Needs From: United Way of Southwest Michigan

We don't know the meaning of "off-season' at Fernwood! The fall and winter seasons are busy at Fernwood with special events, classes, and some holiday favorites.

Do you enjoy a good conversation? How about birds, nature, the environment, or architecture? Volunteer as a Sims Education Center docent at Fernwood! Docents provide a welcoming and informative experience to visitors of the new building without having to be an expert about it all. Training is provided for this interactive role.

All volunteers are subject to an application process and background check. Contact volunteers@fernwoodbotanical.org for more information. 

We don't know the meaning of "off-season' at Fernwood! The fall and winter seasons are busy at Fernwood with special events, classes and some holiday favorites.

We are looking for volunteers to assist with our front desk by greeting visitors, checking in members and answering phones. All volunteers are subject to an application process and background check.

Contact volunteers@fernwoodbotanical.org for more information. 

These opportunities are ideal for folks who are handy with tools, most repairs and some new builds. Perfect for the person that can offer their spare time on for a pre-scheduled assignment, either working independently or with a team, helping to keep our facility running properly, ensuring that the facility is always ready to offer services.

If you are available for a maintenance opportunity, bring your unique skills and abilities to assist in maintaining the facility at TEC.

All are encouraged to volunteer and most welcome here!

It has been said that the hardest part of going to war is coming home.  Soldiers who are deployed in combat zones witness unspeakable horrors and face the possibility of death daily.  Life in the battlefield, too often, leaves these men and women scarred for life physically and emotionally.  Once they return home they face a new battle – re-acclimating to civilian life.

TEC WITH VETS combines equine-assisted learning and therapeutic riding, harnessing the energy of horses to support the healing process for our wounded warriors facing the challenges of living with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, amputations, alcohol/drug dependence, anxiety/depression, and much more.

Respond to this need to find out about the many volunteer opportunities to help our area veterans. Will train. 

Without these special people to help feed, care and maintain the horses and barn (sometimes arena too), we would not be able to dedicate our time to offer our services and opportunities to those who need them the most.

No experience is necessary.....we will provide extensive training to ensure that you are comfortable handling horses, moving them onto and off of the pastures. With additional training, learning to recognize problems or issues, or thoughtfully provide input for improvements.

Work closely with our experienced Barn Manager, become a shift lead volunteer, plus many more opportunities.

All are encouraged to volunteer and most welcome here!

For more information please contact TEC's Volunteer Coordinator, Hillary 269-845-9581 or email tec.vol.coordinator@gmail.com

The Cora Lamping Center is the only shelter for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Southwest Michigan, and thanks to generous donors and grant funding, survivors will be welcomed into a new home. Our staff has been working hard to make the transition to the new facilities and now we are looking for community members to help make this new location truly feel like home. We are looking for help with deep cleaning including but not limited to, dusting and washing base boards, window, painting offices and bedrooms. 

We help people affected by disasters ranging from home fires to hurricanes by providing food, shelter, clothing, comfort and hope. Each year, volunteers respond to approx. 2,300 local disaster across the state of Michigan.

Disaster Action Team Member:

Training is provided and Local DAT members work a scheduled, on-call shift. Only local volunteers are eligible for national disaster response deployments.

Purpose

To teach mind-body skills to service members, veterans and their families in various community based settings.  

Key Responsibilities

Time Commitment 

Two resiliency workshops per year

Qualifications 

Training

Relationships

Station Management team, Division SAF Director/ Manager, Regional SAF Leader

Length of Appointment 

Minimum two years after advanced training or as long as mutually desired.

Development Opportunities

Purpose

To provide go-to resource for volunteer engagement, support and issue resolution methods

Key Responsibilities

Time Commitment

Flexible and can be episodic

Qualifications 

Training

Relationships

Related with volunteers and supervisors on volunteer work related HR issues in all departments/activity areas

Length of Appointment

One year, renewable

Development Opportunities

We are an agency of few and depend on fundraisers to provide these services to victims of abuse free of charge.  We are looking for individuals to plan, organize, solicit, and attend fundraisers for us.  This would be considered a sub-committee of the Board of Directors, but does not require becoming a board member.  If you would like to help, but do not wish to make a year long commitment, please consider becoming a fundraising Guru with us!

Emergency Shelter Services, Inc. implements and manages strategic programs to prevent homelessness for singles and families in Berrien County and also provides support and resources to ensure that each member of our community reaches their highest level of self-sufficiency. We run the only family homeless shelter in Berrien County.

Come provide and serve a daily meal, collect or provide household items that are vital to families, help paint or decorate rooms and more. If you would like to bring your group to help please respond to this need. Our families often come to us with nothing and we could use your help to fill them with faith, hope, and love while they are staying with us. 

In the unlikely case of an active shooter situation in a school in Van Buren county, volunteers are needed to help with reunification of student and parents/guardians.  This volunteer opportunity is an “on-call” opportunity, meaning that you will only be contacted for training purposes and in the case of an actual emergency event.  Volunteers will need to be background checked and will work with emergency and school personnel to assist in the reunification of parents/guardians with their students in a time of fear and chaos. 

Corewell Health and Palliative Care is seeking teams of pet therapy dogs and their humans who can visit with patients in locations including the Hanson Hospice Center, nursing homes, and patients' homes. Interacting with therapy animals provides relaxation and companionship for patients, and increases their quality of life. Our four-legged volunteers must be certified by Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Therapy Dogs International, or an equivalent organization in order to visit with patients. For more information about getting involved with Caring Circle please contact us at (269) 429-7100.

