HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley

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 110, 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 www.HOVN.org!

OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Income Tax Preparation: Assist Valley taxpayers by providing free federal and state tax return preparation. Shifts available at a site near you. Valid ID, training and certification test required; training course will be in January. Accounting/financial background useful but not required. Call Marlene at 330-782-5877 for more information or drop by Nov. 17 between 3 and 6 p.m. for the meet-and-greet session.

Food Pantry Clerk: Big Reach Center of Hope in Greenford. Walk with a family and assist as they choose their groceries, be familiar with limits and quantities for certain items. Must be mobile and literate, friendly, helpful and compassionate. Will train with experienced volunteer. Shifts: Tuesday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday 4 to 8 p.m. Volunteer shifts can vary.

Food Pantry Sorters and Stockers: Big Reach Center of Hope in Greenford. Sort donated product, stock pantry shelves before distribution days. May include lifting (light to heavy), and sitting. Shifts available: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. These times can vary depending upon volunteer’s schedule.

Food Pantry Driver: Big Reach Center of Hope in Greenford. May include some heavy lifting, assisting in loading and unloading vehicle. Must have clean, current driver’s license, ability to drive cargo van or box truck. Time commitment varies, depending upon locations.

“Memories of Christmas Past”: The annual holiday exhibit at the Arms Family Museum, presented by the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. Volunteers are needed to serve as “room hosts.” Room hosts guard the artifacts on display, answer visitors’ questions, give directions, etc.

College students: Youngstown State University or surrounding colleges and university students who have course requirements for service can call 330-782-5877 or email YSUHands-On@HOVN.org.

First Night Youngstown: Volunteers typically work a three-hour shift, and serve as admission button checkers and greeters, bus greeters, venue site inspectors, sellers of admission buttons, and more. The event is from 4:30 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31.

Eastern Ohio P-16 Partnership for Education Mentors: Leading Forward is a mentorship program designed to transform the lives of students as they prepare for college life. Five mentors are needed to support students in achieving academic success and preparing them for the transition from high school to college. Volunteers must possess a college degree and be available two hours per week Saturdays from September through May.

HOVN Ambassador: HOVN Ambassadors are responsible for meeting and greeting guests, answering phone calls, assisting prospective volunteers with information, support staff with occasional clerical needs.

RSVP Reading Project: RSVP is 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 schoolchildren in helping them develop strong reading and comprehension skills. Contact Marlene Braunlich at 330-782-5877 or mbraunlich@hovn.org.

Neighborhood Ministries Opportunities, van drivers and assistants: Drivers must be 21 and have a clean driving record and valid license. Assistants need to be at least 18. Both will submit to background checks. Campbell and West Side locations, after school hours. Tutors are needed to help children in grades K-8 with reading and math skills and homework. Mondays, after school hours, at the Dogwood Lane location. Must be at least 16. Volunteers 18 and older with basic knowledge of computers and printers are needed to assist children and youths with the computer for homework and other assignments/general access at our Dogwood Lane location after school hours.

After-school homework helpers and after-school tutors: Provide tutoring to children struggling with math, science or reading. Assist with computer simulations and study habits. Shifts available are: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekends are optional. Must be 18 or older and pass a background check and drug screen.

Veterans Administration Van Driver: Drive Veterans in VA van from VA Clinic, Belmont Ave., Youngstown, to and from VA Hospital in Cleveland. Stop at rest stop for short break midway en route. A clean, valid drivers’ license and a sense of humor are required. Van and gas provided.

HOVN Lead Volunteer Training: 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 17 or Nov. 19. Volunteer must be an organized, people person, start with administrative support and move to interviewing and outreach responsibilities. Create high-impact, well-managed programs and projects that help use volunteers and generate measurable outcomes for organizations and communities. Nonprofit and for-profit employees and community volunteers are encouraged to take the training. Contact HOVN for more details.

Youth Volunteer Corps Holiday Opportunities: For more information or to sign up for any projects, call Gretchen at 330-782-5877.

Youth Volunteer Corps Holiday project: Organized by YVC Leader Jaime Hughes, the “Youngstown Children & Canine Gift Drive” is now collecting nonperishable food Items, clothing, baby items, household items, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, new or gently used toys and games, new or gently used dog items and dog food. YVC volunteers will gift wrap the collected items, and they will be given to six local families in need. The dog supplies will be distributed among local animal rescues. The deadline for donations is Dec. 16, and items can be dropped off at the HandsOn offices, 5500 Market St., Suite 110, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call Gretchen at 330-782-5877.

The Camelot Center Therapeutic Riding Program, Southington: Assist staff and clients by grooming and/or walking horses, performing stable- duties or helping with lessons and more. After-school and weekend hours are available, and training is provided.

Youngstown Police Athletic League: After-school tutors needed to provide help to children struggling with math, science or reading. Assist with computer simulations and study habits. Hours: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, weekends 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is optional. Must be 18 or older and pass a background check and drug screen.