Community LINC – Volunteer Opportunity

What are you doing for “new year, near me?” I know you’ll be hitting the gym and eating healthier, right? 🙂 Maybe also though, part of the new you is helping the community and giving back! One place you could start is Community LINC. I recently toured this agency and had such a positive experience. They are doing so much to end homelessness for families in Kansas City, and they need your help!

The fact is,  almost 40% of the homeless population are families and the wage needed to afford the average rent is double the minimum wage. Community LINC’s mission is to end homelessness through stabilizing, re-housing, and empowering. They provide temporary homes for families while helping them relocate and educating them to become independent and self sufficient. This Housing First model is a proven, cost-effective solution to ending homelessness nationally.

They need individual and group volunteers to help with their childcare center,  preparing apartments,  education, and special events. If you’re interested visit their webpage to find out more!

You go new you!

Groundhog Run – Volunteer Opportunity

The Groundhog Run, benefiting the children of Ability KC, has raised more than $4.75 million for children with special needs since its inception in 1982. The race is one of very few 5K races, and believed to be the only 100% underground sanctioned 10K race in the nation. With a consistent temperature of 65 to 68 degrees, the Hunt Midwest SubTropolis is the ideal venue for runners from all over the country to compete in this annual winter event.

Ability KC brings together the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City and the Children’s Therapeutic Learning Center. Annually, 2700 individuals and families receive services for medical rehabilitation, therapeutic preschool, and employment services. In addition, multiple specialty programs and services are offered, such as neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), corporate partnerships for employment opportunities and much more. Ability KC is proud to celebrate 70 years since the beginnings of each agency in 1947. Thousands of lives have been changed and celebrations of successes have occurred due to the generosity of the Kansas City community.

This race needs volunteers! You can help with packet pickup, manning the water stations, be a course monitor, check in other volunteers, work the start/finish line, do gear check, or oversee a food station. All of these tasks are essential to making sure the race runs smoothly and will benefit a good cause!

For more details visit their website.

First Baptist Church Stilwell – Volunteer Opportunity

Finals are finished and the holidays are here! As you’re finishing up your holiday shopping and your holiday to-do lists, don’t forget to think about giving back to get on Santa’s Nice List! First Babtist Church in Stilwell, Kansas is looking for volunteers this winter. Their Food Ministry cares for the food needs of those in and around our community.  They partner with Harvester’s and distribute food to those who need a little help two times a week.

They need volunteers on Tuesdays from 1:30-5:00pm and on Thursdays from 5:00-7:00pm. If you’re interested, contact Morgan Lutrell or Donna Rains.

Morgan Luttrell: 785-241-9820 Email: morgan@fbcstilwell.com
Donna Rains: 913-449-6601 Email: caringministry@aol.com

Happy Holidays!

Goodwill – Volunteer Opportunity

Hope everyone’s finals went well! Now that the stress is over and you have some extra time on your hands over break, maybe it’s time to go through your closet! Get rid of any summer clothes you didn’t wear and make room for all your winter clothes. Instead of throwing that stuff away, donate it to Goodwill and help people in need! Not only does Goodwill eliminate waste, but they also have many programs in place to help empower people with disadvantages and different abilities to earn and keep employment. They are a lot more than just a thrift store. Here’s some ways you can help:

Career Corner Merchandiser:

The Mission Support Center Career Corner provides Goodwill clients access to free, professional clothing, shoes, accessories, and more. The Career Corner Merchandiser is solely responsible for keeping the space clean and organized. As Goodwill clients seek and maintain their employment, the Career Corner Merchandiser makes sure their wardrobe doesn’t stand in the way of their success. He or she steams donations; organizes items by gender, type, and size; and displays items in an appealing and accessible way. This ensures the space is usable for all job seekers.

Tasks:
ď‚· Examine donations for quality and steam items to get out wrinkles ď‚· Sort donations from bins into store displays by gender, type, and size ď‚· Maintain an organized and clean area ď‚· Communicate with Goodwill staff when the Career Corner is running low on, or out of, a certain item ď‚· Create displays of sample outfits for a variety of types of jobs and people

Mission Services Supporter:

Goodwill’s Mission Services Department creates and manages the individualized programs and services that help our job seekers. Mission Services also evaluates outcome delivery of each service and works to ensure programs remain within standards for certification. The Mission Services Supporter is responsible for assisting the Mission Services Department in this effort. Projects and administrative work will keep the department organized and functioning at its best.

