02/12/12 Volunteer Opportunities

READING HELP: Hoover Elementary School in Yakima needs classroom volunteers to help third-graders improve their reading skills. Volunteers will read one-on-one with a small group of students, correcting errors, asking guided questions and tracking the number of words that are used. Volunteers are needed Monday-Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. All volunteers need to have criminal background checks done by the agency. Call Sirena at 509-574-1933.

READ TO CHILDREN: Yakima Neighborhood Health Services is looking for Reach Out and Read volunteers. Volunteers are needed to read to children in the waiting rooms while they await their appointments. Volunteers are needed Monday-Friday anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Bilingual skills helpful but not required. For more information, call Sirena at 509-574-1933.

HOSPITAL HELP: Volunteers are needed at Toppenish Community Hospital and Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center. Bilingual skills in English and Spanish are especially needed. Call Kathy DeGooyer, 509-575-5194, or visit yakimaregional.com.

GREETER: Pacific Northwest University needs a front desk greeter volunteer. Duties include signing each visitor in and assigning a badge, and occasional scanning and filing of documents. Volunteers are needed Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon or noon to 5 p.m. Training will be provided. For more information, call Sirena at 509-574-1933.

SCHOOL READINESS: Ready by Five, in a public-private partnership, works to help children, ages birth to 5 years, and their families get kindergarten-ready for success in school and life. Several volunteer opportunities are available: citizenship classroom, English conversation group, children's classroom, story hour at the museum, computer education and creative reading. All volunteers need to have criminal background checks done by the agency. For more information, call Sirena at 509-574-1933.

RANCH HELP: Pegasus Project is looking for sidewalker volunteers to help out at Tumbleweed Ranch. Volunteers assist student horse riders. Volunteers will support the rider by walking/jogging on the side of the horse under the supervision of the riding instructor. Volunteers should have good communication skills, feel comfortable around horses and a ranch environment, and need to be comfortable working with riders with disabilities. Training will take place in two parts. All volunteers need to have criminal background checks done by the agency. For more information, call Sirena at 509-574-1933.

IN-HOME ASSISTANCE: Volunteer Chore Services is looking for volunteers to help provide basic in-home assistance to low-income elders and adults with disabilities. Volunteers help build wheelchair ramps; provide transportation to doctor's appointments, grocery shopping and other such errands; and also to provide light housekeeping. All volunteers need to have criminal background checks done by the agency. For more information, call Sirena at 509-574-1933.

BENEFITS EDUCATION: Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors is looking for volunteers to educate consumers about their rights and options regarding prescription drug access, health insurance and access to health care. Hours are flexible, and work can be done from home. Volunteers should be interested in helping people, doing some public presentations, have basic computer skills, be interested in health care, have patience and compassion, and enjoy a challenge. Training will be provided. For more information, call Deborah at 509-574-1932.

HEALTH AND LITERACY: Doctors for Orphans is a nonprofit organization that focuses on preventive health and literacy initiatives for vulnerable youth in low-resource regions. There are two volunteer internship opportunities: business development coordinator (writing news releases and thank-yous, devise marketing strategies and draft digital newsletters) and marketing assistant (project tracking, drafting, proofing, editing, development of brochures, materials, letters, digital newsletters, videos, news releases and placement of stories). All volunteers need to have criminal background checks done by the agency. For more information, call Sirena at 509-574-1933.

RESPITE CARE: Respite Adult Day Center is looking volunteers to greet participants and caregivers, assist with group activities and help to maintain a safe, clean enjoyable environment for clients. Volunteers are needed Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bilingual volunteers are preferred, but all are welcome. All volunteers need to have criminal background checks done by the agency. For more information, call Sirena at 509-574-1993.

SENIOR MEALS: The People For People Senior Nutrition program needs the following volunteers:

* Two to help with packaging home delivered meals for seniors at the central office in Union Gap. Volunteers are needed from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.

* One to help pull stock for delivery to kitchens at the Union Gap office from 9:30 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday.

* Volunteer home delivery drivers for the Upper and Lower Valley on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Volunteers deliver hot meals to homebound seniors generally from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

All volunteers must obtain a Food Handler's Permit (People for People will pay the fee). Volunteers must pass background and substance abuse checks. Additionally, volunteer drivers must have a valid Washington driver's license, must use their own vehicles and have insurance. Mileage reimbursement is available. Call Debbie Sugden or Jerry Baldoz at People For People Senior Nutrition program at 509-426-2601 or toll free 1-855-426-2601.

TRUANCY BOARD: Yakima County Juvenile Court is looking for Community Truancy Board volunteers to interview youth who have been identified as truant. Volunteers assist families and students with setting goals to avoid truancy court and make recommendations for community resources to support families. Boards are held from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays during the school year. Interested volunteers will to attend one training session and commit to truancy boards twice a month. Volunteers must be over the age of 21. All volunteers need to have criminal background checks done by the agency. For more information, call Sirena at 509-574-1933.

MENTORS: The Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration Mentor program seeks volunteers to be matched with a youth from a JRA institution. The mentor will be able to develop a positive relationship with the mentee through pro-social activities in the community. JRA asks that each mentor make a one-year commitment to the program. All potential volunteers must be at least age 21 and have a criminal background check done by the agency. Call Sirena at 509-574-1933.

* Volunteer Opportunities is prepared by Sirena Phillips, volunteer coordinator of Yakima's Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Contact her at 509-574-1933 or sirena.phillips@co.yakima.wa.us.