VOLUNTEER OPS
Digital photo by Kay Vandergrift
"Unless someone like you cares a whole, awful lot. Things aren't going to get better, they're NOT!"
~~ Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
Willow Valley residents have always been very generous, volunteering their time and talents to a great many worthy causes both within Willow Valley and in the larger Lancaster County community. Residents contribute many hours as educational mentors and tutors, as assistants in hospitals and other care facilities, as docents in museums or historical sites, as ushers in local theatres, as builders for Habitat for Humanity, as well as serving in a variety of activities sponsored by religious organizations.
Opportunities to serve others within our own WVRC community are well publicized, but too often residents find out about volunteer activities that take us out to the larger community only by happenstance.
This compilation brings together many of the volunteer activities in which Willow Valley residents are already serving and provides information for those who may wish to volunteer. Increasingly volunteers have the entered the world of cyberspace and have found extraordinary opportunities to serve others. Think about the following questions.
Why Should I Volunteer?
1.) Because you care about a cause or the mission of an organization
2.) To enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people
3.) To remain active and useful
4.) To give back to the world and to others
How Do I Decide Where to Volunteer?
1.) What organization represents a cause that you truly value?
2.) What is the best use of your time and talents?
3.) Do you want to work with the public or behind the scenes?
4.) Do you prefer to work alone or with others?
5.) Is the volunteer site readily accessible to you?
6.) If you prefer, is online work available that you can do at home and on your own time schedule?
How Do I Evaluate Potential Volunteer Situations?
1.) Do the needs of the group match my interests and abilities?
2.) Does the group take its volunteers seriously and assign appropriate tasks?
3.) Can I meet the specific time and commitment requirements of that organization?
Will I Be a Successful Volunteer?
1.) Can you allocate enough time and energy to complete assigned tasks?
2.) Will you keep all commitments even if you get “a better offer” for that time?
3.) Will you be proud of your volunteer work and take joy from the doing of it?
FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITIES
CONSORTIUM PARTNERS
The Ware Institute for Civic Engagement at Franklin & Marshall College Based on the belief that a commitment to purposeful civic engagement is central to a liberal education, the Ware Institute for Civic Engagement serves as the College's focal point for identifying and sustaining community partnerships that address real needs.
CONTACT: Barbara Verrier at bverrier@fandm.edu or at WARE INSTITUTE FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
The Mentoring Alliance Program at Millersville University Being a mentor means a different thing to each individual. Our mentoring program has three main focuses-supporting the student, acting as a resource person, and helping your mentee achieve his/her goals.
CONTACT: Mentoring Alliance Learning Program at Millersville University
The Service Learning Program at Millersville University The mission of our program is to promote, expand and integrate service-learning within the curriculum, supporting faculty as they strive to include service-learning as a component of their pedagogy and research, and assisting students in finding meaningful service-learning opportunities that enhance their academic studies.
CONTACT: 872-3774 or SERVICE LEARNING CENTER
The Mural Resource Project ay Pennsylvania College of Art & Design By creating the mural resource project, the college can serve as the community's resource, providing listings of local muralists, commercial painters who employ muralists and who do mural prep work, library resources, mural-related courses and workshops for artists, and links to funding sources and grant opportunities. For those in the community interested in being included in the resource listing, applications are available at the college.
CONTACT: Tracy Beyl, Mural Coordinator at 396-7833 x22
Brighten Someone’s Day! Become a Volunteer in Supportive Living As a volunteer in Supportive Living at Willow Valley Retirement Communities, you will have an opportunity to provide our Residents with that extra special personal touch. Our volunteers are an indispensable part of the Willow Valley Team, by greatly enriching the lives of our Residents. Volunteers are from Willow Valley Residential Communities and members of the Lancaster County Community, which includes adults, high school, and college students. Rewarding opportunities are available in many areas—discussion and special interest groups, friendly visits, music, art, flower arranging, special events, culinary groups, and other special interests and talents you would like to share!
CONTACT: Pat Russell, Manager of Volunteer Services at at 464-6811, or by E-mail at prussell@willowvalley.org
CYBERVOLUNTEER WITHOUT LEAVING HOME
icouldbe.org is a web-based resource dedicated to mentoring at-risk teens as they explore their educational and professional futures. You are asked to commit one hour per week; but because this is an online mentoring program, you may volunteer whenever your schedule allows and make a real difference in the life of a deserving young person! The primary skills required for icouldbe.org include: 1.} An ability to share your expertise and experiences as related to your educational and professional background. 2.} A supportive and positive outlook to help kids who may be struggling in school. 3.} A desire to work with teenagers. Note: For the safety of young mentees, icouldbe.org does background checks on all e-mentors. You will be asked to make a $3.00 donation to cover the cost of the background check when you register as a mentor.
