Hovn
Hovn
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 located at Youngstown State University, second floor of the Williamson School of Business in the Center for Nonprofit Excellence and our main office, 5500 Market St., Suite 106, Boardman. HandsOn 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 or Trumbull County 330-393-4254 or visit the website at www.HOVN.org
OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Volunteers are needed for 2011 income-tax season. VITA volunteers provide free tax-return preparation to eligible taxpayers. As a VITA volunteer, you will receive all the necessary training and certification from the IRS and then help provide a much-needed service to families and seniors in the Mahoning Valley. To learn more, attend one of the open house/orientation sessions or call HOVN to sign up at 330-782-5877. Orientation is from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 13 at Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partnership, 101 E. Federal St., Suite 200, Youngstown.
Habitat for Humanity, Wheelchair Access Ramps: Five teams of volunteers will build wheelchair ramps at five homes in Mahoning County. All materials will be provided by Habitat for Humanity. In addition to willing volunteers, each team needs an experienced leader to read plans and oversee the project. If you have carpentry or building skills and are willing to lead a team of volunteers, let us know. All volunteers must be 16 or older.
A Call to Action: A Call to Action is a statewide initiative of the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives that seeks to expand the capacity of faith-based organizations to reduce poverty in Ohio. The HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley Center for Nonprofit Innovation and Leadership is leading A Call to Action in Northeast Ohio. The center is recruiting and engaging the faith-based, nonprofit and business communities around several good works programs. We seek a volunteer committed to social progress with communication and computer skills to assist program staff in planning and implementing outreach events as well as follow-up communication and data entry. Volunteers must be older than 18 and willing to serve on an as-needed basis, about five to 10 hours per month, preferably until June 2011. Call Kristy Boyles at 330-782-5877 for more information.
Holiday and general event volunteers: HOVN is developing a list of people who can be called upon to help with events. If you are interested, call 330-782-5877, and ask to be put on the event call list.
HandsOn Volunteer Award Committee: Each year, Hands-On Volunteer Network hosts a community volunteer awards celebration. We are looking for talented and engaged volunteers to assist us in the planning and implementation of the awards celebration. Call 330-782-5877, or e-mail at info@HOVN.org.
Reading Buddies: We are seeking volunteers who want to be part of an innovative new tutoring program in the Youngstown city schools. Reading Buddies spend one-on-one time with students in first, second and third grade helping them improve reading and comprehension skills. Reading Buddies work flexible schedules during the school day at Kirkmere, Paul C. Bunn, McGuffey, Williamson or Taft Elementary schools. Contact Marlene at 330-782-5877 or mbraunlich@HOVN.org for more information.
Operation Learning Community: Volunteers 16 and older are wanted to serve as tutors for elementary-age students from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. You must fill out an application, go through orientation and submit to a background check.
Goodwill Industries: Goodwill Amblyopia Screening Volunteers, working in teams, visit preschools to perform vision screening on 4- and 5-year-olds and report any problems to the amblyopia program coordinator.
Senior Independence Adult Services: Have a good time with clients and assist staff with various aspects of client care including walking clients to and from the bus, assisting with meal times, games and crafts.
Simple ways to volunteer: As the holidays approach, many organizations have giving trees, angel trees, secret Santas or ways to donate clothing and toys for those most in need. A simple way to volunteer is to pick one of those tags or organizations and purchase needed items that will then be donated to an individual or family for the holidays.