Friday, May 14, 2010

Las Vegas Volunteer Opportunities

As the Church grows, some programs must change to meet needs and to respond to opportunities. While the Humanitarian Service Rooms have been and continue to be successful in providing a significant response to many diverse situations throughout the world, and have provided an opportunity for those prompted to come together in service, the tradition of a centralized distribution of these relief supplies must be adjusted to meet the changing circumstances and opportunities throughout the world.

Consistent with the doctrines of Preparedness and Self Reliance other areas of the world will now be called on to participate in their own preparedness by shifting the assembly and production of their emergency response commodities to more regional sources.

As a result our Humanitarian Service Rooms have likewise begun to be more locally focused, with volunteers working to address more local needs, but still prepared to participate in any worth while effort.

Our own Las Vegas area communities have many opportunities for service. Here are some additional local service groups that would benefit from and would appreciate your help as volunteers:


The Blind Center of Nevada

The Blind Center provides work opportunity and social activities and strives to create a positive social setting and support system for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

1001 N. Bruce Street, Las Vegas, NV, 89101

Phone#: 702-642-6000

Contact: Elise Leos or Ronnie Wilson

Individuals welcome, Groups also.

Types of work tasks for volunteers:

Assist at front desk or with art and music classes, read to clients, help assemble projects, host guests and escort clients to activities. Volunteers with knowledge of computers are also needed.

Blind Center/Chatty Cathy

Work: 702-642-6000

Las Vegas, NV 89101

http://www.blindcenter.org

Description: Are you the type of person who can strike up a conversation with anyone? Do friends often comment on how nice you are to everyone? Take advantage of your friendly and outgoing personality to brighten the day of clients who are blind or visually impaired. Enjoy friendly conversation, help members participate in activities and listen to the stories the clients have to share. No experience is necessary just patience, kindness and a positive attitude. Families can participate

The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation

The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation works side by side with the medical community to provide social, emotional, educational, financial and psychological support services and programs to families of children with a life threatening or critical illness such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, hemophilia, renal disorders and other immunologic diseases.

6070 S. eastern Ave., Las Vegas, NV., 89119

Contact: Barbara Porter,

Phone #: 702-735-8434,

e-mail: barbara@nvccf.org

Individuals and Groups are welcome.

Min/Max number: All welcome

Types of work tasks for volunteers:

Volunteers are needed to assist with many of the events throughout the year.

Shade Tree

The Shade Tree meets two needs. First, homeless or abused women and children are offered immediate protection and safety. Next, we help our clients return to a life of stability, dignity, and self-reliance.

#1 West Owens (at Main Street), N.L.V., NV

Phone #:702-385-0072-ext.105 ,

e-mail: mailto:vc@theshadetree.org?subject=Volunteer%20Inquiry%20from%20Website.

Individuals welcome, Groups also.

Min/Max number: All welcome

Types of work tasks for volunteers:

Tutor GED preparation, banking, math, reading and computer skills and there is also a need for bilingual volunteers as Client Advocates, in Parenting Classes and Life Skills Classes.

Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House aims to meet guest families’ daily needs by offering a caring environment where sharing families help each other to relieve feelings of isolation and helplessness.

Services include transportation; clothing and personal items; counseling referrals, memorial or legal services; and communication resources with friends and family.

2323 Potosi Street, Las Vegas, NV, 89146

(off of Sahara, west of Decatur)

Contact: Sarah Crichlow,

Phone #: 252-4663, ext 3,

Individuals are welcome. Groups up to 10

Types of work tasks for volunteers:

Volunteers help in preparing meals, light house keeping and help facilitate events.

Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth

The NPHY is a volunteer based program designed to help abused, runaway, homeless youth who may have been subjected to, or are at risk, of sexual exploitation achieve self-sufficiency, stronger independence and reduced isolation through on-going support.

S. Maryland Pkwy at Reno (next to 7-11)

Contact: Larry Lovelett,

Phone#: 702-383-1332.

e-mail: llovelett@nphy.org

Types of work tasks for volunteers:

Staff information desk, answer questions, refer clients to resource facilities, tutor GED preparation, banking, math, reading and computer skills and serve refreshments. Volunteers may also help canvass neighborhoods circulating NPHY flyers for events and services.

University Medical Center

UMC is a county operated full-service, level 1, hospital which serves the emergency and pediatric needs of the Las Vegas community and its diverse population, regardless of financial status.

1800 W Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV, 89102

Contact: Suzanne Fain702-383-2388

e-mail: Suzanne.fain@umcsn.com

HopeLink

HopeLink's mission is to build a better community by preventing homelessness, keeping families intact, and promoting self-sufficiency through a number of programs.

Henderson, NV

566-0576

http://www.link2hope.org

Basic Needs

Basic Needs volunteers meet with clients to provide food, clothing, and transportation assistance to low-income individuals and families. Basic Needs volunteers work one half day per week and are trained to complete basic client files. Volunteers will meet clients, one-on-one, in10 to 30 minutes appointments.
This is a great youth leadership opportunity, but is open to adults as well. Volunteers must have physical ability to lift and carry food bags, accurately fill out paperwork, and attend volunteer hours regularly. The time commitment for this is one half day per week, from either 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Breakfast Bookworm

HopeLink Breakfast Bookworm Program is looking for volunteers to help elementary school aged children and their families through their a before-school family literacy program.
Duties involve assisting with set up and distribution of food and books for children and families, helping families remain attentive during the program, and clean up after the program.
Volunteers work one Wednesday morning per month for two hours from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Volunteers must be willing to complete a background check and fingerprinting. Bookworm volunteers must also have the physical ability to lift and carry medium weight boxes (15-30 pounds) as needed.

