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.
April 2019
Mayor's Greening Initiative
Community Partner
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
April 27, 2019 from 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Deadline
April 25, 2019
Contact
Dia Noble
dia@friendsofgrparks.org
616-288-7209
Duties of Volunteer
Planting trees! No experience required! Our team will give you step by step instructions on how to plant a tree as well as provide all the tools and equipment needed.
Seidman Park Annual Garlic Mustard Challenge Day
Community Partner
Kent County Parks and Trails
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
April 27, 2019 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Deadline
April 26, 2019
Contact
Ginny Sines
park.volunteers@kentcountymi.gov
616-826-0438
Duties of Volunteer
There will be a Garlic Mustard workshop for volunteers to learn how to ID this invasive plant, pulling and GPS mapping.
May 2019
Construction Volunteer
Community Partner
Habitat for Humanity of Kent County
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 2019
Contact
Sarah Brandt
sbrandt@habitatkent.org
616-588-5226
Duties of Volunteer
Habitat Kent has an on-going need for construction volunteers, no skills are required, we will teach you! Projects can range from deconstruction, framing, carpentry work, painting, and landscaping. To select an opportunity visit our calendar here; http://kentcountyhabitat.volunteerhub.com/.
Hospice Volunteer
Community Partner
Spectrum Health Hospice
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 2019
Contact
Yvonne Elliott
yvonne.elliott@spectrumhealth.org
616-391-4240
Duties of Volunteer
Would you like to read to a patient who can no longer see the pages? Play cards with someone who is lonely? Watch a Tigers game with a patient while their spouse goes out to get groceries? Document an amazing life for someone who wants to leave their story behind for their loved ones? Sing or play music - connecting a patient to another time in their life? Spectrum Health Hospice is looking for additional volunteers thru out our 11 county West Michigan service territory (volunteers choose what geographic area they would like support patients)that are interested in brightening our patient's week by sharing approx. 1hr/week with them. This opportunity is a significant encouragement, helps with feelings of loneliness and is a unique component of the patient's care plan.
Painting
Community Partner
Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF)
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 2019
Contact
Katie Brower
kbrower@iccf.org
616-336-933-3411
Duties of Volunteer
Volunteers will be helping to get a newly-renovated home ready for a new family! They will be painting indoors, and doing other final details like putting up towel racks, putting on new light plates, and changing out lightbulbs.
Checkout Volunteer
Community Partner
Community Food Club
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 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.
Noogieland Volunteer
Community Partner
Gilda's Club of Grand Rapids
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 2019
Contact
Ben Mepham
bmepham@gildasclubgr.org
616-453-8300
Duties of Volunteer
Greet/Supervise Children/Communicate with Parents/Clean Up
o Warmly Welcome Members
o Create Safe Environment
o Coordinate Play Activities
o Diaper and/or Clothing Changes as Needed
o Organize and clean Noogieland
* Above all, enjoy yourself!
Family Activity Night Volunteer
Community Partner
Literacy Center of West Michigan
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 2019
Contact
Kylie VanderMeulen
kvandermeulen@literacycenterwm.org
616-459-5151
Duties of Volunteer
Family Activity Nights are designed for the entire family to learn literacy together. They are held at one of our partner schools for two hours each month. Volunteers are needed to help serve dinner and work on literacy activities with the families.
Warehouse and Inventory Stocking
Community Partner
The StoreHouse of Community Resources
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 2019
Contact
Celia Newhall
office@storehousemi.org
616-855-1700
Duties of Volunteer
We have a wide variety of opportunities to volunteer such as: moving pallets, sorting various goods, stocking shelves, breaking down boxes, vacuuming, light paperwork, recording inventory etc
After School Activities Volunteer
Community Partner
Salvation Army (Fulton Heights)
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 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.
Kids Club Volunteer (2nd -5th grade)
Community Partner
Trinity United Methodist Church
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 2019
Contact
Matthew Witkowski
m.witkowski@grtumc.org
616-456-7260
Duties of Volunteer
Volunteers will engage with 2nd-5th graders on different projects and experiences at our Wednesday night program. Be a positive team member as duties will vary from week to week
Refugee Foster Care Mentoring and Tutoring
Community Partner
Bethany Christian Services
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 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.
Kidz Korner
Community Partner
Family Promise of Grand Rapids
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 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.
