Needs From: United Way of Southwest Michigan

Volunteers needed to unload, sort, box and distribute food to clients placing boxes in vehicles.

Volunteers are needed to paint faces during the Classic Car Cruise at Martin’s in Stevensville, co-preseted by Martin’s and 1st Source Bank.

Come give free, fresh food to neighbors in need. 

Volunteers needed to unload, sort, box and distribute food to clients placing boxes in vehicles.

Come give free, fresh food to neighbors in need. 

Volunteers needed to unload, sort, box and distribute food to clients placing boxes in vehicles.

Before winter hits, raking your yard and cleaning out gutters is a vital step to ensuring spring snow melt does not cause water damage to your home or lawn. Many area seniors try to accomplish this work on their own, putting them at risk for falls and serious injury.
On Thursday, November 13th join hundreds of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren County volunteers who will give area seniors a helping hand! Gather your co-workers or friends and create a team to rake and bag leaves, and clean gutters for seniors as part of United Way’s 15th annual "Rake A Difference"

Did you know that 55.5% of seniors ages 65+ in Berrien County have households with incomes below the ALICE threshold? This day serves seniors, age 60 and older, who are physically incapable of performing yard work and are unable to pay for services.


Sign up for your geographic location or anywhere you are needed. Shifts available for all day or for half days.

ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST REGISTER by 10/17!

NOTE - volunteers must provide their own rakes (for raking) and ladders (for gutters). United Way of Southwest Michigan will provide leaf bags, gloves and tarps.



To learn more visit https://www.uwsm.org/rake-a-difference
Have questions? Email us at Volunteer@uwsm.org

Thank you for helping our seniors!


Quotes from previous Rake a Difference seniors:

Quotes from previous Rake a Difference volunteers:

Before winter hits, raking your yard and cleaning out gutters is a vital step to ensuring spring snow melt does not cause water damage to your home or lawn. Many area seniors try to accomplish this work on their own, putting them at risk for falls and serious injury.
On Thursday, November 13th join hundreds of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren County volunteers who will give area seniors a helping hand! Gather your co-workers or friends and create a team to rake and bag leaves, and clean gutters for seniors as part of United Way’s 15th annual "Rake A Difference"

Did you know that 51% of seniors ages 65+ in Cass County have households with incomes below the ALICE threshold? This day serves seniors, age 60 and older, who are physically incapable of performing yard work and are unable to pay for services.



Sign up for your geographic location or anywhere you are needed. Shifts available for all day or for half days.

ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST REGISTER by 10/17!

NOTE - volunteers must provide their own rakes (for raking) and ladders (for gutters). United Way of Southwest Michigan will provide leaf bags, gloves and tarps.



To learn more visit https://www.uwsm.org/rake-a-difference
Have questions? Email us at Volunteer@uwsm.org

Thank you for helping our seniors!


Quotes from previous Rake a Difference seniors:

Quotes from previous Rake a Difference volunteers:

Before winter hits, raking your yard and cleaning out gutters is a vital step to ensuring spring snow melt does not cause water damage to your home or lawn. Many area seniors try to accomplish this work on their own, putting them at risk for falls and serious injury.
On Thursday, November 13th join hundreds of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren County volunteers who will give area seniors a helping hand! Gather your co-workers or friends and create a team to rake and bag leaves, and clean gutters for seniors as part of United Way’s 15th annual "Rake A Difference"

Did you know that 47% of seniors ages 65+ in Van Buren County have households with incomes below the ALICE threshold? This day serves seniors, age 60 and older, who are physically incapable of performing yard work and are unable to pay for services.



Sign up for your geographic location or anywhere you are needed. Shifts available for all day or for half days.

ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST REGISTER by 10/17!

NOTE - volunteers must provide their own rakes (for raking) and ladders (for gutters). United Way of Southwest Michigan will provide leaf bags, gloves and tarps.



To learn more visit https://www.uwsm.org/rake-a-difference
Have questions? Email us at Volunteer@uwsm.org

Thank you for helping our seniors!


Quotes from previous Rake a Difference seniors:

Quotes from previous Rake a Difference volunteers:

Come give free, fresh food to neighbors in need. 

Volunteers needed to unload, sort, box and distribute food to clients placing boxes in vehicles.

Are you a compassionate person who would enjoy spending one-on-one time with a Hospice patient in need? Corewell Health Hospice 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.

From high school students to retirees, TEC volunteers come from diverse backgrounds with an array of talent and skills.  As different as each volunteer is, they all share an interest in making a difference in someone’s life. If you enjoy working with horses, you could put your passion to use as a Horse Leader during therapeutic riding lessons.

Minimum requirements: 

We have a need for volunteers, during the week in the afternoons through the evening and on Saturdays in the early morning through early afternoon. Weekly lesson times can vary from 30 minutes to 75 minutes, depending on the number of participants in the lesson. You are invited to volunteer for one or several lessons.  If your schedule requires flexibility in your volunteer time, you might want to sign up as a substitute. 

All are encouraged to volunteer and most welcome here!

Volunteers are needed to respond on scene to survivors who have just experienced a domestic or sexual assault. This is an on call opportunity that requires 20 hours of training, which will be provided to you. Please contact Abigail Reardon at (269) 240-9467 or AbigailR@dasasmi.org.

The time commitment is completely up to you and your availability. You may volunteer as little or as much as you would like as this is an ongoing and ALWAYS needed opportunity. The hours you need to be available on your committed volunteer day(s) are M-F 5pm-nightfall and Sat/Sun - 7am-nightfall.

