By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
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. No commitment is needed to call and explore if this volunteer opportunity fits you. A background check will be conducted.
ADULTS
CARES works to maximize the quality of life for all persons afflicted with HIV. You can improve the quality of life for one specific person when you provide transportation to medical appointments. Clients are from Berrien, Cass and VanBuren counties.Transport drivers volunteer primarily during the daytime and mileage is reimbursed. Volunteers will need to provide a copy of their driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.
There are many ways to give of your time, talents, and treasures. Do you give the United Way? During annual campaign time you may hear about the United Way, but do you understand what that really means? The United Way identifies needs in our local community and then invests your dollars in nonprofit agencies to meet those needs. The United Way is a great way to give your treasure through payroll deduction or a one time contribution. Contact your local United Way for more information.
Do you have a passion for artistic expression? Do you enjoy being surrounded by creative and interesting people? You can get involved even if you yourself are not an artist. The Krasl Art Center brings people and art together in many ways including their annual Hollymarket Oct. 20th – 25th. Volunteers can choose from many fun opportunities. On going volunteer opportunities include being a greeter. Volunteers are especially needed Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Weekends and other times are also available. You can choose once a week or once a month.
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. – 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.
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!
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER blood drives:
Saturday, Oct. 6 – Fernwood Gardens, 13988 Range Line Road, Niles: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org
ADULTS AND YOUTH
Art, music, crisp fall air, and beer must mean it is time for Artoberfest 2007. Sept. 29th from 10 a.m. – 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. Volunteers completing a four hour shift will receive lunch and a souvenir t-shirt. Come join the fun and Artoberfest with us!
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. Intensive training will be provided.
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. If you work part time, are retired, or are a student looking for an internship, volunteering for the Volunteer Center allows you to help all these agencies. Some of your volunteering can be done from home. Contact the Volunteer Center to discuss our many exciting projects with no obligation. The future is today!
FAMILIES
Um the smell of home baked cookies on a fall day. Why not make a double batch with your kids…some for the family and some for the local women's shelter? Safe Shelter provides safety and empowerment to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Everyone appreciates baked goods to munch on at the support group meetings.