By Staff
YOUTH
THE BERRIEN COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION's 1839 Courthouse Museum welcomes volunteer maintenance and groundskeeper support on weekdays during the summer months.
If you like working outdoors and are available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any weekday, this would be a great way to get in community service hours during the summer.
Duties would include repairs, painting, yard work or other related tasks as they arose. In addition, gift shop and information desk support also welcomes support from teen volunteers on Tuesdays through Fridays for a few hours.
ADULTS
SAFE SHELTER in Benton Harbor provides safety and empowerment to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. A 24-hour crisis line is staffed by volunteer resident advocates over 4-hour shifts beginning with 8 a.m.-noon on any day of the week.
Training will be provided on how to provide information; how to respond to crisis calls; and how to update resident progress notes. For more information, call the Volunteer Center.
EMERGENCY SHELTER SERVICES in Benton Harbor provides temporary housing for families and single parents with children while assisting them in finding a permanent home. The shelter welcomes the support of maintenance volunteers who could work one half-day a week or more to maintain the facility on Pipestone. To connect, call the Volunteer Center.
VENETIAN FESTIVAL is just around the corner in mid-July. There are scores of volunteer opportunities for those who would like to get involved. Some choices include helping with: beach events; bluff entertainment; classic car show; craft show; information central; kids' games; photography; and many other opportunities. If you would like to get involved, connect by calling the Volunteer Center.
BENTON HARBOR CHILDRENS' ART FAIR is scheduled for Saturday, July 9th, in the Territorial Rd. Arts District of Benton Harbor.
If you can allow just three hours to support this event, your time will be appreciated. Duties include set-up from 8-11 a.m.; assisting artists; and encouraging interaction of children attending. To connect, call the Volunteer Center.
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS, BERRIEN COUNTY and CASS COUNTY chapters, reports that residents utilize more blood products than are collected. Here's your chance to change that! Participate in a blood drive in your area.
Tues., June 21 – Orchard Mall, Benton Harbor – 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
Sat., June 25 – Berrien County Fairgrounds, Berrien Springs – 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
Thurs., June 30 – Cook Nuclear Plant, Bridgman – 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Thurs., June 30 – 1st Presbyterian Church, S. 4th St., Niles – noon-5:45 p.m.
ADULTS AND YOUTH
PARENTS AS TEACHERS, a part of GREAT START works with families to ensure that children are competent, self-assured and ready for school. Volunteers aged 16 and older are invited to participate in the summer program which will work with a small group of children to teach gardening techniques.
The program will be held on June 13th and 14th in Benton Harbor, and children will take home plants in pots at the end of the session. To connect, call the Volunteer Center.
CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES runs a Respite Summer Camp for children with special needs at a local park during three one-week sessions between July 11th and Aug. 12th. If you can volunteer to help foster the development of these children, your help would be welcome.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday during the weeks mentioned. If you can work one week or a few days over the entire period, please call the Volunteer Center to connect.
FAMILIES
FRIENDS OF OAK RIDGE CEMETERY in Buchanan welcomes individuals and families interested in history and its preservation. Volunteers will be working at the cemetery on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month now through October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you would like to assist in cleaning. Leveling and repairing tombstones at the cemetery, your help would be welcome. To connect, call the Volunteer Center.
DISCOVER STEVENSVILLE on June 24-25 is an annual event not to be missed!
There is lots of fun for the entire family - as well as volunteer opportunities. If you and your family would enjoy participating as volunteers, you can face paint, help with the dunk tank - as well as lots of other opportunities. To connect, call the Volunteer Center.
To connect, call the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan, Niles and St. Joseph, at (269) 683-5464.