By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
"Without YOU we don't ride." As a newsletter editor or web master you can ensure that children and adults benefit from Therapeutic Equestrian Center's programming. Enriching the mind, body and spirit for people with special needs through horse-related activities is their mission and you can play an important role. You can tell their stories and build community awareness.
ADULTS
Do you think you are just too average to do anything perceived as meaningful? As a stable and caring adult, you can spend time with a youth in need of developing academic and life skills and in just an hour a week help change a child's life. They will change your life too! Contact Michele at the Volunteer Center to learn more about how mentoring changes lives, two at a time.
Do you enjoy computers and children? At the Benton Harbor Boys and Girls Club, Computer Lab Assistants provide instruction and assist with computer activities, encourage participation and monitor behavior, and serve as a role model for children. Volunteers must pass a background check and complete an orientation.
Share your expertise or build your skills when you volunteer to assist staff at Samaritan Counseling Centers with grant writing. Samaritan Counseling Centers provide professional psychological counseling, consultation, and community educational services, integrating spiritual insights with the values and faith of the client. Written communication skills are sought after by nonprofit and for profit businesses and this volunteer opportunity would be a great resume builder.
Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency assists people in economic need and enables them to achieve and sustain self-sufficiency while respecting their diversity. They have very recently taken on a new housing project and must organize a filing system. Two volunteers will work short term on organizing papers and creating a system allowing staff to focus on clients rather than paperwork.
Would you like to take part in preserving the history of Berrien County? Celebrate our region's heritage by volunteering to staff the new exhibit "Love and Marriage" at Orchards Mall in Benton Harbor. As a Docent for The History Center at Courthouse Square/Berrien County Historical Association you will also sell merchandise that helps fund exhibits. You should be comfortable handling cash and enjoy working with the public. You can schedule volunteer times any afternoon or evening in December.
Michigan Community Blood Centers' mission is to provide a safe and adequate blood supply. Volunteers 17 and older may choose from a variety of opportunities including serving refreshments at blood drives and assisting with clerical and other office tasks.
What are you thankful for? Share your blessings by donating blood over the Thanksgiving Holiday!
BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS blood drives:
Thursday, Nov 29 – Buchanan American Legion, 403 E. Front St: noon – 5:45 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER blood drives:
Tuesday, Nov. 27 – Niles Adventist School, 110 Fairview, Niles: 2 p.m. – 7p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org
ADULTS AND YOUTH
Do you find wonder in learning? Do you enjoy kids and their natural curiosity? The Curious Kids Museum in St. Joseph is an educational, hands-on discovery center that stimulates children's curiosity, learning, and creative expression.
FAMILIES
Does your family like to fix things? Are you interested in teaching your older children your knowledge about home repairs? Many organizations that provide housing have an on-going need for such help. One of them is the Safe Shelter which provides a safe and well maintained environment for women and children escaping abuse. Doing house maintenance entails changing light bulbs and making light repairs.
The holidays are just around the corner. There are lots of unique ways to get involved and make a difference in your community. Collect food or mittens, rake leaves or bake bread, visit seniors or prepare a meal for homeless men. The possibilities are endless.
YOUTH
You are the technology generation! The Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan is launching a new way to connect to volunteer opportunities through a web site that is the match.com of volunteering. It will also allow students to sign up for volunteering via e-mail and help track volunteer hours. Would you be interested in promoting this to your school? We would provide you with materials, goodies, and training. You decide the best way to let your classmates know how volunteering can help them earn scholarships, learn new skills, and oh yah, have FUN!