HANDS ON Volunteering

HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley, 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. Hands On 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 HOVN at (330) 782-5877.

OPPORTUNITIES:

Second Harvest Food Bank: The Youngstown-based food bank is looking for groups and individuals to help keep donations moving out to the community. Hours for sorting and repacking are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday evenings; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Contact HOVN for details.

Art Outreach Gallery at the Eastwood Mall: Help is needed to clean and prepare walls between art shows. Individuals and groups are welcome to assist, and all supplies and guidance is provided. Weekend hours are available.

Are you In?: Starbucks and HandsOn Network are joining forces to mobilize volunteers to commit to 1 million hours of service by encouraging customers to donate just five hours of their time during 2009. Customers agreeing to participate in this new campaign that will be able to search the HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley’s database of volunteer opportunities via the Starbucks’ Web site. As a HandsOn Affiliate, we are excited to kick off 2009 by participating actively in this endeavor. Potential volunteers will be directed back to our local 1-800 Volunteer.org Web site.

Goodwill Amblyopia Program: Volunteers, working in teams, visit preschools to perform vision screening on 4- and 5-year-olds for “lazy eye” and report any problems to the Amblyopia Program coordinator. Screenings last about two hours, mornings and some afternoons, and intensive training and guidance is provided.

American Red Cross Mahoning Chapter: Volunteer facilitator needed to implement American Red Cross disaster preparedness curriculum for pupils in grades kindergarten through eight in public and nonpublic schools in the Mahoning County area. Volunteers guide pupils in learning steps to prepare for and respond to disasters.

Alliance Community Outreach Program: Assist older adult learners with basic computer operation and setting up and operating e-mail accounts. Flexible schedule. Looking for a volunteer who can set the program up and provide parameters for sustainability. Call HOVN for details and interview.

Guardian Angels of Ohio: Friend for Life volunteers are matched with a senior citizen to create a long-standing friendship. Volunteers are asked to develop a personal relationship with their senior match, and to reach out to them regularly, provide telephone reassurance, advocate meeting their basic needs, and celebrate life with them.

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.

Trumbull Mobile Meals and Mahoning County Meals on Wheels: Sign up today to deliver meals to Mahoning and Trumbull County residents. Meals are delivered between 11 a.m. and noon.

Senior Independence Adult Day Care, Antonine Sisters Adult Day Care and Easter Seals Adult Day Care: Play cards with clients, assist staff with games, parties and activities for clients. Help with setting tables for lunch and clean up after meals, provide companionship and conversation.

Hope House Visitation Center: Volunteers 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: Urgent need for dependable volunteers who can answer the phone, direct patients and visitors with a compassionate understanding of stressful events. Volunteers need to complete an application and interview process before training. This position requires a degree of maturity and ability to think on your feet.

Youngstown YWCA: Volunteers are needed to provide support at the front desk and assist customers, donors, community partners, and other volunteers while they visit the Rayen Avenue facility.