The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for JULY 2010. Individuals interested in these volunteer opportunities should contact the agencies below directly.

Special Note to Non-profit Agencies:  United Way of Pioneer Valley is interested in helping you gain access to potential volunteers by listing your short, detailed volunteer opportunity in both the Republican’s Neighborhood Plus section and on our website.  Please submit your volunteer opportunities via e-mail as you want it to appear in the Republican and if you choose a more detailed version for our website listing.  Submit to pallen@uwpv.org.  The Republican “free” listing runs the last Wednesday of the month and your submissions must be sent in no later than noon of the Tuesday before the last Wednesday of that month.

AARP Foundation- Massachusetts Tax Aid  New
District Coordinator—Western Massachusetts (Connecticut River Valley)
AARP Tax-Aide is the largest volunteer tax-counseling service for low and middle-income taxpayers in the nation. Each year, over 20,000 Massachusetts taxpayers seek tax help from an AARP Tax-Aide counselor. There are more than 600 volunteers across Massachusetts' 12 districts. Each district has a committed team of volunteers who primarily focus on preparing taxes and interacting one-on-one with clients. AARP Massachusetts  currently seeks District Coordinators for the western Massachusetts (Connecticut River Valley) district.  We need leaders who can concentrate on communications, organizational and strategic issues to help make the program even more effective in those communities. In consultation with local coordinators and/or staff, District Coodinators decide how, when and where to: 1) Assign and train new volunteers; 2) Manage the certification process; 3) Allocate equipment; and 4) Resolve occasional problems. While tax preparation experience is helpful, it is not required. What we need are individuals with the energy, leadership and communications skills to organize and operate the district's activities. These are volunteer positions, however, money is available to cover most expenses including mileage. To learn more or to express interest in either of these positions, please contact John Woods at 508-444-6050 or johntaxaide@comcast.net.

ACT NOW! Inc 
Volunteers Needed for Improvised Movie Making To Empower Girls
Cutting-edge non-profit uses a unique, researched-based, method combining improvisation and movie making to help build confidence and character in youth, particularly girls. We seek undergrads, grads, and adults to tailor an internship or volunteer experience with us that draws on your field of interest: Communications, Sales, Marketing, Production, Research, Management, Accounting, Education, etc.  Work closely with executive director, Nancy Fletcher, entrepreneur, videographer, PR specialist, in a lively office to help grow the agency, develop curriculum and run its training programs. Assist in one or more MOVIExperiences.  Great fun!  Design a project to complete during the semester (spring or fall, winter term, or summer), a specified time period or in an on-going arrangement, in our downtown Amherst office.  Any of the following would be helpful: Good written, verbal and organizational skills.  Video wizardry (editing and shooting).  Internet marketing know-how. Database management, Grant writing ability.  Sales experience.  Event planning and bookkeeping.  Training,  Experience working with youth Improvisation skills Gain critical experience in: Communications, materials management, research, and database management.  All internships are unpaid unless you arrange a college- funded stipend. Contact Nancy Fletcher, ACT NOW! Inc.  413 256-3471, 230-0175 or NanFletcher@gmail.com  www.ACTNOW-online.org

Best Buddies: Try making a new friend
Best Buddies Citizens is a program that brings adults with intellectual disabilities and members of the community together to form friendships. Matches get together every month to hang out and spend time together doing things they mutually enjoy.  Many people with intellectual disabilities do not have many opportunities to meet people, and would definitely love to have a friend and to be one.  You can make that happen today and join the other 100+ matches in Massachusetts who are already thrilled with the experience Best Buddies has offered them.  We have staff members that are ready to support you in your efforts to make a difference in the life of a person with an intellectual disability, so please join us in giving the gift of friendship.  It will be an experience you won’t forget and you will make a friend that you’ll always have.  Find out more about Best Buddies Citizens by calling (413) 259-1914 or e-mail ChristopherWatkins@bestbuddies.org.
 
