Pressing Needs

With more than 650 volunteer opportunities listed on our website at any given time, there are always ways to serve. But, here are some pressing needs that have come through recently…

Reading Tutor for Kalamazoo Literacy Council

Did you know that 13% or 25,000 of adults in Kalamazoo County are unable to read this blog post? The Kalamazoo Literacy Council needs to enlist 300 new volunteers to support the three new neighborhood Literacy Centers that will be opening in our community. Can you help us eradicate illiteracy in this “community of promise”? Volunteers are needed to provide one-on-one reading help to other adults. Tutors must have good reading and writing skills, complete 12 hours training provided by KLC and meet with their student on a regular basis, generally weekly for 1 to 2 hours. One year commitment is required. No prior teaching experience needed. Students and tutors are matched according to their availability. Hours: Tutoring time/location arranged by tutor & student. Please call the Kalamazoo Literacy Council at (269) 382-0490 Ext. 222 to reserve a place or visit our website to register online at www.kalamazooliteracy.org.

Community Impact Measurement for Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services

Do you have people and speaking skills? We are looking for volunteers to go out into the Kalamazoo Eastside neighborhood community to facilitate surveys that will help measure the impact of community organization on members of the community.
Volunteers will be taught how to facilitate surveys and help residents to complete the surveys.
Hours: Minimum of 3 afternoons in June. Hours vary, call (269)364-2537 for more information. Minimum age: 17

Festival Greening TeamDowntown Kalamazoo Festival Greening for the IDEA Association

Help green at downtown Kalamazoo’s biggest festivals. Green Team volunteers will work pod systems educating festival attendees about what goes where, and ensuring waste streams remain pure. Volunteering with the green team is a great way to make sure your favorite festival is sustainable! Great opportunity for groups, families, and individuals. Email ideaassociation@gmail.com with any questions.

Festivals/Dates:

IslandFest, June 20-22, various shifts
Taste of Kalamazoo, June 25-27, various shifts
Ribfest, Aug 1-3, various shifts

Summer Camp for Kalamazoo Peace House

The Kalamazoo Peace House runs a summer day camp for children in the Eastside Neighborhood. They rely on volunteer support for all of their transformative efforts and they are looking for volunteers to help with the Summer Day Camp, especially. More details are forthcoming, but for more information or to volunteer contact via e-mail.

New this week (Events Edition)…

With over 650 volunteer opportunities listed on our website, there are always ways to serve, but we’ve had a slew of new opportunities lately, and we knew you’d want to know all about them! Warm weather+events=HUGE need for volunteers. Check out these volunteer jobs and our opportunity calendar for tons of ways you, your group or your family can get out of your cage and into your town this summer!

Festival Greening TeamDowntown Kalamazoo Festival Greening for the IDEA Association

Help green at downtown Kalamazoo’s biggest festivals. Green Team volunteers will work pod systems educating festival attendees about what goes where, and ensuring waste streams remain pure. Volunteering with the green team is a great way to make sure your favorite festival is sustainable! Great opportunity for groups, families, and individuals.  Sign-up online or email ideaassociation@gmail.com with any questions.

Festivals/Dates:

IslandFest, June 20-22, various shifts
Taste of Kalamazoo, June 25-27, various shifts
Ribfest, Aug 1-3, various shifts

Trail Grand Opening for the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Join us in celebrating the Mayors’ Riverfront Park to Comstock Connection on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail.
We will need help with parking, registration, activity stops along the trail and at the food and drink tent.860253_544396265594251_2110289328_o

Hours: Sun, Jun 9, 12-4pm. Volunteer shifts will be about 2 hours (noon-2  and 2-4) in addition to arriving 20-30 minutes before your shift for a quick training/overview of the day. However, anytime you have to give is most appreciated if you can not commit to one of the shifts. Contact Katie Deatherage to sign up or for more info: 269.373.5073, kedeat@kalcounty.com.

Sangria Shop Fundraiser for Parent to Parent

The Sangria Shop is holding a fundraising party for Parent to Parent, featuring sangria and tapas. Volunteers are needed to help with preparing and serving food and sangria.
Hours: Sat, June 22, 3-8pm

Location: The Sangria Shop, 5919 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage
Contact Fernando to volunteer, sangria.taina@gmail.com.