The Berrien County Community Restorative Board (CRB) is a Diversion program, based on the Restorative Justice theory, used an as alternative to formal Juvenile Court intervention. An eligible youth (first-time offender between the ages of 10 and 16) and his/her parents meet with a panel of CRB volunteers to discuss the creation of an agreement which will guide the juvenile offender in making amends to the victim and the community.

Volunteers in the Lab/Radiology/Waiting Room are there to make the patients feel comfortable; to respond to patient questions and monitor time to assure the smooth and timely movement of patients to their appointments, must be outgoing, a self-starter, and someone who loves conversation.

 Training will be provided until the new volunteer is completely comfortable on their own. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please contact me today! 269-463-2461, tammy.yeager@corewellhealth.org.

The Park Bench Gift Shop is a great place to volunteer. We have flexible scheduling, and you will get to meet and volunteer with wonderful people within the organization. We are looking for happy people who are outgoing and able to work a cash register and log in to a computer. We are currently looking to fill on-call positions. Please contact me for more information. 269-463-2461. tammy.yeager@corewellhealth.org

Our information desk is the perfect opportunity for someone who is outgoing and eager to help our patients and family members when they are entering and exiting our hospital. Way finding, helping at our express check in kiosk, and answering phones are just a few of the tasks that are expected of our information desk volunteers. Our volunteer will be one of the first people our guests see when they enter the hospital. Training will be provided until the new volunteer is completely comfortable on their own. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please contact me today! 269.463.2461 or tammy.yeager@corewellhealth.org

Our Inpatient Rehabilitation volunteer must be outgoing, a self-starter, and someone who loves conversation. Enjoys helping the rehab with sanitizing equipment and various other duties.  Assisting the nursing staff with visiting with patients and helping where needed.   Requires walking and bending.  Requires ability to push a wheelchair. Training will be provided until the new volunteer is completely comfortable on their own. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please contact me today! 

Our Outpatient Rehabilitation volunteer must be a self-starter and can work unsupervised.  This is an active position with lots of walking, bending and stooping.  The volunteer will help keep the rehab gym equipment sanitized, and supplies stocked. There are two shifts Monday - Thursday morning and afternoon and morning shift on Fridays.  Training will be provided until the new volunteer is completely comfortable on their own. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please contact me today! tammy.yeager@corewellhealth.org or 269-463-2461.  

PACE is looking for medically trained volunteers to help support our staff and clients during the current COVID crisis. 

The PACE Nurse has the responsibility for providing direct and indirect nursing care to participants in the PACE Center and in the community. Works under the direct supervision of the Clinic Operations Manager or designee but is independent in the application of advanced nursing knowledge and skills in all settings. Manages complex clinical situations for which he/she is responsible.  Must hold a valid nursing license.

At the moment we are looking for candidates who are interested in Home Care – we do have permanent openings for this position if someone is interested in staying with PACE permanently.

PACE is looking for medically-trained volunteers to support their staff and clients during the current COVID crisis. 

The Certified Nursing Assistant performs participant care activities and other tasks as assigned to assist the primary care, therapy, and adult day health staff.  Works under the direct supervision of the Day Center Supervisor or designee but is independent in the application of nursing assistant knowledge and skills.

At the moment we are looking for candidates who are interested in Home Care – we do have permanent openings for this position if someone is interested in staying with PACE permanently.

The American Red Cross Hero Care Network enables us to provide critical services to military members, veterans and their families all over the world. Volunteers will support:

Training is provided and this position can be done remotely.

Looking for volunteers to help our organization open the doors of the closet to the public.   We are presently open three days a week for two hours each time.  If you have a friend that you would like to work with on a shift of your choice please let us know. We are currently looking for volunteers to work with others on Tuesday or Thursday mornings from 10-12 and Wednesday evenings from 4-6.   

Use the Senior Center vehicles to drive local seniors to and from their local medical appointments. Your help for as little as 1/2 a day would be greatly appreciated! Must have valid driver's license. You DO NOT need a CDL or Chauffer's License to drive our vans, but you will be subject to a background check for driving. It is only 1 passenger in a household per run to medical appointments in our vans. 

This service provides so many area seniors as a means to get to their local doctor appointments, xrays, labs, eye appointments, etc. Clients who no longer drive or have alternative means of transport many times have to pay a company simply for a ride to their doctor for something as simple as a medication refill. This service is volunteer based mainly. All clients have to be able to transfer themselves and get in & out of the vehicle indpendently. We are not a transportation company that provide transfers, lifts, etc. It is easy! 

Please complete a volunteer application at the front desk to help local seniors. Must be 18 years or older. 

Renewed & Restored Resale Shoppe is looking for friendly people to assist customers with their purchases.  

Renewed & Restored Resale Shoppe is looking for friendly people to assist customers with their purchases.

Renewed & Restored Resale Shoppe is need of a driver to pick up surplus items from our store in Stevensville and transport them to Harbor Country Mission in Bridgman once a week.

Volunteers who are current Registered Nurses are needed to assist the Caring Circle team with providing COVID and Flu vaccines to our home-bound patients.  Volunteers must be willing to travel to patient homes and administer vaccines independently.  CPR, vaccine delivery, and other training will be provided as needed.

Caring Circle is part of Spectrum Health Lakeland, which requires all staff and volunteers to have COVID and Flu vaccinations, or approved exemptions.

This volunteer program is designed to fight against isolation for area seniors and disabled adults. Volunteers have ongoing, weekly calls with clients to provide companionship.

