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A note about this Directory… A number of area agencies and organizations were contacted and informed of our intention to produce a directory of area volunteer opportunities. From the responses we received, a directory was printed with the information the various organizations provided. This on-line edition contains the same information found in the printed version, but is regularly updated with additional or revised information. This is by no means a complete listing of all volunteer opportunities that exist; we hope this directory will grow by way of parishioner assistance. If you know of an organization that you think might want to be included in this online directory and next year’s printed directory, please email stbonifaceoutreach@hotmail.com. We welcome any comments and feedback you would like to share! --The Community Outreach Committee
Organization Name: Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity Location: 2341 2nd Ave, Des Moines (across from North High School at the corner of 2nd & Holcomb) Mission Statement or Purpose: Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity parrtners with God and all members of our community to build simple, decent housing which strengthens families and transforms neighborhoods through homeownership. Together with low-income homebuyers (our partner families) and volunteers from the community, we build and rehabilitate houses which are purchased by low-income families. Keeping with the "economics of Jesus," we sell the houses at no-profit with 20-year, zero-interest mortgages. In addition to monthly mortgage payments, families contribute 400 hours of sweat equity, helping build houses for themselves and others. We rely on donations and sponsorships to cover the costs. Volunteer Opportunities for Individuals or Families: Helping build and rehab homes (skill appreciated, but not required; each site is supervised by Habitat staff); working in our ReStore, serving on committees or project teams, preparing and serving lunch to volunteers, etc. Most opportunities are for adults ages 18 and older. We also offer some great opportunities for older youth (14 and up) with adult supervision through our Block Cleanup Days. Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Amber Duimstra, Volunteer Manager, aduimstra@gdmhabitat.org, 515-471-8686
Organization Name: Amanda the Panda Location: 1000 73rd Street, Suite 12, Des Moines, IA Mission Statement or Purpose: To restore grieving children and families back into the mainstream of their lives through innovative services that provide hope and healing. Services include: weekend camps, support groups, fun days, school visits and holiday support. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Individuals or Families: ALL Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Adonna Mollenhauer, 515-223-4847, Adonna@amandathepanda.org or visit our website at www.amandathepanda.org
Organization Name: Central Iowa Shelter & Services Location: 205 15th Street Des Moines, IA Mission Statement or Purpose: Our mission is to provide free shelter and meals to homeless adults regardless of physical or emotional conditions, and to facilitate their move toward self-sufficiency. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Individuals or Families: Mostly for adults and older children with adult supervision. Always a need to help with special projects or serving meals. Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Tony Timm, 515-284-5719, TonyTimm@qwestoffice.net
Organization Name: Salvation Army Locations: Citadel Corps Community Center, 1216 East 25th Court, Des Moines Temple Corps Community Center, 1326-1330 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines Administrative Offices, 1326-1330 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines Mission Statement or Purpose: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Individuals or Families: - Prepare and bake breakfast casseroles for homeless breakfast feeding program - Assist with mobile canteen breakfast feeding program, Tuesdays and Fridays, 5-7am - Help pack food boxes at the Sixth Avenue food pantry - Ring bells during the Red Kettle campaign (November & December) - (Adults) Assist with holiday food and toy assistance program -- help with sign-ups, help with food and toy distribution at the Temple Corps Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Breakfast casseroles: Judy Anderson at 515-278-0939 Mobile canteen homeless feeding program: Judy Anderson at 515-278-0939 All other: Amy DeCastro at 515-282-3599
Organization Name: Special Olympics Iowa Location: 551 Dovetail Road, Grimes, IA Mission Statement or Purpose: Our mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disability, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Individuals or Families: Assist at our many events. Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Rhonda Schwarzkopf, 515-986-5520, rschwarzkopf@soiowa.org
