Volunteer Opportunities

Student Success Center View Volunteer Fair 2007

Search Volunteer Opportunities at http://www.volunteerkalamazoo.org/

The KRESA Young Adult Program is looking for Peer Role Models to help young adult with disabilities learn how to make friends and socialize with other students. We need your help to model appropriate friendship behaviors and to provide feedback to our students about their interactions. Help is especially needed when KRESA students go on outings that they have organized, such as bowling, movies, lunch at restaurants, etc. There would be no cost to you for attending these activities with our class. All classes and activities occur during the normal school day. Here is a great opportunity to gain experience in your field of choice and to actually have a "free lunch". Please contact Karen Irvine at 269-488-4523.

S.A.F.E PLACE:  A Comprehensive Domestic Violence Program in Battle Creek, MI. In November, domestic violence crisis intervention training will prepare you to respond effectively to the crisis hot line and to handle emergencies while working with shelter residents at S.A.F.E PLACE.  Please contact Doreen Harrison at 269-965-6093.  This opportunity to help others will also allow you to enhance your resume and obtain college credit.

Gryphon Place:  (certified by the American Association of Suicidology and the Council on Accreditation) is seeking volunteers to complete an extensive training program.  After training, volunteers refine their skills in real-life crisis situations with experienced staff members monitoring and supervising (minimum 200 hour obligation after passing training). The Basic Crisis Intervention Training focuses on communication skills, suicide assessment and intervention, and crisis management techniques.  This program is an invaluable tool for all individuals in any field of work.  Gryphon Place also offers speakers on topics such as volunteer training, crisis management, suicide prevention/intervention, and communication skills.  If you have any questions, or to request a training application, please call 381-1510 ext-225.

Everyday Heroes Needed:  Heartland Hospice is seeking volunteers to join the team of dedicated healthcare providers.  Volunteer opportunities include:  Friendly Visitor, Office Support, and Special Projects.  Please contact Jan Khabeiry at 800-590-4329.

SouthernCare is a “Special Kind of Caring,” a medical ministry for terminally ill patients and families.  Volunteers at SouthernCare provide joy and support to these patients and families.  If you would truly like to make a difference, please join this most rewarding volunteer program.  Volunteer opportunities include delivering goodie bags, running errands, visiting with the patient, relieving the caregiver, baking cookies, writing/reading, performing office duties, knitting lap blankets, providing snacks, and making new friends.  Please contact Sarah Gould 269-342-9308.

Fourth Reformed Youth Ministry is looking for volunteer student tutors to help with a new children’s after-school program AfterLight. Children will meet after school in Oshtemo on Tuesdays and Thursdays with the time for homework set aside from 4:20 to 5:20 PM. This would be a great opportunity for education and Social Work students to gain some valuable experience. If interested, please contact Aaron Bronsink, Director of Youth Ministries 269-375-5265 for more details.

Domestic Violence Coalition, Inc, Van Buren County:  needs volunteers for Crisis Line workers.  Time is flexible with training provided.  You can provide this service from your home!  Call Deb for more information 1-888-655-9008.

Washington Writers Academy – (K-6 Elementary Magnet School) has a variety of needs in working with children.  Volunteers are needed for mentoring, tutoring, MEAP test preparation, helping students with homework and more.  Please contact Beverly Wilson 337-0770 for more information.  Please let the staff know you are interested in volunteering when you call.

Windsor Estates, an assisted living facility, needs volunteers to assist residents at meal times.  Volunteers are also needed to assist the activity director with day and evening activities.  Must be kind, caring, and compassionate.  Days and times are flexible; training will be provided.  If interested, please contact Carol at 372-6797 extension 17.

Are you good in math and science?  Portage Community Outreach Center needs you. They are looking for volunteers to tutor elementary through high school students. Time commitment is 1-2 hours per week.  Please call for this great opportunity
323-1942.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Kalamazoo is looking for volunteers at least 18 years of age, who can act as positive role models and support persons for children who have been victims of sexual abuse.  You must enjoy working with children and complete 16 hours of training in sexual abuse with our staff of therapists.  Additionally, you must be willing to spend approximately four hours per week with your child for a minimum of one year.  Many of these children have recently disclosed the abuse and are in need of people that have patience and compassion, and are willing to be supportive in their lives.  For information about this and other volunteer opportunities at the Guidance Clinic, please contact Karie Ward at 343-1651 ext. 205.