SERVICE CORNER The Office of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs 705 S. New Street, Lawrence Center Room 241 610-436-3379 November 24, 2015 “HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!” Have a safe and relaxing break. In this edition, you will find new updates on the following: A. Special Announcements B. Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities C. Available Internships and Employment for the Common Good D. Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities -----A. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS----The Outstanding Public Service Award If you are a faculty member, staff member, student, or a community partner, please consider nominating an individual for the WCU Outstanding Public Service Award. Recipients receive a certificate and a $500 scholarship through the West Chester University Foundation. The scholarship is awarded each semester, totaling two scholarships per academic year. Applications can be found on OrgSync at https://orgsync.com/34350/forms/165342 or you can download the form attached to this email. Applications are due by December 1, 2015. Play 4 Kay Raffle Baskets The WCU Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams need baskets to raffle off during the Play 4 Kay games to raise funds for the Kay Yow Foundation and raise awareness about breast cancer. If you or your organization is interested in donating a basket of goodies, please email Jamie Williams at jwilliams3@wcupa.edu. MLK Day of Service Mark your calendars for the 2016 MLK Day of Service on Thursday, January 21st. We will be having two shifts to make no-sew blankets for community agencies in need. To register yourself or your organization for this event, go to http://tinyurl.com/WCUMLKDay. For Additional information, contact Jessica McCoppin at JM784759@wcupa.edu. Math Tutors Needed at Henderson High School Young Men and Women in Charge Foundation (https://ymicfoundation.org) is seeking several math tutors for high school students struggling with Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. Volunteers will meet with 3-6 students at Henderson High School on Tuesday nights. The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, math tutors will work with kids from 8:15-9:00 pm; and the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, they will meet from 6:00-8:00 pm. If you are unable to attend during those times, tutors are welcome to use Skype instead of tutoring in person. The YMWIC Foundation aims to support and expose youth to STEM education, specifically young men and women who are economically disadvantaged or underrepresented within the STEM fields. To become a math tutor, please contact Tanya Baxter at Tbaxter@ymwicfoundation.org. 19th Annual Bear Fair, Month of November - This teddy bear drive harnesses the generosity and efforts of the West Chester community in order to bring joy and comfort to youth living in shelters, children in hospitals, and kids in need of presents during the holiday season. Clubs and organizations can get involved by collecting for one of many community agencies. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Jessica McCoppin at JM784759@wcupa.edu. Harriet Beecher Stowe Student Prize for Excellence in Writing to Advance Social Justice Entries due January 15, 2016 The Student Stowe Prize recognizes outstanding writing by United States high school and college students that motivates positive action for social justice. The prize recognizes writing that is making a tangible impact on a social justice issue critical to contemporary society. Issues may include, but are not limited to: race, class, and gender. Entries must have been published or publicly presented. The winners will be announced in March and be featured at a program and award ceremony in Hartford Connecticut and have their work published on the Stowe Center website. The college student winner will also receive $2,500. If you have any questions, please email StudentStowePrize@stowecenter.org Giving Tuesday Tuesday, December 1st 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Community and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Sykes 115 WCU and Cheyney University team up to give back to the community through service. If you would like to serve out in the community on “Giving Tuesday”, register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J9HWL3J. For additional information, contact Jamie Williams at JWilliams3@wcupa.edu or 610.436.3379. The Giving Tree Event Wednesday, December 2nd This event will take place in Goshen Hall from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Are you interested in helping those less fortunate or “adopting” a child this holiday season? Simply by purchasing a gift or two from their wish list, you can help! Donations go to the Kindred House. Volunteers are also needed for many different tasks to make this a complete success for these children. If you want to decorate, wrap gifts and get sponsors, see the following times: 11/29 4-8p.m., 11/30 4-8 p.m., 12/1 4-8p.m. and 12/2 - TBD (based off of last minute needs) All gifts will need to be brought to Goshen Hall by November 24, 2015 by 5 p.m. Please reach out to your RA or Mr. Justin Brown at jbrown@wcupa.edu ----- B. UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES----Domestic Violence Center of Chester County Now until the project is complete Volunteer some of your time once or on a regular basis to assist the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County prepare for their annual appeal and annual report. They need a lot of help with stuffing envelopes, putting on labels, postage, etc.. If you are able to help, please contact Terry Moody at projectvolunteer@dvccc.com. Link to Aging & Disability Resources One Wednesday in November or Early December APPRISE is seeking an American Sign Language Translator a deaf resident of Chester County for a one-time event. The resident desires to receive Medicare insurance counseling. The event would take place on a Wednesday from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Phoenixville Public Library. Contact Elizabeth Doan at (484) 364-6981 or at buckschestermontgomerylink@aim.com for more information or to volunteer. Holiday Bazaar at the Hickman Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th Volunteers are needed to help set up and for this special annual event Thursday, December 3rd and clean up on Saturday, December 5th. If you or your club or organization can help, please contact Jen Harris at volunteers@thehickman.org or (484) 760-6306. Hickman’s 12 days of Christmas Countdown Beginning Monday, December 14th Every day at The Hickman there will be an exciting event/activity such as caroling, a cookie exchange, a gingerbread house contest, holiday shopping, photos with Santa, and creating holiday cards and ornaments, just to name a few. If you are available to volunteer during any of the above dates please contact Jen Harris at the new email address volunteers@thehickman.org or 484-760-6306. Jingle Fest- Dog Friendly Holiday Bazaar & Festival to benefit families battling cancer Saturday, December 12th Volunteers are needed