Adult Beverage Tent Support for IslandFest and Taste of Kalamazoo

We are looking for volunteers to help out in our beverage tent at Kalamazoo Island Fest and Taste of Kalamazoo. Duties include taking tickets from patrons, pouring beverages into plastic cups, selling beverages to patrons, keeping beverage containers stocked and organized as well as recapturing returnable bottles and greeting patrons as they enter the beverage tent.

We are looking for volunteers who enjoy interacting with customers, are responsible, trustworthy and fun! Heavy lifting, such as moving ice bags or cases of beverages, may be involved but is not a requirement. Please indicate if this may cause a problem for you!

IslandFest Hours:
June 20: 12:00pm-4pm, 3:45pm-9pm, 8:45pm-12:30am*
June 21: 12:00pm-4pm, 3:45pm-9pm, 8:45-1:30am*
June 22: 12:00pm-4pm, 3:45pm-9pm, 8:45-1:30am*

Taste Hours:
Thu, July 25: 12:00pm-4pm, 3:45pm-9pm, 8:45pm-12:30am*
Fri, July 26: 12:00pm-4pm, 3:45pm-9pm, 8:45-1:30am*
Sat, July 27: 12:00pm-4pm, 3:45pm-9pm, 8:45-1:30am*
(Last call is at 1:30am, volunteers may be released earlier depending on the demand of the festival but should be prepared to stay until the end of the shift at 1:30am)

IMG_5666Pop Station Support for IslandFest and Taste of Kalamazoo

We are looking for volunteers to help out in our Pop Station at Island Fest & Taste of Kalamazoo. Duties include taking tickets from patrons, selling beverages to patrons, keeping beverage containers stocked and organized as well as recapturing returnable bottles and greeting patrons as they enter. Volunteers in the Pop Station will not be responsible for any alcoholic beverages and will be selling pop, water and making smoothies.

We are looking for volunteers who enjoy interacting with customers, are responsible, trustworthy and fun! Heavy lifting, such as moving ice bags or cases of beverages, may be involved but is not a requirement. Please indicate if this may cause a problem for you!

IslandFest Hours:
June 20: 12:00pm-4pm, 3:45pm-9pm, 8:45pm-12:30am*
June 21: 12:00pm-4pm, 3:45pm-9pm, 8:45-1:30am*
June 22: 12:00pm-4pm, 3:45pm-9pm, 8:45-1:30am*

Taste Hours:
Thu, July 25: 12:00pm-4pm, 3:45pm-9pm, 8:45pm-12:30am*
Fri, July 26: 12:00pm-4pm, 3:45pm-9pm, 8:45-1:30am*
Sat, July 27: 12:00pm-4pm, 3:45pm-9pm, 8:45-1:30am*
(Last call is at 1:30am, volunteers may be released earlier depending on the demand of the festival but should be prepared to stay until the end of the shift at 1:30am)

Bronson Children’s Hospital 5K Run/Walk

Bronson Children’s Hospital 5K Run/Walk is looking for enthusiastic people who would like to help Southwest Michigan’s only Children’s Hospital raise funds for the Childlife Program.
Some roles available include: Run/Walk set-up, Excitement Zone volunteers, or Street Directors.
Hours: Sep 29, 2013 [7:30am-4pm], 2-4 hour shifts are available
Minimum age: 18, or 16 with adult

Kalamazoo County Fair Volunteers

Numerous volunteer opportunities are available at the Kalamazoo County Fair! Duties include, but are not limited to, parking, entertainment hospitality, helping with entertainment events during the fair, keeping the grounds free of trash, front office information, providing information to vendors, collecting admission fees at gate and more!

Prior volunteer experience at other events is welcome, but not necessary. Hours: Aug 5-10, 2013; 4-6 hr shifts one day or each day of the Fair depending on your availability. Minimum age: 18, or 10 with adult. Click here for the volunteer application

Volunteer Leaders for Kalamazoo County Fair

The Kalamazoo County Fair is looking for volunteers to schedule and coordinate volunteers for specific duties during the fair (for example: Parking). Volunteers should have past experience coordinating and scheduling volunteers for an event.
Hours: Organizational meetings prior to the fair (1-2 hrs/ea). Availability Mon, Aug 5 through Sat, Aug 10, minimum of 5 hrs/day
Minimum age: 18, or 16 with adult. Click here for an application