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County
The benefits of the Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one approach to mentoring are significant and measurable.  Children matched in our program are more able to develop a positive perspective, which empowers them to make better decisions and become responsible adults who give back to their community.  Even more important, it's a whole lot easier than you think to get involved as a Big Brother or Big Sister.  There are many different program options, so you don't have to change your life to make a positive impact.  And you may just find that you get even more out of the experience than the child does!   Contact David Beturne at 413-781-4730 x112 or e-mail dbeturne@bigbrothers-sisters.org.

Community Enterprises
Family Care Adult Needs you in: Amherst, Northampton, Chicopee, South Hadley, Holyoke, Westfield, Easthampton, Southhampton, Florence, Greenfield and Deerfield. Do you have any extra bedroom in your home or apartment and would like to support an individual with a disability living with you in your home? Yearly tax free income ranges from $8,760 to $18,000 Plus room and board from the individual of $450.00 a month.  Yearly training provided Supported Living Coordinator and Nursing support as needed
For more information please call Carmen Jones @ 413-536-4200 ext.303                  

The Community Survival Center
The Community Survival Center on Main St in Indian Orchard has volunteer opportunities available in our Clothing and Household Goods Program assisting clients, registering shoppers, maintaining order in the program and restocking merchandise.  The Program is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 to 12:00  and 1:00 to 3:30 and on Thursdays from 9:30 to 12:00 and then
1:00 to 5:00.   
We also have opening in our Donation Room accepting, sorting and organizing incoming donations of clothing and household items.  Our donation Room is open weekdays from 8:30 to 3:30 and until 5:00 on Thursdays.
Volunteers are encouraged to make their own hours.  Please contact Chris Cargile or Michelle Chretiend at 543-3930.

Court Appointed Special Advocate
Volunteers are needed to be court advocates for children and youth in Hampden County. Volunteers are assigned to help an abused or neglected child who may not have an effective parental figure in their life.  The chief responsibility is to provide reports to the juvenile court judge overseeing the case, to update them about the child’s situation.  We offer intensive training before you take a case and plenty of support afterwards.  Hours vary week to week, but are extremely flexible. Please call CASA of Hampden County at 413-781-2272 or visit: www.casahampdencounty.org

Faith in Action Updated
Faith in Action services the frail elderly in their homes.  Visitors do little things that a relative or neighbor would do, if only there was one.  The need for volunteers is ongoing.  As always, we are in need of volunteers all over Hampden County, and right now, most particularly in West Springfield, Agawam and Feeding Hills. Please call 413-746-0237 or e-mail fiasos@verizon.net

Food Bank of Western MA Updated
Produce Sorter
We will be receiving large quantities of produce from our farm throughout the summer. In order to get these items ready for shoppers, we need your help. Volunteers will be needed Tuesdays from 1pm-5pm, and Thursdays from 1pm-3:30pm. Each shift will require 2-4 people.  Please keep in mind that volunteers for this opportunity should be able to lift up to 40lbs.  Job duties include assessment of produce quality, counting and weighing, packing into bags and boxes, labeling boxes, using pallet jacks, working well with others, cleaning up work area, and enjoying making produce available to people served through our network!
 
SNAP Outreach
The SNAP (Food Stamp) Outreach Volunteer will become knowledgeable of the SNAP (Food Stamp) eligibility guidelines and application processes.  We will be going out into the community to educate people about SNAP, pre-screen for eligibility and help people apply for SNAP benefits.   This is a pilot program and we will need volunteers to be flexible as we work to create a sustainable program that assists people in navigating through the process of applying for SNAP benefits.  Duties include: Get trained on SNAP (Food Stamp) guidelines & application process; Attend outreach events at least monthly (perhaps weekly, dependent upon availability) to pre-screen individuals for SNAP eligibility and assist with the application process; Attend a monthly volunteer meeting.  Necessary skills: Excellent communication skills; Computer skills; Organizational skills; Ability to work well with a diverse group of people; Bi-lingual/Multi-lingual a plus.  Weekly time commitment is 4 hours, for a minimum of 4 months.

