Volunteer Services Agency, Inc., a United Way Agency, is the local resource for volunteer

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

Elementary tutors/mentors: Consider serving as a tutor/teacher’s aide and mentor with one of our community’s after-school programs. Volunteers 55 and older are invited to participate in the learning and socialization process of K-6 pupils while meeting one of the critical needs of our community. Flexible opportunities are available Monday through Friday with various programs in the Youngstown area including Operation Community Learning, Youngstown Super Stars, the YWCA, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters just to name a few. Contact Corrie Adams at (330) 782-5877 for information on this and other opportunities available through our RSVP program.

American Red Cross facilitator: A volunteer facilitator is needed to implement the American Red Cross disaster preparedness curriculum for pupils in grades kindergarten through eight in public and nonpublic schools in the Mahoning County area. The curriculum focuses on instructing pupils how to prepare for and respond to disasters.

Project Purpose RSVP: Project PURPOSE, a project of RSVP of Mahoning and Trumbull counties, is a long-term campaign to connect volunteers age 55 and older with flexible, engaging and meaningful volunteer opportunities in high-impact areas that address critical human needs in our community. Opportunities are available in disaster preparedness, mentoring and tutoring elementary age pupils, food collection and distribution, senior companionship and outreach, and other human needs. Opportunities are flexible and volunteer-directed with measurable community impact. Contact Corrie Adams today at (330) 782-5877 to take the first step toward a fulfilling and meaningful civic life.

Archives assistant: Are you a history buff? Mahoning Valley Historical Society needs your assistance. Many projects are available and can include transcribing historic diaries and documents, data entry of museum donations or organizing new donations and photographs. Computer skills are helpful, but not necessary.

Sunrise Assisted Living: Evening activity assistant needed. Gather your friends for a game of cards. We’ll give you a place to play and even provide refreshments.

Hope House Visitation Center: Compassionate, understanding and empathetic volunteers are needed to assist with children/family custody exchanges, supervision of children, monitoring parent/child visits and light cleaning between visits. Availability during weekdays preferred.

Forum Health: If you have some time and like working with people, Forum Health has many opportunities that will allow you to use your skills, talents and expertise.

Dress for Success, Warren/Youngstown: Opportunity for professionals to share their expertise, knowledge and experience by participating in our Professional Women’s Group training/seminars. Topics of interest include financial literacy, career advancement, work etiquette, balancing work and family, conflict resolution and more.

Second Harvest Foodbank: The food bank is in need of a volunteer or group of volunteers who would be willing to pick up backpacks from Campbell Elementary School.There are two distributions each month but it may increase to four in the future. The volunteer(s) would need to contact the school the Monday after distributions and make arrangements to pick up and return them to Second Harvest. There are150 packs involved.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: If you believe that we can make our community a better place, one day at a time, one person at a time; if you recognize that kind deeds can bring light back into the lives of our elder friends; if you want to find a way to add sunshine to someone’s day; if you would like your congregation or organization to learn more about how it can put its faith into action — call Volunteer Service to Seniors. The Faith in Action program brings volunteers to work together for our elderly friends and neighbors in Mahoning County.

Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown: Volunteers needed to help children with math, phonics, and other homework after school.