
Days and times are optional.
BUILDING FUTURE LEADERS
Do you like working with youth from the ages of 7 to 18?
Adults, 18 years and older, can help shape the minds of young men through this leadership and citizenship training for young men through the use of outdoors training, physical fitness endeavors and challenging experiences.
Role models are needed to help with training and "on the ground" camping. Groups meet on a weekly basis for about an hour and a half.
BE A PART OF HISTORY
Volunteers are needed to give guided tours of historic buildings and present living history demonstrations such as open-hearth cooking, corn-shelling and candle-making to school groups and the general public.
Training will be provided.
Volunteers may also be needed to help run the cash register and clean the historic buildings and the visitor center.
Volunteers may occasionally be asked to wear an historical costume, which will be provided.
Volunteer Wayne Online! You can now find your volunteer niche online at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwwc/volunteer or www.unitedwaywaynecountync. org.
United Way has generously provided this service to encourage more people to become involved in our community.
Seniors can also see us at www.joinseniorservice.org provided by the Corporation for National Service.
Volunteer Wayne is funded by United Way of Wayne County. RSVP is primarily funded by the Corporation for National Service through Senior Corps.