Fair Ambassadors for Kalamazoo County Fair

Assist in promoting and representing the Kalamazoo County Fair at various community events, answer questions about the fair, provide contact information, and distribute flyers. Volunteers should have the ability to travel to and participate in various community events and enjoy meeting and talking with the public. Hours: Attend weekend and evening events to promote the Fair, hours vary. Call 269-373-5181 for more information. Minimum age: 18, or 16 with adult. Click here for an application

Zombie Dash for Michigan Blood

Help Michigan Blood with the first event of its kind in Kalamazoo! Volunteers needed to help with registration, aid stations and course monitoring. All volunteers who work from start to finish will receive a free race shirt and food (whatever is provided to racers).
Volunteers must be able to walk to their assigned station/position on the course and stand for serveral hours while the event is taking place.  Hours: Sat, Aug 10 [7-10:30pm]
Minimum age: 18, or 8 with adult
Please email Kona at kdominick@miblood.org if you would like to sign up or have questions.

USTA Boys’ 18 & 16 National Championships Ball Runners

AMAZING Tennis! Ball runners and management, ages 9-18, work as teams on court to retrieve balls during matches at Kalamazoo College’s Stowe Stadium, USTA Boys’ 18 & 16 Nationals tournament. Attendance is required for practices and during the tournament. Must be quick, focused and detail oriented. Registration takes place during April and May, 2013. Late registration is available upon request. Hours: Practices during Jun & Jul on Tue and Thu nights; assigned daily shift during tournament, Aug 2-11, 2013 at Kalamazoo College’s Stowe Stadium. Minimum age: 9

Other volunteer needs at the USTA Tournament, as well!

Workin’ on the Assembly Line

photoNot many people have heard of Generous Hands, Inc. It’s a small, almost entirely volunteer run organization.

They have one staff person and a small building.

It’s located in Vicksburg.

But, their one major program has a big impact: packing nearly 10,000 weekend and summer food packs this year for school-aged children that face food insecurity at home, to ensure they have a variety of foods to eat over the week or weekend.

Members of the Volunteer Kalamazoo Youth Service Council (and staff) helped pack food packs this week (along with a group of parents/staff from Paramount Charter Academy) and it was one of the most organized, enjoyable, accessible and fulfilling volunteer projects I’ve ever participated in!

Perfect for families with small children(6 and up, ideally) and groups, the process is simple and organized: volunteers line up on each side of the line with their food item(s) in bins behind them. The backpacks come down and each volunteer throws in their item(s), the end volunteer zips them up and puts them on the shelf, ready for delivery.  Easy, peasy…and helping families in need.

The couple of younger kids volunteering that night were pros! They lined up their applesauce and fruit cups nicely on the rollers so they were easy to grab and enthusiastically throw into the bag. It was wonderful to see kids helping other kids.IMG_0023-compressed

The group was so efficient (and large) that we were done with the extra packing in record time. All volunteers at Generous Hands get to put their hand print up to document the contribution. It adds some cheer to the warehouse space.

Generous Hands depends on volunteers for a variety of roles, in addition to weekly food packing. They use volunteers for cleaning, stocking, delivering food packs, food drives, picking up empty food packs and more.

To get your family or group involved at Generous Hands, contact Sheri Louis, director: (269) 370-7965, via email.

 

 

AmeriCorps*VISTA Position Available

A full time AmeriCorps*VISTA position is now available at Volunteer Kalamazoo!

Do you know an outstanding community member who is looking to make a difference while gaining valuable experience? The Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) Civic Engagement AmeriCorps*VISTA program is recruiting an enthusiastic individual to serve at Volunteer Kalamazoo from August 2013 – August 2014. The VISTA will work with area schools to implement service, service-learning and philanthropy in the classroom to mobilize student volunteers, facilitate engagement in the community, and increase awareness of poverty-related issues.

Serving a year as an MNA AmeriCorps*VISTA provides valuable personal and professional development, community connections, opportunities for leadership and initiative, and a living stipend and education award.

Applications will be accepted through June 10, 2013, though early application is encouraged.

For more information or to apply, visit: http://mnaonline.org/mnacivicengagementvistaprogram.aspx.

Outstanding Volunteers: Michigan Student Service Award Recipients

Four hundred hours in four years.  Does that sound like a lot of service? It is.  Even if you broke it down into the roughly 2 hours every single week it would take a student to accumulate those hours, that still shows a commitment well above and beyond what most students achieve during high school.  I would venture that it exceeds what most adults do, as well.

