By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Do you have a passion for artistic expression? Do you enjoy being surrounded by creative and interesting people? St. Joseph is lucky to have two exciting arts organizations where you can get involved even if you yourself are not an artist. Volunteer receptionists at the Box Factory for the Arts and the Krasl Art Center will be trained to greet the public, answer the phone, sell items in the gift shop and complete other duties as required. Volunteers are especially needed Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends and other times are also available. You can choose once a week or once a month.
ADULTS
` Lake Michigan College is calling 100 adults who have an hour a week to help a young person look into the crystal ball and see the future. Benton Harbor High School's Intervention Project will connect freshman with an adult in their field of interest. Meet with a student once a week on either Monday or Friday during business hours. Training and materials to guide your discussion with the student will be provided. It is not difficult to talk to a student about yourself and the "real" world of work. No commitment is needed to call and explore if this volunteer opportunity fits you. People from all types of jobs are sought. A background check will be conducted. Come help a freshman student stay in school and find their Unlimited Potential for Success.
Meals on Wheels is well known for ensuring home bound individuals get a nutritious meal thereby improving their overall health. Niles-Buchanan Meals on Wheels is seeking 16 volunteer drivers to cover various days and routes Monday-Friday 10:45 a.m. to noon deliveries. Volunteers can drive once a month or as often as they like. Volunteers should be reliable and enjoy visiting as they deliver the meals.
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 to 2 hours a week. Tutoring will take place in any public space and at a time agreeable to the adult learner and tutor.
ADULTS AND YOUTH
Art, music, crisp fall air, and beer must mean it is time for Artoberfest 2007, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the Benton Harbor Arts District, The New Territory Arts Association is expecting up to 3,000 visitors.
There are volunteer opportunities for everyone from assisting artists and performers, helping with food and drinks, parking and maintenance, to assisting in the first aid tent.
Are you a youth interested in the court system as a career? Are you an adult wanting to help our youth make better choices? As a Community Restorative Board Member for Berrien County Family Division you can encourage, support and educate youth who are first time offenders.
You will be part of a panel that meets in your neighborhood helping them make amends to society and their victims because of the crime they committed. Volunteers must be of good moral character, be a good role model, mature and responsible and at least 15 years old.
The Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan works hand in hand with over 250 nonprofits in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties to connect volunteers to community needs. The Volunteer Center is implementing a web based interactive site to match volunteers and nonprofit agencies. As the program implementation assistant, you will have access to national training materials and will work with staff and other volunteers. Some volunteering can be done from home.
FAMILIES
National Good Neighbor Day since 1971, the fourth Sunday in September (this year the 23rd) has been dedicated to neighbors helping neighbors and to teaching kids to perform good deeds. So why take your neighbor some cookies, send the kids to mow an elderly neighbor's yard, or watch a young mother's kids so she can catch up or just relax for an hour. How about picking up trash in your neighborhood or inviting a neighbor to dinner?