Facilities Assistant
We are seeking candidates for janitorial projects. Assist with recycling, bathroom cleaning and replenishing of paper products in break room, kitchen and bathrooms. Restocking of janitorial cart. Assist with cardboard recycling. Sweeping and Mopping floors as needed.  Candidates should be able to lift 40 lbs, and be reliable, flexible, and independent. 

Please contact Christine Dutton at at christined@foodbankwma.org  or at 413-247-9738, ext. 104 if you’d like to volunteer for one of these opportunities.

Friends of the Homeless, Inc. 
Welcomes both individuals and/or groups (must be 18 years of age) to volunteer in our Worthington Street dining room. In addition to sheltering and housing, we serve three meals a day, seven days a week. In coordination with our Kitchen Manager, volunteers are welcome to prepare a scheduled meal, supplement meal menus with things like fresh fruit and baked goods, or assist in serving meals to our guests. Interested volunteers should contact Kathy Tobin, Friends of the Homeless Development Director at 732-3069 ext. 113.

Girl Scouts of Central and Western MA 
Be Someone Special.  Girl Scouts is seeking volunteers to make an impact on the lives of girls. As a Girl Scout volunteer, your time, experience and energy will help make it happen for girls.  You can become a troop leader, a trainer, a mentor, or a volunteer coordinator.  The Girl Scout Program, which serves girls 5-17, is designed to instill leadership, promote good character, foster friendships and cooperation, teach skills, explore career options, and to be FUN.  No matter how you help, you’ll make a big difference as you work with girls.  Support and training are provided.  Call 1.800.462.9100 to volunteer or to find out how you can offer great opportunities to a girl.
 
Goodwill Industries
Goodwill Industries seeks volunteers to help sort clothing, receive donations and work in our nine retail stores.  Please call Linda Livingstone at 413-304-2682.

Glenmeadow Retirement Community
Glenmeadow Retirement Community in Longmeadow, MA is looking for volunteers in our Resident Program Department.  Many opportunities available including working with our residents in groups, preparing activities, room visits, helping with special functions and more!  Please call Sheila Clegg in Human Resources for more information at 413-567-7800.

The Gray House
Volunteer Tutors: Volunteers are wanted to work with adult learners who are studying English or working to improve their literacy skills.  Volunteers interested in tutoring math are also needed.  Volunteers typically give one to two hours a week. They are matched one-on-one with an adult learner.  A tutor training is available and supports are provided.  If you are interested, please contact Glenn Yarnell at (413) 734-6696 or cespgrayhouse@aol.com. 

Volunteer Drive Organizers: Volunteers are needed to organize and host food, hygiene item or seasonal need drives to help people served by The Gray House.  Drives can be organized in workplaces, neighborhoods, faith communities, schools, etc.  If you are interested in coordinating a drive, please contact Dena Calvanese at 413-734-6696 or e-mail casagris@aol.com.

Greater Springfield Senior Services
Volunteers with good budgeting and financial skills are needed to serve as bill payers for the Money Management Program. A few hours a month is all it takes to help an elderly person balance a checkbook and pay bills. It’s a wonderful opportunity for anyone, even a very busy person, to make a difference in someone’s life. Bill payers visit clients in their homes and assist them with setting up household budgets, putting bills in order, check writing, and keeping track of income and expenses. Training and ongoing professional support are provided. Contact the Money Management Program Supervisor, 413-781-8800.

Long Term Care Ombudsman: Greater Springfield Senior Services is seeking caring individuals to serve as volunteer advocates for residents of nursing homes and rest homes though its Long Term Care Ombudsman program. Ombudsmen visit with residents once a week to listen to their concerns and address issues affecting the quality of their care. They investigate complaints made by residents or family members and work with the facility to resolve them. Free training and certification are provided. For more information contact the long-term care ombudsman coordinator at 413-781-8800 ext. 178.
 