The Michigan Student Service Award was presented to 6 area seniors this year for their service to the community.  Learn  more about the Michigan Student Service Award here.

In addition to classes, studying, sports, clubs, family, social activities, jobs, college and scholarship applications, these students gave hundreds of hours of service to many, many different organizations and causes.  Read a little about these extraordinary volunteers and their service…

Meika AshbyMeika Ashby

During her high school career, Meika volunteered for organizations that included:

  • As a tutor for Kalamazoo Public Schools, helping students with IEP’s and helping students receive their diplomas
  • Loaves & Fishes
  • The Salvation Army
  • American Cancer Society
  • American Heart Association
  • And more

Her total recorded contribution of eligible volunteering is 453 hours.

Some of her thoughts on service…

Volunteering is serving a cause greater than one’s self. A way of giving back to the community for the many blessings I have received. It means taking the time to help someone who cannot help themselves, and it means providing for those who need just a little boost to get started climbing the ladder of success.

Anna HeAnna He

During her high school career Anna volunteered for organizations that included:

  • Kalamazoo Gospel Mission
  • Portage Community Center
  • Prince of Peace Church
  • Friendship Village
  • A few KAMSC programs
  • Math Counts program
  • And more

Her total recorded contribution of eligible volunteering is 444 hours.

Some of her thoughts on service…

My burgeoning awareness of how we need to care for one another through the years has taken me from an ignorant child to a passionate adult who wants to change the world.

Gnyapti Majmudar1Gnyapti Majmudar

During her high school career, Gnyapti volunteered for organizations that included:

  • Kalamazoo Community Church
  • Portage District Library
  • Green Meadow Elementary School
  • Special Olympics
  • Food Drives
  • Michigan Association of Student Councils/Michigan Association of Honor Societies
  • And more

Her total recorded contribution of eligible volunteering is 505 hours.

Some of her thoughts on service…

One of the most important things I have learned from my service experience is the selfless kindness and love that I see in the diverse communities. As I see the Comstock Community Church members selflessly give their time and energy to provide for many families around Kalamazoo, I am encouraged to do the same. As the empathetic and brilliant librarian at the Portage Library encourages children to find a favorite book to cherish for life, I strive to reach that level of selflessness.

Paul SmithPaul Smith

During his high school career, Paul volunteered for organizations that included:

  • As a tutor for his peers and at other schools
  • Alternative Spring Break
  • Irish Rocket Football
  • Special Days Camp

His total recorded contribution of eligible volunteering is 461 hours.

Some of his thoughts on service…

Donating money is great, but contributing time and effort and being able to see the sheer joy that even small acts can do is an uplifting and satisfying feeling. Service has given me an opportunity to live outside myself and reach out to those who truly need it.

Connor Wetzel-Brown Connor Wetzel-Brown

During his high school career, Connor volunteered for organizations that included:

  • Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
  • Green Meadow Elementary
  • Kalamazoo Community Church
  • Kalamazoo Tennis National Committee
  • Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies
  • And more

His total recorded contribution of eligible volunteering is 409 hours.

Some of his thoughts on service…

The most significant thing I have learned from my volunteering experiences would be that I have a voice and I can make a difference no matter how big or small. Volunteering makes a difference.

Jarrod Wetzel-BrownJarrod Wetzel-Brown

During his high school career, Jarrod volunteered for organizations that included:

  • Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
  • Green Meadow Elementary
  • Kalamazoo Community Church
  • Kalamazoo Tennis National Committee
  • Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies
  • And more

His total recorded contribution of eligible volunteering is 492 hours.

Some of his thoughts on service…

I have realized that if any aspect of our community, and in turn, our society, is going to be bettered, then it must be done by the leaders of tomorrow. That is why I choose to lead today and will continue to volunteer with my community’s youth.

Volunteer Kalamazoo is Hiring!

 

VK StaffDo you have what it takes to be a part of this fun team? Volunteer Kalamazoo is currently taking applications for a Program Director. Applications/resumes will be accepted through June 7th, 2013. Interested candidates should send application, resume, and cover letter to Carrie Vanderbush, Executive Director, at carrie@volunteerkalamazoo.org.