Born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Area Agency on Aging launched the Friendly Caller Program for area seniors who needed someone to talk to. During these calls you will provide reassurance, help connect seniors to information regarding services they may need, and mostly, make sure they are not feeling lonely or isolated. This program can use any volunteer. We will train. Background check required.

Here's a quote from one of our dedicated Friendly Caller volunteers:

"I’ve been making “Friendly Calls” for almost five years. It has been a heartwarming experience. I started with two “callers”, sadly one of them passed away.  My remaining caller is quite a character.  We have laughed, cried, and prayed together.  She readily shares her joys and sorrows with me.  She lets me know what she needs, and AAA has been most helpful for her.  I’m a Stephen Leader and that ministry taught me a great deal about caregiver, care-receiver relationships. AAA Friendly Caller program is a wonderful way to get involved and help a member of our community. One phone call a week can brighten a day and impact a life!!!" 

Are you a compassionate person who would enjoy spending one-on-one time with a Hospice patient in need? Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care is seeking volunteers to provide companionship to Hospice patients who reside in nursing homes as well as their own homes. Volunteers may choose to go to a patient’s home while their caregiver leaves for a short time, or can visit patients in nursing homes to offer company and friendship. Volunteers sit with patients and talk, hear about their lives, play games, listen to music or just provide quiet company. No medical training is required. Hours are flexible can be tailored to a volunteer’s availability. Your presence provides comfort and support to the patients and their caregivers at a difficult time in their lives and is a deeply rewarding experience. For more information call (269) 429-7100 and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator.

This program pairs foster and adopted youth with local, caring adult volunteers who walk along-side them, providing wisdom, advice, encouragement, and love.

What is mentoring?

Mentoring at MFC is equipping and empowering the youth in our community to be prepared for adult living and to reach their fullest potential. Mentors are equipped with a mentoring handbook covering 9 areas with ideas and worksheets to facilitate conversations about setting goals, support systems, health & nutrition, money management, post-graduation schooling / training, & more.
Why is mentoring youth important?

We all need at least one safe, caring adult in our life! Youth need to be seen, heard, and encouraged to try new things. Mentors walk alongside youth as they navigate through life’s challenges, providing wisdom, advice, encouragement, and community. The investment of a caring adult greatly increases the chances that a child will be successful. This benefits not just the youth but also supports that child's family as a whole.

Who is a mentor?

Mentors are advocates, teachers, guides, role models, valued friends, and available resources. A mentor is a safe, caring adult who is willing to spend time with, listen to, and encourage a youth in the Michiana area. Anyone who is willing to spend time with, listen to, and love a youth would make an excellent mentor!

This program surrounds a family with a group of people who provide monthly encouragement to that family.

What is a care team?

A care team is a group of volunteers who come together once a month to bless a family in our community. The care that the team provides could come in any number of forms! It could be a meal, or babysitting, or gifts, or anything else that would encourage that family.
Why Care Teams?

● Children in Foster Care experience high levels of instability, many of them moving homes frequently. One major factor leading to this high rate of turnover is Foster parents feeling overwhelmed and unsupported.
● Michiana Care Teams work to reduce these problems by matching foster families to a team of volunteers. These loving community members wrap-around the whole family unit providing hope, stability, support, and connections.
Care Team Basics

● This program requires a 1-year commitment.
● Support can look like monthly deliveries, activities, and/or communication.
● Estimated monthly financial commitment for a care team is around $25-30 per family member served. (Example: family of 4 being served would be around $100/month)
● The Care Team leader initiates monthly contact and develops a schedule that works for the Care Team members and the family.
● Monthly Care package drop off or activities can be held anywhere (restaurant, park, ice cream shop, your home, etc.), but will normally be at the family's home.
● The role of the Care Team is to show the children and caregivers that they are important, seen, and loved, as well as provide support emotionally and financially.
Time or Things?

Many families have other needs that don’t fall in material needs realm. We encourage volunteers to consider:

● Paying for an activity, camp, extra-curricular opportunity
● Provide babysitting to allow caregivers a break
● Bring the child(ren) along on a fun family outing

Support groups facilitated via MFC provide emotional and practical encouragement to foster and adoptive parents.

At Michiana Family Center we want to showcase the capabilities of the foster parents already engaged in this difficult, but extremely important and rewarding work. We bring encouragement every meeting and facilitate relationships among foster parents of different amounts of experience. Frequently, guest speakers attend in order to provide real tools these parents can use to help support all the children in their care.

Periodically we have special meetings as events and guidelines allow. Past events have included themes like pool and popsicles and cookouts. Members of all groups are welcome to join and continue to gain community at these events.

MFC has structure in place to support volunteer leaders, so you don't need to come up with the content for the meetings.  You'll be facilitating discussion and communicating any needs you have to MFC.

Greet people that come in the door, show bikes that are for sale, check out bike purchases either by cash, check or card (using Square), track inventory and more.  This is a good opportunity for someone looking to gain experience, we welcome young people to the team. The shop is open Wednesday evenings 5-8 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.  

CASA of Southwest Michigan advocates for kids in foster care in our community. CASA is seeking a social media support volunteer to help expand our social media presence in the community. It's a great way to truly help children in need from your living room!  

The Berrien County Cancer Service hosts a variety of events throughout the year; we need someone to assist us with documenting these events and activities. 

There are 5-6 activities a year, commitment is between 2 hour to 4 hours. 

Join Sarett staff every Wednesday 2-4pm for our weekly stewardship meet-up!