Hawthorn Services
Hawthorn Services is looking for volunteers for the adult day health programs in Ware, Chicopee, Springfield and West Springfield. The position could include working directly in the program or sharing a talent or skill that you may have with others. The programs service elders and adults with different abilities as well as disabilities.  The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm. If you are interested please call JoAnn at 413-592-5199.

Holyoke Tutor/Mentor Program
If You Love to Read, Help Others Learn How
Support your community and meet interesting people by tutoring adults who are studying basic reading, writing and math or English for Speakers of Other Languages. The Holyoke Tutor/Mentor Program trains volunteers to tutor in Holyoke's Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes, and more volunteers are needed. (Over 500 people are on Holyoke's ABE waiting list; our tutors help students progress and make room for new participants.) No previous teaching skills are necessary but attendance at our free training is required. Classes are held daytimes and evenings, and tutors are placed in classes that meet their schedule and interests. Morning tutors are particularly needed at this time. For more information contact Emily Fox at (413) 534-3376 x104 or email holyoketutor@holycham.com

Homework House
Homework House is an after-school program for children at risk for failure in elementary school. We offer individualized tutoring from Monday to Thursday, 3:15 to 5:15. Tutors assist our children with their homework, math, and reading. We need substitutes as well as tutors who can come regularly. If interested, call Jane Morrissey, ssj at 265-1017.

International Language Institute of Massachusetts Updated
Volunteer Tutor Training
Next training in late September 2010.  Three Wednesday evenings from 6-9 PM, here at ILI. ILI provides a free 15-hour ESOL Tutor training. Volunteers work with adult students on a one-to-one basis. All tutoring is done in English so it is not necessary to speak another language. To learn more about the Volunteer Tutor Program and to get an application, go to our website  www.ili.edu/volunteer.html . Any questions, email: amy@ili.edu or call 586-7569 x100

Homestays needed in July and/or August for international students (mostly adults, 2 teens) studying English at ILI. Hosts must live within walking distance of downtown Northampton OR on a convenient busline.  We are seeking warm and friendly hosts interested in intercultural exchange, conversation in English, and inclusion of the student in some of your activities.  Very diverse student body. Homes without pets and willing to provide prepared meals are especially needed.  Private, furnished room required. Stipend provided.  For more information, please check our website   www.ili.edu/volunteer.html . Any questions, email: amy@ili.edu or call 586-7569 x100

Jewish Geriatrics
Spectrum Hospice, a program of Jewish Geriatric Services is seeking adult volunteers. Volunteers provide companionship and a comforting presence by listening to the patient’s life story, talking, going outside, reading, listening to music, playing cards or engaging in a patient’s hobby. Hospice volunteers are also needed to help with administrative duties in the office. The volunteer is an essential member of the interdisciplinary team that provides care and support to those with terminal illness and their families. Volunteers will be selected for a one-year commitment and are asked to complete a training program and then contribute a minimum of 4 hours/month. Spectrum provides comprehensive training for all volunteers; as well as ongoing support and additional training as needed. For more information, please call Anne Most, Volunteer Coordinator at (413)565-2500 by April 19, 2010.

Spectrum Home Health and Hospice Care has been offering hospice services to those in Hampden County for three years, is certified by the Joint Commission and has been recognized by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) with the Step II Award for Quality Achievement.
 
Junior Achievement of Western MA 
Junior Achievement of Western MA is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization that has been serving the youth of Western Mass. for 91 years. JA volunteers deliver age-appropriate, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in grades K-12 in local schools and community youth organizations. JA programs focus on seven key content areas: business, economics, citizenship, entrepreneurship, ethics/character, financial literacy, and career exploration.

