Community Service Learning Center
On-Going Opportunities!
ARTS
Art Gallery and Studio
Heartside Ministry needs volunteers in the art studio (drawing, painting, sewing, beadwork) on Mondays from 11:30a-3:30p, Tuesdays from 2:00p-3:30p, Thursdays from 11:30a-3:30p, and Fridays from 11:30a-3:30p. The times for the pottery studio are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00p-3:30p. The times for weaving are Wednesdays from 1:30p-3:30p. For more information please contact Helen Van Essendelft at 616-235-7211 or at volunteer@heartside.org.
Posted 9/21/2011
MENTORING
Proof Mentoring Organization
PROOF Mentoring Organization is seeking caring, supportive individuals willing to serve as a mentor to a student in 5th through 8th grade. Students are encouraged to set goals and strengthen faith within themselves. The mentor will meet with their student one hour per week (during the day) throughout the school year. For more information on this opportunity, contact Trish Verbrugge at 616-355-4424 or trish@proofmentoring.org. Posted 10/19/11
Bethany Christian Services - Mentor Program
Bethany Christian Services-Mentoring Programs: Mentors are needed to be a consistent guide & a support system in different themed youth programs: Domestic Foster Care, Youth in Transition, and Refugee Foster Care. Mentors are asked to make a one-year committment to spend a few hours a month with a child or youth. For more information on this opportunity, contact Scott Spitters at (616) 224-7438 or mentor@bethany.org. Updated 2/7/12
Big Brothers Big Sisters Amachi Program
Are you in the Grand Rapids area this summer and looking for a fantastic opportunity? Please consider being a mentor to a child with an incarcerated parent. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Amachi Program will provide you with an opportunity to gain experience working with a child and also give you a new friend! The commitment is 1-3 hours per week, doing child-friendly activities. Some activity ideas could include going to the zoo, baking cookies, picking up books at the library or playing sports. It's really unlimited! If you had the chance to change a child's life, would you? Here's your chance! For more information on this opportunity, contact Lisa Puente at 616-774-4310 or lpuente@dablodgett.org.
The Freshman Academy - Summer Mentors
The Freshman Academy is in need of student mentors to work the summer program. The Oliver Wilson Freshman Academy Program (FA) is a support program that offers comprehensive and collaborative services to students who have demonstrated a strong potential for academic success in college and who are either from an underrepresented high school and/or the first in their families to attend college. This institute will give these students some much needed skills they will need as they transition to college life. There is a training session April 30-May 1, however if you cannot make it they will work with you on another date. If you would be willing to commit to be a student mentor for our Freshman Academy students, please contact Sulari White at 331-3588 or whites@gvsu.edu.
Posted 4/6/12
EDUCATIONAL
Cherry Street Health Services - Reach Out and Read
Volunteers are needed to participate in the Reach Out and Read Program with Cherry Street Health Services at two pediatric health center locations, West Side Health Center and Heart of the City Health Center. Reach Out and Reach volunteers read to children in our waiting rooms to promote childhood literacy and a love for reading. Volunteers will spend shifts of 2-4 hours in the waiting room of West Side Health Center or Heart of the City Health Center reading to children. Volunteers typically commit to reading 1-3 days per week. Volunteer training required.
Volunteers should have an interest in interacting with children and a love for reading. Populations needing volunteer hours (specifically in a health-care setting), volunteers who are bilingual (as a large population of patients are Spanish-speaking), and volunteers who are interested in mentoring children should contact Claire Hamman at clairehamman@cherryhealth.com or 616-965-8200. http://www.cherryhealth.org/
Posted 5-23-12
Posted 5-23-12
ESL classes for Adult Refugees
ESL classes are held at GRIF (Grand Rapids International Fellowship Church) on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 9-11 a.m. for newly arrived adult refugees to help them learn English, to expose them to American culture, and to help them become employed. The volunteers will help ESL teachers in a classroom or assist students in a computer lab. For more information on this opportunity, contact Sharon Muldoon at 616-965-8059 or smuldoon@bethany.org, and visit the website at http://www.bethany.org/grandrapids/refugee-services
Learning Lab Volunteers
Steepletown Neighborhood Services' Learning Lab is seeking volunteers! Our Learning Lab provides assistance to students seeking their General Education Diploma (GED). Volunteers would assist students with questions about online course work/homework. Some benefits: *Opportunity to work closely with a non-profit community based organization *Work with Grand Rapids area community youth/young adults *Flexible hours/ schedule *Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday *Morning and late afternoon *Long term and short term arrangements can be made Each volunteer will need to fill out a background check form provided by Steepletown. For more information on this opportunity, contact Melanie Straub at 616-451-4215 or melanie@steepletown.org, and visit the Steepletown Neighborhood Services website.
