HELPING HANDS Volunteering

Volunteer Services Agency, Inc., a United Way Agency, is the local resource for volunteer recruitment, placement, and management for people of all ages and abilities in the Mahoning Valley. Helping Hands is a monthly column that serves to communicate the impact that volunteering can have on our community. To express interest in one of the opportunities below, contact VSA at (330) 782-5877, or visit www.volunteerservicesagency.org. and click on the blue button for 1-800-Volunteer.org.

SHORT-TERM OPPORTUNITIES:

Martin Luther King Day: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sought to forge the common ground on which people from all walks of life could join together to address important community issues. On Jan. 21, millions of Americans across the country will once again honor his legacy by taking part in a wide range of service projects: conducting food drives, painting schools and community centers, recruiting mentors for needy youth, and bringing meals to homebound neighbors, to name a few. In recognition of the 40th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination, the Corporation for National and Community Service in 2008 is also pleased to join with other organizations in supporting a new initiative, “40 Days of Nonviolence: Building the Beloved Community.” Under this initiative, the King Day of Service will kick off 40 days during which families, schools, faith communities and other organizations will plan service projects and educational activities promoting Dr. King’s message of nonviolence and social justice. If you would like to participate in service activities Jan. 21 or would like assistance planning an activity, please contact Corrie Adams at Volunteer Services Agency Inc.

Vita Tax Volunteers: Are you looking for a unique way to give back to the community? Consider being a volunteer at free tax preparation sites in Mahoning County during the upcoming tax season. This tax season you can bring thousands of dollars into the homes of working Mahoning County families. As a volunteer tax preparer you will be part of a tremendous effort that brings million of dollars each year into the homes of low-income families and the Mahoning County economy. This income boost helps families afford winter coats, pay utility bills and even save for homeownership. Training sessions will be held on the following dates and times: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 19; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 26.

January is National Mentoring Month: It will mark its seventh year in 2008. By focusing national attention on the need for mentors as well as how each of us as individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofits can work together to increase the number of mentors, we can assure brighter futures for our young people. If you would like to learn more about the numerous volunteer mentoring opportunities in the Mahoning Valley, call VSA!

Someplace Safe: Do you have a couple of hours you can share? Need a great winter activity? How about gathering five to 10 of your friends or family and help Someplace Safe with office work, sorting donations, preparing copies, stuffing newsletters, fundraising and small handyman jobs!

Trumbull Mobile Meals: Not afraid to drive in the snow? Have a four-wheel drive vehicle? People need your help to receive hot, nutritious meals! Delivery routes are in your neighborhood, and this opportunity requires only that you have a willingness to deliver meals to their doors and provide a daily smile! Call VSA if you’re available and can help.

American Red Cross Blood Services: Assist the Red Cross by registering potential blood donors and serving refreshments to donors after they have given blood.

LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITIES:

VISTA Volunteer: Committed citizens, recent college graduates, retirees, and Veteran AmeriCorps & AmeriCorps VISTA members, expand your horizons, help others help themselves, gain real-world experience, build your résumé, pay for college by becoming a VISTA Volunteer. Strengthen and expand disaster preparedness and response capabilities focusing on low-income and special-needs populations through Ohio Citizen Corps. Benefits include: living allowance, health insurance, education award to apply to tuition or student loans, relocation allowance and child-care benefits.

Youngstown Hearing and Speech: Assist deaf youth coordinator with Deaf Youth Learning and Enrichment Club. Assist with recreational activities, field trips and general club activities.

Project Blueprint: Project Blueprint is a comprehensive training designed to assist people who have never served on a nonprofit board and those who would like to enhance their skill level. Participants complete the six-session training, and tuition is $100. Corporations, nonprofit organizations, communities of faith and interested persons from the community are encouraged to recommend applicants and assume the cost for tuition. The sessions are 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays Jan. 26, Feb. 9, 23, March 8, 29 and April 12. All sessions will be held in the Gathering Room at the Park Vista Retirement Community. Topics include: Nonprofit Governance, Teamwork, Strategic Planning, Marketing and Human Resources issues. Graduation will be held April 14 at the All Community Volunteer Recognition, which kicks off National Volunteer Week.