Junior Achievement volunteers are needed to visit local classrooms in the following schools: Balliet Elementary School (Springfield), Homer Street Elementary School (Springfield), Mary Lynch Elementary School (Springfield), Rebecca Johnson Elementary School (Springfield), and Selser Elementary School (Chicopee). To learn more about JA and these opportunities, please contact  413-747-7670, www.jawm.org
 
Link to Libraries  Link to Libraries, a not for profit organization whose mission is to collect and distribute new and gently used books to underserved elementary schools and non profit organizations in Western MA is seeking a few volunteers to make the book donation presentations to area schools The training will be done locally and is only one hour in duration. The person must have own transportation and be available for morning presentation. No heavy lifting required. The presentation is one hour maximum time. To apply or learn more...contact Susan Jaye-Kaplan @ 413 224 1031.  www.linktolibraries.org

Longmeadow Adult Center Updated
Meals on Wheels Drivers
The Longmeadow Adult Center is in need of Meals on Wheels drivers to deliver the noon meal.  If you like to meet new people, want to help others and can volunteer for two hours a month, you are just what we are looking for.  If you ever thought you might be interested in performing this vital community service, now is the time to step forward.  Training is provided for a specific route in Longmeadow and you can choose the days that are convenient for you.  The route consists of approximately 20 homes in Longmeadow and requires about 2 hours to complete, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.   We ask for a commitment of one day per month and offer a very flexible schedule.   Substitute drivers are available for backup in emergencies or if you are concerned about driving in bad weather.  This is a very rewarding volunteer experience and you will immediately realize how much your time and effort helps the homebound members of our community.  For more information, please contact Ellen Gold, Volunteer Coordinator, at 413-565-4150 or e-mail egold@longmeadow.org.

Driver for Appointments
Do you have 2 or 3 extra hours a month?  The Longmeadow Adult Center, 231 Maple Road, is looking for new volunteers to drive senior town residents to their doctor’s appointments.  Schedules are flexible, and volunteers chose the trips that are convenient for them.  For more information, or to sign up to perform this valuable service, please call Ellen Gold, Volunteer Coordinator at 565-4150.

Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruetly to Children Updated
We are in need of help in our Parent Centers in Holyoke and Springfield. Our center in Holyoke is open Tuesday and Thursday evenings and our Springfield center is open on Wednesday evenings. We need a hand with small meal prep and working with the kids and their families to make their evening an enjoyable one. Please contact Joanne Spence at JSpence@MSPCC.ORG 413-734-4978  www.mspcc.org

New England Farm Workers' Council
The mentoring program is for anyone over the age of 18. We go to 3 schools in Holyoke:
Kelly Elementary School-Every Monday 3pm-4pm
Peck Middle School-Every Tuesday 3pm-4pm
Morgan Elementary-Every Thursday 3pm-4pm

We are currently looking for both men and women who’d be willing to mentor a child/youth for ONE hour ONCE a week just simply being a “friend” doing group activities and one on one mentoring. Our major goal is academic improvement, but the mentor is not there to be a tutor, simply build a friendship. At one point in time we’ve all had someone who has impacted our life or made a difference by simply listening, being a positive role model or just being a friend and these are the qualities these children/youth lack that can be filled in just ONE hour ONCE  a week. It’s been proven that if a child has a positive role model in their life, which they can trust, their grades do increase and absences decrease.  Please contact: Elizabeth Dowd at 413-536-5403 ext: 250 or e-mail edowd@partnersforcommunity.org.

Open Pantry Community Services, Inc.
Volunteer Needed: Open Pantry's administrative office is in need of a volunteer to answer phones and to perform light clerical work. Hours will vary on a weekly basis. We will require a CORI, a volunteer application and a copy of a photo ID. Please contact Kim Kennedy at 413-746-6241.

Shriners Hospital
Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield needs volunteers who speak French Creole to assist with Haitian patients. Volunteers are needed for translation between staff and patients for general conversation, assistance with menu choices, medical and therapeutic instruction and socialization activities for at least six months. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and pass a criminal background check. Please contact Kathy Tracy, Volunteer Coordinator at 413-735-1292 for an application.
 
