HANDSON | Volunteering

HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley engages 21st-century volunteers to improve civic health and social conditions by reaching out to volunteers to raise awareness and inspiring them to make a difference; providing people with access to projects and other opportunities to learn new skills and engage in work to improve their communities; and mobilizing people to use their time, talent, money and voice to create community change. The office is at 5500 Market St., Suite 110, Boardman. HandsOn is a monthly column that serves to communicate the impact that volunteering can have on our community. For trending opportunities, like us on Facebook by searching for Hands-On Volunteer Network of the Valley. Contact HandsOn Volunteer Network by calling 330-782-5877 or emailing info@HOVN.org about these opportunities:

OPPORTUNITIES

American Red Cross receptionist: American Red Cross of the Mahoning Valley is in need of a volunteer receptionist available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will answer phones and direct calls, handle incoming and outgoing mail and assist staff when needed. The Red Cross has a new office in Liberty.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters “Bowl for Kids Sake”: Volunteers are needed for an event from 2 to 8 p.m. April 26 to assist with the setup and decorations, for food and drink stations, preparation, prize stations and cleanup. Volunteers will be accepted at a time frame of their choice. Volunteers must register with HandsOn Volunteer Network.

Hospice of the Valley Hospice House volunteer: Volunteers are needed to provide support and companionship to patients and their families before and after the patient’s death through visits while the patient is in Hospice House. All volunteers must complete the volunteer training program as required.

Hospice of the Valley Hospice House support volunteers: Clerical volunteers are needed to assist personnel with copying, filing, inventory, phone calls and scheduling at the Hospice House front desk.

Hospice of the Valley Hospice House fundraising volunteers: Volunteers needed to assist with signature events by securing auction items, selling raffle tickets, setting up and tearing down event venues, gift-wrapping, and other tasks.

Hospice of the Valley Hospice House mail team volunteers: Volunteers are needed to process all mass mailings for the agency and other tasks.

Hospice of the Valley Hospice House certified companion volunteer: Volunteer must have a valid driver’s license and insurance and complete the training program. Volunteers provide support and companionship to patients and their families before and after the patient’s death through visits and telephone contacts.

Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Business Showcase: The showcase is planned for May 1, and a variety of volunteers are needed. Five “Battle of the Breweries” volunteers are needed to help pour and assist brewing companies and assist during the competition; five “Which Hunt–Sandwich Competition” volunteers are needed to help cut sandwiches in bite sized pieces, assist chefs and assist during the competition; two center-stage crew volunteers are needed to assist with shows taking place on center stage, including live product demos such as wine tastings, chocolate and cooking demonstrations; and one volunteer needed to assist the director of special events. All volunteers will be required to attend one of two training dates, 5:30 p.m. April 29 or 1 p.m. April 30.

Autism Speaks Walk for Autism: A volunteer is needed to assist the Walk for Autism committee in reaching its goals by assisting in various tasks.

OBB tax counselors: HandsOn Volunteer Network trains volunteer Ohio Benefit Bank counselors to assist people in accessing benefits that can help them maintain their households. Mahoning or Trumbull county residents are needed to assist people in the community with accessing programs that will help strengthen families by helping individuals and families access programs that will help strengthen families. Training, orientation and support to volunteers who become OBB Mobile Volunteers is provided. The opportunity is appropriate for those 18 and older who are looking for careers in the social-service fields. Those who can go online to shop, pay bills or check email have the basic computer skills needed to be an Ohio Benefit Bank counselor. Openings exist in both counties. For information, call Addonnus Harden at 330-782-5877 or by email aharden@hovn.org.

Paisley House assistance: Paisley House is an assisted-living facility that needs volunteers for a variety of tasks.

Project MORE tutors: Project MORE (Mentoring in Ohio for Reading Excellence) is a volunteer reading/mentoring project to benefit students with disabilities or those who are not on track. Volunteers can get started with the program now to prepare to help tutor in the new school year. RSVP Lead With Experience Volunteers will be working in both Mahoning and Trumbull counties. McGuffey Elementary is a station of volunteers with Project MORE. Volunteers will work in their own community and work with students for one to four, 30-minute, one-on-one sessions. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Contact Harden for information at 330-782-5877.

