SERVICE CORNER The Office of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs 705 S. New Street, Lawrence Center Room 241 610-436-3379 October 13, 2015 “Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help”. ~Heather French Henry~ 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----Halloween Costume Bringing Hope Home Stomps Cancer 5k and Fun Walk Sunday, November 1st Registration at 10:30, Race at noon, Ehinger Gym Bringing Hope Home “provides unexpected amazingness to local families with cancer through financial and emotional support”. All WCU students, families, friends are invited to participate. Register at http://www.runccrs.com/event/wcu-stomps-cancer (Cost before 10/18 - $20, cost after 10/18 - $25) South Campus Garden Opportunity If you enjoy gardening or would like to learn more about it, spend some time volunteering at WCU’s South Campus Garden. Weekly volunteer opportunities are available. There are also opportunities to help with watering the garden at other times. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Garden Intern Jessica McCann at KM833105@wcupa.edu. ----- B. UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES----Fall Blood Drive Dates - Did you know 1 pint of blood can save up to 3 lives? Do your part and donate now or volunteer. The blood drives usually run from 3 – 8 pm. Drives are as follows: 10/13 Brandywine 10/19 Schmidt and Tyson 10/26 Allegheny and Killinger 10/28 Goshen Light the Night Walk 2015 Saturday, October 17th Each year in communities all across the United States individuals come together to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk events and bring help and hope to people battling blood cancers. This particular event takes place in Wayne, PA. Volunteers are vital to the success of this event. Contact Aisling Carroll at aisling.carroll@lls.org or (610) 276-3191 for more information. Jumpstart’s Read for the Record Thursday, October 22nd Jumpstart’s Read for the Record highlights the importance of high-quality education in America by mobilizing millions of children and adults to read a specific book to celebrate literacy. By participating in the largest shared reading experience, people from all walks of life are able share a bonding experience by learning about the importance of high-quality early education and literacy. This year, on Thursday October 22, millions of people will be reading Not Norman: A Goldfish story by Kelly Bennett. If interested in volunteering for this event, please visit http://goo.gl/forms/VgAC78mqvV to complete a registration form. Garnet Valley High School 50th Anniversary/Fundraiser Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th Garnet Valley High School is having a charity event celebrating its 50th anniversary. The event is being held in a huge tent in the Concordville Town Centre located in front of the Home Depot. The address of the event is 101 Byers Dr. Glen Mills, Pa 19342. The alumni event will raise money for college scholarships and other supportive type of things that will enhance the community of Garnet Valley High. Volunteers are needed Friday, October 23rd to help set up the tent the day before as well as break it all down Saturday, October 24th, the evening of the event after hours. Volunteers are also needed to bus the event and assist in keeping the tables clear. Approximately 1,000 people are expected to attend. The attire for the volunteers will be a shirt that is given to them and black pants. For further information please call Dean Sarah Walter at 610-529-6812. October 23 - 12:00 p.m. October 24 - 5:30 p.m. October 24 - 10:30 p.m. 20 volunteers setup 20 volunteers for busing 20 volunteers for breakdown Tree Planting with the Brandywine Conservancy Saturday, October 24, Chadds Ford, PA 9am-12pm Saturday, November 7, Downingtown, PA 9am-12pm Have you ever wanted to help your community out by planting trees? Well here’s your chance! Brandywine Conservancy is hosting two events these upcoming months. Both will be running from 9am to 12pm in your local communities. No experience is required. Children are welcomed to come accompanied by an adult. For more details and registration, please contact mmayer@brandywine.org or call 610-388-8351. YMCA Healthy Halloween Saturday, October 24th This is a free event open to the community that takes place in the evening from 6-8:00 p.m. The West Chester YMCA on Airport Rd. is having a Healthy Halloween event that is free to the community. It's a great time in which volunteers may dress up in costume and the whole building is decorated! The YMCA needs many, many volunteers to make this a successful outreach. We would love to have you involved! Contact Amy Leman-Terrell at (610) 4319622, ext. 2206 to sign up or for more information go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-healthy Light the Night Walk 2015 Saturday, October 24th Each year, communities all across the United States individuals come together to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk events and bring help and hope to people battling blood cancers. This particular event takes place in Philadelphia, PA at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Volunteers are