CONTACT: Go to the mentor page of the WEBSITE TO VOLUNTEER.
Compeer Lancaster, 630 Janet Ave., inside the Lancaster County Community Services Center. The mission is to improve the quality of life for persons recovering from a mental illness through the gift and power of friendship. Compeer Calling Volunteers commit to spending 15 minutes each week talking on the phone with a person from our waiting list who is recovering from mental illness and waiting for a one-to-one friend. Compeer Calling volunteers complete an application form, attend a three hour training, authorize a criminal background check ($10 fee), and participate in an entrance interview prior to being given the name and phone number of their new calling friend.
CONTACT: Sheryl Lehman at 390-4891
The Achievement Advocate Online Mentoring Program Help bright 5th and 6th graders in need of extra adult support to excel in school and in life. Read their online writing and book reviews and help them set and reach their goals.
CONTACT: The volunteer page is VOLUNTEERS
United Nations Online Volunteering Service Contribute your individual strengths as an editor or proofreader or use aspects of your professional or vocational experience, often in unexpected ways, to assist underdeveloped groups around the world in support the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
CONTACT: To volunteer contact The WEBSITE and click on "Offer Advice"
Join Elder Wisdom Circle: Advice from Those Who Care and be a cyber-grandparent, offering advice to those 15-45 years old. The mission of this association is to promote and share elder know-how and accumulated wisdom and to elevate the perceived value and worth of our senior community. Elders participate individually from their home computers or collectively at a senior community.
CONTACT: VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
HOSPITALS AND SPECIAL CARE FACILITIES
Lancaster General Hospital, 555 North Duke Street. There is an application to be filled out followed by a three hour orientation program. After this, there is an interview with the Volunteer Manager and/or her assistant to ascertain what your interests are and where you would like to volunteer in the Hospital. There are opportunities at all of the venues of the Hospital. Free parking is provided and whatever shots that are necessary to volunteer are done free of charge by the Hospital.
CONTACT: Phyllis A. Clair, Volunteer Manager, 544-5005 for more information.
Lancaster Regional Medical Center, 250 College Avenue.
CONTACT: Fran Braun, 291-8211 for more information.
Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Street, There are many opportunities for being a volunteer at Hospice of Lancaster County, i.e., “Patient and Family Support Opportunities: home hospice volunteer, inpatient volunteer, music support volunteer, pet therapy volunteer, coping kids volunteer and bereavement volunteer; Office and Support Volunteer Opportunities: foyer volunteer, community education volunteer, inpatient greeter volunteer, development volunteer, office volunteer, medical records volunteer and green thumb volunteer,” Training is provided. There is an adult class being held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 9 am-12 noon, March 13-29.
CONTACT: Volunteer Services 295-3900 for more information.
Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center, located at 625 Community Way. There is a need for volunteers, and the school has both children with disabilities and without disabilities.
CONTACT: Lori Roscoe 393-0423 for more information.
Lancaster County Therapeutic Riding Program, At Greystone Stable in Leola on Hartman Station Road. Volunteers muck out stalls and clean tack for the horses as well as setting up and serving at sidewalkers.
CONTACT: Patti Draude, Volunteer Coordinator
HISTORIC PLACES
Digital photo by Dick Jensen
Wheatland, 1120 Marietta Avenue. There are many opportunities for volunteering including Docent, Museum Education Assistant, President Shop Assistant, Marketing/Development Assistant, Archives or Collection Assistant and Wheatland Gardening Club Assistants.
CONTACT: Director of Education, Wheatland, 392-8721 or E-mail: FOR MORE INFORMATION
Historic Rockford Plantation, 881 Rock Ford Road. Their WEBSITE provides information about duties, skills, training and time commitment.
CONTACT: Volunteer Coordinator, 392.7223 for more information.
Historic Lancaster Walking Tour, 100 South Queen Street. Act as a guide for guided tours daily during April through October.
CONTACT: 392-1776 for more information.
Digital photo by Dick Jensen
Hans Herr House, 1849 Hans Herr Drive. The 1719 Hans Herr House is the oldest surviving dwelling place of European settlers in what is now Lancaster County. Opportunities as guides, events coordinators, re-enactors, and demonstrators and presenters for special events.
CONTACT: 464-4438 and/or FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Ephrata Cloister, 632 W. Main Street, Ephrata. Volunteers share their talents and time in The Museum Store, as guides, with school children, and at special events. Volunteers also offer behind-the-scenes support working with the staff.
CONTACT: 733-6600 for more detailed information
Boehm’s Chapel, Route 272 South, turn right on Baumgardner Road, go one block, turn left onto Boehm’s Road and continue 1/4 mile to Boehm’s United Methodist Church. The Chapel is behind the Church. Built in 1791 this was the first Methodist Church in Lancaster County and the fourth oldest in the US. They have an Annual Apple Festival that may use volunteers.
