Find Community Engagement Opportunities
The following list of opportunities are not directly coordinated by the CSLC. Please be sure to sign up with the listed contact person.
The views and opinions represented by these organizations are not affiliated with Grand Valley State University.
October 2018
Volunteer CleanUp Event at Greenwood Cemetery
Community Partner
Friends of Greenwood Cemetery
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
October 27, 2018 from 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Deadline
October 22, 2018
Contact
Beanca Zwarensteyn
Beancazwarensteyn@gmail.com
616-364-4545
Duties of Volunteer
Volunteers will be divided into two groups. One group will be doing general cleanup and a second group will be straightening small headstone monuments. There will be a brief instruction orientation on site day of event at 9:30 a.m.
Invasive Species Removal Day
Community Partner
Kent County Parks and Trails
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
October 23, 2018 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Deadline
October 22, 2018
Contact
Ginny Sines
park.volunteers@kentcountymi.gov
616-826-0438
Duties of Volunteer
Use loppers and handsaws to cut woody invasives and treat the stumps with herbicide. Learn how to identify and treat invasive species such as Autumn Olive, Oriental Bittersweet, Common and Glossy Buckthorn and Japanese Honeysuckle!
Invasive Species Removal Day
Community Partner
Kent County Parks and Trails
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
October 25, 2018 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Deadline
October 24, 2018
Contact
Ginny Sines
park.volunteers@kentcountymi.gov
616-826-0438
Duties of Volunteer
Use loppers and handsaws to cut woody invasives and treat the stumps with herbicide. Learn how to identify and treat invasive species such as Autumn Olive, Oriental Bittersweet, Common and Glossy Buckthorn and Japanese Honeysuckle!
Millennium Park Fall Clean
Community Partner
Kent County Parks and Trails
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
October 27, 2018 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Deadline
October 26, 2018
Contact
Ginny Sines
park.volunteers@kentcountymi.gov
616-826-0438
Duties of Volunteer
Projects will include green spaces and trails clean up, invasive species control, seed harvesting and more! Great for individuals, families or groups.
Invasive Species Removal Day
Community Partner
Kent County Parks and Trails
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
October 29, 2018 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Deadline
October 28, 2018
Contact
Ginny Sines
park.volunteers@kentcountymi.gov
616-826-0438
Duties of Volunteer
Use loppers and handsaws to cut woody invasives and treat the stumps with herbicide. Learn how to identify and treat invasive species such as Autumn Olive, Oriental Bittersweet, Common and Glossy Buckthorn and Japanese Honeysuckle!
YouTube Video Description Writing
Community Partner
National Science Institute
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
October 31, 2018
Contact
Lis Bokt
helpme@thegeekgroup.org
616-466-4335
Duties of Volunteer
We need a volunteer to write up video descriptions for our YouTube channel videos.
Tutor with New City Afterschool
Community Partner
New City Neighbors
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
October 31, 2018
Contact
Holly Hetherington
hollyh@newcityneighbors.org
616-301-4768
Duties of Volunteer
Work one on one or in a small group with elementary students from the Creston neighborhood of Grand Rapids at New City Afterschool. This is an incredibly important part of our program as we strive to help students stay on track with their education. (Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday from 4 to 4:45 PM)
November 2018
Invasive Species Removal Day
Community Partner
Kent County Parks and Trails
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
November 2, 2018 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Deadline
November 1, 2018
Contact
Ginny Sines
park.volunteers@kentcountymi.gov
616-826-0438
Duties of Volunteer
Use loppers and handsaws to cut woody invasives and treat the stumps with herbicide. Learn how to identify and treat invasive species such as Autumn Olive, Oriental Bittersweet, Common and Glossy Buckthorn and Japanese Honeysuckle!
Volunteers for campaign to end partisan Gerrymandering in Michigan
Community Partner
Voters Not Politicians
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
November 6, 2018
Contact
John Carlson
cyberjohn007@comcast.net
616-550-7217
Duties of Volunteer
Voters Not Politicians (VNP) is a grassroots, nonpartisan organization which is currently circulating petitions to place a constitutional amendment on the 11/6/18 Michigan ballot to end the practice of partisan Gerrymandering. More information is available at votersnotpoliticians.com.
Volunteer opportunities include collecting petition signatures, doing outreach to individuals and organizations, and being part of VNP's education and fundraising efforts.
Volunteers will be needed continuously through November 6, 2018.
