By Staff
ADULTS
BERRIEN COUNTY TRAIL COURT, PROBATE DIVISION welcomes volunteers who are veterans who would like to provide support to other veterans in protecting their financial assets. The assignment involves reviewing the receipts and expenditures of a legally incapacitated veteran's disability benefits and other income. An ability to understand basic accounting principles is preferred, and an interest in protecting the interests of the veteran is crucial.
THE YWCA OF BERRIEN COUNTY seeks to empower women and eliminate racism. The YWCA provides a Clothing Closet for low-income women who need, but cannot afford, business clothing for their workplace. The Closet would welcome the support of a coordinator who could work on Mondays from 10 a.m.-noon and/or Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. Organizational skills are critical for this position as is a supportive attitude.
THE VOLUNTEER CENTER maintains a Boardbank, both for nonprofits seeking qualified board members and for volunteers seeking board of directors' experience. Presently, there are a number of organizations (Humane Society of Southwest Michigan, for one) from throughout Berrien County looking for board member candidates.
CITIZENS FOR PROGRESSIVE CHANGE provides progress through partnerships in the community. Volunteers interested in contributing to the revitalization of Benton Harbor by facilitating these partnerships are welcomed at CPC on weekday mornings from 9-1 p.m. Volunteer if you would like to participate by answering telephones and supporting other staff.
ADULTS AND YOUTH
THE JAMMIN' SCIENCE AND ARTS CIRCUS will be held on Friday, July 22 from 1-4 p.m. outside the Salvation Army building in Benton Harbor. Teen and adult volunteers are encouraged to assist with set-up, monitoring activities and clean-up.
LAKELAND HOSPITAL- NILES is welcoming volunteers to assist in the Dream Catcher Gift Shop. Volunteers would help individuals, families and employees find wonderful gifts. Money made in the shop is turned back into buying necessary equipment for the hospital. Volunteers are needed Sunday through Saturday, evenings and some days. A TB test is required and training is provided on the job. Teens must be at least 16 years old and willing to make a long term commitment.
FAMILIES
Are you and the family into the midsummer doldrums? Too hot to play outside? Why not clean out some closets, the attic or the basement and see what you can donate to local shelters or to thrift shops? Old board games that are intact can be a real gift to a family who doesn't have any. Use your imagination - recycle for a good cause.
YOUTH
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS Berrien County Chapter is dependent on the goodwill of volunteers. They rely on volunteers to teach classes, respond to emergencies and staff everything from the Chapter telephones to help with monthly mailings.
THE YOUTH DOMAIN of the Council for World Class Communities meets regularly to give youth a voice in the community. The group is discussing a Youth Leadership Institute project. This Youth Leadership Institute would train youth to be leaders in their communities. Come and join in the discussion.
CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES is having three Respite Summer Camps for special needs children/youth this week and July 25-29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. These first 2 camps are for younger children. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. The 2nd camp is: Aug. 8-12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This camp is for older youth so volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Volunteers will have to go through training, get a TB test, and agree to a background check for criminal history and central registry.
Connect for these opportunities by calling the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan Niles and St. Joseph, at (269) 683-5464.