Looking for a volunteer who will work side by side with our Executive Director doing daily administrative tasks. This opportunity is for a couple hours a day, 1 or 2 days a week...whatever works into your schedule. No agency training is required.

Looking for a marketing volunteer who specializes in social media marketing or graphic design. This opportunity is for a couple hours a day, 1 or 2 days a week...whatever works into your schedule. No agency training is required.

Working along side our Child Advocate to provide childcare.. while clients are attending the Woman's Domestic Violence group. Requires 4 hours of training, provided to you by our Director of Advocacy. 

Wednesdays 6:00pm-7:30pm 

Caring Circle, a Lakeland Affiliate, is in need of volunteer Facilitators for our Speak for Yourself -Plan Your Care Program.  We are seeking volunteers who, after training, would be comfortable guiding people and their loved ones through a conversation about the type of care they would want if they were not able to speak for themselves. These conversations would be with people who have been referred to the program and wish to participate.  The Speak for Yourself – Plan Your Care Program aims to help people have these conversations before a crisis, so they and their families have peace of mind and can feel confident about what their loved one would want if a situation arises. The program is based on the idea that effective advance care planning is a process of communication that helps individuals:

All training will be provided. At the end of training, volunteers will have all the tools necessary to confidently walk someone through recording their wishes. For more information, call Julie Griffin at 269-429-7100

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

We are looking for volunteers to staff the reception area in the Juvenile Division of the Berrien County Trial Court.  This person would assist people with questions about when/where their hearings are, welcome people who have come to meet with their Juvenile Probation Officer or therapist, answer the telephone and generally direct people to where they need to be.

Advocate for one of the 300 foster children in Berrien County! 

Help change a child's life. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer advocates in the community and courtroom for the best interests of foster children in Berrien County. Be a consistent, caring adult helping to look out for their needs during a difficult time. If you care about kids, have a bit of time to share and want to help truly make a difference, become a CASA!  All training (virtual), staff mentorship and support will be provided.  Volunteers must be over 21, have reliable transportation, and pass a criminal/CPS background check. There is no financial commitment and your mileage will be reimbursed thanks to our generous funders.  Training starts soon! Don't miss out. 

Please reach out, we look forward to meeting you and answering your questions. 

Volunteers are needed to drive the Disabled American Veterans van from designated stops in Berrien County to Battle Creek or Mishawaka VA medical centers. For more information please respond to this need and someone will get in touch with you to schedule a time to talk with us. 

Do you have a couple hours to spare to teach seniors the basics of how to use a computer? Come teach a class in the Computer Learning Center!

The Center teaches skills like Excel, photo storage, MyChart, iPhones, social media, or whatever you would like to teach. Our volunteers share their expertise with others. They volunteer to contribute to the community, to meet new people and be part of the team, or to learn new skills.

We will work around your schedule. Just let us know what you want to teach and when. Our seniors will appreciate your knowledge!

Classes are held in the Computer Learning Center at the Campus for Creative Aging, 2920 Lakeview Ave., St. Joseph.

Enjoy a small retail environment?  Have an eye for displaying merchandise?  You are creative in the selling environment.  Enjoy conversing with people.   Are thrilled in helping customers in making gift purchases.  If this sound like your cup of tea.  Then give the hospital gift shop a try.  

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 to 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. 

Our Ramp Up program provides ramps on the homes of people with mobility disabilities.  The Ramp Up program is intended to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through an increase in independence.  Accessibility is often a major barrier to leading a healthy and productive life; therefore, ramps become a lifeline to a person with a disability.  Without a ramp, many people with disabilities are forced to move into a nursing facility or are trapped in their homes, unable to go to work, school, doctor’s appointments, or to socialize or volunteer.

Primary Duties: This volunteer is responsible to assist with all aspects of preparing, serving and clean-up for the ‘Lunch Bunch’ community meal on Monday through Friday (depending on Holiday schedules and private volunteer groups). The volunteer will assist in the preparation, serving, and clean-up following the meal. At this time, all meals are prepared on a 'to-go' basis.  Preparation will include, but not be limited to, preparing the food to be served per a fixed menu, prepping plasticware, napkins, condiments, desserts, etc., as may be needed. MAINTAINING FOOD SAFETY MUST ALWAYS BE #1 PRIORITY OF THE KITCHEN VOLUNTEERS AT ALL TIMES! All volunteers will be required to take the 'ServSafe Foodhandler Course' and The Salvation Army 'Safe From Harm' course. The Volunteer will wear sanitary gloves and hairnet/hat while preparing food, silverware or condiments, and will wear an apron for cleanliness. The volunteer will assist in maintaining an accurate count of the number of meals served.  At all times our guests will be treated with dignity and respect by all volunteers.  

Volunteer can work one day a week, one day a month, or multiple days as available.  We are very flexible concerning schedule.

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!

The Berrien County Trial Court is looking for volunteers to staff their Childrens’ Waiting Area at the Berrien County Courthouse.   We need fun, friendly people who can volunteer from 8:15 to 10:00 Wednesday/Thursday morning and/or 1:15 to 3:00 on Tuesday afternoon to supervise not more than 5 children ages infant to 16 while they wait for their court hearings.

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 for the appropriate time.

We seek support from organizations, families, individuals, or businesses who want to provide or donate a meal. Currently, we have dinner covered for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th 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.