By Staff
Spotlight of the week:
Are you interested in volunteering with Lakeland's new Hospice? Come to orientation training and learn about the different areas where you can volunteer and the important role you will play. Volunteer opportunities are varied in type and location. Arrive at 5 p.m. June 10th at 211 Hilltop Rd. in St. Joseph for the orientation. Potential volunteers should be at least 18 years old. ADULTS
North Berrien Historical Museum in Coloma is creating new educational programs for local children. As part of the education development committee you will participate in brain-storming sessions, as well as, the development and implementation of programming. Youth are also invited to volunteer and create programming they would have enjoyed as kids. How exciting that your perspective and ideas will determine this new programming!
Hospice at Home volunteers can assist those caring for their loved ones at home by providing caregiver support. Visit with a patient at their home while their caregiver runs errands, enjoys time on their own, or just takes a much needed nap. Training is provided and opportunities are available in Buchanan/Niles, St. Joseph and South Haven.
Are you an art lover? Whether you are good with a paint brush, a hammer, a mop or the phone there are many opportunities to support the arts. The Buchanan Art Center, Krasl Art Center, and the Box Factory for the Arts all have many volunteer opportunities some of which are on-going and some of which are for special projects. If you enjoy children and the arts the Benton Harbor Children's Art Fair, Curious Kids Museum, HHUM Summer Exploration Program, Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor, and New Buffalo Community Youth Center would all love to have you volunteer with them.
Who mentored you? Were you lucky enough to have someone in your life who supported and encouraged you? Why not pass it on by becoming a mentor? Children who are mentored have better attendance, grades and attitude. Contact the Volunteer Center to learn about mentoring programs throughout southwest Michigan.
ADULTS AND YOUTH
Pears Mill is a 19th century water powered flour mill located in Buchanan. It is operated and restored by the Buchanan Preservation Society, an all volunteer organization. The mill is open for visitors every Saturday this summer and some Sunday afternoons. Guides take small groups of visitors on a 15 minute tour of the mill, as well as, initiating and controlling the milling operation. New guides will be trained and paired with an experienced guide their first time on duty.
Berrien County Youth Fair builds the character of the community by developing the character of our youth. Your family can be involved during the annual youth fair in August volunteering at the ticket gate or keeping an eye on exhibits as a building watcher. Volunteers are needed all summer for lawn care including mowing and pulling weeds.
YOUTH
Emergency Shelter provides temporary housing for families and single parents with children and helps them find permanent homes. Become a member of their clean sweep fan club when you help sort and organize donated items. Bring a friend, turn on the radio and make it a party. If you prefer the outdoors bring your green thumb and work in the yard with residents mowing and planting.
FAMILIES
Festivals, Festivals, Festivals! Every week there is a festival going on in southwest Michigan. Volunteering as a family is a great way to meet people and connect with your community. Serve food, sell tickets and t-shirts, park cars, run a booth … the possibilities are endless.