SERVICE
CORNER
The Office of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs
705 S. New Street, Lawrence Center
Room 241
610-436-3379
December 2, 2015
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to
improve the world.
~Anne Frank~
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.
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
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----Christmas Parade in Downtown West Chester
Friday, December 4th
Get on the “nice” list and help in the parade this Friday!! Parade Marshalls are needed! These
groups will help maintain the crowds during the parade. They will be responsible for keeping
people out of the streets as the parade goes by. Marshalls will need to be on hand from about
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Balloon Handlers are also needed! About 25 people are needed to pull
two balloons around the parade route. Handlers will need to be on hand from about 5:45 p.m. –
9:30 p.m. Contact Bethany Kopp at (610) 696-4046
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.
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.
Decorating for the Friends Association Fundraiser
Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th
Help transform the local country club into a magical winter wonderland just in time for Friends
Association largest fundraiser. Volunteers are needed to hang decorations, and create
centerpieces. An artistic eye would be helpful but not necessary. Friday’s help is needed from
3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday’s help is need from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Call (610) 4313598, ext. 204 for more information. Please pre-register here.
Gift Wrapping and Sorting for Friends Association
Tuesday, December 8th through Thursday, December 10th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Be a part of some holiday spirit and spend some time sorting and wrapping gifts for local
families experiencing homelessness. Call (610) 431-3598, ext. 204 for more information. Please
pre-register here.
Angel Tree at the YMCA
Saturday, December 12th
Angel Tree is an event in which members of the YMCA buy presents for nearly 1000 needy
children in the community. Helpers are needed to check in gifts and others are also needed to
take them outside to a storage truck. The alternative drop off day is Sunday, December
13th. Please go the following link or contact me directly to sign up
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-angel
Friends Association Client Holiday Party
Sunday, December 13th, 12:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Join SS Simon and Jude Church in celebrating the holidays with Friends Association’s
clients. Volunteers are needed to serve food, facilitate games, create crafts and interact with the
families. This is a great opportunity for volunteers to work together as a group of family! Call
(610) 431-3598, ext. 204 for more information. Please pre-register here.
Pictures with Santa
Sunday, December 13th
Volunteers are needed to help with children’s crafts, making reindeer food, operating a moon
bounce, etc. with the Greater Brandywine YMCA. Since this is a one-time event, you do not
need to complete an online application or provide your security clearances. Go to the following
link to sign up. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-pictures
Angel Tree at the YMCA
Sunday, December 13th
Angel Tree is an event in which members of the YMCA buy presents for nearly 1000 needy
children in the community. Helpers are needed to check in gifts and others are also needed to
take them outside to a storage truck. The alternative drop off day is Saturday, December
12th. Please go the following link to sign up. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6angel
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----ATTENTION DECEMBER GRADUATES!! There are a limited number of Mid-Year
positions available to serve as an AmeriCorps member with City Year, starting between
December and January. A Mid-Year position is a 6-month commitment with the opportunity to
apply for a Full Year Senior AmeriCorps member position for the 2016-2017 service year. MidYear City Year AmeriCorps members receive all of the same benefits as a Full Year corps
member, including $2,865 education award (for members who complete 900 hours of
service)*, eligibility for additional scholarships at leading colleges and graduate schools, biweekly living stipend, health insurance, student loan forbearance, networking sessions and
professional development and leadership development training. City Year locations currently
accepting Mid-Year applications include but are not limited to Baton Rouge, Detroit,
Jacksonville, New York, San Antonio, Washington DC. Positions will fill quickly, so if
interested, please contact Dawn Lastowka at dlastowka@cityyear.org or (267) 540-3296 as soon
as possible.
Nursing Work/Housing Opportunity for three Nursing or Pre-Med students. Residence is
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 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
Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
705 S. New Street
Lawrence Center, Room 241
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-3379 | JReindl@wcupa.edu
www.wcupa.edu/volunteer