Habitat for Humanity/Carry the Load

Description: Come help Habitat For Humanity organize its warehouse. Volunteers will help load and unload donations in the Habitat warehouse. Wear comfortable work clothes and close-toed shoes.
Note: Volunteers must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Check website for dates. Most dates are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 4pm

Three Square – Kids CafĂ©

http://www.threesquare.org

Contact Details:
Las Vegas, NV 89115
Work: 702-644-3663

Volunteers will be asked to help package the lunch boxes that will go to various locations and reach many different children.

Nevada Cancer Institute - Exceptional Event Helpers

http://www.nevadacancerinstitute.org

Description: Would you like to help out at special events and health-related educational activities in the community? The Nevada Cancer Institute is looking for volunteers to help out throughout the year at health fairs and the annual Rock the Cure gala.

Volunteers will assist with greeting guests, registration, distributing nametags, coat check, event set-up, and other supporting tasks. Additionally, some special events, sponsored by third parties, may require the assistance of volunteers

Creek-side Hospice

3675 Pecos McLeod Ste 900, Las Vegas, NV 89121 » Map(702) 650-7669

Volunteers needed to visit with patients in their home, nursing home, assisted living home, or group home. Volunteers will talk/listen to the patient, relate to the patient, and keep the patient company. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to participate.

Helping Hands of Las Vegas

Work: 702-633-7264

dana.sarrata@hhovv.org

Helping Hands of Vegas Valley, Inc. works to develop, coordinate and deliver supportive and assistive services to seniors, thus assisting them to maintain their dignity and independence and improve daily living.
Would you like to help the community’s most in need seniors by sponsoring a food drive? Food drive coordinators can set up a drive at their place of worship, place of employment, school, club, etc. Coordinators can work together as a family (up to 8 family members) to sponsor a food drive. Only the sponsoring family can qualify to earn “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day” volunteer service verification.


Volunteer Vegas-Pantry Pals

Agency: Helping Hands of Vegas Valley

Special delivery! Come help deliver food pantry packages to homebound seniors in the valley. Volunteers should have a good driving record and be able to carry 5-10 pounds.

Drivers must be at least 21 years old. Families with children as young as 6 are welcome to participate in this opportunity!

Jewish Family Service Agency/Food Pantry Friend

Las Vegas, NV 89119

www.jfsalv.org/

Description: Are you interested in helping individuals in need access food and groceries? The Jewish Family Service Agency is looking for volunteers to help out at their food pantry to stock shelves and prepare bags of food for clients.
Adults, teenagers, and families are welcome to volunteer for this opportunity. Volunteers should be able to lift 10 pounds and attend the agency's HIPAA training on patient confidentiality. This opportunity is available Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 12 pm

Description: Are you interested in helping individuals in need access food and groceries? The Jewish Family Service Agency is looking for volunteers to help out at their food pantry to stock shelves and prepare bags of food for clients.
Adults, teenagers, and families are welcome to volunteer for this opportunity. Volunteers should be able to lift 10 pounds and attend the agency's HIPAA training on patient confidentiality. This opportunity is available Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 12 pm

Tonopah Community Garden

Web site: http://aturningpoint.wordpress.com

Create a caring and productive community for youth and adults from diverse backgrounds who work together to build a sustainable food system. We will produce fresh food for the residents, increase the health of families, assist those overweight and obese, and inspire others to create change. Groups welcome.

Opportunity Village/Social Butterfly

Do you enjoy helping people while having fun? Would you like to help mentor or socialize with others while improving someone’s life? Work with staff and clients in various programs to improve socialization and mentor clients during various recreational activities. No prior training is required just patience and a desire to work with those with disabilities. Activities vary by day and are available at three locations in Las Vegas and Henderson. Please look at the location prior to signing up for this opportunity.


Soup and a Smile

Agency: Las Vegas Catholic Worker

North Las Vegas

Web site: http://www.lvcw.org

Description: Make a real difference in a hungry or homeless person's life by serving soup, tea, bread, and a friendly smile at the Las Vegas Catholic Worker's morning soup line, which serves over 100 people four mornings a week.
No prior skills are necessary - just a friendly, positive attitude toward the soup line customers. Families with children of any age are welcome as well as adults 18 and over. Volunteers of all walks of life and faiths are welcome

American Red Cross - So. Nevada Chap. Super Stocker

Help is needed to pull and fill orders of course materials and equipment for Red Cross hosted training and events. Volunteers will also inspect & approve returning materials & supplies and notify supervisors of items needing to be restocked. Some basic computer/admin skills are a plus. Volunteers are required to complete a background check, driving record check and have a valid license. Good organization, verbal and written communication skills a plus.

Hospitals

Individuals may donate their time by submitting an application to any number of hospitals. They have volunteer programs, adult and youth 15 to 17 yrs old. You may call their volunteer coordinators at:

St. Rose DeLima Campus 702-616-7514

Sienna Campus 702-616-5543

San Martin Campus 702-492-8695

Mt. View Hospital 702-255-5079

Southern Hills 702-880-2105

Valley Hospital 702-388-4560

www.volunteercentersn.org is also a great resource to look for ways to volunteer.