Volunteer opportunities

HANDSON

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. It is located at Youngstown State University, second floor of the Williamson School of Business in the Center for Nonprofit Excellence and at 5500 Market St., Suite 106, Boardman. Hands To express interest in one of the opportunities below, contact HOVN at 330-782-5877 or Trumbull County, 330-393-4254 or visit our new website at www.HOVN.org

OPPORTUNITIES

AMERICORPS VISTA: HOVN is now recruiting for Americorps VISTA positions with our Ohio Veterans Project. VISTAs will develop educational opportunities and advocacy programs for veterans and their families as well as a community-based system of support by working closely with multiple agencies serving veterans. The position requires creativity, flexibility and the ability to communicate effectively and be comfortable working with at- risk populations. Some travel in Mahoning and Trumbull counties and public speaking will also be required. For information on how to apply, contact Gretchen Brown at 330-782-5877.

Youth Volunteer Corps: Students 13 to 18 can participate in one or up to eight service opportunities in the Mahoning Valley. Adults leaders are also needed for each project to model teamwork and positive behaviors. For more information, call Gretchen Brown at 330-782-5877. 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; Grow Youngstown, Date TBA.

Community Meet and Greet: 4 to 7 p.m. May 26 at the HOVN Offices, 5500 Market Street, #106, Boardman. Learn about volunteer opportunities, meet potential organizations, and find out how to develop a national day of service project.

Second Harvest Food Bank Warehouse Help: Individuals needed to help in warehouse to load and unload produce for distribution, and pull orders for agencies. Must be able to lift 60 pounds and be willing to work for three or more hours each time. Warehouse Assistant, assist with filling agency orders for food.

Mahoning Valley Historical Society Archives Assistant: 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. Buildings and Grounds Volunteer, assist with seasonal landscaping, maintenance and light repair.

Youngstown YWCA Front Desk Ambassador: Serves as front-desk assistance for customers, donors, community partners, and other volunteers.

Lien Forward and Youngstown City Wide Cleanup Day May 14: Volunteers needed to pick up litter along U.S. Route 422 from the Girard-Youngstown border to the 711 Expressway ramps. We provide work gloves, trash bags and possibly refreshments if we can identify a number of volunteers in advance. On May 14, one of the Brier Hill block watches also will be collecting trash, but on side streets that intersect Route 422.

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. Build self-esteem and motivation. Help set goals and work toward accomplishing them. Be respectful of the mentee’s time, opinions, and decision-making. Serve as a positive role model by modeling desirable behaviors,

United Methodist Community Center: People are needed for these volunteer activities. Benefit bank support: Make appointments and serve clients, make phone calls and copies, make sure all clients have signed in. Book-club support: 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: Pack food bags, assist in food distributions, maintain and clean pantry, do inventory. Special event committee: Assist the associate executive director in the planning and execution of special events hosted by UMCC, including venue selection, menu development, decorations, favors, and entertainment.

Junior Achievement of the Mahoning Valley Hula Bowl For Education: A company or family team bowling fundraising event. Be a part of a four- to five-person team to help JA reach its goal of raising $35,000 to support the economic education programs to 9,000 Valley students this year. The event will be from 6 to 9 p.m. May 17 at Camelot Lanes in Boardman. A volunteer is also needed to assist the JA office staff by delivering kits, confirming JA classes, bulk mailings, taking pictures and other tasks.

The Camelot Center: This is a nonprofit, equine-assisted therapeutic riding program. Its mission is to provide therapeutic riding to physically, mentally or emotionally disabled, learning disabled, minority and/or disadvantaged children and adults. With certified instructors and trained volunteers, the program offers individuals the opportunity to learn horsemanship skills, grooming techniques and basic horse management skills. Volunteer are needed to be sidewalkers, horse leader, scrapbooker, trail cleaning, and barn and grounds maintenance.