Volunteer Connection Service Bulletin: March 18, 2005
A bi-weekly newsletter of local service opportunities (also see the bulletin
archives)
March 18, 2005 ~ Spring #5
This bulletin lists information about one-time and on-going service opportunities, special events, and nonprofit agencies to help you get involved in the community! If you're a SCSU student, staff, or faculty member interested in volunteering but aren't sure which agency might be a good fit, contact the Volunteer Connection staff. Please drop by Atwood 139, call, or email us (contact info and instructions for [un]subscribing are listed at the end of the bulletin.)
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer Connection
Volunteer Connection is currently accepting applications for two positions in our office.
Our Graduate Assistant position is open for the upcoming 2005-2006 school year. The duties of this position include special event planning of volunteer fairs, Alternative Spring Break Service Trips, Neighborhood Cleanups, Into the Streets, and the Rich Murray Volunteer Service Scholarship. As well, the graduate assistant will be responsible for maintaining relationships with area non-profits, representing the Volunteer Connection office in classroom presentations, and serving as a resource for students. Students receive an $8200 stipend and a waiver of up to 6 credits of graduate study paid per semester. Screening of applicants will begin on April 1, 2005, and continue until the position is filled.
If you are interested, please download an application at www.stcloudstate.edu/volunteer or email lcmerrill@stcloudstate.edu for more information.
Volunteer Connection is also currently accepting applications for their Service-Learning Coordinator/AmeriCorps member, who will serve from September 2005 through July 2006.
The Service-Learning Coordinator assists SCSU faculty with the integration of academic service-learning into their teaching. The Service-Learning Coordinator educates the campus about service-learning, assists faculty with their service-learning courses, develops collaborations, serves as a liaison between faculty and local non-profit agencies, and supports the Volunteer Connection office as a campus resource center for service-learning. This position is through the AmeriCorps program. Applicants must be 17 years or older, United States Citizens/National/Legal Permanent Resident, and be in the process of obtaining/have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent. Desired skills include a strong commitment to service and the experience of service learning, leadership experience, ability to develop and coordinate a comprehensive service-learning program, and bachelor's degree (required). AmeriCorps members receive a $10,600 living allowance and are eligible for a $4725 educational award once they have completed their term of service.
If interested, visit www.stcloudstate.edu/americorps to apply. If you have specific questions about the Service-Learning Coordinator position, please contact Laura or Eveily at lcmerrill@stcloudstate.edu or elfreeman@stcloudstate.edu. For more information on AmeriCorps, please contact Jennifer Rausch, AmeriCorps Program Director, at 320-308-3058 or email americorps@stcloudstate.edu.
National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week is April 18-22, 2005. A celebration is taking place Thursday, April 21st from 4-7pm at the Paramount Arts Center. All community volunteers are invited for refreshments, door prizes and a performance of the GREAT Theatre Children's production of Grease!
If you would like more information, please contact Laura Merrill at 308-5693 or email lcmerrill@stcloudstate.edu.
Faith in Families
Faith in Families is an initiative that partners with a variety of faith communities to recruit and support teams of volunteers. Volunteers are needed to serve on the Steering Committee, an advisory council for Faith in Families. The committee will meet every other month on the 1st Tuesday from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Volunteers are also needed to be a mentor team member. As a member of the mentor team, volunteers will establish a supportive mentoring relationship with one family. The mentor team's goal is to support this family in their transition from public assistance to self-sufficiency. Orientation and training provided. Volunteers must be over 18 years old and agree to a background check.
To find out more, contact Cathy Peterson at (320) 251-0207.
United Way 2-1-1
United Way 2-1-1, formerly First Call for Help, is a telephone information and referral service. The goal is to help residents locate services that can best address their needs. Volunteers will assist callers by providing active listening, identifying needs, discussing options and referring to appropriate community programs. Other activities may include updating the database to ensure accurate information is being provided and assembling publications. Volunteers are needed to help answer calls between 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Hours vary, and this is a weekly volunteer commitment. The minimum age requirement is 18 years. Orientation and training will be provided. Volunteers should have excellent oral and written communication skills, and need to maintain confidentiality.
To find out more, contact Tonya at (320) 252-0227.
Annandale Health and Community Services
Annandale Health and Community Services provide quality care and services to seniors in the community. The residents enjoy planting flowers starting early in the spring for their garden boxes outside of the Care Center. A volunteer is needed to assist other trained garden volunteers. The Garden Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. the last Wednesday of March, every other Wednesday in April and every Wednesday starting in May. If you have a green thumb and would be interested in making the lives of the residents bloom, this is the opportunity for you.
For further information, contact Nita Cherry at (320) 274-2591.
St. Cloud Crisis Nursery
The St. Cloud Area Crisis Nursery is in need of volunteers to counsel and support families in crisis situations. They are seeking volunteers who are friendly, personable, professional, and able to work under stressful situations. The volunteer will be responsible for answering an on-call cell phone from their home between the hours of 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and on weekends. The volunteer determines their availability around their own schedule. The volunteer will attend 2-hour orientation training at the crisis nursery office or at his/her home. The volunteers come together every-other month for 2-hour training and are given the opportunity to share their stories and experiences. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in a child's life and help strengthen families in our community.
If interested, please contact Carol Otremba at (320) 654-1090.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters mission is to serve children by providing one-to-one professionally supported mentoring relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters is in need of some items for their Bel Claire Homework Club. These items include a computer monitor, two sets of computer speakers, some art supplies and a foosball table.