Take an active role in making natural areas more healthy, diverse and beautiful! Volunteers will have the opportunity to identify native and invasive plant species and learn the importance of a diverse ecosystem.

We will meet at the front entrance of the nature center building: 2300 N Benton Center Rd

Please bring: sturdy shoes or boots weather appropriate clothes you don't mind getting dirty or torn and a water bottle

We will provide: leather work gloves, loppers and other tools to remove invasive plant species

Are you savvy with Zoom? Interested in giving back to your community (from your own home!)? Area Agency on Aging and the Campus for Creative Aging are seeking a volunteer to facilitate its virtual classes!

Virtual classes, on topics like healthy cooking and computers, allow for increased access to learning opportunities not only across Southwest Michigan, but around the world.  The facilitator will schedule virtual classes based upon availability of coaches, volunteers and staff, and collaborate with staff to ensure online classes are appropriately marketed and promoted.

They will launch class sessions, manage participant access (‘admitting’ students to virtual platform) and monitor chat box and alert instructors of questions from the group. Other duties may include sending follow up emails/class evaluations to participants and collaborating to maximize class participants’ learning experience.

The commitment is 5-10 hours a week and we ask you serve a minimum of six months. Can't meet that commitment? Chat with us! We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available and can work with you and your schedule. If interested, respond here or contact Mistelle Lanko at 269-983-7058 or mistellelanko@areaagencyongaging.org.

Cycle-Re-Cycle receives donations of bicycles in a variety of conditions.  Some bikes just need some maintence to make them road worthy and other bikes need repair.  As a volunteer you can fix bikes and enjoy the reward of seeing the smile on the new owner's face and know you kept a bike out of the landfill.  You are welcome on the team whether you are a beginner or have years of experience.  Volunteers work together as a team to problem solve any issues.  

Why? Patients and individuals in a variety of settings can sometimes feel scared, anxious or lonely.   Something as simple as a warm blanket can help provide them with care, comfort and warmth.    

Easy-to-make no-sew blankets are a great way to get your team involved in an always-needed service project.  Your group can purchase supplies on your own or United Way can organize a project for you.  Contact us for details. 

Basic Self-Care/Hygiene Package

Many local agencies field requests from a variety of individuals and families for help with basic items that enable them to stay a bit more healthy.   

Did you know....
40% of households in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties struggle to afford their basic needs?

Supplies needed:

Assemble each care package in its own nice bag or gift box. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

Self-Care/Hygiene Package

Sometimes individuals and families can use more than just the basic hygiene supplies. While still keeping cost in mind, this care package provides a little bit more to those in need.   

Did you know....
40% of households in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties struggle to afford their basic needs?

Supplies needed:

Assemble each care package in its own nice bag or gift box. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

Being a woman can be hard. Being a woman struggling financially is even harder. Menstrual products are expensive, and many women don’t have the funds to properly care for themselves. 

Did you know....
40% of households in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties struggle to afford their basic needs

Supplies needed:

Assemble each care package in its own nice bag or gift box. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

Baby Care Package

The first few years of a little one’s life are exciting… and costly. Baby care packages help families with the costs associated with some basic baby needs.    

Did you know....
There are approximately 3,100 births annually in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties?
Diapers are not covered by WIC?

Supplies needed:

Assemble each care package in its own nice bag or gift box. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

New Mom Care Package

Having a new baby is hard…And it’s even harder for families that are struggling financially. This new mom care package provide a little bit of relief for parents during a time that should be joyful (and a tad bit sleep-deprived). There’s a little something for baby and a little something for the new mom, too. 

Did you know....
There are approximately 3,100 births annually in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties?
Diapers are not covered by WIC?

Supplies Needed:

Assemble each care package in its own nice bag or gift box. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

Birthday Care Package 

Do you remember the excitement when your birthday approached?   It was a big day, right?  For many local families, birthdays bring disappointment instead of excitement.   The costs associated with things that so many of us take for granted…. A birthday cake and candles…..can be too expensive for many local families.   A birthday care package helps bring a bit more joy and celebration back to the occasion.    

Did you know....
40% of households in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties struggle to afford their basic needs?
57% of children in Berrien county, and 39% of children in Cass and Van Buren counties live in households who cannot afford the basic necessities?
16.9% of children under the age of 18 are food insecure in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties?

Supplies needed:

Assemble each care package in its own nice bag or gift box. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

Children’s Overnight Care Package

Sometimes home isn’t safe and you need to go somewhere else in a hurry.  You don’t have time (or room) to pack everything you need.   A children’s overnight care package helps provide some necessities to boys and girls from newborn to age 18.  

Supplies needed:

Assemble each care package in its own nice bag or gift box. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

Cleaning Care Package

Imagine getting a new place to live…but not having the money to make sure it looks nice all the time. A package like the cleaning care package can help those who can’t afford some basic household necessities.  

Supplies Needed:

Assemble each care package in its own nice bag or gift box. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

Emergency Car Care Package

Remember how you felt when you got your first car? Maybe it was brand new or maybe it was “a beater with a heater.” Either way, once you went on the road you ran the risk of experiencing an issue and potentially needing help. Having a kit of items to use in case of an emergency should be on every driver’s list of necessities. 

Supplies needed:

Assemble each care package in its own nice bag or gift box.

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

Girl’s Athletic Care Package

Encouraging young girls to live healthier lives and take care of themselves is at the heart of several local organizations. The costs associated with leading active lifestyles are sometimes too much for some families. Care packages focused on providing girls with basic athletic wear will go a long way to help some of these young girls out.  