Tasks:
ď‚· Organize and file office paperwork ď‚· Copy/collate documents ď‚· Proof read documents ď‚· Organize supplies ď‚· Research ď‚· All other projects as assigned by the Vice President of Mission Operations

Donation Drive Ambassador:

The Donation Drive Ambassador increases community awareness of Goodwill and its mission by assisting at community donation events. He or she items and promotes sustainability – Goodwill diverts over 15 million tons of unwanted items from landfills each year! Donated items go from the drive into our stores, where their sale funds our employment programs and services.

Tasks:
ď‚· Maintain a positive attitude and greet donors with a smile and a thank you ď‚· Place and remove signs before and after the event ď‚· Lift/place donations into Goodwill truck and sort them ď‚· Distribute tax receipts and mission handouts to donors ď‚· Assist with flow of donor traffic ď‚· Promote the event at surrounding businesses and/or homes
Grant Researcher:

Mock Interviewer:

The Mock Interviewer provides a realistic, professional interview experience for our job seekers who may have never experienced that before. Mock Interviews give job seekers the opportunity to put into practice the skills they’ve been working on with Goodwill, and then receive feedback for improvement. Interviewing and communicating well are necessary components for finding a job.
Planning Consultant:

Tasks:
 Lead the participant through a 30 minute job interview using questions provided by Goodwill  Provide participant with feedback, based on Goodwill standards, and ratings in key areas using forms provided by Goodwill  Understand the importance of honest and constructive feedback as part of the participant’s learning experience  Use active listening skills to help the participant simulate a real life interview situation  Paraphrase or restate difficult questions in order to help the participant understand the question and provide an appropriate answe

GoodWORKS Career Resource Supporter:

This position is perfect for someone who is passionate about empowering others. The GoodWORKS Career Center Supporter is integrated into one of our mission programs and works one-on-one with job seekers to make them more competitive in the job market. He or she will give job seekers tools and skills to earn and keep sustainable employment, which will change their lives, the lives of their families, and the entire community.

Tasks:
ď‚· Assist clients in receiving self-directed job search assistance through GoodProspects, computers, phone, email, copier & fax. ď‚· Instruction on how to set up an email account & assist with internet job search & application process. ď‚· Do daily job searches & update job board with local area job openings available by industry. ď‚· Ability to answer phone calls, do follow up phone calls & take messages in a professional manner. ď‚· Demonstrate good customer service skills with the ability to greet clients/customers in a helpful and professional manner. ď‚· Access to GoodTraks tutorial & ability to enter, track & update clients progress in the system. ď‚· All other duties assigned by the GoodWORKS Manager

Mission Services Quality Assurance Supporter:

Quality Assurance creates, monitors, and evaluates standards and procedures for Goodwill’s programs and services to ensure our organization maintains compliance and provides exceptional aid to our job seekers. The Mission Services Quality Assurance Supporter will make sure minimum standards are being met by Goodwill staff and the organization as a whole. This work is crucial to maintaining the integrity of our mission services.

Tasks:
ď‚· Audit files for compliance with various funders and regulatory organizations ď‚· Audit files to ensure quality work is being performed by staff and policies are being followed correctly ď‚· Enter and extract data sets ď‚· Research various topics including best practices in employment services and data management ď‚· All other duties as assigned by the Mission Services Quality Assurance Manager

For more information and to apply, visit their website!

Wayside Waifs – Volunteer Opportunities!

Typically when you think of volunteering at animal shelters, you probably envision playing with the pets. Taking them out, socializing and leash training them, but there are a lot of other ways that you can help! For example, Wayside Waifs is looking for volunteers in their Animal Marketing Team. They are looking for photographers, pet handlers to help the photographers, and writers. All of these positions market the animals and help them get adopted faster!

Here are the volunteer descriptions:

Title: Photographer

Commitment: Regular weekly shift of 1 to 2 hours onsite and – likely – an additional 1 to 2 hours of photo editing. If you need training or help for photo editing, we are able to offer this support. Photos MUST be submitted within 24 hours of a volunteer’s shift. (This is to ensure we are timely with posting them on the website.) Please understand that not all photos may be used and that we may ask for a specific type of photo for an animal.

Job Description:
Volunteers will work to take high quality photos of animals in our adoption program. Wayside may use photos in a variety of places online and in print. These images will not be cited unless they are part of a special project and citations were discussed with Marketing beforehand. Why? Many times photos are pulled to use and we do not know where they originated or who took the photo.

