Needs From: United Way of Southwest Michigan

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.

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.  

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).

Memory Café Facilitators are a friendly face at each Café. They are caring and sociable to ensure everyone feels welcome. Facilitators may implement programs, encourage participation and conversations, and promote additional resources and brochures for those in attendance.

Throughout every café, the facilitator ensures a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. The Memory Café facilitators will be supported by the Campus for Creative Aging Coordinator. The coordinator develops programming, trains the volunteers, promotes the Cafes, and ensures coordination with the libraries, café participants, and all facilitators.

To be a Memory Café Facilitator, you must:

Within Berrien County, Memory Café Facilitators serve in either of the following libraries:

For more information, visit https://areaagencyonaging.org/memory-cafes/

Sarett is always looking to partner with companies for single day volunteer projects.

Volunteer work typically takes place outdoors in the form of conservation-stewardship or trail building. We have the time and staff capacity to work with a group of 20-30 through out the year. Your team could work with our land manager on a conservation project removing invasive plant species or you could do trail-work such as building new boardwalk in our wetland area. Additionally, there are special events throughout the year such as our Spring Stampede 5K race in April or our Fall Dinner Fundraiser.

Working with us is a great way to fulfill corporate team building activities. Your contribution will make a huge impact on the community and our nature preserve.

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator to create a project that meets your needs:

Kevin Barrera

volunteer@sarett.org

269-927-4832 ext. 103

Volunteers to be trained in presenting in public, leading support groups and classes.

Caring Circle Hospice in St. Joe is looking for a volunteer to make flower arrangements, organization, clean-up, bowing of vases, picking up donated flowers from stores/venues, etc.  Volunteers meet on Mondays from about 11:00 am to about 1:00 pm.at the hospice office to make flower arrangements for hospice patients.  We would like a volunteer who has knowledge about flowers. Please contact Mandi Cook: mandi.cook@corewellhealth.org

The Buchanan Area Senior Center seeks volunteer drivers for our NEMT program. We provide local seniors (60+) with rides to doctor's appointments and other non-emergency medical appointments. Our hours of operation are Mon-Fri from 9 am to 4 pm. The typical time duration of a ride is between 1 and 2.5 hours.

Point person needed for Social Media and website updating. Person would be expected to spend time getting to know Cycle-Re-Cycle's community bike shop and its volunteers.

Need volunteers for cleaning and organizing at Adult Day Center in Paw Paw.

Make a difference this winter! We're seeking Friendly Helper volunteers to assist with snow removal for seniors in need. Requests for shoveling, salting and plowing come in frequently - join our dedicated team of volunteers!

A background check and fingerprinting is required. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Time commitment flexible based on availability. Interested? Reach out to Shana at 269-932-7862 or shanawilliams@areaagencyonaging.org

Join our fundraising committee and help support Caring Connection’s programs and services.

Caring Connection is looking for passionate community members to join our fundraising committee.

Are you creative, connected, or organized? Do you have a passion for assisting families and want to make a tangible impact in the communities of southwest Michigan? We are looking for volunteers to join our fundraising committee.

What you’ll do:

Brainstorm , plan and assist with our events

Reach out to corporate sponsors

Help develop new, creative fundraising initiatives

Connect with local businesses for raffle packages

Help support our scheduled events

Help us turn passion into action!

This is a voluntary, non-compensated position

Caring Connection has been serving families in the communities of southwest Michigan for over 130 years. Our work is vital, and we are looking for strategic partners to help us grow and deepen our impact. We are seeking dedicated, visionary leaders to join our Board of Directors to help us shape our mission to Empower, Advocate and Support since 1891.

Caring Connection serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children by providing temporary housing, advocates, therapist, support groups, food, clothing, transportation, assist with housing, and personal protection order assistance.  We operate 3 adult day center serving adults who are socially isolated or lonely, developmentally disabled, and those limited in their ability to function independently. They may be struggling with memory loss or cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and physical or mental health challenges. Our Guardianship service assists adults 18 and older who are cognitively challenged, developmentally disabled or mentally ill. Individuals who are unable to care for their financial and social or emotional needs. Safe and Secure serves victims of fraud, neglect, or abuse and who are hoarders.

Help guide our strategic direction and ensure we are effectively serving our communities

Expand our network: Connect with other committed leaders and community stakeholders

Gain governance experience and shape a growing organization

We are seeking individuals with expertise in:

Strategic planning

Corporate Law, Risk management

Marketing and Communications

Fundraising/Development

Community Engagement

Ideal  Candidate Qualities:

Commitment to our mission and services

Proven leadership and collaboration skills

Personal integrity, credibility, and a passion for serving the communities of southwest Michigan