HANDSON

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 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. To express interest in one of the opportunities below, contact HOVN at 330-782-5877 or 330-393-4254 (Trumbull County), or visit www.HOVN.org.

OPPORTUNITIES

Mahoning County Financial Stability Partnership VITA: Volunteers In Tax Assistance HOVN, in partnership with the Mahoning County Financial Stability Partnership, needs your help this tax season. As a VITA volunteer, you will help low- to moderate-income families complete their 2011 federal and state tax returns. No experience is necessary, and IRS-certified training is provided. You can schedule your shifts around your schedule, and sites include local nonprofit organizations and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system. Classes start Jan. 7. In addition to volunteer taxSFlbpreparers, opportunities are available for greeters and interpreters (students taking Spanish can volunteer). Key Responsibilities: Attending new and/or refresher tax-law training, and obtaining necessary certification; conducting interview with clients to determine all income, deductions and allowable credits; preparing returns using electronic-filing computer software (whenever possible); maintaining confidentiality of all client information; ensuring on-site quality review is performed on completed tax returns before returning to the client. For information or to sign up to begin training, email Marlene Braunlich at mbraunlich@HOVN.org or info@HOVN.org, or call the HOVN offices at 330-782-5877 and leave a message at extension 103.

Martin Luther King Day of Service: Honor the traditions and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by joining HandsOn Volunteer Network and a host of community partners in supporting WriteOn, a campaign to replenish needed school supplies for schools and social- service agencies serving children from low- to moderate-income families. Donations of new pens, paper, pencils, glue, crayons, notebooks and other craft supplies are sought. For more details, contact Kristen Gallagher at kgallagher@HOVN.org or 330-540-0102.

American Cancer Society: Cancer patients need your help to get to treatment. The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program needs volunteers to drive cancer patients in our community to and from their treatment appointments.

Multiple Sclerosis Services Agency: Located in Canfield, this social-service agency needs volunteers who can assist with answering the phone, provide clerical skills and be able to commit to a weekly schedule of volunteering. Compassion, patience and understanding are key attributes when considering this opportunity. Training is provided, and computer skills are appreciated.

Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation Opportunities: YNDC is looking for volunteers to assist in block projects, house-boarding events and other special neighborhood projects in Youngstown. There are one to two events each month to choose from. YNDC also is seeking lead volunteer event coordinators to assist staff with setup, execution and cleanup of neighborhood workdays and special events. If you have good organizational skills, are an effective communicator, and have reliable transportation, YNDC can use your talent.

Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry: Volunteer driver/deliverer of donated bread every Friday morning for 1 Ω to 3 hours. Arrive at the Canfield Giant Eagle between 8 and 9 a.m. Load personal vehicle with donated bread and baked goods from the back delivering area of the store. Drive bread to Casa Madre and help bring in what is needed. Deliver the balance of the items to Homeless Solutions in Youngstown. Requirements are a clean driving record, proof of insurance, own a dependable vehicle, and a friendly and positive demeanor; a cellphone would be beneficial.

HandsOn Award Committee: Join other community leaders in planning and implementing an event that honors the work of local volunteers while bringing awareness to the need to continue to support an ethic of giving back without expectation. Call 330-782-5877 or email info@HOVN.org.

Helping Other Women: Help pick up donated items. Must be able to help lift up to 200 pounds, such as appliances, couches and other furniture, and be comfortable in all sections of Youngstown. Sort through donations and organize warehouse. Volunteers must be courteous and respectful, and treat clients with dignity. Volunteers also are needed to write thank-you letters and provide organization skills to projects.

GenerationOn 7th Annual Soup & Crackers: Join HOVN’s youth volunteers, GenerationOn, in collecting cans of soup, peanut butter and crackers for low-income seniors in our area. On Feb. 20, President’s Day, we will gather to assemble packages of these items and then deliver them to senior citizens living in low-income housing. Call Gretchen at HOVN (330-540-0102) for more information.

Nonprofit Board Service: HOVN has had several organizations looking for new board members. Contact us at info@HOVN.org. There is an interview process that has several steps and takes about three hours spread over one to two weeks. Training is available and may be reimbursed by the organization of placement.

LEAD Volunteers: Many of our nonprofit partners are looking for experienced volunteers to implement programs on a regular basis. LEAD Volunteers take charge and see the project through from start to finish. They work under the direction of the director or program director of an agency and function much like a staff person. This opportunity is open to people of all ages, but if you’re 55 years or older (or retired), we really need your skills, experience and time. Training is provided by HOVN.

American Red Cross of the Mahoning Valley: Red Cross Volunteers are sought to be part of the Disaster Action Team. Volunteers assist individuals with emergencies resulting from fire, flooding or other disasters. Blood-drive volunteers also are needed to assist with implementation and organization of blood drives.

Meals on Wheel: Drivers needed to deliver nutritional meals to local senior citizens unable to prepare their own meals. Deliver as a team or as an individual. Training is provided.