Posted 03/26/2012
ELNC Baby Scholars
Baby Scholars is a 12-week program that provides educational support for parents and children 5 months to 5 years old. Volunteers are needed to assist preschool teachers and/or parent coaches in implementing the curriculum for Baby Scholars. Spanish-speaking volunteers would be helpful, but not required. For more information on this opportunity, contact Kimberly Spencer at 616-430-7292 or kimberly@elncgr.org, and visit the Baby Scholars website.
Posted 03/21/2012
GVSU TRiO Talent Search
Beginning Summer 2012--Help local high school 11th graders achieve well on the ACT. Conduct two (2) ACT prep sessions for two (2) hours each in a subject area in which you are comfortable such as the Science, Math, English or Reading sections. Volunteers will cover one section of the ACT with a small group of students on an evening or weekend day. Using the ACT prep guide provided by the ACT organization, volunteers will explain the correct answers in the chosen section of the ACT to the group. Students will also work with their peers for the answers. Times and dates can vary according to volunteer's hours. This will occur twice a semester so the volunteer will be needed for four (4) total hours (two hours each of the two times). For more information on this opportunity, contact Sarah Keranen-Lopez at 616-331-7112 or keranesa@gvsu.edu. Posted 02/06/2012
Hattie Beverly Youth Development Program Tutor - Restorers Inc.
Do you have a heart for students in our community and one hour a week to serve them? Join us at Restorers Hattie Beverly Tutoring Center! We support the educational goals of primarily low-income and minority students in the Madison Square Neighborhood. Tutors meet one hour a week with students to help them reach self-identified academic goals. Tutors should be faithful in showing up each week, encourage and respect students, foster a positive attitude toward learning, and help select materials and approaches suitable to students' skill levels and needs. Tutors are still needed this semester for middle and high school students in all subjects (especially math) on Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30 or 6:30-7:30. For more information on this opportunity, contact Leah Nieboer at 616-243-1984x26 or l.niebor@restorersinc.org.
Posted 02/06/2012
Elementary Tutor - Pinewood Elementary
We are looking for elementary tutors to help students that have been identified as needing additional academic support. The greatest need for tutors is in Reading & Math. We need tutors for the entire school year. This school is approximately 10-15 minutes from the Allendale campus. For the safety of all of our students, YOU MUST FILL OUT a Criminal Background Check form and return to the address above, prior to any tutoring. Tutors will be paired with individuals or small groups of students to meet the same time each week. Tutors may also be asked to help with extra projects such as making copies, hanging art projects, assisting in the classroom as a new concept is taught, stuffing Friday Folders, etc. We can use tutors with as little as one hour/week, but we would like to encourage tutors to volunteer as often as they are able. For more information on this opportunity, contact Holli Ward at 616-581-8002 or holli@michiganbutterflies.com.
