Volunteer Center has opportunities
By Dennis Hill
Published in News on May 15, 2005 2:01 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.
SUMMERTIME
OPPORTUNITIES
Community agencies are now calling to request extra hands over the summer. Some of these opportunities are especially suited for young people and give them a chance to do something positive with their summer break. 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 from 70 community agencies in the local area.
READ TO CHILDREN
This nationally acclaimed reading program is currently looking for volunteer readers. The program offers parents guidance on reading aloud to their children and choosing developmentally and culturally appropriate books. Volunteers in pediatric clinics read aloud to well children as they wait for their checkups. Show parents and children the pleasures and techniques of looking at books together.
ANSWER PHONES
OR GREET VISITORS
Several agencies can use help with various activities. You may also register volunteers, serve them food and drinks, or organize photos into a scrapbook to document the agencies history.
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. You 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.
FUN-RAISING
The Center Street Jams have started and you can be part of the action while helping raise funds for local mentoring program. Volunteers must be at least 21 to man the adult beverage wagon while earning tips for this non-profit agency. Each event starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 8. Anytime you are willing to give is greatly appreciated.
"THERAPAWS"
Visit a small group of psychiatric patients (usually no more than six) in geriatric unit with your pet on Mondays from 1-2 p.m. You must be at least 18 years of age, able to interact with psychiatric patients and complete shot/health verification form for animal. Small dogs are preferred.
HOSPICE MEAL
DELIVERY
Do you have 30 minutes or more once a week to deliver meals to patients at local hospice center? Volunteers will pick up 12 meals from Brain Center and deliver to the center. The round trip usually takes less than 30 minutes. Opportunities are available 7 days a week at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Dependability and commitment to the job are essential. Volunteers must be 16 years of age, possess a valid driver's license, and transportation. Training will be provided. Several slots are available, as well as substitute positions to fill in for vacationing volunteers. Ideal for individuals, church groups, or other organizations.
PROVIDE RESPITE CARE
Volunteers are needed to provide respite care to the primary caregiver of someone living with Alzheimer's or other memory impairments. You can help by providing companionship 2-3 hours weekly in the home of a person with dementia so that the caregiver may time for himself or herself. Often caregivers no longer go to the doctor, have time to run errands, or attend church because they do not wish to leave their family member alone. Training will prepare volunteers to communicate and interact effectively. Volunteers and care receivers are then carefully matched to bring out the best in eachother. If you are a student in a health care program, studying gerontology, or considering a career in the health care field, you willbenefit from this opportunity. Others may also participate
COMPUTER SAVVY?
Home construction program can use your talents to manage their eBay activity. Donated goods are posted on eBay to raise needed funds for program operation. Flexible hours.
SERVE AT SHELTER
Volunteers with a caring heart will be trained in specific areas of service in the shelter program, including food preparation, clean up, and shelter upkeep. There is also a need for volunteers to help with the monitoring of the shelter through the night. To better serve residents there must be continual on-duty personnel -- trained to respond to the different needs of residents. The shelter is open 24 hours a day.
YOUTH SPORTS
Coaches and volunteers are needed to help support the Jackie Robinson Baseball League. Play starts June 4. 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.
GOT WHEELS?
A temporary driver is needed to transport individuals who cannot drive. This task can be shared with another person or persons. Excellent opportunity for a church group. You can make it possible for two sisters to reach their medical appointments on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 11:30, or enable a senior citizen who has volunteered for years to get to her volunteer work at the hospital.
SHRED FOR SECURITY
Medical records require special handling at psychiatric center. You can perform this important task by shredding medical records dated from 1966 to 1979. Volunteer must be 18 years ofage, able to lift 15 pounds, and complete volunteer orientation.
CHILDRENS PROGRAMS
Just an hour or two of your time can help program that supports early childhood programs in Wayne County. The following activities are available on Friday, May 20th to ensure success of their largest fundraiser of the year: set up and take down of tents,collection of tickets, and cooking of 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 SENIORS ACTIVE
Assist with social activities within a Senior Center. Calling bingo and being energized about physical fitness 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 are from 9:30 a.m. The length of time depends on your availability.
CLERICAL ASSISTANCE
Office skills are needed for this position that will free staff for more complex duties. Filing, shredding documents, moving folders, labeling folders, answering phones, preparing bulletin boards, and other tasks will help various non-profits in their missions as they serve the residents of Wayne County. 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.
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 9-2.
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.