By Staff
FAMILIES
“Spring has come, the grass has riz …” Remember that old rhyme. Well, the time has come to get going and do some spring cleaning outdoors. If you and your family would like a day out together, there are myriad organizations that would welcome your green thumbs - or just your rakes! Or check with elderly or infirm neighbors to see if you can assist them with yard work. Get out there and breathe in some of that great spring oxygen!
YOUTH
Have you ever thought about volunteering for the U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY in St. Joseph? You could become a member and become qualified through training if you are 17 years of age or older. Training includes both day and night operations, including Search and Rescue and watchstander/radio operator.
Another opportunity for younger teens aged 13-17 is the Sea Cadet Corps, now being organized. This program assists youth in developing an interest in, and skills in, basic seamanship and its naval adaptations.
Do you enjoy coaching? If so, there are a number of summer sports programs that would welcome your support. Times and days vary, but flexibility is necessary.
ADULTS
RIVERWOOD CENTER offers an opportunity for parents to learn additional parenting skills through a weekly class to be held this summer in Niles. If you would like to be a volunteer child care worker overseeing the children of class participants on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., your time would be welcomed.
THERAPEUTIC EQUESTRIAN CENTER, a new organization on Red Bud Trail in Buchanan, offers therapeutic equestrian riding and activity programs that are dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. If you enjoy the outdoors, whether or not you are familiar with horsemanship, your time would be warmly welcomed to assist with a variety of duties including checking fences, clearing brush, and preparing the facility for horses arriving very soon.
S-O-S of MADISON CENTER is the rape crisis center located in St. Joseph County, Indiana. Volunteer Advocates provide 24-hour crisis intervention in person at area Emergency Departments and on the phone to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. The next training for Volunteer Advocates will begin on Thursday, May 25 from 6-9 p.m. and will continue on consecutive Tuesday and Thursday evenings for six weeks. Interested volunteers must first apply to S-O-S before taking the training.
THE BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS reports that Berrien County residents use more blood products that we donate. Let's change that! The next Blood drive will be coming to your area soon:
Friday, May 12 - Niles YMCA, 315 W. Main St., Niles (Sponsored by AARP), 12:30-6:15 p.m.
Friday, May 12 - Niles High School, 1441 Eagle St., Niles, 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
ADULTS AND YOUTH
There are a number of local nonprofit organizations that are in the process of building their websites, or would like assistance in maintaining their websites. Because we know many teens and adults enjoy that kind of work, and because it can be done offsite, we are offering this volunteer opportunity. If you have a solid knowledge of website design and maintenance and would like to support the work of a local organization, contact the Volunteer Center.
ST. JOSEPH TODAY enhances the image and recognition of the area to assist business and tourism. Volunteer “Secret Shoppers” are invited to participate in conducting a survey to assess business improvement in the downtown area. Volunteers may work on their own schedules. For more information or to get involved, call the Volunteer Center.
To connect with any of these volunteer opportunties, call the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan in Niles at (269) 683-5464.