Posted 01/18/12
Tutor/mentors are needed for 6-12th grade students in the Grand Rapids area. Days/times vary but are generally Monday-Friday between 7:45am-2:30 or 3:30pm depending on the school. MPower orientations are taking place on the following days & times; Tues 1/10, 9 & 11a, 2p in KC 2259 Thur 1/12, 11a, 1 & 3p in KC 2259 Fri 1/13, 9 & 11a, 2p in Devos 127A- Pew campus. You only need to attend 1 session which lasts about 45mins. If you plan on attending email Santiago Zapata so that he may send you the program applications ahead of time. Volunteers will assist a teacher in the classroom with student needs. You may be with the whole class or in small groups depending on the teacher. You may need to run an occasional errand, but the main focus will be on assisting students. There is also an opportunity to work with the TRIO advisors as an college outreach aide with the same type of students. The main difference is that you would not be in a regular core subject classroom. For more information on this opportunity, contact Santiago Zapata at 616-331-7114 or zapatas@gvsu.edu. Posted 01/10/12
Volunteers are needed to help fill a great need for tutors fo children in grades K-12. These students would benefit from small group and one on one assisting in the area of mathematics. West Godwin Elementary will have a daily schedule and specific plans for anyone interested in tutoring. The school also has a large Spanish speaking population, so bilingual English/Spanish would be beneficial but not necessary. For more information on this opportunity contact Steve Minard at 616-252-2030 or email at minard@godwinschools.org.
Posted 01/12/2012
Schools of Hope In-School Tutoring
Schools of Hope In School Tutoring works with students grades 1-3 in 15 Grand Rapids Public Schools locations. Last year more than 850 volunteers gave 30 minutes of one-on-one tutoring each week to improve the reading skills of first, second and third graders in 15 GRPS schools. Tutors commit to one, 30 minute tutoring session per week. Volunteers will attend a two hour training prior to meeting with students. They will provide instruction and support in reading. For more information on this opportunity, contact Ashley Peterson at 616-340-0847 at asbpeter@gmail.com.
Posted 01/9/2012
Camp Fire USA
Camp Fire USA is in need of area individuals to volunteer with our after-school programs. These programs run throughout the school year, ending in mid-May. We are looking for individuals or groups to assist with activities or to teach various skills (dance, art, sports, music, foreign language, etc.) Our programs take place in seven elementary schools and one middle school. They generally run between the hours of 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Camp Fire USA requests a consistent commitment to be discussed prior to volunteer services, but all Camp Fire staff are flexible and are willing to accommodate all schedules.For more information on this opportunity, contact Ellen Hensel at 616-949-2500 or ellen.hensel@campfireusawmc.org
Posted 10/17/11
GED Tutoring
Heartside Ministry is looking for volunteers who want to tutor those wishing to finish highschool or just improve their reading, writing, and/or math skills. For more information on this opportunity, contact Helen Van Essendelft at 616-235-7211 or volunteer@heartside.org.
Posted 09/2011
Hispanic Center of West Michigan - Tutoring
Tutors are needed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 pm for the following subject areas: Language Arts, Reading Language Arts, Writing, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. Volunteer tutors work one-on-one or with a group of GED students, helping them to master the material required to pass the GED tests. Volunteers should be positive and energetic, engaging and encouraging students to achieve their best potential.
Volunteers should have experience / knowledge in at least one of the following subject areas: Language Arts, Reading Language Arts, Writing Social Studies Science Mathematics Willing and able to work with diverse groups of people.
For more information please contact Jaenell Ott (jott@hispanic-center.org)
or call 616-742-0200
Posted 5/4/12
Posted 5/4/12
West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center
We are a non-profit that supports refugee students and their families in educational needs, primarily with homework tutoring that the students may not be able to get at home, and aiding parents on the intricacies of the American education system. We are always looking for volunteers of any age who are skilled (or looking to gain experience) in an education, social work, or international/multicultural environment. The volunteer would be tutoring K-12 students on a one-on-one basis or group basis in reading, math, and other academic subjects. For more information on this opportunity, contact Zane Davidson at 616-247-9611 or zane@westmirefugee.org.
Posted 09/2011
ELS Language Centers - Conversation Partner Program
Volunteers are needed to engage in regualr conversations with those going through the ESL (English as a second language) program. Students participate and meet in a casual enviornment to practive their skills and share their culture and language. Volunteers meet once a week for an hour, often at lunchtime or for coffee. They are not there to provide language instruction, just simply to engage in natural conversation. Must have a desire to work with students from a different culture. This will take place at the ELS Language Centers in Allendale. For more information on this opportunity, contact Amanda Brune at 616-892-5720 or abrune@els.edu.
