Leader Publications

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
• Sept. 11 is a day that makes us all pause, hug our families and remember the heroes of that awful day. Do you remember the sense of community we all had afterwards? The feeling that everyone was coming to together to help and support their fellow Americans. The United States has a wonderful tradition of volunteerism, of people saying “I can make a difference.”  Even with today’s busy lives we can all be involved whether it is three hours a year or 10 hours a week. There are opportunities for everyone regardless of your age or abilities. If you are not sure how to get involved visit www.volunteerswmi.org for over 200 volunteer opportunities waiting just for you.  If you don‚t find what you are looking for or want to create your own opportunity call the Volunteer Center at 983-0912 or 683-5464 for additional help.
ADULTS
• Campfire Fire USA River Bend Council serves the Michiana area by building caring, confident youth and future leaders. Did Campfire or another organization make a difference to you as a young person?  You can pay it forward by serving on one of the committees or by considering serving on their board.  What is your special talent you want to share?
There is sure to be a spot for you.  Be a leader in this organization that is building tomorrow’s leaders.
• The work of the Benton Harbor Street Ministries is supported by the Berrien County Association of Churches‚ Thrift Store. You can support their work when you volunteer to sort clothes, set up attractive displays, clean up, or volunteer as a cashier. Groups are welcome and Monday through Saturday hours make it convenient to find a time slot that will work for your schedule.
• V-Junction is a social volunteer group sponsored by the Volunteer Center. They meet monthly and do Saturday Volunteer Projects. On Sept. 19 at Czars you can volunteer to help at a benefit concert featuring Ron Zelvis, Jester and Sons of Psyience. They are hosting this Rock Concert to raise money for dance and music classes for young people in Benton Harbor at the Citadel Dance and Music Center.
• Capstone Family Support Center provides services that strengthen parenting. You can make a difference when you volunteer as a parent aide/coach. You will work on a team with families on parenting and life skill development. Training will be provided and some mileage reimbursement may be available.
• Do history and the Great Lakes excite you? You can learn all about maritime history and culture, as well as, the Great Lakes waterways at the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven when you become their volunteer grant writer.
Blood saved lives on 9/11.  You can save a life by donating today!
BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER
Tuesday, Sept. 22, Michiana Christian Embassy, 1922 E. Main St., Niles:  noon to 5:45 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org
ADULTS & YOUTH
• Join First Church of God in creating a special evening for teens and adults with special needs. The Prom:  Evening with the Stars will include dinner, dancing, arcade games, mini golf, karaoke, a comedy club and Deal or No Deal show on Oct. 3.

Volunteers should be at least 15 years old. Two hundred volunteers are needed for this event.
• Join thousands of people in caring for our Great Lakes shorelines during the Alliance for the Great Lake’s annual beach clean up on Sept. 19. Register at www.greatlakes.org/adoptabeach. This year the Volunteer Center is adopting the New Buffalo Beach so come out between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.