vital to the success of this event. Contact Aisling Carroll at aisling.carroll@lls.org or (610) 276-3191 for more information. Philadelphia Rock ‘N’ Roll Half Marathon, AACR Runners for Research Saturday, October 31st AACR Runners for Research raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Volunteers are needed to help out the AACR Team with this event. The Start and Finish location is Benjamin Franklin Parkway, West of 22nd Street (in front of Eakins Oval). Participants are welcome as well. Go to www.AACRFoundation.org for more information The Hickman Fall Clean Up Saturday, November 7th Come out and help clean up the Hickman on a nice, fall Saturday. The cleanup will take place from 8am to 12pm. Continental breakfast will be provided. If interested, contact Jen Harris at 484-760-6306 or jharris@thehickman.org for more information or to register. Please register by November 2, 2015. The 7th Annual Lemon Run 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Dash Sunday, November 8th This event will be held at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Designed to be a fun family event, a Kids’ Dash precedes the actual race enabling even the youngest of supporters to participate. Last year the Lemon Run had a record number of 2,500 participants and this year the event will reach $1 million raised since its inception. For more information, visit LemonRun.org. If you are interested, registration for both events is open now! Please visit AlexsLemonade.org Xingo hosted by Alpha Xi Delta Thursday, November 12th Come join Alpha Xi Delta for some bingo. On November 12, 2015, this organization will be hosting bingo games for Autism Speaks. Doors open at 7pm. The event will be taking place at 7:30 p.m. in the Sykes Ballrooms. There is a $3 pre-registration fee in Sykes from November 4November 11. If you want to participate and just did not register ahead of time, it will be $5 at the door. Come out and support Autism Speaks! Hanging The Greens Saturday, November 21st Can you believe it’s time to start signing up for this?? This is a very popular event that singles, groups of friends, clubs and you name it go to downtown West Chester to enjoy some camaraderie while decorating the town, hanging pine greens and bows on doors and windows of stores in the downtown area just in time for the winter season. Please visit the Office of ServiceLearning and Volunteer Programs to pick up a volunteer form which we will fax to the Chamber of Commerce for you! -----C. AVAILABLE INTERNSHIPS AND EMPLOYMENT FOR THE COMMON GOOD----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 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. Erik Foundation This newly formed charitable organization based in West Chester is in the process of getting up and running to help at-risk children and families facing hardship. Volunteers or interns are needed that will help research as well as prepare grant proposals and applications. If you are interested in helping or talking about the opportunity, please contact Deborah Brussolo at support@theerikfoundation.org or at (610) 742-3421 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----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. 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 Quest Therapeutic Services, Inc. This volunteer opportunity is perfect for those who love animals. This program is looking for people to act as side walkers and horse leaders to help children with special needs improve function. The daily volunteer service hours available are Mondays and Tuesdays 2:30-7:00 p.m., Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Thursdays 1:30-7:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Please contact their volunteer coordinator by email at volunteers@questtherapeutic.com or call/text 484-678-6047 if interested. YMCA, West Chester Site (Airport Road) Many, many volunteer opportunities at this YMCA and it is so convenient for students! Adapted Swim Lessons: volunteers needed to help with swim lessons for people with disabilities. Swimming experience is helpful, but not necessary. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-adapted Family Fun Time: Every Sunday there are free, fun activities going on at the Y to help keep everyone active. Families can jump in our moon bounces, play family kickball, swim in the pool, and many other fun activities. Volunteers needed to help run the different stations throughout the building. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-family Saturday Night Lights: Every Saturday Night, they Y is open to those in grades 4-12 only, and volunteers are needed to interact with teens in lots of fun activities, like playing games, shooting hoops, and simply being a great role model. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-saturday SNAP (Special Needs Adaptive Programming) Wellness: Volunteers needed to assist with a fitness program that introduces health and wellness to 11-21 year olds with a special need. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-snap Childcare Early Learning Center: Volunteers needed who love children and would like to help with lunch to nap transitions from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Monday through Friday. