HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley, a United Way Agency, is the local resource for volunteer

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 Non-profit Excellence and its main office, 5500 Market St., Suite 106, Boardman. 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 or Trumbull County 330-393-4254 or visit our website at www.HOVN.org

OPPORTUNITIES

Community Meet and Greets: Provide an opportunity for the community to meet with HOVN staff. The sessions are designed to assist prospective volunteers looking for the perfect volunteer opportunity; help current volunteers looking for additional opportunities but need more answers about what is available and how to get connected; and help an organization seeking assistance from volunteers and want to know more about how to access HOVN services. All sessions are in the HOVN offices at 5500 Market St., Boardman, from 3 to 6 p.m. Session days and topics are June 26: How to develop or participate in a Make a Difference Day Project; Aug. 18: Youth Volunteer Corps School Year Projects; Sept. 22: Get Connected to a Make a Difference Day Project; Oct. 27: Holiday Volunteer Opportunities and Martin Luther King Day of Service Projects; Nov. 17: Learn more about being a Tax Assistance Volunteer.

Senior Independence Hospice: Seeks volunteers to provide patient care, office support, run errands, and provide bereavement support. Volunteers are asked to commit a minimum of two hours per month. Trainings and orientation are provided.

Making Kids Count: Seeks a volunteer coordinator with good interpersonal skills and leadership abilities needed to recruit, promote and maintain a group of volunteers and assist during Volunteer Days one to two times per month. Time commitment is four to six hours per month. Making Kids Count focuses on the individual needs of children and their families. It partners with various local nonprofit organizations to serve, support and enrich the lives of those in need.

Cat Ladies Society: Seeks volunteers to care for and groom cats, post Internet ads for cat adoptions or help with clerical duties, fundraising, laundry or cleaning. Training and friendships with like-minded cat rescuers available.

Summer Festival of the Arts: Seeks good-natured special event volunteers to assist artists, performers and the public. Shifts available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 8-9 and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 10. Volunteers get brief orientation, free T-shirt, beverages during shift. Minimum age 14.

RSVP Reading Buddies: RSVP is currently orienting new volunteers to the Reading Buddies program in the Youngstown City Schools for the 2011-2012 school year. Volunteers need to possess patience and understanding as well as commit to regular schedule of working with elementary-age children in helping them develop strong reading and comprehension skills.

Skills, Talents and Experience: If you have these characteristics and are 55 years old or older, we want you for service opportunities working with feeding people, disaster services and training and veterans’ issues. Call or email Marlene Braunlich at 330-782-5877 or mbraunlich@hovn.org

Youth Volunteer Corps Summer of Service: There is still room for a few more youths. Students 13 to 18 can participate in one of up to eight meaningful and rewarding service opportunities in the Mahoning Valley. Adult leaders are also needed for each project to model teamwork and positive behaviors. For more information, call Gretchen at 330-782-5877 or email her at gbrown@hovn.org. Projects scheduled for this year: Mill Creek MetroParks, June 16-17; Habitat for Humanity, June 24; OH WOW! July 14 – 16; disaster preparedness, July 28-29; Mahoning County Sheriff’s Senior Services Program, Aug. 6; Neighborhood Ministries, Aug. 22-24.

Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries Good Guides Youth Mentoring Program: Serve as a positive role model and friend. Build the relationship by planning and participating in activities together. Be willing to share information on your career and explore career options with your mentee(s). Strive for mutual respect.

United Methodist Community Center, Benefit Bank Support Volunteer: Make appointments and serve clients, make phone calls and copies, make sure all clients have signed in. Book Club Support Volunteer: Lead group discussion in the book club, help set up for the book club and break down after wards, make copies and make sure everyone has signed in. Food Distribution Support Volunteer: Pack food bags, assist in food distributions, maintain and clean pantry, do inventory. Special Event Committee Volunteer: Assist the UMCC associate executive director in the planning and execution of special events hosted by UMCC, including venue selection, menu development, decorations, favors, and entertainment.

Canfield Fair: Help a local nonprofit represent its mission by learning more about the organization and taking a shift or two at the Canfield Fair. Call HOVN today and sign up.

Youngstown Police Athletic League: Volunteers needed to assist with coaching baseball, help with setting up concessions, score keeping as well as field cleanup and equipment inventory.

Guardian Angels of Ohio Friend for Life: Create a longstanding friendship with a senior citizen. Develop a personal relationship with their senior match and reach out to them regularly. Provide telephone reassurance, advocate to meet their basic needs, and celebrate life with them.

Someplace Safe Office Help: Assist with various office duties, sorting donations, preparing copies, stuffing newsletters, fundraising and small handyman jobs.

American Red Cross: Learn what it takes to assist fire and flood victims in Trumbull and Mahoning counties with the Red Cross. Training is free. Aquatic instructors: Assist the Red Cross with its aquatic programs that include learn to swim and lifeguard instruction. Receptionist: Answer and direct incoming phone calls at Warren Red Cross office. Days and times are flexible to meet your needs.