Special Education Surrogate Parent Program New
Become an important member of the special education team for a student in the custody of the MA Department of Children & Families (DCF).  You can help support children in your community by becoming a Special Education Surrogate Parent. Volunteers play a key role in the academic success and educational growth of the student they are appointed to. Involvement includes collaboration with DCF, the child's school and community partners to ensure that your student has access to appropriate educational supports and services. For more information or to register for an upcoming training call the Special Education Surrogate Parent Program (508) 792-7679 or find us on the web at www.sespprogram.org

Springfield Partners For Community Action
SPCA is looking for volunteers for our volunteer income tax preparation program. The VITA - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance  - program is sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and provides free return preparation assistance to people who cannot afford professional tax help, such as seniors, disabled, low-income and non-English speaking people.  The IRS provides free tax law training, electronic filing software training and all the materials needed to prepare basic individual income tax returns. Volunteers are asked to volunteer an average of three to four hours per week from February through April 10.  If you have any questions or would like to register to become a volunteer.  Contact Martin
O’Connor, at 413-263-6500 Ext. 6566 or e-mail martino@springfieldpartnersinc.com

Springfield Rescue Mission 
Hope Tote Campaign: Volunteers put together bags of NEW personal care items such as: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, chapstick, socks, brush/comb, tissues, lotion, powder, disposable razors, shaving cream. Filled bags need to be brought to the Mission by March 31. We distribute filled bags to the homeless during the Easter Season. Empty Hope Tote bags can be picked up at the Mission - contact Julie at 413.732.0808.

Kitchen Volunteers: Volunteer in the kitchen. Prepare and serve breakfast (6AM-8AM), lunch(10AM-2PM) or dinner(4PM-6PM).  Upon arrival at you will report to the kitchen to begin preparing a meal for the residents at 19 Bliss Street. You will serve lunch and clean up afterward. Groups of 8 or less are encouraged to volunteer. Age limit of 16 years or older is necessary for safety reasons.  Women must come in pairs as this is an all male facility.  Please call 413.732.0808 to be placed on the schedule.

Adopt A Room: Through the generosity of our supporters, five resident rooms have been redone from floor to ceiling. We invite you to help give our residents more than just a place to stay. We want them to have a place that feels like home. Many of the rooms in our facilities need to be refurbished.  We need skilled workers to donate their time and "adopt" a room to restore!

Operation Sonshine: Volunteer on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Saturday of the month from 10AM - 2PM with our Rescue Mission Van Outreach to the inner city community; distributing meals, food boxes, clothing, blankets, rain ponchos, and toiletries in Hope Tote bags. This is a year-round ministry. We encourage volunteers of all ages in groups of 8 or less.

Bake a Meal: Many people are not able to come and volunteer at the Mission but want to help. Bake a meal to be frozen and drop it off at the Mission or organize a group of people to make enough food for dinner once a month. You would be a blessing to those we serve.

Countertop Display: Encourage your favorite retail business to display a Rescue Mission counter top display. This is a great way to make the public aware of the Rescue Mission and raise money to feed and care for the hungry, homeless, addicted and poor.

Vital Ongoing Needs: We need volunteers to collect NEW Bath Towels, Heavy Duty Garbage Bags, Hairnets, Plastic Kitchen Gloves, Heavy Duty Rubber bands on an ongoing basis.  Making this your personal ministry would be a big help to the Springfield Rescue Mission.