Posted 09/2011
United Church Outreach Ministry - Homework House Tutoring
Volunteers work with 1-3 students on reading, writing, vocabulary, and homework. For the Fall semester, tutoring will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45p-4:45p (Cesar Chavez Elementary) and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:15p-5:15p (Southwest Community Campus). It is a great opportunity for those interested in Education and Spanish to connect with students and make a difference in their lives. For more information on this opportunity, contact Ashley Juvonen at 616-241-4006 or kristina.meyer@ucomgr.org.
Posted 09/20/11
ENVIRONMENTAL
Writers Needed! - Environmental Conservation Coalition
Are you a freelance writer? reporter? journalist? or maybe you have free time on your hands and happen to have decent writing skills? Our website integrates the concept of news delivery pertaining to environmental news within the community, we need people who are passionate about writing and can give the time needed to report on all the latest environmental news in Grand Rapids. The Environmental Conservation Coalition is looking for writers to publish news articles on our website and maintain sections of the "Eco Center" section. This position requires you to stay up to date on all environmental news in Grand Rapids and report accordingly to our website for our readers. Requirements: Volunteers should adhere to deadlines and be disciplined in his or her work, candidates should be creative in his or her outlook and should be able to write on environmental based topics and issues in various patterns. Candidates should have good knowledge about English vocabulary and grammar. Candidates should be willing to attend a work shop to learn how to publish articles using the website, this workshop will take place 2-1-2012 from 6:00pm-7:00pm. For more information on this opportunity, contact Paris Lara at 616-528-8322 or parislara@eccgr.co.cc
Posted 01/20/12
Coopersville Farm Museum
Volunteers are needed to list events on websites and to assist with exhibits. Students who are interested should have some familiarization with museum events and accurate computer skills. Someone is needed on a regular basis, but the schedule is flexible. For more information on this opportunity, contact LeeAnn Creager at 616-997-8555 or leeannc@coopersvillefarmmuseum.org.
Food and Water Watch - Fair Farm Bill Grassroots Campaign Volunteer
Volunteers are needed for the Fair Farm Bill campaign in Grand Rapids. Based on interest, volunteers may learn grassroots techniques (such as: petitioning, phone banking, coalition building), work with Grand Rapids Media (traditional as well as social media), and provide office assistance (such as: designing flyers, posters) throughout the campaign. September 21st from 7:00p-8:00p is the kickoff meeting at the WMEAC Building, where volunteers will learn about the campaign and discuss training. For more information on this opportunity, contact Jane Wiedenbeck at 616-920-1940 or jwiedenbeck@fwwlocal.org.
Posted 09/6/11
HEALTH
Medical Advocacy and Transportation for Refugees
The Patient Advocate for LSSM Refugee Resettlement functions as a liaison between the patient, family members, medical staff, hospital departments, and community agencies during the first 90-120 days of resettlement into a medical home. Volunteers will assist patients in understanding their rights and responsibilities and introducing them into the U.S. Healthcare system. The volunteer must be able to pursue appropriate avenues for the solution of medical problems as they affect overall health care delivery and support services, assist arrangement for translation and transportation services for patients, deal with multiple issues at one time, be self motivated and require very little supervision, be very well organized and able to make quick changes of direction, be able to communicate with a wide variety of people from diverse socio-economic ethnic (refugees) backgrounds. We prefer students who are studying Social Work, Nursing, Pharmaceutical, Pre Med or Medical Students. Must own car and possess valid U.S. Driver's License. For more information on this opportunity, contact Dana Doll at ddoll@lssm.org or at 616-916-5770.
Posted 02/24/12.
Kent Health Plan
Volunteers are needed to help members maintain their health coverage, make reminder phone calls, make pharmacy phone calls, and assist with health education classes, if needed. The times for volunteers are Monday-Friday between 9:00am-5:00pm, 1-4 hours per week, depending on your availability. For more information on this opportunity, contact Josue Melendez at 616-726-8204 or at jmelendez@kenthealthplan.org.
Posted 09/28/11
Art Therapy Program –Spectrum Health Rehab & Nursing Center
Volunteers are needed to do hands on painting and art with nursing home residents. Training for volunteers is provided upon commencement of service and includes education about the nursing home facility. Although not limited, this opportunity is great for students with an interest in art or helping the elderly. Great for art, recreation therapy, art therapy, social work/sociology, or gerontology students. For more information on this opportunity, contact Kay Fricano at 616-486-3024.