General Volunteer Opportunities
Community Partner
Holland Hospital
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 2019
Contact
Jody Correa
volunteers@hollandhospital.org
616-394-3140
Duties of Volunteer
We have a variety of ongoing volunteer opportunities for students in health careers, business, and more! Volunteers assist staff in a variety of settings including Surgery, Emergency Department, Security, Gift Shop, Errand and Escort. If you are interested, contact Jody Correa at jcorrea@hollandhospital.org or 616-394-3140.
Horsey House Calls
Community Partner
Camp Casey
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 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!
Check-In, Check-Out, and Stocking
Community Partner
Community Food Club
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 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
Life Enrichment and Wellness
Community Partner
Samaritas: Senior Living Services
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 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.
Ripple Effect Volunteer
Community Partner
Ripple Effect Resale Shoppe
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 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
Hospice Volunteer
Community Partner
Heartland Hospice
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 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.
Just Goods Volunteer
Community Partner
Extended Grace
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 2019
Contact
Jenna Vipond
office@extendedgrace.org
616-441-9111
Duties of Volunteer
Extended Grace operates a fair trade/social cause store called Just Goods. Just Goods sells traditional fair trade items, as well as hand-crafted items made by inmates involved with Humanity for Prisoners and by students enrolled in CBI. CBI is a program of the Intermediate School District that provides Community Based Instruction for 18 to 26-years-with disabilities. It also serves Aldea coffee, Leppink's donuts, Grand Finale' cookies and tea from Lucky Tea Cafe. A volunteer would provide customer service to all guests, maintain store throughout their shift (restocking beverage cooler, cleaning tables, etc.), complete transactions using a register, serving tea, coffee, cookies or donuts and misc. tasks that one is willing to help with.
Working with individual with disabilities in art and music class
Community Partner
Arts in Motion
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 2019
Contact
Anne Hill
anne@artsinmotionstudio.org
616-446-7452
Duties of Volunteer
Volunteers will be assisting the teachers to make sure the class goes smoothly and to help students stay on task. After class is done helping clean up and enjoying time with students till pick up.
Healthcare Volunteer Opportunities
Community Partner
Metro Health Hospital
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 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.
Volunteer/Tutor/Mentor
Community Partner
Allendale Middle School
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 2019
Contact
Rhonda Wilson
wilsonrho@apsfalcons.net
616-892-5595
Duties of Volunteer
A one on one opportunity to make a difference for a student who needs some additional help with academics. I work with your schedule! All I need is one hour a week of your time. You will need transportation. 3 miles from GV
4-H volunteer
Community Partner
Kent County 4-H
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 2019
Contact
Mary Newman
newman65@msu.edu
616-632-7870
Duties of Volunteer
A variety of volunteer roles are available within Kent County 4-H. All volunteers promote positive youth development in 4-H activities. You could lead project or help with planning an event.
Volunteer Kitchen Coordinator
Community Partner
Gilda's Club of Grand Rapids
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 2019
Contact
Ben Mepham
bmepham@gildasclubgr.org
616-453-8300
Duties of Volunteer
Meal/Recipe Coordination
Work with Volunteer Coordinator and Program Director to help plan and prepare weekly and special event meals for members to efficiently utilize donations; including recipe development, food ordering and pick up.
Work with other Staff, as needed, to coordinate menus for fundraising/donor events as needed
Anticipate needs for food in the Clubhouse and communicate with appropriate staff person.
Volunteer Use and Oversight
Plan, work with,/and oversee volunteers as needed for Clubhouse meal preparation and shopping projects.
Coordinate and work with other GC volunteer staff to plan for volunteer work days (e.g., corporate and academic volunteer days).
Create and foster a welcoming environment for volunteers to ensure that they have a rewarding experience.
Palmer Park Spring Clean and Garlic Mustard Pull
Community Partner
Kent County Parks and Trails
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
May 4, 2019 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Deadline
May 3, 2019
Contact
Ginny Sines
park.volunteers@kentcountymi.gov
616-826-0438
Duties of Volunteer
Pull and bag invasive Garlic Mustard, pick up sticks and rake playground and picnic areas.
Millennium Park's Hansen Nature Trail Project
Community Partner
Kent County Parks and Trails
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
May 17, 2019 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Deadline
May 10, 2019
Contact
Ginny Sines
park.volunteers@kentcountymi.gov
616-826-0438
Duties of Volunteer
Clean and trim trails and prep nature station sites.
Clemente Park Spring Clean-Up
Community Partner
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
May 25, 2019 from 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Deadline
May 24, 2019
Contact
Dia Noble
dia@friendsofgrparks.org
616-288-7209
Duties of Volunteer
Cleaning up the trash on the trail behind the park.