To donate, contact Jennifer Walker (320) 253-1616.
St. Cloud Hospital
The St. Cloud Hospital is looking for volunteers to help with several needs..
- The Home Care office staff needs volunteers to help with various clerical duties. The position offers flexible hours between 8-5, Monday-Friday. The Home Care office is located on 29th and Division- near Panera.
- The Gift Gallery looking for volunteers to assist customers in finding items to purchase in a friendly and positive manner & keep the gift space neat and stocked with items.
- Volunteers are needed to assist office staff with filing, paperwork, copying, and other office duties. Previous office experience is preferred.
- Tour guides are needed to guide new employees and volunteers through the building and make them feel welcome at the St. Cloud Hospital. These tours are generally done on Mondays.
- The Medical Information department at the CentraCare Health Plaza needs volunteers to sort loose filing.
If you are interested in any of these positions, please contact the Volunteer Office at (320) 255-5638.
Faith in Action
St. Cloud Area Faith in Action, a non-denominational, faith-based volunteer program provides services to older adults and people with disabilities to help them remain safely independent in their own homes or apartments. Volunteers are needed to provide the following services: transportation to medical appointments or social engagements, grocery shopping, and running errands. These can be daytime or evening hours. Volunteers are also needed to help with laundry, vacuuming, mopping floors and cleaning bathrooms. Other volunteer opportunities include friendly visiting or providing respite for caregivers. Faith in Action volunteers are asked to provide 2 - 4 hours a week and are assigned, in most cases, to one or two individuals with whom they work exclusively.
For more information, please call Cherise at (320) 258-8678.
Sheriff's Youth Program
The mission of Sheriffs Youth Programs is to foster and promote services to children and families to enhance positive growth and development. Volunteers are needed to come to the group home once a week and provide non-denominational spiritual guidance to the adolescents that live in the home. Volunteers are also needed to be adolescent youth counselors. Youth counselors spend one-on-one time with clients and assist with various tasks within the group home. Volunteers have to fill out an application packet and complete a background check. All are encouraged to apply.
To learn more, contact Joseph Schramel at (320) 259-6764.
Reach-Up, Inc.
Reach-Up Inc. strengthens and supports families in an environment of trust and respect through comprehensive services and partnerships with families, staff and communities. Volunteers are needed to assist teachers in the classroom to provide a safe, healthy, nurturing and educational environment for the children who are 3-5 years old. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. If you enjoy working with children, this is the opportunity for you.
To learn more, contact Suzy Amundson (320) 253-8110.
Country Manor
The mission of Country Manor is to enrich the quality of life for the individuals and families they serve. Volunteers are needed to escort female residents to the beauty shop located in the facility to have their hair cut, permed or set. Most appointments are on Tuesday or Thursday mornings between the hours of 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. Volunteers are also needed to help out in the Cobblestone Eatery on Wednesday afternoons for a 2-4 hour shift. Responsibilities include serving beverages and prepared food to customers, handling the cash register, and keeping the area clean and neat. These are great opportunities for someone who is friendly, outgoing, and likes to meet new people!
To find out more, contact Darla Dittus at (320) 253-1920.
American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society organizes many Relay for Life events throughout Central Minnesota to raise awareness and funding. Committee members and team captains are needed prior to the event to help with planning. Volunteers are also needed on the day of the event. Relays for Life occur in June in the following communities: Benton County (Foley), Cold Spring, Kimball, Paynesville, Sauk Centre, and St. Cloud.
For more information, contact Amanda Raiche (320) 229-7789.
Senior Law Project
The Senior Law Project of St. Cloud Area Legal Services is looking for a creative person to volunteer their time and talent to design a brochure and poster explaining their services. They are a nonprofit organization that helps senior citizens 60 years of age and older with legal issues at no cost. They cover a seven county area including the counties of Benton, Morrison, Todd, Sherburne, Stearns, Wadena, and Wright.
If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please call Pam Manthei at (320) 253-0121 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.The Service Bulletin is brought to you by Volunteer Connection, located in 139 Atwood Memorial Center on the St. Cloud State University campus.
2004-2005 Volunteer Connection Staff:
Laura Merrill, Interim Coordinator, 308-5693
lcmerrill@stcloudstate.edu
Maren Greathouse, Graduate Assistant, 308-3058
greatm01@stcloudstate.edu
Eveily Freeman, AmeriCorps member, Service-Learning Coordinator, 308-3898
elfreeman@stcloudstate.edu
Additional volunteer information is available from:
- Volunteer Central MN is a service of the United Way of Central Minnesota that instantly links you to volunteer opportunities that match your interest, skills, and schedule, visit www.unitedwayhelps.org.
- Z-Club, a SCSU student organization that promotes service opportunities, has weekly meetings Wednesday’s at 4:00pm in the Lady’s Slipper Room in Atwood. For more information look at their web site www.geocities.com/zclubscsu/home.html or email zclubscsu@hotmail.com.
- Volunteer Connection website has info about special events, non-profit agencies, and archives of all past Service Bulletins: www.stcloudstate.edu/volunteer.
Bulletin Information
Please note that recipients of this newsletter may not post messages to the entire group. If you have comments or an item you'd like included in future newsletters, please email the information to the moderator at volunteer@stcloudstate.edu.
Feel free to forward this newsletter to others at St. Cloud State University and encourage them to sign up to receive the newsletter directly.
Anyone can SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE online by following the instructions on the Volunteer Connection website at http://www.stcloudstate.edu/volunteer/bulletins/archives.asp.