Click here for an Application (.doc)
Click here for Job Description (.doc)

POSITION TITLE: Program Director

SUMMARY:

The Program Director is responsible for the implementation of programs designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations by fostering effective volunteerism and board leadership, and to connect community members with opportunities to serve nonprofit organizations for maximum community impact. This position reports to the Executive Director.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop and implement training programs for current and potential board members, volunteer managers, and other nonprofit staff to develop leadership capacity and effective volunteer programs.
    • Identify and develop relationships with local businesses, nonprofit organizations and service clubs to provide employee/member training sessions.
    • Prepare all class materials, schedule speakers, facilitate sessions.
    • Conduct volunteer management training, board development training and resources (public and custom).
    • Provide consulting support to nonprofit organizations and/or individuals.
    • Develop and implement a schedule of training workshops and classes, including volunteer management training and other training as needed.
  • Manage Days of Service Program
    • Contact program partners and facilitate meetings to coordinate outreach activities, develop relationships and partner roles.
    • Identity and contact local nonprofit organizations that increase public and neighborhood safety and invite their participation in large episodic volunteer events.
    • Engage Kalamazoo Community in three days of service throughout the year, where community members can volunteer at local neighborhood associations to increase neighborhood safety.
    • Create and implement marketing tactics to promote days of service and engage community members in service projects.
    • Effectively recruit volunteers and place them at volunteer opportunities where their skills will be best utilized.
    • Promote events to the public to increase volunteer participation.
    • Create and engage new “volunteer leaders” who can assist in planning events.
    • Identify and apply for relevant supplemental grants for the program
    • Facilitate evaluation of the program
  • Manage VolunTEENs program and Michigan Student Service Awards.
  • Assist with other youth programs as needed.
  • Advisor to the Youth Council.
  • Manage Day of Caring program to engage community members in volunteer events.
  • Effectively recruit volunteers and match potential volunteers with appropriate volunteer opportunities.
  • Promote volunteerism through speaking engagements, articles and interviews.
  • Manage special projects as required to implement the strategic plan.
  • Represent VK at KAVA meetings.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Demonstrated strong written and oral communications skills.
  • Knowledge of principles and best practices for nonprofit boards and volunteer management; nonprofit board or staff experience and/or volunteer management experience is desirable.
  • Able to lead training activities, speak to organizations and media.
  • A high level of competency using MS Office and desktop publishing applications is required.
  • Ability to work independently or in collaboration with others.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

The qualified candidate will possess a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, business or related field of study. Minimum two years of related experience, or a Master’s Degree in Public Administration or Business Administration.

Applications/resumes will be accepted through June 7th, 2013. Interested candidates should send application, resume, and cover letter to Carrie Vanderbush, Executive Director, at carrie@volunteerkalamazoo.org.

Introducing Carrie Vanderbush, Executive Director of Volunteer Kalamazoo

 

Carrie Vanderbush PictureHi, I would like to introduce myself. I am Carrie Vanderbush, the new Executive Director of Volunteer Kalamazoo. I have now been serving you since January. I am proud and excited to have been chosen to lead this organization. I’ve spoken with some of you since I came on board, and I look forward to connecting with many more of you in the months and years ahead. Thank you for the warm greetings I have received thus far.

The mission of Volunteer Kalamazoo is to build capacity for effective local volunteering, to connect people with opportunities to serve and to promote volunteerism in our community. This is a mission that I fully support. Volunteerism is something that I passionately believe is essential to a strong community. It is also something that I personally believe has helped shape me. My journey with volunteering began at my mother’s side following her example. My mom, JoAnn, sought to help where she could and we, as a family, volunteered at our church and in our community. We picked up trash on our street, walked our elderly neighbors’ dogs, and helped rake leaves for another neighbor with disabilities. My mom believed that “you do what you can without expecting anything in return.” When I was young, she shared with me one of her favorite poems by Emily Dickinson:

My mom, with me and my sister & great aunt

My mom, with me and my sister & great aunt

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

I have carried this poem with me on my own volunteering journey. It is a reminder of my mom’s legacy – her belief in helping your neighbor and strengthening your community ties. Volunteering is all about the power of one – giving one hour, one day, one action that can change one person’s life. Together all those “ones” add up to one great community.

My family - photo courtesy of Becky Howrigon Photography

My family – photo courtesy of Becky Howrigon Photography

Prior to coming to Volunteer Kalamazoo, I worked at Pretty Lake Camp as the marketing manager. I have my Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University. I am a Past-President of the Junior League of Kalamazoo and have volunteered in various capacities in the community. I am originally from Gaylord, Michigan but have called Kalamazoo home for the last 23 years. I have a wonderful husband, Pat, who is an engineer at Pfizer and three energetic, amazing children, Zoie (13), Halle (11) and Quinten (8). I am striving to follow my mom’s lead and teach my children the power and reward of volunteering. My oldest daughter is looking forward to being a VolunTEEN this summer, so I hope I’m succeeding.