Please contact Julie Barnes, Community Development Office, Springfield Rescue Mission, 19 Bliss Street, Springfield, MA  01105 www.hope4springfield.com  413-732-0808 ext. 114

Springfield School Volunteers Updated
There’s Still Time To Make A Difference!
BELL/SPS Summer Program volunteers needed from June 28 - August 6, 2010, Monday—Friday 8:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m. For more information please contact Springfield School Volunteers at (413) 787-7015 or volunteer@sps.springfield.ma.us

Stavros
STAVROS Surrogate Volunteers serve as a vital link to independence for many people with disabilities.  The program matches volunteers with people who have disabling conditions. Volunteers assist individuals with tasks related to their Personal Assistance Services Program.  For more information, you may contact Jeri Bachli, Surrogate Program Coordinator at 413-781-5555, ext. 350.  You may also visit the Stavros website: www.stavros.org. 

Volunteer Drive Organizers
Volunteers are needed to organize and host food, hygiene item or seasonal need drives to help people served by The Gray House.  Drives can be organized in workplaces, neighborhoods, faith communities, schools, etc.  If you are interested in coordinating a drive, please contact Dena Calvanese at 413-734-6696 or e-mail casagris@aol.com.

Top Floor Learning Updated
Top Floor Learning at the Palmer Public Library is seeking adult volunteer tutors for its three programs:  Adult literacy volunteers needed for Top Floor Learning's Adult English as a Second Language Program; Training begins Tuesday Sept. 7th  and Reading/Writing Program; training begins Wed. Sept. 8th.  Training will be held on the third floor of the Palmer Library.  Volunteers must be high school graduates with very good reding, writing, and speaking skills All necessary materials and training will be provided. Contact Marsha Gaudette at 413-283-2329.

Valley Radio Reading Service
The Valley Radio Reading Service is seeking volunteers who like to read aloud. We read local news papers and other print material to people who are blind over a special radio receiver.  At this time we also need help with office tasks including sending our radio to our listeners. Contact Margaret O'Donnell at Valley Radio Reading Service (413)747-7337 or e-mail director@vrrs.comcastbiz.net.

WestMass ElderCare
The Ombudsman Program at WestMass ElderCare needs volunteers.  With the help of volunteers, the Program is able to visit every nursing home in our area every week to speak with residents.  In this way we assist residents to share their questions and concerns and work with nursing home staff to solve problems.  The Older American’s Act requires and supports our efforts that have been in place now for over 40 years. Volunteers work with the Program Director to achieve satisfactory outcomes and are trained and supported in their efforts.  We also develop relationships with administrative staff so that our efforts are encouraged and effective.  The result is an enriching and enjoyable experience for volunteers as well as residents. f you are interested, please call Joanne Chuslo, Ombudsman Program Director for more information, 413-538-9020x331

YWCA of WM

Computer Literacy Volunteer
YWCA Western MA seeks volunteers to teach basic computer skills at our on site computer lab to women residing in our domestic violence shelter and middle school age girls in our after-school program. Be available Monday-Thursday, either late afternoon or early evening hours, (3-5pm or 6-8pm) and commit to 1-2 hours a week for 3-6 months.

Resource Development Intern
YWCA seeks a mature reliable person with strong communication skills to work to volunteer or intern in our Development office— by helping move YWCA to the next level of visibility and achieving our social justice mission in the community. This unpaid internship offers a hands-on opportunity for an undergraduate or graduate student to earn college credit while gaining valuable experience with how a non-profit handles marketing, media out-reach, and public relations. Demonstrate an ability to work with our diverse membership and commit to working 8-10 hours a week within a flexible 9-5pm schedule for 6 months.

YouthBuild Math & Reading Tutors
YouthBuild helps out-of-school or underemployed young adults (17-24) rebuild their communities and their lives with GED preparation and skill development in construction, pre-employment training and support. YouthBuild seeks volunteer Math and Reading tutors to assist students in reaching their educational goal and vocational goals.  Be willing to commit to 1-2 hours a week and be available M-F during school hours (8:30-3:30pm). Program orientation and on-going support provided to tutors by the Director and Education Coodinator at YouthBuild.

Please contact Volunteer/Intern Coordinator Maureen Warren for more information and to request a volunteer/intern application at 413-732-3121 ext. 154, or email: mwarren@ywworks.org.