Did you know....
40% of households in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties struggle to afford their basic needs?
57% of children in Berrien county, and 39% of children in Cass and Van Buren counties live in households who cannot afford the basic necessities?

Supplies needed:

Assemble each care package in its own nice bag or gift box. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

Homeless Care Package

Help keep those experiencing homelessness warm and cared for with a package focused on some of their basic needs.   

Did you know....
More than 1,200 children experience homelessness OR don’t know where they’re going to sleep at night in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties?
40% of households in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties struggle to afford their basic needs?
57% of children in Berrien county, and 39% of children in Cass and Van Buren counties live in households who cannot afford the basic necessities?

Supplies needed:

Assemble each in an easy-to-carry waterproof cinch bag. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

Food for the Homeless

Easy-to-access foods are incredibly needed for those experiencing homelessness. Providing them with snacks and proteins that don’t require tools to open is a huge help to them.  

Did you know....
More than 1,200 children experience homelessness OR don’t know where they’re going to sleep at night in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties?
16.9% of children under the age of 18 are food insecure in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties?
40% of households in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties struggle to afford their basic needs?
57% of children in Berrien county, and 39% of children in Cass and Van Buren counties live in households who cannot afford the basic necessities?

Supplies needed:

Assemble each in an easy-to-carry cinch bag. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

Literacy Care Package

One of the first steps in helping children read is providing them with books and other tools. This literacy care package can help get them on the right track. 

Did you know....
60% of 3rd graders in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties are not reading proficiently?

Supplies Needed:

 Assemble each care package in its own nice bag or gift box. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

Nature Care Package

Kids spend so much time on their electronic devices and are increasingly missing out on opportunities to enjoy the beauty around them. This care package encourages them to learn more about the amazing natural areas around us.  

Supplies Needed:

Assemble each care package in its own nice bag or gift box. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

New Home Care Package

Individuals and families who are transitioning into a new place that they can call their own often struggle with some of the basic furnishings that make that home “Home.” This care package includes items that every home needs. 

Supplies Needed:

Assemble each care package in a laundry basket. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

Patient Care Package

Our neighbors who are battling conditions that may harm them often ask for small things to help them while undergoing treatment or care. Why not put together some patient care packages to help show a little love to those who could use some extra care?

Supplies Needed:

Assemble each care package in its own nice bag or gift box. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

We’re looking for volunteer translators who have language skills in English and Spanish to attend some of our signature events and/or assist in translating marketing materials and documents on an as-needed basis.

Responsibilities may include:

Looking for a way to bring a little hope to someone’s day?

Each encouragement card will be given to patient who’s battling cancer.

These letters of encouragement are meant to let cancer patients know they are never alone. You can help and provide hope, love, and support by making handmade encouragement cards.

Feel free to include just a message, add a drawing, picture or stickers, etc. Get as creative as you want! This opportunity is great for volunteers of all ages. 

Pick up cards from us and when you are done, you can drop off the cards to our office.

Office Hours:  Monday-Thursday 9am-4:30pm or Friday 9am-2pm.

Good day! Thanks for reading this need for the Men's Shelter at The Salvation Army in Benton Harbor.

Hot meals are needed for men in the Men's Shelter. Meals are needed for dinner for the night before bed, and breakfast for the morning before leaving for the day. If meals are prepared during the day, we can store the dinner and breakfast, and serve the meal at the appropriate time.

We seek support from organizations, families, individuals, or businesses that want to provide or donate a meal. Currently, we have dinner covered for the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Sunday of each month. If you'd like to serve the meal and give an encouraging word, that's an option, too! We kindly ask for enough food to feed up to 38 men, or we can provide food from the shelter's pantry. If you are interested, please respond or email us at wmibentonharbor@usc.salvationarmy.org

Your contribution will ensure the men are well-fed and have a warm meal for the night or morning. Thank you!

Sarett is in need of recurring volunteers interested in helping us keep our trails well maintained and in good shape. This is a great way to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors while helping keep Sarett looking good for the general public's enjoyment. Whether you are someone looking for experience towards a degree in forestry or someone retired looking for a fun way to give back to the community, Sarett could use your muscle! We have all the necessary trail maintenance tools available. All you need to bring are sturdy shoes, weather appropriate attire, lots of water, and a positive attitude!

Our Book Cart Volunteer must be outgoing, a self-starter, and someone who loves conversation. Enjoys visiting with patients and visitors. Distributes and replaces reading material to waiting rooms and offers magazines and books to patients in their rooms. Requires the ability to push the book cart from area to area and ability to stand and walk.   Training will be provided until the new volunteer is completely comfortable on their own. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please contact me today! 269-463-2461, tammy.yeager@corewellhealth.org

United Way of SW Michigan has a few events and programs during which we could use some assistance taking and making phone calls.   In general, phone help is needed Sept - early Nov. and February - March.   

Volunteers should be friendly, courteous and have an ability to work with Google Forms and other technology.  

Typically, shifts might be 2 - 4 hours in length depending on the current project/event/program. 

Sensory Care Packages

Sensory packages provide mental, emotional, physical, and social benefits for children. They stimulate the brain, helping to create new neural pathways for processing, understanding, and reacting to sensory information.

Supplies needed:

Assemble each care package in its own nice bag or gift box. 

Respond to this need and a member from the UWSM volunteer team will contact you.

Ready to make an impact? We need friendly and enthusiastic people just like you who can represent the Red Cross to our blood donors.

