Volunteer Center
By Dennis Hill
Published in News on April 24, 2005 2:00 AM
Volunteer Wayne offers opportunities to serve Wayne County for all ages. This service is provided by Volunteer Wayne and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at Wayne Community College. Contact 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.
NOMINATIONS FOR
OUTSTANDING
VOLUNTEER
2005 Nominate the individual you think best exemplifies volunteer service in Wayne County. The Wayne County Association Of Volunteer Administrators will evaluate the nominations and select five to represent Wayne County for local recognition in August. In November they will be honored at a regional reception by representatives from the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, Office of the Governor. This marks the 27th anniversary of the program that showcases North Carolina's most dedicated residents. Last year, 347 awards were presented to recipients statewide. Individuals, businesses, and/or groups may be nominated. To obtain a nomination form or for more information, contact Barbara Stiles at Volunteer Wayne/RSVP at 735-5151, ext. 702. The deadline for nominations is April 29.
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.
JACKIEROBINSON
BASEBALLLEAGUE
Coaches and volunteers are needed to help support youth ages 5-11. This is the Jackie Robinson Baseball League's second year of providing inner city youth the opportunity to learn sportsmanship and have fun! Play starts June 4, 2005. Meetings are held every Tuesday at 5:30 pm at the Goldsboro Housing Authority Building on the corner of Jefferson and Beech Street. Registration is free.
TRANSPORTATION
A temporary driver is needed to transport two sisters to medical appointments on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11-11:30 a.m. This task can be shared with another person or persons. Excellent opportunity for a church group.
STRONG BACKS
NEEDED
Volunteers can also help clean up after the spring book sale at the Wayne County Public Library on Monday.
SPECIAL INTEREST
TO YOUTH
You can be involved in one or more of the following if you meet job requirements: creation of monthly themes for teen population in psychiatric unit, play games with geriatric patients, sort and file documents, or organize supplies. Must be at least 14-18 years of age and have an 85+ grade point average and two letters of reference from teachers. Teen and parents must complete volunteer orientation.
SHRED FOR SECURITY
Medical records require special handling at psychiatric center. You can perform this important task by shredding medical records. Volunteer must be 18 years of age, able to lift 15 pounds, and complete volunteer orientation.
MUSIC TO THEIR EARS
A pianist or organist can bring joy to psychiatric patients during Sunday morning chapel services. The volunteer would be responsible for playing from 9:15 until 9:45 a.m. This includes the prelude, postlude, and several hymns. Must be 18 years of age, complete volunteer orientation, and be able to interact with psychiatric patients.
CHILDRENS' PROGRAMS
Just an hour or two of your time can help program that supports early childhood programs in Wayne County. Activities are available on the following dates: Monday, May 9 from 9:30-10:30, register and help with seating of young children at theatrical event; Thursday, May 12, register, serve and clean up at appreciation banquet that honors child care providers in Wayne County. Friday, May 20, volunteers are needed to help with program's largest fund-raiser of the year to set up and take down tents, collect tickets and cook lobsters.
KEEP CHILDREN SAFE
Home Alone Program is looking for volunteers to teach first aid, Internet safety, and child abduction prevention for program that begins April 6. 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; however, those skills are not necessarily needed.
KEEP SENIOR ACTIVE
Assist with social activities at a Senior Center. Calling bingo and being energized about physicalfitness are just a few of the duties you will be involved with that will provide opportunities for seniors to socialize and keep them healthy. Hours start at 9:30 a.m. The length of time depends on your availability.
SUPPORT WOMEN IN
CRISIS PREGNANCY
Faith based non-profit 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. Special projects volunteers are needed from time to time, such as preparing newsletter for mailout, distributing flyers, making phone calls, doing odd jobs at the center, or making refreshments for special meetings. This organization is not affiliated with any denomination, however, volunteers must agree with the organization's basic principles to participate.
CLERICAL ASSISTANCE
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 OR 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 from1-3 p.m. or conducting devotionals anytime between 10-11:30 a.m. Located in Pikeville.
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.
BUILDING LEADERS
Do you like working with youth from the ages of 7 to 18? Adults, 18 years and older, can 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 camping. Groups meet on a weekly basis for about an hour and a half.
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.