Spectrum Health Hospice
Spectrum Health Hospice is offering a volunteer training for those individuals who are interested in providing compassionate support for patients near the end of life. We are especially in need of musicians and vocalists, friendly visitors and caregiver relief volunteers. The time commitment is generally one hour per week after completing training. The spring volunteer training session will be held at our office which is located at 4500 Breton Rd SE in Kentwood. The training will run for 5 consecutive Tuesday evenings from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. The dates for the trainings are April 24, May 1, 8, 15 and 22. For more information on this opportunity, contact Yvonne Elliott at 616-391-4240 or yvonne.elliott@spectrum-health.org
posted 4/17/12
HISTORY
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Discovery Cart Program is a new opportunity designed to engage Museum customers by providing themed artifact kits on subjects like games, music and habitats. This opportunity runs on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30p - 3:30p. The artifacts are available for close, hands-on investigation. We are looking for outgoing, friendly teens to connect with customers of all ages. We are recruiting teenagers for a minimum of one 3 1/2 hour shift per month. A brief training period is required. Volunteers can choose from Tuesday, November 15, 4:00 pm or Saturday, November 19, 10:00am. Trainings are held at the museum at 272 Pearl Street. To volunteer for this new opportunity, or to make a reservation for a training session, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator,
616 929-1737 or volunteer@grmuseum.org
Posted 11/07/11
HOUSING/HOMELESSNESS
Alarm Install Canvassing - Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan
Healthy Homes seeks Volunteers to canvass the Garfield Park Neighborhood, to let families know that we have free CO and Smoke Alarms available. This is an ongoing event, and we are flexible with whatever days and hours work for the volunteer. Volunteers will be given an area to canvas. They will sign up families interested in having Healthy Homes install free Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms. Flyers with all the needed information will also be handed out. For more information and to sign up please contact Brittany Schlosser at brittany@healthyhomescoalition.org or 616-241-3300. Posted 4/25/12
Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank- Food Bank Office
Filing help is needed in Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank's fundraising department and accounts payable/receivable department. This opportunity is flexible. You can come for an hour or all day! Clerical help is needed anytime Monday - Friday between the hours of 9:00am - 4:30pm. For more information please contact Dena Rogers at 616-784-3250 or email DenaR@FeedingAmericaWestMichigan.org
Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank- Food Delivery
The Food Bank delivers cases of food to charity organizations most weekday mornings. This opportunity is flexible and varies 1-5 days a week 9:00a - 1:00p. Volunteers will be asked to ride along with our driver to help unload deliveries across Kent County. For more information please contact Dena Rogers at 616-784-3250 or email DenaR@FeedingAmericaWestMichigan.org
Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank- Warehouse
Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank is looking for volunteers to help charity organizations load orders (cases) of grocery items in their vehicles. This opportunity involves working in their warehouse Monday - Friday 9:00am - 12:00pm. It is flexible and available for as little or as often as you like. For more information please contact Dena Rogers at 616-784-3250 or email DenaR@FeedingAmericaWestMichigan.org
Guiding Light Mission
Guiding Light Misson needs volunteers to help prepeare and serve food during lunch time. Volunteers should arrive 10am and help prepare food. At 11:30am, lunch is served. After everyone is served, the volunteers can eat lunch. Volunteers will leave around 12:30pm. For more infromation on this opportunity, contact Kari Oosterbaan at 616-451-0236 or email kari@lifeonthestreet.org
Posted 12/15/11
Habitat for Humanity of Kent County
Help Habitat achieve their mission of strengthening families and communities by providing affordable homeownership! Volunteers are need for construction/destruction, framing, trim carpentry, painting and siding, and much more. Each volunteer will be trained how to do these tasks so no experience is needed. These builds will be happening throughout the year. For more information on this opportunity, contact Joanna Dykhuis at 616-588-5226 or jdykhuis@habitatkent.org
Posted 10/29/11
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