Purpose:
• Make certain all adoptable Wayside animals have high-quality, digital photos
• Help provide an individualized view of our Waifs.

Prerequisite:
• DOG101/CAT101
• Ability to take high-quality, digital photographs
• Ability to work with others and take creative feedback
• Attention to detail and task orientation
• Access to a digital SLR camera with at least 6-8 megapixels
• Lots of patience – photographing animals can be challenging and can be difficult, so bring your sense of humor
• Volunteers should have completed 1 month or 15 hours of service at the shelter.

Preferred:
• Experience with animal photography
• Photo editing skills

Other Notes:
• Volunteers will be asked to sign-in when they are at the shelter, and track offsite hours from home.

Title: Animal Handler, photos and videos

Commitment: Volunteers sign up for regular shifts and coordinate directly with photographers or videographers.

Job Description: Volunteers will handle animals and work directly with people taking photos/videos of our Waifs. Purpose:
• Make sure adoptable animals have a high-quality, digital photo and/or video
• Connect with adopters and highlight our animals as individuals
• Help highlight our large variety of adoptable pets

Prerequisite:
• DOG101 or CAT101 – depending on the animals you are working with.
• Ability to work with others; ask questions and take direction – the process always goes better with good communication!
• Lots of patience – photographing and taking videos of animals can be challenging and can be difficult, so bring your sense of humor
• Volunteers should have completed 1 month and 15 hours of service at the shelter.

Other Notes:
• Handlers should contact the videographer or photographer directly if they are unable to make it. If you are unable to get in touch with them, please email or call the Staff Partner.
• Be prepared… to get dirty; to quickly walk dogs in and out of the dog adoption area; to be patient with rambunctious dogs and/or feisty cats; to use treats and noisemakers; to lift, bend, and hold pets and – of course -be prepared to pick up poop (Hey, it happens, so keep some poop bags on you at all times)!

Title: Write-Up Volunteers

Commitment: This is a self managed volunteer position. Volunteers are asked to donate time weekly and submit write-ups (wups) directly to staff contact, or in some cases load them to the pet management software. Animals that need personalized write-ups will be emailed in a list to all write up volunteers. Each volunteer commits to take at least 4 write-ups weekly.

Job Description:
Volunteers will spend time getting to know animals at the shelter to help provide rich, personal information on animals available for adoption.

Purpose:
• Provide greater insight into animals available at the shelter.
• Increase the chances of animals being selected and adopted from Wayside Waifs.
• Provide information that allows animals at the shelter to be seen as unique.
• Help highlight our large variety of adoptable pets.

Volunteers interested in this position are asked to submit a writing sample. Compose a mock write-up for one of your favorite animals at the shelter.

Prerequisite:
• DOG101/CAT101
• Excellent writing skills
• Strong attention to detail and grammar
• Access to a computer
• Volunteers should have completed 1 month and 15 hours of service at the shelter.

Other Notes:
• This is a very independent position and writing is mostly performed from home.
• Volunteers are asked to track their hours from home.

 

If you’re interested in any of the above opportunities, contact Becky Mathia.

Happy Volunteering!

KindCraft – Volunteer Opportunity

The holidays are all about family and giving. What a great time to give back and volunteer as a family! If you’re looking for opportunities to volunteer with your children this holiday season, then look no further than KindCraft. They are a family service group who provide families with opportunities to serve once a month. Their mission is to create a community of compassionate children through engagement and involvement in humanitarian service projects related to aiding, clothing and feeding those. Their vision is to help children understand the importance of giving to others.

 

Check out their upcoming events if you’re looking for a chance to spend time with your family while giving back this holiday season!

Growing Futures Early Education Center

If you love working with children, then you need to check out Growing Futures Early Education Center. Their mission is to nurture children and strengthen families to enrich community and they have a lot of great, flexible opportunities for volunteering!

For example:

Classroom Assistants
Growing Futures is always in need of classroom assistants to support our teaching staff and children in daily classroom activities and routines. Growing Futures curriculum encourages children to make choices, engage in interactive learning, and talk about what they’re doing. You’ll get to share your time with children as you read stories, work puzzles and support creative thinking and pretend play in a positive and nurturing environment that promotes growth and learning in these critical first-five years.

Evening Childcare
As an Early Head Start and Head Start program, Growing Futures Early Education Center offers frequent evening education opportunities for parents of enrolled children. Evening programs usually occur on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month and some Tuesdays from 5-7:30. In addition, occasional play groups are offered in the evening. While parents learn, we provide childcare and could use your help supervising children.

