HELPING HANDS Volunteering

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Volunteer Services Agency, Inc., 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. Helping Hands 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 VSA at (330) 782-5877, or visit www.volunteerservicesagency.org. and click on the blue button for (800) Volunteer.org

LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITIES

Interdenominational Youth Coalition: An opportunity for youth ministers, youth directors and teens ages 13-18 from churches, faith congregations and religious organizations to participate in service projects as an extension of faith. The coalition meets the second Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. at Volunteer Services Agency.

Teen Action Group (TAG): Accepting applications for the 2007-08 school year. TAG is a youth-led community volunteer program comprised of students from schools in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Interested individuals should log into the VSA Web site or contact VSA.

Youngstown Radio Reading: Like to read? Share the gift of your time with the visually impaired. Youngstown Radio Reading is looking for volunteers of all ages to read a variety of books, newspapers and magazines to be broadcast over a private radio for their visually impaired clients.

Friendly Visitor: (Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Boardman Specialty Care Nursing Home, Park Vista Nursing Home, Shepherd of the Valley). Make a difference for the residents of any of these long-term care facilities by simply visiting with them one-on-one.

Pet Visitors: (Pembrooke Place, Marian Living Center). A fantastic opportunity the whole family will enjoy. Anyone with a people-friendly dog, puppy, cat or kitten with current vaccinations is welcome to bring the pet(s) in to visit with the residents. All pets must have proof of current vaccinations.

Goodwill Amblyopia Screening Volunteers: Volunteers, working in teams, visit preschools to perform vision screening on 4- and 5-year-olds for "lazy eye" and report any problems to the Amblyopia Program Coordinator.

Adult Day Centers: Need volunteers to assist older adults on and off buses, during activities, provide individual visiting, group crafts and parties. Volunteers also may provide assistance with weekly cleaning of equipment. Opportunities are available at Easter Seals Mahoning and Trumbull centers, Senior Independence and the Antonine Sisters.

American Red Cross Mahoning Chapter Armed Forces Emergency Services: Need volunteers to work from home taking regularly scheduled shifts. Volunteers will assist families as they attempt to contact their relatives who are serving in the military.

Community Recycling Liaison: Mahoning County Reuse & Recycling Program can assist local businesses in reducing costs associated with trash disposal by implementing a recycling program. Liaisons can help by contacting area businesses and setting appointments for the businesses to learn more. Call VSA for more information.

Hope House Visitation Center: A friendly, family-oriented agency needs compassionate volunteers to assist with children/family custody exchanges, child care, monitoring visits and clerical support.

Emmanuel Community Care Center: Needs energetic volunteers to assist with ordering food, distribution and unloading products.

Reminder: Summer is a great time to spend an afternoon or evening assisting long-term care residents with activities such as bingo, crafts, friendly visiting or reading current events. Call VSA for a list of opportunities in your neighborhood.

Sunday, May 6, 2007