By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
The data is in … mentoring makes a difference in the life of a child! Mentoring organizations across southwest Michigan want to work together to recruit additional mentors and do collaborative projects. Would you like to be a part of this exciting effort? The Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan has received a grant to host an AmeriCorps VISTA member to do this project. This is a full-time, one-year volunteer opportunity which offers a $10,000 living stipend, over $4,000 in education money, excellent training, and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Volunteers can be anywhere from 17 -110, but may not be students or hold other paid employment. If you are interested in exploring if a year of service is right for you, contact the Volunteer Center.
ADULTS
The Michigan Department of Human Services assists children, families, and vulnerable adults to be safe and self supporting. Volunteers will assist with assorted clerical and office duties including updating materials, filing paperwork, helping to complete applications and taking phone messages. Clerical Aide volunteers should be dependable, write legibly, understand confidentiality and be able to file. Training will be provided.
Polly's Place in Niles provides temporary shelter to battered women and children. Volunteers will assist clients by working in one or more of the following areas: teaching classes in financial management or health and nutrition, providing child care, counseling, assisting as needed in the office, or maintaining facilities. Several trainings will be held in September.
When you reflect on your life and think about who encouraged you while you were in school, on your first job, or as you considered taking a new position, remember that someone who encouraged you to not give up. This unique volunteer opportunity is to be that to another person, to move them forward to success. Think of doing it in honor of the parent or grandparent, teacher, or supervisor that mentored you. As a Literacy Mentor/Tutor for MI Works! you will develop a supportive relationship with one person involved in vocational and adult education. Your commitment should be for at least one year for two hours a week. You will meet with your mentee on a regular basis to support their vocational, educational and employment goals. You will assist them in solving work-related or educational problems that interfere with their success. We all know it is a tough job market out there, but you can make a difference one person at a time.
Nearly 70 percent of people need a blood transfusion in their lifetime, yet only 5 percent of those eligible give blood. Donate lifesaving blood Today!
BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS blood drives:
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER blood drives:
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org
ADULTS AND YOUTH
Are you looking for an excuse to go bowling? You can bowl every Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Blossom Lanes in Benton Harbor and make friends at the same time. Gateway provides therapeutic services and vocational training to support the advancement, hopes and dreams of disabled individuals of all ages. Two bowling volunteers will start the end of September and can enjoy the fun until December or continue through April. You do not have to be a good bowler, just a good sport.
FAMILIES
School is back in session soon! Why not become involved as a family in your local drive to provide school supplies, clothing, or books? YOUTH
Cass County Cancer Services provides cancer patients with equipment and financial assistance. Volunteers can work anywhere in the county by assisting with the delivery of equipment and taking information from patients. They can also assist with fundraisers that make these services possible. Volunteers can work on a regular or an as needed basis. New volunteers are especially important right now to bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm.
Volunteering – the choices are endless – the reasons to are varied. Did you know you can gain valuable skills as a volunteer you can put on a job application? Did you know that scholarship committees look very favorably on volunteering? Did you know that when you volunteer you get back more than you give? Did you know that volunteering can be fun?