As a volunteer blood donor ambassador, you'll ensure donors have a positive experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. Your professionalism and kindness during the blood drive will encourage ongoing donor support.

This role is for you if you…

· Love talking to all kinds of people!

· Demonstrate excellent customer service and comfort working with people.

· You have availability to serve for one 4-6 hour shift per month.

*shifts may vary on quarterly needs depending on your location*

Each volunteer shift, you make a difference and help save a life.

This opportunity requires participation in in-person activities and/or performing work in a Red Cross facility.

Key responsibilities –

Overview of Mobile Blood Drives

· Usually hosted at a community or sponsor-owned location

· Blood collection procedures are whole blood and red cell (no platelets or plasma)

· ‘Mobile’ blood drives change almost every day—with the need to setup and takedown each blood drive, they tend to be faster paced, in a variety of sites, with different donors, sponsors, team members, and chargeperson each drive

· Often requires careful maintenance of donor flow and wait times (typically more donors on the schedule)

· Events confirmed about 6 weeks in advance

Overview of Fixed Sites

· Usually hosted at a community or sponsor-owned location

· Blood collection procedures are whole blood and red cell (no platelets or plasma)

· Staff and equipment tend to be ‘ready to go’ in the same site each day--with fewer donors participating on a frequent basis in longer term procedures (some procedures take as long as 2-2.5 hours per donor) at a Red Cross donor center.

· Similar or same: list of donors, team members and charge people from week to week creates sense of team

· Regular donors become familiar with check-in process, materials and site

· Schedule rarely changes, available several months in advance, a weekly shift ‘adoption’ is highly encouraged. For example – one shift every Tuesday morning or afternoon

All Donor Ambassador roles (Mobile Blood Drives and Fixed Sites)

· Support Red Cross staff by being helpful, flexible, and patient

· Greet donors, explain the donation process as necessary and assist with initial intake and hand offs through the blood donation process

· Manage donor flow and direct donors to Check-In

· Model excellent customer service behaviors.

· Ensure blood donors have relevant information and that questions are answered appropriately while creating a favorable impression of the blood donation process.

· Learn and share the Red Cross story, including the mission, vision, and values

· Work with collections team supervisor or charge staff to match donor’s blood type with the best product for maximum impact (Right Type Mix)

· Check Post Donation Info and time

· Set up and maintain cleanliness in Reception and Hospitality Areas

· Provide customer service to donors in the Hospitality Area by ensuring that each donor is recognized for his/her contribution.

· Check that donor has their post-donation information before leaving the drive

· Report possible adverse post-donation physical reactions to the collections staff. Protect donors from injury during adverse reactions (if able without hurting self)

· May be asked to sanitize/disinfect donor areas and beds

· May make reminder/cancellation calls, re-schedule donor appointments, and perform follow up activities as directed

· Encourage donors to download Donor App, use RapidPass

CALLING ALL ADULT VOLUNTEERS

Area Agency on Aging's newest volunteer program is the Friendly Helper Program.

A Friendly Helper volunteer may provide companionship or assist an older adult or adult with disabilities with daily tasks around the house like lawn mowing, snow shoveling, grocery shopping, transportation, vacuuming, meal preparation, or carrying a laundry basket. As well as minor home repairs such as changing a lightbulb, connecting technology, or moving furniture. Volunteers could also assist with emergency preparedness planning.

This volunteer opportunity is completely customizable to the volunteer’s specific interest/talent/abilities and time availability. Friendly Helper tasks can be one-off things that people in the community request or ongoing assistance during a hospitalization or other circumstance.

Some recent tasks performed by the volunteers include changing light bulbs, gardening, putting plastic on windows for the winter, and tightening screws on a bedside table so it is no longer wobbly.

These services address limitations in activities of daily living and advance greater independence for clients who might otherwise struggle to remain in their homes. By offering services at no cost, The Friendly Helper Program ensures that individuals with limited financial means, have access to resources that are vital to their quality of life.

All volunteers must undergo a background check that is good for three years and pre-service training.

Do you like cleaning and helping people? Hospice patients and their families sometimes struggle to complete household tasks such as dishes, tidying, vacuuming, and yard work like raking.  This is a great opportunity for helping a hospice patient and their family so the caregivers can focus on physically caring for the patient. Hours are flexible and arranged between the patient and volunteer at your convenience. Helping families with patients near the end of life is a deeply rewarding experience.  As part of Corewell Health, we do require some training, TB testing, and annual flu vaccine. 

The Corewell Health Hanson Hospice Center is seeking friendly volunteers to greet visitors at the front desk. The Hanson Center houses Hospice patients who are not able to live in their own homes or other facilities, and many friends and family members come to visit patients.  Reception assistance is needed to work in addition to staff during lunch breaks during the week, and during evening and weekend hours.  The Reception volunteer unlocks the doors, provides a friendly greeting to these visitors and helps them find where they’re going, as well as answers phone calls to the main desk. Please contact Mandi for more information at mandi.cook@corewellhealth.org or 269-429-7100.

Caring Circle is part of Corewell Health, which requires all staff and volunteers to have a Flu vaccination or approved exemption. Fingerprinting and TB testing also required. 

We operate a food pantry which serves Southeast Berrien County and all of Cass County every Monday, and Friday from 9am - 11am, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm to 3:00pm.  We need workers to sort donations, keep pantry area clean and organized, escort  guest through the pantry ensuring they pick out the allowed amount of goods based on family size, and, as needed, assist guests pack and carry bags to their vehicles.