Affordable Care Act volunteers: Although the ACA’s first deadline has passed for enrolling, many people are getting ready for the next deadline and need assistance navigating the system. HandsOn is in need to boost its volunteer ranks for ACA inquiries. Those who have a background in a helping profession, prior volunteer experience or knowledge in navigating difficult Web pages are needed for an Affordable Care Act project at HOVN. The training is free and will be done at HOVN offices. Call 330-782-5877.

OH WOW! excellent electronics specialist: Help keep OH WOW’s new exhibits running smoothly by designing and building custom electronic circuits for new exhibits. Previous experience with building custom electronics recommended. Some training provided. Schedule available is one to two hours per day, seven days per week. Minimum monthly commitment requested is four to six hours.

OH WOW! super software specialist: Volunteers needed who have experience with LabVIEW, Python, or other programming language recommended. Experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, GIMP, or Inkscape is helpful. Some training provided. Schedule available is one to two hours per day, seven days per week. Minimum commitment requested is six to 10 hours per month.

OH WOW! mopping specialist: Schedule available is one to two hours per day, seven days a week during regular business hours. Supplies and training provided. Minimum commitment requested is four to six hours per month.

West Boulevard Elementary math tutors: The Boardman school is in need of math tutors. Volunteers will spend 30 minutes a week and help students understand critical academic information.

Leadership through Volunteering with HOVN: The HandsOn Volunteer Network offers volunteer opportunities that promote leadership in the Mahoning Valley. Contact Harden by emailing aharden@hovn.org or calling 330-782-5877.

Nonprofit board/committee members: Each month, HOVN will feature organizations that have requested either board members (voting) or people willing to serve on a committee (nonvoting). Interested volunteers are urged to register on the HOVN website, log into their account and search for the featured organization; online, there will be a complete position description and qualifications needed so a participant can review the position, express interest or ask questions of the organization and determine their level of commitment. Accounts are created on the HOVN website by clicking the blue “Volunteer!” tab and then “Sign-up/Registration.” HOVN will focus on the Rich Center for Autism and the Northeast Ohio Area Health Education Center.

Save-A-Life Smoke Alarm Initiative (SALSA): Smoke-alarm installers are needed for the SALSA program to install detectors in homes. Installation team(s) may choose a day and time that fits their schedule. Residents will be notified of scheduled time for their installation. Contact Kristen Gallagher at 330-782-5877 or kgallagher@HOVN.org.

Girard Multi-Generational Center tech wizard: The Girard Multi-Generational Center is in need of a tech wizard who can tutor guests of the center on computers and technology. A background check and orientation will be required. The volunteer will teach members how to use computers, iPads, iPhones, tablets and e-Readers. The time commitment is flexible.

Ronald McDonald House of Charities of the Mahoning Valley and Western Pa. database detail technician: A volunteer will research names in an old database and then update them in a new database, and they will look up names in phone books, add missing information, delete names not found and enter data into a computer. Three hours a week will be needed until the database is complete.

MYCAP financial-literacy volunteers: Volunteers are needed at Mahoning County-Youngstown Community Action Partnership to coordinate educational financial-literacy training classes to a diverse population of participants. Volunteers with a background in banking, finance-related field and familiarity with principles of adult learning, teaching experience and knowledge of financial literacy are ideal. Training is provided.

United Way of Trumbull County financial volunteers: Volunteers are needed to review audits, 990s and program budgets of applicant agencies. Work can be done according to the volunteer’s time limitations. This opportunity also can be completed off site. All volunteers will sign statements of confidentiality. Contact HandsOn Volunteer Network at info@HOVN.org or 330-782-5877

United Way of Youngstown and Mahoning County database detail technician: A volunteer will research names in an old database and then update them in a new database. Three hours a week will be needed until the database is complete.

United Methodist Community Center veterans’ lunch prep/server: Volunteers are needed to assist the UMCC staff with preparing and serving lunch at their weekly Veterans’ Lunch and Learn on Wednesdays.

Veterans Outreach: The Veterans Outreach Center in Struthers is looking for assistance with website development and veterans-benefits assistants. For information, contact Harden at aharden@hovn.org or by calling 330-782-5877.