Volunteer opportunities
By Other
Published in News on January 22, 2006 2:02 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.
JANUARY IS NATIONAL
MENTORING MONTH
National Mentoring Month is a time to focus national attention on the need for youth mentoring. And who better to lead the charge than two of the nation's top leaders, President George W. Bush and former President Bill Clinton. President Bush issued a proclamation designating January as National Mentoring Month 2006. In the proclamation he called upon "the people of the United States to recognize the importance of mentoring, to look for opportunities to serve as mentors in their communities, and to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs."
"The longer you live, the more your obligations to the future grow," Clinton said. "In the latter stages of your life, you want to carve out some time to give the gifts you have received from others to people who are younger than you."
Do you remember a special person who guided you? Then you know the difference a role model can make in a young person's life. Consider spending a small amount of time with a child. You and the child will decide activities according to your availability and mutual interests. The time commitment varies from 1 to 2 hours a week, according to the different programs in Wayne County. Training will be provided. Mentoring has proven to be a successful prevention and intervention for at risk youth.
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.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
LOVE OF THE ARTS
Helping hands are needed to assist with Love Notes: A Concert to Benefit the Paramount Theater Reconstruction Project on Valentine's Day. You can join businesses and individuals who are all volunteering their time to make this event a success. Volunteers are needed for all production aspects. To learn how you can be part of preserving our beloved theater, call for more details.
MAKING MEMORIES
Have fun while helping create a special evening on Jan. 28 from 7-9 p.m. for girls of all ages. This Father/Daughter or Favorite Guy Dance is open to all girls. Many activities are available to choose from: refreshments, decorations, door prizes, to name a few. This event will benefit one of Wayne County's mentoring programs.
HELP HOME
CONSTRUCTION EFFORT
There is room for everyone to help with this program that builds homes for eligible low-income homeowners. Hours are flexible. Some of the positions available: warehousing manager, volunteer management, construction (all levels of skills are needed), and thrift store organizing and/or sales. Plans are developing for workdays for special groups: Tuesday, churches; Thursdays, businesses; and Wednesday, women. Call now to select your day!
MEAL PROGRAM
NEEDS YOU!
You can be an important part of the nutrition program for the elderly in Wayne County. Various positions are available to include packing containers, washing dishes, cleaning returned containers, and restocking shelves. Several church groups or civic organizations could really make a difference by sponsoring a few hours one day each month.
ONGOING
OPPORTUNITIES
INFORMATION
SYSTEMS ASSISTANT
This opportunity is available Monday-Friday anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Information Systems Department of our local psychiatric center desires someone to help clean up approximately 100 old computers so they can be put on state surplus. The hard drives must be cleared which involves starting each computer to a diskette that will wipe free of data. Job requires the individual to be at least 14 years of age, complete volunteer orientation, have the ability to follow directions, and have the patience to accomplish the task, which takes 20 minutes per computer.
PATIENT LIBRARY ASSISTANT
One individual can help in the patient library at a psychiatric facility. Assistance is needed two days a week from 1-4 p.m. You can lend a hand cataloging books by bar code into the computer, returning books, videos, and CDs to their proper location, checking out materials to patients and staff, and maintaining library so that books, magazines, and newspapers are kept orderly. Must complete volunteer orientation, be over 18, and be able to interact with psychiatric patients.
ENJOY READING?
This is the perfect opportunity for you! Volunteers deliver books and discuss them with homebound Wayne County residents. Volunteers will be required to drive their own vehicles but individual delivery routes will be confined to a small geographic area. Hours are flexible.
IN-HOME HOSPICE
DIRECT CARE
Volunteers provide assistance in the home of terminally ill patients and their families. Assist by providing companionship, comfort, and emotional or spiritual support. olunteer may read, write letters, run errands, or do some shopping for the family. Requires 2-hour minimum commitment per week, flexible hours. Minimum age is 16 with own transportation.
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 is 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 Skills, and the Arts. These are ways you can share your expertise and help children develop healthy habits and relationships with adults.
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 depleted by the extensive recent disasters and holiday season. 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.
BALLOON BRIGADE
The Balloon Brigade delivers a special birthday wish to terminally ill patients at hospice center and to in-home hospice patients in Wayne County. With assistance from the Volunteer Coordinator, the Volunteer Organizer will be responsible for assisting with recruitment of volunteer teams, donations, and scheduling. Minimum age: 16 with own transportation. Hours vary and can be flexible to fit your schedule.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE
Donate blood to replenish supplies depleted by recent disasters.
"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 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.
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.
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.