Volunteers assists Social Services Coordinator, to ensure the pantry shelves remain stocked with food.   When donations are brought to the Corps office, volunteers will carry and properly shelve items in a timely manner.   When items become low the volunteer will inform the Social Services Coordinator by providing a list of current items needed.  It is not necessary for a volunteer to be available every day of the week

Volunteers may donate the number of days or shifts they are available for, ie. every Monday, or the 1st Tuesday of each month, etc.

Emergency Shelter Services (ESS) is looking for a social-media savvy individual who is willing to curate social media content for Facebook and Instagram platforms 2x/month. This position will help bring awareness to Berrien County's unhoused population and highlight the work done by ESS to end homelessness. 

This position would operate remotely (with a flexible schedule of your choosing) and in partnership with the ESS Marketing Committee. Social media and marketing experience is preferred.

Meals on Wheels of SW Michigan has an immediate need for volunteer drivers to deliver meals from approximately 8-12:30, M-F.  Some routes may be shorter and we are flexible with how many days a volunteer could help out.  Please call Renee' Reid-Smith, Volunteer Manager, at 269-487-9582 for more information.   NOTE:  All volunteers must possess a valid driver's license, proof of insurance and pass State and Federal background checks.  

Do you have a passion for helping homeless families in our area? The Emergency Shelter Services has is looking for qualified individuals to join our Board of Directors.

Current Board of Directors

Emergency Shelter Services, Inc. (ESS) is a nonprofit that services the homeless and those experiencing housing instability. Our various programs and support help the residents of Berrien County get back on their feet, creating hope for a better future. 

As a board, we are shifting from a working board to an advisory board, where our primary goal is to leverage our time, effort, and networks to raise funds and community awareness for Emergency Shelter Services (ESS). The efforts of our board directly impact the success of ESS and its ability to continue operating Shelter and grant-based programs helping those most at risk for housing instability throughout Berrien County. 

Expectations of the Board

As the highest leadership body of the Emergency Shelter Services, Inc. and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the ESS Board of Directors is responsible for:

Expectations of Individual Board Members

Each individual board member is expected to:

Time Commitment:
Currently, the ESS Board of Directors meets monthly on Mondays at 6pm. This may occasionally adjust depending on scheduling conflicts of board members. 

Process: 

We hope you will take this opportunity to join us in making an impact in Berrien County. Reach out today!

Position Summary: 

Hours needed:

Monday 1-3pm

Tuesday:  9-11am

Thursday:  9-11am

Friday: 1-3pm 

Position Description for: BUILDING/MAINTENANCE WORKER

Primary Duties: This volunteer is responsible to ensure the interior and exterior of the building is kept clean and maintained. The interior floors, which are not covered with carpet, should be swept and mopped each scheduled day. Carpeted areas should be vacuumed each scheduled day. Any floor/door mats, should also be vacuumed each scheduled day or as needed. This is to include the sanctuary, narthex, stairs, offices, restrooms, kitchen, and fellowship/dining area. All trash receptacles are to be emptied and clean replacement bags placed in containers. Restrooms are to cleaned, wiping down all surfaces and fixtures with disinfectant cleaner. Toilet bowls are to cleaned each scheduled day with proper cleaning supplies stored in cabinets. Toilet paper and paper towels are to replenished as needed, and extra supplies are to be stored in the wall cabinets in each restroom. All hand soap containers/ dispensers are to be filled or replaced as needed. Windows should be cleaned at least twice a week or as needed. Exterior areas of the building are to kept clean and free of refuge, leaves, and such. The stairs, sidewalks, and ramps are to be shoveled and salted as needed. Grass is to be cut and trimmed as needed during season. The parking areas should also be kept clear of trash and refuge daily. Routine repairs, such as loose outlet covers, door knobs, etc., will need to be completed in a timely fashion, at the direction of the Corps Officers, Director of Caring Ministries or the Coordinator of Volunteer Services. Should any requested repair require the need to be out-sourced, the volunteer will inform the Corp Officers.

Other opportunities for service in this position: Assisting kitchen or pantry staff with their areas as needed, making coffee for staff and guests, and assist with set-up or tear- down of the dining fellowship areas of the building.

Position answers to: Volunteer Coordinator -< Director of Caring Ministries -< Corps Officers

Hours: May vary depending on the volunteer’s availability. This person needs to be flexible. Hours of the Corps are 8:00 -4:00 Monday through Friday, unless otherwise noted for special events or holidays. Pantry hours are 9-11 and 1:00 – 3:30 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. All volunteers must log their hours using the volunteer time clock.

Professional Expectations for this position: This volunteer must demonstrate understanding for and patience with the individuals and/or families seeking the assistance. This person will be courteous and kind to staff, other volunteers, callers and visitors, and will respond to questions or requests in a manner which reflects the values of the Salvation Army. They will refrain from any profanity or tone of voice which conveys contempt or negative judgments.

Personal expectations for this position: This volunteer will practice good hygiene, be groomed acceptably, and dressed in a manner that is acceptable in the general public. They will be subject to the Corps Officer’s scrutiny, and will be of character that is reflective of The Salvation Army’s values and image. Attire will be discrete and free of offensive logos, pictures, or wording.

We are looking for hospice volunteers in South Haven, Bangor, Coloma, Watervliet, Decatur, Dowagiac, Niles, St. Joe and all surrounding areas to provide care giver relief and socialization for hospice patients and families.  You can choose your own hours, and the amount of time committed. 

