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 the main office, 5500 Market St., Suite 110, Boardman. HandsOn is a monthly column that serves to communicate the impact that volunteering can have on the 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 new website at www.HOVN.org

OPPORTUNITIES

National Volunteer Week: This year it is April 15-21. Do you know someone who should be recognized for the volunteer work they do to affect their community? Let us know so we can post it to the media during National Volunteer Week. Be sure to send a picture and contact information so we can let the person know where and when they may be highlighted. Information can be sent to info@hovn.org.

Pinwheels for Prevention: Prevent Child Abuse America’s campaign introduced the pinwheel as the new symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention nationwide. Student volunteers are needed to place pinwheels on the lawn of Akron Children’s Hospital, 6506 Market St., Boardman, on Monday. Contact Gretchen Brown at 330-782-5877 or gbrown@HOVN.org to participate.

Scrappers volunteers: Volunteers are needed to assist local school districts when they go to the Scrappers Day game May 15. Volunteers will be assigned in groups of two or three to assist and must complete a short training session before the game. Call Kristen Gallager at 330-540-0102 or 330-782-5877 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays.

Leadership Youth Explosion: On April 21, 400 students from Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties will gather to empower youths in the area to find a voice and explore ways to develop leadership skills. Volunteers are needed to ensure the participants safety and guide them to workshops and exhibits. Call Gretchen Brown at 330-782-5877 for details and to register.

Tutors: HOVN is developing relationships with additional school systems in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. If you are interested in tutoring children for the 2012-13 school year, contact HOVN. Tutors go through training and screening to ensure the safety of all children.

Access Health Mahoning Valley: Access Health Mahoning Valley connects people to resources. The organization needs a volunteer who has great people skills to provide information and assist in directing people seeking services.

Iron Soup Historical Preservation: Landscape artist and many other opportunities available at this new nonprofit organization that exists to preserve the history of the Youngstown Steel Industry through restoration of the various steel “company homes.” The nonprofit needs skill-based volunteers and volunteers who can lend a general hand.

Oh Wow! “Enthusiastic Exhibit Specialist”: Work with the general public on Oh Wow’s exhibit floor, and help out with school field trips and other groups. Supplies and training provided. Minimum commitment requested: 6 to 10 hours a month.

American Cancer Society: The ACS Road to Recovery Program needs drivers to donate their time to help drive cancer patients to and from their treatments and appointments. Volunteer coordinators help schedule rides for patients. Call HOVN for information.

American Red Cross: Immediate need is for a receptionist in the Warren office. Volunteers needed for the Disaster Action Team. Training is provided, and people can serve in both Mahoning and Trumbull counties. The Red Cross also needs volunteers for public relations and the skills to help follow up to press releases, write press releases, and put together packets of information. Volunteers also needed to serve as health and safety instructors.

Rib burn-off help: Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting the 2012 Mahoning Valley Rib Burn Off on May 18-20. Volunteers will be needed to help keep the park clean, check wristbands, greet guests, provide directions to guests and overall general assistance where needed. Shifts will be approximately 3 1/2 to 5 hours each. Call HOVN for information.

Compass Family Services: Skilled volunteers needed to assist with updating electronic files, updating software and general system cleaning. You would work under the direction of the company’s IT person.

Warren City Schools: Volunteers needed for these opportunities: hallway-traffic monitor at Lincoln K-8 School; lunchtime host/hostess to assist staff in supervising and talking with students during lunch periods and helping students with opening of lunch containers in a two-hour shift three to five days a week; tutoring children by reading to/with them and monitoring learning centers while teacher works with a small group of students and preparing classroom material one to two days a week for two to three hours at a time; library helper to assist the librarian with shelving books, repairing library books and helping students find the right reading-level book one to five days a week in two- to three-hour shifts.

Shepherd of the Valley: Volunteers will help older adults with low vision to play bingo or other games; read mail, books and magazine articles aloud to residents. The time commitment would be a half-hour to an hour a week depending on residents who desire the service. Other opportunities are wellness motivator, who will invite and bring residents to pre-planned exercise classes for both mind and body; volunteers to help residents prepare a snack or small dessert that does not require a stove for cooking or baking with the time commitment of a half-hour to an hour a week.

United Methodist Community Center: Numerous opportunities available for people who want to help youthss, adults and families at the Youngstown and Warren sites. Flexible hours and days.

Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board: Volunteers needed for their 15th annual golf outing June 22 at Avalon South golf course in Howland. Duties include directing golfers, registration and setting up and serving lunch. Volunteers can choose to work between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Minimum age requirement is 18.

Veterans advocate: HandsOn and the Ohio Veterans VISTA Project is looking for volunteers who can commit to guiding veterans through the process of applying for benefits, obtaining DD214, obtaining emergency assistance with food, clothing, housing, counseling and more. Training and mentoring will be provided. Call Richard Whittenberger at 330-941-3314 or email him at richard.whittenberger@gmail.com for information.

RSVP: Are you 55 years of age and better? Your skills, talents and expertise are being sought in several areas, including food security and tutoring Youngstown elementary school students. Call HOVN for information on other opportunities.

Austintown Senior Center: The center is looking for a computer instructor and other volunteers to teach various hobbies and subjects of interest to seniors. Critical needs include someone to teach a beginner computer class or offer help-desk assistance. Looking for a commitment of two classes a week for two hours each and will strive to accommodate your schedule. Contact Marlene Braunlich 330-782-5877.

Lead volunteers: Must be an organized, people person, start with administrative support and move to interviewing and outreach responsibilities. Opportunities available to use your interest in the fields of education/tutoring, disaster preparedness, veterans assistance, food security and Phone Buddy for Seniors programs. Call Marlene at 330-782-5877 or email mbraunlich@hovn.org.

Meals on Wheels/Trumbull Mobile meals: Deliver meals to home-bound seniors. Routes operate throughout Mahoning County: mornings, Monday through Friday. Pick up prepared and packaged food from John Knox Presbyterian Church,1806 Market St., Youngstown and deliver using own car. In Trumbull County, HOVN can connect you with Trumbull Mobile Meals.