Because I believe so strongly in this organization’s mission, in the power of volunteering to strengthen communities, and in this fantastic community I now call home, I invite you to join me in pledging your support of our mission with your time as a volunteer and with a financial donation. Giving is easy – click here to make a secure online donation. Your contribution will go directly to support volunteerism in our community. Volunteering is just as easy, click on this link to take a look at the current opportunity calendar. I hope you will join me in making Kalamazoo an even stronger community – a true network of neighbors.

Best regards,

Carrie

Pressing Needs…

There are always ways to serve, but there are a few pressing needs that have come through very recently. If you want to help where the need is high, consider one of these ways to serve:

Phone RoomPhone Room Volunteer for Ministry with Community

The MwC phone room is lonely on Wednesdays and could use a volunteer. If you have time on Wednesdays to help with this important task, contact (269) 343-6073 ext. 15, via email.

Weekend Meal Service for Ministry with Community (Groups Preferred)

MwC has a big need to fill summer weekend shifts. Assist with kitchen duties required to serve lunch or breakfast time meals to members: prepare food, setting tables, serving lunch, and cleaning the dining room. Skills needed include compassion, flexibility and an ability to serve persons dealing with homelessness, poverty and other life struggles. Serving requires being on ones feet for about 2 hours. Hours: Days chosen by volunteer, [12:30-2:30pm]. Minimum age: 18, or 10 with adult

Food Pantry Help for Portage Community Center

Assisting clients in our food pantry. Helping people shop, stocking, and light cleaning. Friendly and patient people are a must!

Hours: Mon-Fri [11am-1pm]; Looking for a one day a week commitment.
Contact Keshia Dickason, 269.323.1942, keshia@portagecommunitycenter.net.

Receptionist for Portage Community Center

Duties include greeting customers, answering the telephone and assisting staff with clerical tasks. Volunteers should have good people and organizational skills. Hours: Commitment generally 1 half day/wk, either [9am-1pm] or [1pm-5pm] Minimum age: 18
Contact Keshia Dickason, 269.323.1942, via email.

Outdoor Volunteer for Disability Network SWMI

DNSWMI is looking for a volunteer to help with some yard work. They have flowers being donated May 22 and the flower beds need some work before the planting can be done. They also have some staining that needs to be done. If you are interested in helping this valuable organization with some outdoor work, please contact Miranda Grunwell, 269.345.1516, via email.

Be a Patient for KRESA EFE Class

As a part of the curriculum in the Education For Employment Health Sciences class, they will be having a health clinic. For this clinic the EFE program is looking for volunteers to come and be “patients” while one of the Health Sciences students takes vital signs as part of the final exam. If you would be willing to give 30 – 90 mins of your time please contact instructor Yashica Washintgon, 269-250-8954, via email.

Hours: Flexible times (you can volunteer anywhere from 30-90 minutes of your time), Friday, May 17 [7:45-11:15am]; Mon, May 20 [7:45am-1:30pm]; Wed, May 22[7:45am-1:30pm]; Fri, May 24 [7:45am-1:30pm]

The school is located in side the Compass High School at the far left. Address: 3010 Gull Rd Kalamazoo Township, MI 49048.

Dream Designs

Retail Thrift Store Workers for Kalamazoo Dream Center

The Kalamazoo Dream Center is opening a thrift store to support the Dream Center’s mission. Volunteers are needed to help at Dream Designs, with sales of furniture, household goods, clothing, home decor and more! Volunteers will work as a team to stock the store, clean, organize and assist customers. Hours: Mon-Fri [10-6], Sat [10-2], shifts available 2-8 hours in length.
Contact Rik Stone for more information, 267-6445, via email.

Blood Drive Help for Michigan Blood

Michigan Blood is looking for volunteers to help at blood drives in the Kalamazoo area, as well as surrounding counties. Volunteers trained in the Post Donation area are responsible for socializing with donors, observing donors for reactions, and offering fluids and other refreshments after the donation process. We do ask donors to remain in the Post Donation area for a period of time after their donation, in which the volunteer will be available to serve refreshments and offer conversation.