CONTACT: Boehm's Chapel Society, 393-7104 or 464-4885 for more information.
USHERING
Fulton Opera House:
Digital photo by Dick Jensen
A.) Fulton Theater, 12 North Prince Street. Volunteer ushering - a training session, commitment at least once during each play’s run.
CONTACT: Betty Duncan, Usher Coordination 393-9029 or Ellie Aurand, House Manager 393-9029 for further information.
B.) Lancaster Symphony Orchestra performs at the Fulton Opera House, The same information as the Fulton Theater applies to ushering for the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra performances.
CONTACT: Scott Robinson 291-6440 for more information.
EDUCATION
There are 39 public schools in Lancaster and 34 private schools (some of which are Amish schools). The schools that are listed below are in need of volunteers. If you would like to volunteer in this area or at one of the other schools other than those listed below, we suggest you call one of the other schools listed on Page 45 of the Blue Pages in the Telephone Directory - Schools - School District of Lancaster and ask the school office if they are in need of a volunteer.
A.) Lafayette Elementary School, 1000 Saint Joseph St. One of two schools that still has the HOSTS (Help One Student To Succeed) Program. It is a one-on-one program to help the children read fluently, comprehend what they are reading, read up to their grade level and improve their vocabulary. Grade levels 3rd through 5th grade. Training is provided. The minimum requirement is for one session - one hour a week one day a week and the sessions are held Monday through Thursday in the morning.
CONTACT: Michelle Salinas, HOSTS Coordinator, 291-6183, Ext. 89014, Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
B.) Burrowes Elementary School, 1001 East Orange St. The other school that has the HOSTS Program. The difference is that the sessions are held in the afternoon.
CONTACT: Kathy Sigafoos, 399-6401 for more information.
C.) Fulton Elementary School, 225 W. Orange St. There are only six or seven volunteers presently at this school. You help out in the classroom with many different activities.
CONTACT: School Office, 291-6110 for more information.
CHURCHES, SYNAGOGUES, MOSQUES, TEMPLES
For those who attend a place of worship, there are ample opportunities to volunteer within these organizations.
MUSEUMS
Demuth Museum, 120 E. King Street As a Demuth volunteer docent, you will receive in-depth training on Charles Demuth's art and life to share with museum visitors, along with information on special museum exhibitions and events.
CONTACT: Karen Jenkins, Deputy Director at 299-9940 or FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Hands-On House, Children’s Museums, 721 Landis Valley Road Visit the museum’s WEBPAGE FOR VOLUNTEERS
CONTACT: Heather Martin, Hands-on House' Volunteer Coordinator at 569-KIDS
Heritage Center Museum, 5 West King Street Visit the museum’s WEBPAGE FOR VOLUNTEERS
CONTACT: Contact the museum at 299-6440 or fill out the FORM
Lancaster Museum of Art, 135 North Lime Street (Moving Soon) Visit the museum’s webpage for volunteers at WEBPAGE FOR VOLUNTEERS.
CONTACT: Contact: Call Heather at 394-3497 or download and send in the VOLUNTEER QUESTIONNAIRE
Digital photo by Dick Jensen
Lancaster Quilt & Textile Museum, 37 Market Street Visit the museum’s WEBPAGE FOR VOLUNTEERS.
CONTACT: Volunteer Coordinator or call 299-6440
Landis Valley Museum, 2451 Kissel Hill Road Visit the museum’s WEBPAGE FOR VOLUNTEERS
CONTACT: Volunteer Coordinator, 581-0592
Digital photo by Philip Ritter
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 Gap Road, Strasburg, PA Visit the museum’s WEBSITE FOR VOLUNTEERS.
CONTACT: Volunteer Coordinator at 687-8628 or Send The Museum An Email
North Museum of Natural History & Science, 400 College Ave. Visit the museum’s volunteer page TO EXPLORE VARIOUS OPTIONS FOR SERVICE.
CONTACT: Deb Freisher, Volunteer Coordinator, at 291-3943
Threshold Foundation in Support of Youth "Dig It! Farm and Market Project" Willow Valley gardeners may want to help with THRESHOLD'S "DIG IT! FARM AND MARKET PROJECT" The Dig-It Food Project is located at 630 Stevens Ave. off Chesapeake St. behind Shell's Recycling in Lancaster. The garden is open to anyone and everyone interested in growing or helping others to grow vegetables and flowers. We are a youth-centered foundation working to teach life skills through sustainable agriculture. The program is looking for volunteers who care about our community, enjoy gardening and plants, and have the time, energy and commitment to work with low-income families, children/youth and/or the elderly.
CONTACT: Schirlyn Kamara: Phone: 481-8734
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