Kent County Department of Human Services has recently implemented a new online application system called MI Bridges.  As a result, we have also restructured our local office lobby plan.  This new plan focuses on customer service and efficiently serving our client’s needs through the utilization of kiosks for the application process.   Our mission here at DHS is to improve the quality of life in Michigan by providing services to vulnerable children and adults that will strengthen the community and enable families and individuals to move toward independence.  MI Bridges and our new lobby plan are two new key components that are both working effectively to promote our mission.

We would like to invite Spanish speaking volunteers and interns to consider working with us to provide daily assistance in our lobby to support our community’s most vulnerable population. Working with our clients will provide the volunteers and interns with experience in the human services field, as well as provide them with real, everyday conversations with the Spanish speaking community. 

Anyone interested in this exciting opportunity should contact: 

Kimberly Geerdink
Assistance Payments Supervisor
Kent County Department of Human Services
geerdinkk@michigan.gov
Ph:  616-248-1235

 

The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan is currently looking for volunteer tutors for their youth program, Supporting Our Leaders (SOL).  Tutors would be working with middle and high school aged youth, mainly focusing on Math and Science.  If there is not much demand for tutoring on a particular day, tutors are encouraged to interact with the youth (via games or simply talking).  Both tutoring programs run Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.  GED tutoring is from 1PM to 4PM and high school tutoring is from 3PM to 6PM. There are also often opportunities to volunteer on Fridays for SOL gatherings or field trips. Please note: Since you will be working with youth, there is a mandatory background check.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Vanessa Giles-Flores at vgiles@hispanic-center.org for volunteer forms to fill out.  If you'd like more information about the program and what to expect, feel free to contact Katie Oyama at oyamak@mail.gvsu.edu.

 

Allyson is a sweet 10 year old Hispanic young lady in the 5th grade. She lives with her family near Burton & Buchanan. Allyson enjoys riding bikes, crafts, watching tv and swimming. Nonetheless, she is involved with the Young Delinquent Intervention Program as she was charged with assault and battery after an isolated incident at school. She is very willing and open to progressing through her treatment program. Allyson would love to have a mentor. She is very funny, caring and is excited to make new friends, although she needs help making good choices about which friends are appropriate. Mentor must be Spanish speaking. You can earn $25/week for up to $500.  

Jose is a Hispanic youth who is approaching 13 years of age. He lives with his family near Hall & Grandville. Jose is a mature and kind young man who enjoys pet birds and playing video games. He is polite and generous with adults, although he struggles with being a bully with peers at school. He is involved with the Young Delinquent Intervention Program as he was a first time perpetrator of a crime. He is open to help and he would really enjoy and benefit from having a Big Brother. Mentor must be Spanish speaking. You can earn $25/week for up to $500.  

Please contact
Mallory West at 284-5864 or mwest@dabsj.org
 

Page last modified January 22, 2013