Bring Your Own Talent
Do you have a special talent or skill that could translate into volunteer work? Please contact us to learn more about becoming a friend of Growing Futures.

Translation Assistance
Assist English language learners during the application process or parent/teacher conferences. Help with translating notes sent home to parents or assist in the classrooms with non-English speaking children.

Office / Clerical
Assist with filing, mailing, collating materials, document shred or laminate materials.

For more information visit their website or contact Growing Futures Early Education Center at (913) 649-9714 and ask for the Volunteer and Development Associate, Kathy McLellan.

Nourish KC – Volunteer Opportunity!

Check out this great video on the Kansas City Community Kitchen by NBC Nightly News!

Nourish KC (formerly Episcopal Community Services) is an amazing organization and is always looking for volunteers!

Volunteers fill several different roles, from helping in the kitchen to washing dishes or being wait staff in the dining room. The Kansas City Community Kitchen is open EVERY weekday, including holidays and in winter weather, to serve a continental breakfast from 7:30-9 and lunch from 11 am – 2 pm. You’re welcome to volunteer once a week, once a month, bring a group one time, or whatever works best for your schedule.

Volunteer shifts and roles break down like this:

Morning prep teams, every weekday, 8:30 – 10:30 am. Up to 8 people are invited to join the kitchen staff and some of the culinary trainees to help finish breakfast service and prepare lunch for that afternoon. Common tasks might be helping with breakfast dishes, chopping fresh fruit and salad ingredients, or sorting that morning’s donations.

Lunch service, 10:30-2:30 each weekday. At 10:30, before lunch begins, Nourish KC provides training on how the whole system works. After they lock the doors at 2 they ask everyone to help clean up, getting you out no later than 2:30 pm (often earlier when everyone pitches in). Volunteers can choose from among the “front of house” positions, including roles as hosts, wait staff, bussers & beverage station. They can use as many as 25 people to serve lunch, but availability varies and spots are filled on a first come, first served basis to be fair with the large number of requests. Smaller groups & individuals will be scheduled with each other to make up optimal staffing.

Lunch short shift, 10:50-12 each weekday. This shift is perfect for folks coming on their lunch break from work, or just generally short on time. By coming in for this hour, you help us cover the 11-12 “lunch rush,” when things are busiest in the dining room. If you haven’t served with us before, you need to arrive at 10:30 for the training beforehand.

Saturday morning prep team from 9 am – 1 pm. Groups that prefer weekend service can help at KCCK with whatever needs to be done to get organized and ready for the next week. This may be processing produce or other donated food items, cleaning out the pantry/fridge/freezer, deep cleaning kitchen equipment, etc. Teams here are usually limited to 12 people but some larger groups may be used for special projects worked out in advance. Please note that during the school year, these spots often book up months in advance.

For more information and to sign up, visit their website!

Encompass Hospice – Volunteer Opportunity

Encompass Hospice is looking for compassionate individuals to volunteer with their team. Volunteers set their own level of commitment and Encompass Hospice is flexible in terms of scheduling! Opportunities range from direct patient and caregiver contact to administrative tasks, each based on a volunteer’s personal level of comfort and desire.

Volunteer opportunities range from:
• Sending birthday and anniversary cards
• Making supportive phone calls
• Help with general office support
• Playing games, reading and listening to music with patients
• Creating a photo album of patient and family
• Providing companionship and socialization
Come be apart of Encompass’ team and pursue their mission to provide a “Better Way to Care”.

For more information, please contact:
Nika Sien; Volunteer Coordinator
nsien@ehhi.com
913-948-8281

Lakeview Village – Volunteer Opportunity

Lakeview Village is a Retirement Community home to 700 residents, 600 employees and a 100 acre campus. They are dedicated to strengthening the lives of older adults using the core values of integrity, optimism, community, respect, and growth.

The lives of the residents are enriched every day by the help of volunteers. They accept individuals or groups as volunteers and they are open to ideas for volunteer projects as well!

Here are some ways you can help:

  • Reading to a resident
  • Reading to children in our Child Development Center
  • Singing and Entertaining
  • Escorting residents to Lakeview Village events
  • Assisting with special activities of projects
  • Offering “Candy Striper” cart to residents.

Lakeview Village hopes that volunteering with them is fun and fulfilling and the residents greatly appreciate the help as well.

For more information visit their website and here is a link to their volunteer application.

Happy Volunteering!