December 2018
Free Store Volunteer
Community Partner
In The Image
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 1, 2018
Contact
Audrey Fleming
afleming@intheimage.org
616-456-6150
Duties of Volunteer
Customer service for our clients in our Free Store, we serve 5,000 households in Kent County
Stocking the Free store between shopping rounds to ensure each shopping session has the best opportunities
Help sorting donations at our back door to ensure the best quality of items are put on our store floor
Volunteer Receptionist
Community Partner
Samaritas: Senior Living Services
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 1, 2018
Contact
Anna Blanchard
ablan@samaritas.org
616-284-5705
Duties of Volunteer
Receptionist for front desk in senior living community. Monitoring front entrance, answering phones, directing visitors
Enjoy Helping Others
Community Partner
Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM)
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 31, 2018
Contact
Diane K
dianek@fromlowell.org
616-897-8260
Duties of Volunteer
Do you enjoy helping others? Are you passionate about providing assistance? Have people told you that you'd make a great Social Worker or are you studying to become one? Then we need YOU!
Flat River Outreach Ministries provides information and assistance services to those living in the Lowell area school district. We rely on volunteers in all of our programs (and our Thrift Store) and are looking for more people to help in our Connections Department. These people answer the phones, take messages and work with our Social Worker to connect people to community resources.
ESL Childcare
Community Partner
The Other Way Ministries
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 31, 2018
Contact
Bethany Joseph
bjoseph@theotherway.org
616-516-3180
Duties of Volunteer
We need volunteers to play with children for 2-hour increments so that their parents can attend English classes. We welcome both one-time and recurring commitments.
Stocking Food Pantry- Monday Afternoons
Community Partner
Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM)
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 31, 2018
Contact
Diane K
dianek@fromlowell.org
616-897-8260
Duties of Volunteer
We are in need of someone who can help stock shelves and pack bags for quarterly food distribution in our Client Choice Food Pantry.
The volunteer would work Monday afternoons between 2:00 and 4:30 p.m.
Our Food Pantry helps families that live within the Lowell School District. Residents can sign up anytime during regular Pantry hours by bringing a current ID and proof of each household member. Individuals are then able to shop in the pantry one time each month to help stretch the budget and supplement household needs. We are also a USDA site for monthly Senior Food Commodities and Quarterly Food Commodities.
All volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation. Contact us for more details and dates/times of upcoming orientations.
All Flat River Outreach Ministries volunteers receive a discount in our Treasures Thrift Shop after 10 hours of service.
Evening Cashiers
Community Partner
Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM)
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 31, 2018
Contact
Diane K
dianek@fromlowell.org
616-897-8260
Duties of Volunteer
Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM) in Lowell is looking cashier in our Treasures Thrift Shop from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
All volunteers receive a discount in the Thrift Shop after 10 hours of service.
Treasures Thrift Shop is a volunteer run thrift store. All proceeds support our mission of helping our Lowell neighbors in need.
Like to Clean? We Need You!
Community Partner
Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM)
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 31, 2018
Contact
Diane K
dianek@fromlowell.org
616-897-8260
Duties of Volunteer
Do you like cleaning? Are you a clean freak? We need you! We are looking for volunteers who enjoy cleaning. The FROM building is huge and can always use volunteers to help keep the building clean.
Variety of shifts available during business hours.
Sorting and Stocking Help needed
Community Partner
Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM)
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 31, 2018
Contact
Diane K
dianek@fromlowell.org
616-897-8260
Duties of Volunteer
Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM) is looking for help in our Treasures Thrift Shop sorting and stocking donations of gently used items for re-sale.
FROM relies on volunteers in all our programs including our Treasures Thrift Shop which provides over 40% of the finances to run our community programs.
Volunteers are needed during weekday afternoons and morning, afternoon and evenings on the weekends.
All volunteers receive a discount in the Thrift Store after volunteering at least 10 hours.
January 2019
Life Enrichment and Wellness
Community Partner
Samaritas: Senior Living Services
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
January 1, 2019
Contact
Anna Blanchard
ablan@samaritas.org
616-284-5705
Duties of Volunteer
Social engagement in a senior living community and/or a continuing care community. Some of the opportunities would be: Sharing interests in music or art by assisting or teaching an academy class, working with our activity/wellness department with support of life enriching activities such as exercise and brain fitness or community outings.