Track, inventory, maintain and service vehicles used on a disaster relief operation.

Ensures that other Red Cross workers have the vehicles they need in order to carry out client-facing service delivery and get to/from their worksites. 

•       Organized and detail oriented

•       Tech-savvy

•       Enjoys working independently

•       Comfortable driving required routes (freeway, long distance, high congestion areas)

Will usually be a computer-based position at DRO headquarters tracking vehicle assignments. May also require pickup or delivery of rental vehicles to/from worksites or headquarters. Sometimes Transportation workers are assigned to drive a designated shuttle route to transport other Red Cross workers or provide courier service between worksites.

Supports congregate shelters during a disaster relief operation by resourcing and delivering materials via daily site visits. 

Directly contributes to the success of our client-facing shelter operation by delivering critical supplies to shelters. Supports our E3 vision of “Every Shelter, Every Need, Every Day”.

•       Enjoys independent volunteering

•       Comfortable driving required routes (freeway, long distance, high congestion areas, box truck-sized vehicle)

May have limited client interaction during a supply delivery but primary interaction will be with other Red Cross workers. Some physical agility is needed because lifting/unloading of supplies is required.

Serves on a disaster relief operation assisting with the collection, evaluation, analysis and dissemination of information related to the incident. May create maps, dashboards, incident action plans, and other reports. 

Behind-the-scenes support to the disaster operation with no direct client contact but is still a key support to our field workers.

•       Organized and detail oriented

•       Committed to meeting deadlines

•       Interested in volunteering “behind the scenes”

•       Tech-savvy and able to navigate a variety of applications and data sources

Role is largely computer-based working from a DRO headquarters and is not a client-facing role. Tech-savvy is an absolute must.

Government Operations volunteers are responsible for ensuring Red Cross actions are aligned with, supportive of, and complementary to government. The role involves managing expectations, establishing and monitoring situational awareness, and seek, collect, evaluate and communicate critical information. This role is often situated in an Emergency Operations Center.

Supports clients behind the scenes without direct client contact to coordinate our services with government partners.

•       Excellent communication skills

•       Able to articulate goals, needs, benefits of partnership

•       Values input and fosters a cooperation

•       Consistently follows through with commitment and responsibilities

•       Able to work independently through complex communications procedures

•       Able to work in a fast paced and ever-changing environment

Needs to be able to represent ARC to partners with professionalism and work within the established DRO chain of command to make commitments. Position may be based at an EOC or at a DRO headquarters providing virtual/phone support to EOCs and partners. Some degree of working independently is needed.

Work with external organizations to build capacity, coordinate activities, integrate expertise and provide channels to reach all disaster-affected communities, particularly traditionally underserved populations. 

Makes connections with community organizations who can benefit our clients during response and recovery

•       Respects and understands different cultures and perspectives

•       Able to articulate goals, needs, benefits of partnership

•       Values input and fosters a cooperation

•       Consistently follows through with commitment and responsibilities

Needs to be able to represent ARC to external organizations with professionalism and work within the established DRO chain of command to make commitments. Position is likely field-based visiting with other organizations and not at the DRO headquarters full time so some degree of working independently is needed.

Be a part of a team on a disaster relief operation to address hunger in an impacted community all while ensuring food safety and proper food service standards are met.

Works directly with clients to serve meals and snacks.

•       Enjoys working as a part of a team

•       Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills

•       Loves taking care of people through serving food

Some physical agility is needed (climbing in and out of ERVs, moderate lifting of food storage Cambros).

Work with shelter residents to understand their resources and transition roadblocks to help households create an action plan so that they can transition from the shelter to long term housing solutions.    

Rewarding front-line position that helps clients move from a shelter situation to a more sustainable housing option post-disaster.

•       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

•       Tech-savvy

•       Loves supporting clients’ needs

•       Creative problem solver

•       Able to work in a dynamic situation

Great for social workers and non-licensed volunteers with case management experience or clinical skills due to complexity in client cases (but this background is not required). Knowledge of or prior experience working with housing programs would also be a great fit (but not required).

Support the day-to-day activities withing a shelter which can include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information or other areas. 

Provides direct, front-line customer service to clients and cares for basic needs in a group setting.

•       Enjoys working as a part of a team

•       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

•       Loves supporting clients’ needs

•       Able to work in a dynamic situation

Shelter shifts on larger DROs are typically 12-hour shifts and may include day or night shifts. Nationally deployable shelter workers should be comfortable working either days or nights depending on need.

Be a part of the local disaster response team by ensuring timely activation and monitoring of local and regional Disaster Action Team responses. 

Ensures that DAT responders are dispatched to the scene of local disasters and escalates larger incidents to regional leadership.

•       Interested in working independently as a part of a team

•       Tech savvy

•       Excellent communicator

•       Organized and detail oriented

•       Able to multi-task

Great opportunity for people who want to touch the mission but prefer to do so from their home. DDOs should be comfortable taking calls during their assigned shift times (day or night) across a wide geography (typically the region) and know that call volume may vary during their shift.

Be a part of a team that provides emotional support, financial assistance, and information to help families begin the process of recovery after a local disaster.

When disaster strikes, Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers are the first to respond—bringing comfort, care, and critical resources like food and shelter to those in need

•       Enjoys the excitement of dropping what they are doing to help someone in need

•       Compassionate

•       Tech savvy

•       Flexible and able to work with clients in a variety of scenarios

DAT Specialists should be comfortable responding during the hours shifts are scheduled (day or night) and in a variety of environments (urban, rural, weather conditions, etc).