By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Can you imagine struggling to read this column or not being able to read at all? The Community Partnership for Lifelong Learning is working to improve community systems that impact learning and workforce competitiveness. In conjunction with Western Michigan University they are offering tutoring for adults learning to read. Volunteers will receive 12 hours of training and should be willing to tutor an adult 1 – 2 hours a week. Tutoring will take place in any public space and at a time agreeable to the adult learner and tutor.
ADULTS
Do you love to garden? Berrien County Michigan State University Extension and Fernwood in Niles are offering the Michigan Master Gardner Program training starting mid September. Master Gardeners are a unique group of volunteers trained to provide an effective network of gardening programs and activities to enhance their communities. There is a fee for the class and to earn certification you must complete 40 hours of volunteer work within a year. To maintain certification you must volunteer a minimum of 15 hours a year and complete 5 hours of educational classes. This is a great opportunity to make our world a more beautiful place.
Would you like to be involved on a regular basis with an energetic arts organization? The Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph has openings for volunteer receptionists seven days a week from either 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 to 4 p.m. You could choose once a week or once a month. Volunteers will be trained to greet the public, answer the phone, sell items in the gift shop and complete other duties as required.
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 $4000 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.
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. Contact the Volunteer Center to connect.
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. Contact the Volunteer Center to connect.
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER blood drives:
Tuesday, Sept. 11- Lake Michigan College – Bertrand Campus, 1905 Foundation Dr. Niles: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Receive a special t-shirt when donating in honor of September 11th
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. Contact the Volunteer Center to connect.
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.