Refugee Foster Care Mentoring and Tutoring
Community Partner
Bethany Christian Services
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
January 1, 2019
Contact
Joanne (Joey) Hulst
jhulst@bethany.org
616-965-8022
Duties of Volunteer
Refugee Mentoring: refugee youth in foster care, typically ages 16-21. The goal of this program is to help a refugee youth feel welcome and supported in the United States. By building a friendship through various fun activities and outings, mentors will also be able to introduce their mentee to life in their community and help them reach goals in preparation for independent living. This is a 1 year, 4 hour per month commitment.
Refugee Tutoring: Help refugee youth, adults, or families learn English and work on homework or class-specific material. Typically afternoon or evening hours, but up to you and tutee. Tutoring most frequently takes place in the client's home or a public setting (library, etc.). Semester or school-year commitment, 1 hour per week.
Mentors commit to spending 1 year with a refugee youth of their same gender for a least 4 hours a month. The goal of our mentoring program is to help our youth adjust to life in the U.S. and feel welcome here. You can accomplish this by exploring Grand Rapids together, doing fun activities like sports or bowling, or simply having a good conversation! Our program has a slight college/career focus, so we ask that during your year of mentoring you do three of those activities. That could include working on a resume, touring a college campus, or just sharing about your time in school or your career. As a Bethany mentoring team, we will provide a variety of free activities throughout the year that you can bring your mentee to.
Our refugee youth are usually between 15 and 18 years old upon arrival, and they all came to the U.S. without any family or guardian to care for them. About 50% of them come from Central American countries (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador) and the rest come from a variety of countries including Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. A mentor is an additional support to a youth in our program, someone they can rely on and who can help prepare them for successful independent living. Our program is community-based and very flexible, which allows you to set your own schedule for mentoring as long as you're meeting 4 hours a month with your mentee. The mentor coordinator is available to guidance and support throughout the year, and you will be in charge of submitting monthly reports about how your mentoring experience is going.
Construction Volunteering
Community Partner
Habitat for Humanity of Kent County
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
January 1, 2019
Contact
Sarah Brandt
sbrandt@habitatkent.org
616-588-5226
Duties of Volunteer
Come join us on a construction site Tuesday-Saturday, year round. We have the tools, equipment and safety gear - no prior construction experience is necessary.
View our schedule at-
https://kentcountyhabitat.volunteerhub.com/
Complete a group request at-
https://www.habitatkent.org/volunteer/#popmake-3385
February 2019
Mardi Gras Kidney Ball
Community Partner
National Kidney Foundation
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
February 23, 2019 from 5:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Deadline
February 1, 2019
Contact
Shawn Fleet
sfleet@nkfm.org
616-458-9520
Duties of Volunteer
Packing, moving, set up in preparation for event. Breakdown, moving and unloading after event.
April 2019
Grand Rapids Kidney Walk
Community Partner
National Kidney Foundation
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
April 28, 2019 from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Deadline
March 1, 2019
Contact
Shawn Fleet
sfleet@nkfm.org
616-458-9520
Duties of Volunteer
Packing, moving, set up in preparation for event. Doing miscellaneous tasks to ensure event runs smoothly. Breakdown, moving and unloading after event.
May 2019
Annual Fundraiser Committee Member
Community Partner
American Red Cross
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
May 1, 2019 from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Deadline
April 1, 2019
Contact
Erin Abel
erin.abel@redcross.org
616-402-2000
Duties of Volunteer
The American Red Cross of West Michigan is currently looking for event planning committee members and volunteers for day of event.
Event Planning Committee Members
- Meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 5:30pm
- The entire committee is divided up in to sub-committees and those are: revenue, communications, site, and volunteer. You may choose which area you wish to help with.
Day of event we need registration volunteers who will check guests in to the event, provide them with their name tag, bidder number, etc.
If you wish to have full descriptions of each position, please let us know!
June 2019
Check-In, Check-Out, and Stocking
Community Partner
Community Food Club
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
June 1, 2019
Contact
Kendra Valkema
kendra.valkema@communityfoodclubgr.org
616-288-5550
Duties of Volunteer
The Food Club is a collaborative systemic response to hunger promoting food security, choice and dignity for low-income Member Households. It is a membership-based, grocery store environment in which Members access various educational sessions relating to food and health, and shop with points determined by household size. The Food Club offers an opportunity and a place for low and moderate income households to increase their food security and to improve their healthy eating by accessing nutritious food on a consistent basis. It allows member households to experience increased self-reliance and respect. They belong to the Food Club and they choose whether and when to participate.