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-ymca Childwatch Help on Friday Evenings: Come spend time with the children of members in Child Watch! Parents drop their children off while they work out, and Fridays tend to be one of our busiest times. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-child Parents Night Out: Parents get to enjoy a date night or some "me" time while the Y's staff guide children in fun activities like arts and crafts, playground time, moonbounce, swimming, and gym time. Volunteers needed to help facilitate these activities. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-parents Kids Night In: Hosted the first 3 Fridays every month, parents can enjoy a dinner out or a quiet evening at home while their children play at the Y. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-kids Community Volunteers in Medicine CVIM is a healthcare home that monitors the progress of their patients and determines appropriate care plans based on changes in health over time. The following areas that they have volunteer positions open are Health Information Management - flexible hours between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and Mondays are 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and HIV Tester Monday and Thursday afternoons from 12 – 4 p.m. Volunteer positions are also available for Bilingual English/Spanish Speaking at the Front Desk - commitment is a minimum of one 3 hour shift every week or filling in as needed. Shifts are either all morning 8:30-12:30 or 1 – 4 p.m. and the Dental Desk - commitment is a minimum of one 3 hour shift every week or filling in as needed. Shifts are either all morning 8:30-12:30 or 1 – 4 p.m. If you are interested in any of the above positions please contact Marie Frey at mfrey@cvim.org or call 610-836-5990 ext. 106. Girls on the Run (3rd-5th Grade) FALL 2015 COACH APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN! You can make a difference in the life of a girl by being a coach! Volunteer coaches work directly with the 3rd-5th grade girls in the Girls on the Run program by leading the girls through fun and active lessons and preparing them for the non-competitive Girls on the Run 5K event at the end of the season. A few facts as follows: Coaches do not have to be elite runners. Head coaches must be 18, but younger junior coaches are welcome too. The program meets 2 times a week starting September 21 through December 4. The 5K Run will be on Saturday, November 21 at Downingtown West High School. Coaches must attend coach training. Coaches receive all necessary materials and support throughout the program. Teams of coaches encouraged. It’s fun to coach with a friend! If you are interested in learning more about this amazing opportunity, contact Alexa Hart at ahart@ymcagbw.org or call (610) 869-9622 x2514 Coatesville Area Senior Center Whether it be 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 Kennett Senior Center Fall Yard Work – help is needed for one day of team work to put the Senior Center grounds to sleep for winter. Also, a volunteer is needed in late Spring/Summer/Fall for weekly lawn and garden maintenance including mowing. The Senior Center has all gardening tools including push mowers, rakes, clippers, etc. and will buy all supplies including mulch and fuel. To volunteer call Andrea at 610-444-4819. Neighbors in Action Drivers Needed Kennett Senior Center’s Neighbors in Action Program is looking for additional volunteers interested in providing transportation. Volunteers sign-up only for dates/days/times/requests that fit their interests and schedule. Many NIA clients need transportation to medical appointments or to local stores for grocery shopping and errands. We have several new clients in the West Chester Area - volunteers able to provide transportation for those clients are in great demand! For more information call Berta or John at 610-444-4143. 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. Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania Be a volunteer today! The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania are in a need of volunteers. As a volunteer, you will introduce the girls to new experiences that show them they are capable of more than they ever imagined. You’ll serve as their mentor, guide and cheerleader. It only starts with four easy steps. Apply today at girlscouts.org/volunteer. For more information contact Samantha Scott at sscott@gsep.org. Compeer Compeer volunteers are people from all walks of life. They are given opportunities for personal growth and satisfaction by helping others. Being a Compeer volunteer is very easy. Just like any friendship, you are able to pick the hours you are available. The Compeer program aims to change a lonely life with one-to-one supportive friendships with people of the same gender who are recovering from a mental illness. Volunteers spend time with their matched up buddy. If this seems like something you’re interested in, volunteer today! For more information contact your local Compeer program at (610) 436-4445. 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