By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
The New Buffalo Community Youth Center is a new gathering place for youth. Studies show that the hours directly after school are when unsupervised teens are most likely to participate in risky behaviors and to become victims of violent crimes. The Center's vision is to serve the community by offering a safe environment for children to go after school to complete their homework and have fun. They also provide a family friendly recreational facility.
The Center has been decorated a fun island theme and the doors have officially been opened. As a volunteer you can provide homework assistance, answer calls and oversee the center during business hours (3 to 6 p.m.). The Center even has a ping pong table and games if you think you are ready for the challenge. All volunteers must pass a background check and should expect to do some paperwork. Let a teen know you care.
ADULTS
The Veteran's Administration and the Disabled Veterans Transportation Network are seeking a roster of drivers for Tuesday and Thursday trips to the veteran's hospital in Battle Creek. Drivers should be willing to leave at 6 a.m. and be gone all day. You need to be insurable, pass a physical and T.B. test, and attend a training.You should also feel comfortable with winter driving on back roads in the van provided. If you would like to help out, but are not available for Battle Creek, the Niles Senior Center also has opportunities to drive veterans and other seniors to doctors appointment locally Monday to Friday at various times.
Clowning around, being a drama queen, painting the town red, singing the blues … all elements for the last 10 years of Buchanan's summer series for children: "Stop, Lunch, and Listen." You can be the program director! 2007 funding for the series is already set so you will book the programs March – April. June – August you must be available midday Thursdays to assist performers with setting-up, greeting the crowds and basically having fun. As volunteer program director, you must be well organized, timely, have good communication skills, enjoy young children and have a sense of humor. The previous coordinator is available to assist.
Are you seeking a truly unique volunteer opportunity with significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children? Foster Care Review Boards consist of citizen volunteers from all walks of life who are trained by the Michigan Supreme Court to review the cases of children in foster care for reasons of abuse and/or neglect. Volunteer board member terms are for three years. Training will be held on April 19 to 20 in Lansing. The local Board serving Berrien and Cass counties meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. alternating between Cass and Berrien locations.
Sarett Nature Center in Benton Harbor provides high quality environmental education for all ages in our community. Volunteers are used in all aspects of operations and can contribute in many ways depending on their interests and skills.
ADULTS AND YOUTH
The United States Adult Soccer Association is coming to St. Joseph/Benton Harbor June 15 to 17. This exciting event is usually held in the big cities, but this year is bringing over 1,000 players from 50 teams to play on our fields and beaches. You can choose from a long list of volunteer opportunities including being part of a welcoming committee, serving refreshments, and selling souvenir t-shirts.
FAMILIES
Cancer has touched most families and your children can help by raising funds for cancer research through the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Start planning now to participate at summer events in Niles and Berrien Springs. Contact the Volunteer Center to connect.
YOUTH
You can show you care by organizing your student group to head up "Walk for Warmth", a one mile walk-a-thon or a "Bowl for Warmth" to aid those who are homeless or those who need assistance with heating bills. There are many agencies that could partner with you including the Berrien County Housing Resource Network. Contact Pat Leonard, youth volunteer coordinator at the Volunteer Center for help in organizing your event.
To connect with any of these volunteer opportunities, call the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan in Niles at (269) 683-5464.