The Food Club is open Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Volunteer shifts typically last 1-2 hours. Volunteers can sign up for the following roles:
Check-In: Welcome our members to the Food Club! Check their ID, and confirm their membership status and points at greeter station. Computer training provided.
Check-Out: Assist our members at check-out by ringing up their products and bagging their groceries. Computer training provided.
Stocking & Repacking/General Assistance: Organize product by category. Stock shelves and displays out on the store floor. Wipe down shelves, carts, displays, and coolers. Reach out!
Volunteers are essential to what we do and we'd love to work alongside you! Volunteers must be 16 or older. Volunteers must complete a registration form, waiver, and submit to a Michigan state background check. Minors (under 18 years of age) must be authorized to volunteer by a parent or guardian. Once paperwork has been received and processed, a Food Club staff member will reach out regarding a volunteer orientation. The Food Club is located at Stop #243 along the Rapid's Silver Line route. Transfer to the Silver Line at the following stops: Michigan & Bostwick, DeVos Place, Monroe & Louis
Checkout Volunteer
Community Partner
Community Food Club
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
June 1, 2019
Contact
Kendra Valkema
kendra.valkema@communityfoodclubgr.org
616-288-5550
Duties of Volunteer
Checkout Volunteers use the Food Club's user-friendly computer system to ring up Members' groceries. They assist Members with bagging groceries and and tracking point balances. Checkout volunteers are key to providing a true grocery store shopping experience at the Food Club. Checkout volunteers are not responsible for handling any money.
July 2019
Healthcare Volunteer Opportunities
Community Partner
Metro Health Hospital
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
July 1, 2019
Contact
Jennifer DeVries
jennifer.devries@metrogr.org
616-252-7200
Duties of Volunteer
Metro Health is always seeking volunteers to help in clinical areas of the Hospital. Opportunities are one day per week for a 4-hour shift. A $6 meal voucher is provided for each shift. Must volunteer for a minimum of 50 hours.
August 2019
Hospice Volunteer
Community Partner
Heartland Hospice
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
August 1, 2019
Contact
Linda Titus
linda.titus@hcr-manorcare.com
616-956-0636
Duties of Volunteer
Our volunteers at Heartland help us provide companionship to our patients. Volunteers help enrich the lives of our patients by providing a friendly visit to lift the patient's spirits. The can also help by staying with the patients so family members can get a much needed rest or run errands. Our volunteers make their own hours.
September 2019
Ripple Effect Volunteer
Community Partner
Ripple Effect Resale Shoppe
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
September 1, 2019
Contact
Cindy Storm
cindy@rippleeffect.org
616-895-4033
Duties of Volunteer
Sorting clothes
Sorting donation items
Book organization
Cashier
Keeping store clean
Kidz Korner
Community Partner
Family Promise of Grand Rapids
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
September 18, 2019
Contact
Chelsea Jandernoa
chelseaj@familypromisegr.org
616-608-8917
Duties of Volunteer
Playing with our kiddos while their parents meet with case managers, search for housing leads or take financial literacy classes.
Kidz Korner runs M-F from 9:00-11:00 and 1:00-3:00.
Horsey House Calls
Community Partner
Camp Casey
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
September 30, 2019
Contact
Carol Carr
carol@camp-casey.org
877-388-8315
Duties of Volunteer
Camp Casey brings a day of horse camp right to the door of children with cancer and rare blood disorders. The Camp Casey team takes the show on the road with their Horsey House Calls by showing up at the child's home with a horse, arts and crafts and food for a camp-like visit in their own yard. Excellent opportunity for students interested in healthcare, education, early childhood or recreation.
Volunteering at a Horsey House Call is approximately a 2.5 hour commitment and typically take place on weekends. No horse experience necessary, just big hearts! We're looking for volunteers in the Greater Grand Rapids region or Detroit area. Volunteers assist with arts & crafts projects, serve lunch, set-up/clean-up and generally make sure families are having a wonderful time!
October 2019
After School Activities Volunteer
Community Partner
Salvation Army (Fulton Heights)
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
October 1, 2019
Contact
Martha Gibbons
Martha_Gibbons@usc.salvationarmy.org
616-459-1511
Duties of Volunteer
Volunteers will need to be flexible to work with whatever groups of students assigned. Possible activities would be: helping students finish their homework, teaching students to organize their work and to have good study habits and time management, playing basketball with the children, playing other games, leading special gym games, teaching a bible study, leading an art or craft, playing other table games with students. We would love to use the skills and abilities of our volunteers to engage with our students and enhance our after school program.