Volunteer opportunities
By Other
Published in News on September 25, 2005 2:03 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.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
WEEK 2005
The County of Wayne and the City of Goldsboro are partnering once again with United Way of Wayne County and Volunteer Wayne to give you the opportunity to make a difference in your community from October 15-22! Last year, an estimated 1,700 volunteers from businesses, government, churches, civic organizations, government, schools and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base participated in supply drives for the needy or joined "hands on" projects in non-profit organizations. Volunteers were connected to service in 22 agencies with 34 different ways to participate. We were overwhelmed with the caring of our community!
Non-profit agencies can list their projects with Volunteer Wayne/RSVP who will then match volunteers to a project that fits their interest, skill level and availability. Or volunteers can participate in a supply drive for agencies in Wayne County or for survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
Just some ideas to re-supply local and national agency needs: the Salvation Army and the Community Soup Kitchen -- food collection for the hungry. Red Cross - personal hygiene kits for disaster victims. Communities in Schools -- school supplies for disadvantaged students. Merci Warehouse -- flood buckets, baby items, and other personal hygiene items for disaster victims.
Some of the projects to select from: Merci Warehouse -- Man the phones for this disaster recovery center in Wayne County, organize goods received for distribution to disaster centers, data entry to document the tremendous influx and distribution of items for disaster survivors. Red Cross -- Donate blood. Blood supplies are critically low as a result of Katrina. Boys and Girls Clubs -- Paint a floor, help children with homework, or spruce up landscaping to make the area more attractive. The Family Y -- WARM (Wayne Area Role Models) read to children after school. Research funding for grants, foundations or other types of financial support. Donate items for a bake sale on October 20. Put together a party or educational event for the mentors and their mentees. lear a walking trail at the YMCA. Meadow Lane Elementary School -- beautification of school grounds. Meals on Wheels-- Deliver nutritious meals to homebound individuals and check on their well-being. Over the next week more opportunities will be available on the Volunteer Wayne/RSVP website at: volunteersolutions.org/uwwc/volunteer.
ONGOING
OPPORTUNITIES
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 68 community agencies in the local area.
GOT MUSCLES?
Help move books after the library's book sale. Three or four individuals are needed during the hours from 9-5 on Oct. 31.
DELIVER MEALS
The Mount Olive area WAGES Nutrition Program is in need of a few individuals to deliver meals to homebound individuals. In just an hour you can bring meals and earn smiles from appreciative seniors while checking on their well-being. Tuesday and Thursday are both available.
TEEN COURT
This program demonstrates the influence of positive peer pressure and allows young people to realize they can play a meaningful role in reducing crime in their communities whether it be at home or school. Adult and teen volunteers are needed.
BACK TO SCHOOL
You can be a part of the solution! Help our schools prepare students for a successful future. There are many ways you can contribute your time and skills. Assist children in developing reading skills or math. Assist in the office. Times are flexible and positions are throughout schools in Wayne County.
ENGLISH AS A
SECOND LANGUAGE
You do not have to be able to speak another language to help a student learn English. Students need help speaking, writing and listening to a native speaker of English. Positions are available in several schools.
AFTER SCHOOL
Foster a greater chance for children's success later in life. Several opportunities are available. You can assist with one-on-one homework help. Or take part in programs throughout the year, such as: character and leadership development, education and career development, sports and fitness, health and life dkills and the arts. These are ways you can share your expertise and help children develop healthy habits and relationships with adults.
URGENT
Some survivors from last year's Hurricane Charlie are still waiting for safe shelter. You can help complete their homes to ensure they have a safe secure place to live. A few days will make a difference to volunteers already working on 19 homes in the process of completion, and before funds are depleted.
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. You can help 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.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE
Donate blood to replenish supplies depleted by recent disasters. Dates available: Oct. 1, 7, 11 (by appt.), 14, 15, 22, 26-28.
"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
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 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. f 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.
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.
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.
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.