Volunteer Center opportunities
By Other
Published in News on June 19, 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.
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 area.
URGENT
While we enjoy our summer, survivors from Hurricane Isabel are still waiting for safe shelter. You can help complete their homes before the threat of hurricanes this fall. A few days will make a difference to volunteers already working on 19 homes in the process of completion, and before funds are depleted.
SUMMER FUN
Old-fashioned fun on July 9-10. Volunteers will assist with activities from days gone by at this living history location. Just some of the activities include: watermelon eating and spitting contest, music, games, square dancing, Dutch oven cook-off, and a "rabbit rodeo."
WANT TO PLAY?
Summer program can use you. All you have to do is be willing to play and have fun with children. You can make a difference in the life of a child, Monday through Friday morning or afternoon. Just a few hours will be appreciated!
GROUNDSKEEPER
Love the outdoors? As little or as much time as you have Wednesday through Saturday would be appreciated. Help this historical village present a step into the past for visitors.
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
AND GREET VISITORS
Several agencies can use some assistance answering phones, greeting visitors, and other various activities. You may register volunteers, serve them food and drinks, or organize photos into a scrapbook to document the agency's history.
SHORT TERM AND
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
HOSPICE VOLUNTEER
TRAINING
Two training sessions to prepare you for assisting with terminally ill patients. Saturday, June 25 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. -- Meal Delivery Training, 1-5 p.m. Administrative and Direct Patient care Training. Saturday July 9 from 1-5 p.m. -- Part II Direct Patient Care Training.
WINGS CAMP
Help children cope with grief from the loss of a significant loved one. Thirty special volunteers are needed for this 3-day camp with recreational programming led by trained counselors. Children are encouraged to express themselves through arts and crafts and other activities. You can make a BIG difference in just a few days. Training will be held July 31 from 2-5 p.m. in Goldsboro. Camp dates are August 5-7 at the Woodmen of the World Camp, Dover.
FUN-DRAISING
The Center Street Jams have started! 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. Throughout the summer, enjoy the Jams, our downtown Goldsboro event where people hang out and enjoy live music. Each event starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. Anytime you are willing to give is greatly appreciated.
"THERAPAWS"
ANIMAL THERAPY
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 (or more) 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 as patients depend on you to deliver their meals. If you say yes to this opportunity, you 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 civic 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 each other. If you are a student in a health care program, studying gerontology, or considering a career in the health care field, you will benefit 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 must have a desire to help others with a very caring and compassionate heart. Volunteers who can assist with one or more of the program aspects will be trained in the specific avenue/service of the shelter program, including food preparation, clean up, and shelter upkeep. There is also a great need for volunteers to help with the monitoring of the shelter throughout the night. To better serve residents there must be continual on duty personnel - trained to respond to the many different needs of our residents. The shelter is open every day 24 hours a day.
HELP YOUTH
THROUGH SPORTS
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! 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 11:00 to 11:30, or enable a senior citizen who has volunteered for years to get to her volunteer work at the hospital.
ONGOING
OPPORTUNITIES
GIVE GIFT OF LIFE
Blood supplies are low. Collections decrease in summer when summer travel creates more of a need. You can help Wayne
County maintain an adequate supply of blood by donating blood or you can help by manning the phone to schedule donor appointments.
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 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 "on the ground" 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.