Any time you can give is extremely appreciated. You can volunteer as often or as little as you want. This opportunity is perfect for those in college, retired, or who want to be more involved in their community. No experience is necessary, just a friendly, dependable, and caring attitude, and a willingness to travel to blood drives. Training is provided by Michigan Blood. Please visit www.miblood.org to learn more, or call or email to speak to a Volunteer Services staff member.

Volunteer Kalamazoo Recognized as Michigan’s Volunteer Center of the Year

Volunteer Center of the Year

Residents in Kalamazoo County have yet another reason to love where they live. As part of National and Michigan Volunteer Week, the Volunteer Centers of Michigan presented the inaugural Volunteer Center of the Year Award to Volunteer Kalamazoo during the annual Giving and Volunteer Celebration at Michigan’s Capitol on April 24, 2013.

The Volunteer Center of the Year Award recognizes the work of one local Volunteer Center that has made significant growth and is engaged in innovative initiatives in their community related to volunteer engagement.

“In the inaugural year of the award, the Volunteer Centers of Michigan is very excited to have presented Volunteer Kalamazoo with the Volunteer Center of the Year Award for their organization’s use of new technology and deployment of Days of Service Projects,” said Diana Algra, executive director of the Volunteer Centers of Michigan.

Volunteer Kalamazoo’s commitment to service and ongoing innovation has allowed the center to build and strengthen relationships with community partners and increase the engagement of volunteers. Their mission of …”Build…Connect…Promote” is exemplified by their local impact.

“We are very humbled to receive the first-ever Volunteer Center of the Year Award. There are over 30 Volunteer Centers in the state of Michigan and to be recognized as one of the best is an honor,” says Carrie Vanderbush, executive director of Volunteer Kalamazoo. “Kalamazoo just keeps getting better and better and we are happy to play a part in that.”

About Volunteer Kalamazoo: Volunteer Kalamazoo has been the center for volunteerism in Kalamazoo since 1965. Volunteer Kalamazoo builds capacity for effective local volunteering, connects people with opportunities to volunteer and promotes volunteerism in our community. Each year thousands of area residents contact Volunteer Kalamazoo to find ways to serve their community. Volunteer Kalamazoo maintains and publishes a comprehensive, up-to-date list of nonprofit volunteer needs that local organizations and individuals can easily search to find volunteer opportunities that match their skills and interests.

Volunteer Centers of Michigan:

Volunteer Centers of Michigan is a statewide network of over 30 Volunteer Centers serving 59 Michigan counties. Volunteer Centers mobilize people and resources to deliver creative solutions to community problems. Through the convening of organizations, the promotion of community service, and the matching of volunteers to nonprofit programs and events, Volunteer Centers take a leadership role in addressing key community issues.

IMG_5698

Hope Network: Hope On Wheels

Hope Network’s Volunteer Transportation System was founded in 1997 to address and unmet need that continues to be a challenge today: Getting people in need to their medical appointments.

Statewide, Hope Network serves over 3,000 people each year who would otherwise have no access to medical care. The need has never been greater in Kalamazoo County, and several regular volunteer drivers are urgently needed to serve clients in this area.

Hope Network’s VTS program is actively seeking kind and caring volunteers in Kalamazoo County to join the largest volunteer transportation network in the Great Lakes Region. Volunteers enjoy benefits:

  • Flexible scheduling
  • Supporting local community members
  • Meeting new people
  • Staying active
  • Fuel reimbursement for miles driven

Drivers make trips in county and out-of-county to get people to important, non-emergency medical appointments. Drivers are not caregivers but are truly helping to make someone’s life better with their service.

Case in point, one new volunteer made a once per week commitment to driving when he first started. He loved it so much he started taking driving assignments every day. He was transporting a young boy with cancer on a regular basis when a bad snowstorm made rural roads inaccessible. The volunteer was so enthusiastic and committed to getting this boy to his treatment that day, he used his connections at the local Road Commission to get his road plowed so he could get out and transport the boy to his appointment.

Says volunteer coordinator, Nancy Potgeter, “That’s why I’m so thankful for our organization. Our volunteers are wonderful and they do wonderful things for people that need it.”

If you are interested in learning more, or signing up to be a driver for Hope Network, you can apply online or contact Nancy, (616) 248-5195 , via email. Read more about volunteer requirements here.