Volunteer opportunities
By Dennis Hill
Published in News on August 14, 2005 2:05 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.
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.
HELP SENIORS
REGISTER FOR NEW PHARMACY PLAN
(TUESDAY, AUG.16)
You can ensure seniors get the coverage that best suits their needs. They must select from available options by January 2006. Trainingis provided to help you inform them to make the best selection. Hours are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
NEW DATES FOR
DISASTER TRAINING
Hurricanes are already threatening. You can help your friends and neighbors by being prepared. The following classes are free, however, pre-registration is required. Certification in each area can make you a valuable member of Wayne County's volunteer disaster response team. Introduction to Disaster Services: Aug. 18 from 6-10 p.m.; Family Services: Aug. 22-23 from 6-10 p.m.; Mass care: Aug. 25 from 6-10 p.m.; ERV: Ready, Set, Roll: Aug. 27 from 9-3 p.m.
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.
WE'RE JAMMIN'!
You can be part of the action at Center Street Jams 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 5:30pm and ends at 8pm. Anytime you are willing to give is greatly appreciated.
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.
ONGOING
OPPORTUNITIES
LIKE PEOPLE?
Did you know that mean people do not give blood? That has been the experience of Red Cross Blood Collection staff. If you like people and have a pleasant personality you will enjoy greeting blood donors, have them sign-in, or serve them a beverage and snack after their blood is collected. 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 being a greeter, manning the phone to schedule donor appointments, or donating blood. Hours are flexible with many dates from which to choose. You decide how much time you wish to serve. Training is available.
"THERAPAWS"
ANIMAL THERAPY
Visit a small group of psychiatric patients (usually no more than six) in geriatric unit with your pet on Mondays from 1:00 to 2:00 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
ELIVERY
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 Brian 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.
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, data entry, moving folders, labeling folders, answering phones, 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 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.