from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. to help this event be a success. This is a big winter fundraiser located at Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. Many vendors come that set up tables and provide holiday shopping for the adults and there are tons of kid’s activities. Help is needed in many areas including Registration, Gift Wrapping, Face Painting, Prize Spin Wheel, Holiday Craft, Manage line to visit with Santa, Manage line to pet the pony, just to name a few! Event information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/560861174066152/ or at www.horsepowerforlife.org -----C. AVAILABLE INTERNSHIPS AND EMPLOYMENT FOR THE COMMON GOOD----NursingWork/Housing Opportunity for three Nursing or Pre-Med students. Located between main and south campus. In exchange for live in care of 90 year old elderly man; preparing food, commode assistance/ help with wheel chair etc., receive free rent. For additional information and specifics contact Joe Lafferty (610) 742-6900 or email at JLafferty4@gmail.com UPTOWN! Entertainment Alliance is a non-profit organization promoting cultural, economic, and civic life experiences in our community through live theater, music, dance, film and other local events in the heart of West Chester, Pennsylvania’s historic district is looking for a student who can develop, expand and improve the organization’s mobile app. They need help with developing new and innovative ways to use the app for marketing the Alliance, for fundraising, and to insure that the Alliance is taking full advantage of all that a mobile app can do. It would be helpful if the student could explain how to use the app to staff and board members and to offer ideas for different ways they could use it given their unique positions within the Alliance. Be a part of helping preserve a part of local history!! Skills: Tech savvy, marketing and communication skills. Start date: as soon as student is able to begin. Contact: Susan Argentieri, Liaison, WCU Center for Community Solutions, 610-425-7431 communitysolutions@wcupa.edu The Hickman, Temporary Volunteer Coordinator Position is available Friends Senior Community of West Chester is looking for a volunteer coordinator who will assist with a variety of tasks including email correspondence, scheduling, while working closely with the Community Life Department. This position is ideal for someone wanting to make a difference in the lives of residents at the Hickman. This position will begin in early December and will last until the beginning of April. It will require about 5-10 hours per week. If interested please contact Jen Harris at 484-760-6306 or jharris@thehickman.org Crossroads Hospice, Plymouth Meeting, PA Crossroads Hospice is a dignified approach to providing care to patients and families dealing with a life limiting illness. They affirm life and focus on the comfort and support of the patient during the final stages of life. They strive to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of both the patient and family. Currently, Crossroads is need of interns that could help families who live in the area in which you reside or go to school. The minimum age to volunteer is 16. A minimum commitment is requested; 1 – 2 hours a month and on up to what you can give. They offer a training program that will provide the volunteer with a certificate. The Melton Center The Melton Center is currently seeking a student intern/volunteer to help manage the community center’s financial records. Any student interested in this opportunity can contact Ken Winston at (610) 692-9290 or kennethwinston1@comcast.net. This would be a perfect fit for a business or accounting major! The Hickman, Human Resources Volunteer Requested The HR Volunteer will assist with a variety of tasks including system development and data entry/analysis for training and new programs. This position is ideal for a student interested in a career in Health Care Administration, Data Analysis/Research or Human Resources. 2 hours per week requirement. Please contact Jen Harris 484-760-6306 or jharris@thehickman.org if you're interested. -----D. ONGOING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES----Stepping Stones Clubhouse, a psychiatric rehabilitation program in Coatesville, Pa is in need of volunteers to provide educational services to their members. Many of the members need to improve basic math and reading skills to increase their prospects for employment and continuing education. For more information contact Barry Pollard at (610)384-6058. Safe Harbor is in need of Volunteers! Safe Harbor is a non-profit organization that provides food, shelter, and help to homeless men and women. Each weekday, approximately 35-40 people are given meals. With this in mind, there is a lot of background work that goes on to help provide to the people in need. Volunteers are needed in all areas. As a volunteer, you have a variety of options. One can be a lunchtime volunteer, dinner server, dinner provider, shelter volunteer, Sunday morning volunteer, and Sunday Breakfast volunteer. All volunteers must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult. No more than three volunteers per shift. If interested and would like some more information contact Safe Harbor at 610-692-6550 or www.safeharborofgwc.org Westside Community Center Volunteer opportunities for an After-School Program Mondays through Thursdays from 3-5:30 p.m., which includes tutoring and playing games with students. Also a Skate Park (skateboarders) is open on Tuesdays from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and could definitely use a few volunteers for the Skate Spot (helping setup, grilling food). For more information, contact Shane Daniels at westsidecentershane@gmail.com Coatesville Kids to College Calling all education majors (or those who enjoy working with kids)! This is an opportunity to give children of the Coatesville area a friend, a mentor, and someone to be with them in a variety of after school programs. The three options are: Bright Beginnings Pre-K: 1:00-3:00 PM, Monday-Thursday I-Rise Elementary After-School Program: 4-5 PM, Monday-Thursday Head Strong Middle School After-School Program: 3-4, Monday-Thursday Please note that the minimum requirement is 1 hr. one day a week to participate in this program. To find out which program is best suited for you, please contact Keith Wilburn at Keith@coatesvillekidstocollege.org or call 610-716-6999. Coatesville Area Senior Center Whether it is an hour or two, a day of the week, specific event help, or help with a special project, your time is greatly appreciated. There are many volunteer opportunities available at this center including kitchen help, game leader, clerical, arts and crafts, fundraising and much more! For more information or to sign up, contact Kim Skinner at (610) 383-6900 or kim@coatesvilleseniorcenter.org Downingtown Area Senior Center Volunteers are needed to assist with daily food serving and cleanup at the center, food pickup and delivery, and many worthwhile programs, which will enrich the lives of members of the community. For more information or to sign up, please contact Janice Tehie, Volunteer Coordinator, at 610-269-3939.