06/21/09 Volunteer Opportunities

Here are this week's volunteer needs in the Yakima Valley:

* MENTORS NEEDED: Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration Mentor Program is looking for mentors to pair up with juvenile offenders to help them have a successful re-entry into their community. Mentors' responsibilities include supporting and assisting young people as they work toward individual goals through weekly contacts and monthly face-to-face activities. Volunteers should plan to give a one-year commitment and need to have a criminal background check. Initial training will be provided as well as follow-up trainings.

For more information, call Sirena Phillips at 509-574-1933.

* FOSTER GRANDPARENTS: The Foster Grandparent Program of Yakima and Kittitas counties needs volunteers willing to assist youth (infant to 18 years old) in their community. Volunteers choose which site and age group they would like to serve. Volunteers are helping at preschools, elementary and middle schools, Head Start and EPIC programs, day care centers, drug treatment centers and community sites such as the YMCA and the Southeast Yakima Community Center.

Volunteers either work one-on-one or in small groups. Foster grandparents read, practice math skills, do arts and crafts, converse and participate in a variety of other activities.

Potential volunteers will receive about two hours of training. Additional training will be given once a month. A one-year commitment to the program is requested.

Volunteers must be at least 60 years of age and pass a physical wellness exam. They also need to complete a volunteer application and have a criminal background check. An hourly stipend is offered to low-income volunteers.

For more information, contact Megan Turner at 509-965-7100, 800-246-2962 or mturner@cfcsyakima.org.

* RESPITE ADULT CARE: The Respite Adult Day Center is looking for enthusiastic, caring, responsible individuals to be program aides. Volunteers would provide one-on-one assistance for elderly clients who have moderate cognitive or physical needs. Volunteers will help with serving snacks and lunch, exercises, walks, games, crafts, music, dancing and sharing hobbies. Training will be provided. Volunteers are needed Tuesdays or Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Potential volunteers must complete a volunteer application and have a criminal background check done by the agency.

Call Sirena Phillips at 509-574-1933.

* IN-HOME HELP: Volunteer Chore Services is looking for volunteers to help provide basic in-home assistance to low-income elders and adults with disabilities to enable them to live safely and independently in their own homes. Volunteers help build wheelchair ramps; provide transportation to appointments and other errands; and provide light housekeeping.

Potential volunteers must complete a criminal background check.

Call Sirena Phillips at 509-574-1933.

* Volunteer Opportunities is prepared by Sirena Phillips, volunteer coordinator of Yakima's Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Contact her at 574-1933, 120 S. Third St. Suite 200B, Yakima, WA 98901, or sirena.phillips@co.yakima.wa.us.