Organization Name: Polk County Conservation Location: 11407 NW Jester Park Dr., Granger, IA Mission Statement or Purpose: To provide the citizens of Polk County with quality outdoor recreation, conservation education, and long term protection of Polk County's natural heritage. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Individuals or Families: General park maintenance projects and events (available at most parks/areas): - Dismantle picnic tables, sand and paint boards - Rake and level sand in playgrounds (also remove rocks and debris from sand) - Pull weeds in play areas, and along sidewalks, and plantings around playgrounds - Refinish park rules and information kiosks (sand and brush on clear coat) - Clean out fire rings - Pick up trash and sticks throughout parks, trails and streams - Leadership Opportunities (Trail Ambassador, Park Ambassador, Adopt-A Rain Garden…) - General construction (cabin construction, Natural Playscape features…) - Special Events Volunteers (Prairie Festival, Pelican Festival, Run for the Egg…) - Trail maintenance (prune brush, repair water bars, re-chip trails) - Invasive species removal (remove Honeysuckle, Russian Olive, etc…) - Hay field brush removal, fence line clearing - Nursery care (install tree guards and arbor stakes/ties) - Equestrian Center opportunities (Jester Park Equestrian Center) - Assist Therapeutic Riding Program (must be 18 or older) - General equestrian barn duties/chores (cleaning stalls, etc…) - General cleaning (sweeping, cleaning bleachers, bathrooms, etc…) - Trail maintenance (pruning trails, removing invasive species, pick up trash, etc…) - Special Events (Halloween Wagon Rides, Pony Express to Santa…) Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Pat Spain, 515-323-5300, www.leadingyououtdoors.org
Organization Name: Hawthorn Hill Location: 3001 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA Mission Statement or Purpose: To establish and operate housing programs for homeless families with children that help them obtain permanent housing and to provide services to help families achieve economic self-sufficiency. Hawthorn Hill fulfills its mission through two programs that assist homeless families with children: (1) New Directions Shelter: Provides free, temporary, emergency shelter and services for homeless mothers and their children. (2) The Home Connection: Provides transitional housing and supportive services to homeless families with children with emphasis on attaining financial independence and home ownership. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Individuals or Families: - Sponsor a weekend meal (please call Claire to schedule) - Take a dinner to New Directions Shelter on a Saturday or Sunday evening. Dinner must be dropped off by 4:45pm and may be ready-to-eat or can be cooked/ heated up at the shelter. Dinner should serve approximately 25 people (2/3 children). - Provide children’s activities - Read books, organize games, create art projects, plan a movie night or provide any other projects for the children who are staying at the shelter. Activities can be held in the afternoons or evenings at the shelter or at another location in the community. - Organize a supply drive at your local church or work - New Directions Shelter has a wish list filled with products and supplies that are in need. This is a perfect service project for religious organizations, community groups, and clubs. - Volunteer for weeknight activities - Bring in a speaker or be a speaker yourself. Educational, informational, or motivational, this is a great way to reach women who are homeless by giving them resources and support throughout their stay at New Directions Shelter. - Work on the holiday project - Help match up families in need with donors and/or help maintain and organize donations throughout the holiday season. - Volunteer to work in the office - Any time from 7:30-3:30 M-F, answer phones, the door, organize donations, and provide other general office and household duties. - Work on the shelter or one of our homes - Gardening, painting, yard cleanup and other odd jobs are some examples of the work that needs to be done to maintain the shelter and the homes we provide for The Home Connection families. Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Ahmad, (515) 243-7456, ahmad@hawthorn-hill.org
Organization Name: Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue Location: PO BOX 312, Des Moines IA Mission Statement or Purpose: To eliminate the neglect, abuse and abandonment of companion animals caused by human ignorance, intolerance and indifference. And to celebrate the joys created by the human-animal bond by education and example. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Individuals or Families: Our opportunities range from animal caretakers (fostering), to participating at events, to educational opportunities. Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Volunteer Director, 515-577-1745, paws_4_fun@msn.com
Organization Name: Wesley Community Services Location: 944 18th Street, Des Moines Mission Statement or Purpose: To provide retirement services to people of all faiths in a Christian caring way, promoting independence and an active lifestyle. Volunteer Mission: To provide services which reduce anxiety and loneliness and improve the quality of life for low-income elderly clients. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Individuals or Families: Volunteer Visitor, Volunteer Shopper, Transportation Volunteer, Money Management Volunteer. Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Judy German, 515-699-3370, jgerman@wesleyservices.org
Organization Name: Refugee Cooperative Services (a joint mission of Catholic Charities and Lutheran Services in Iowa) Location: 3116 University Ave, Des Moines Mission Statement or Purpose: We are a team dedicated to providing the highest quality service to refugee clients in order to support the mission of Lutheran Services in Iowa and Catholic Charities. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Individuals or Families: Individual Opportunities * Apartment Set-ups: (“On-Call”) Make an apartment feel like a “home” for a family that may have not had a place to call “home” for many years. Assist with everything from moving furniture and household items to adding finishing touches such as organizing dishes in the kitchen and making the beds. The timing of Apartment setups vary, but typically take place on weekdays at noon or evenings at 6pm. If interested we will simply add you to an email list and email you when help is needed. * Donation Pickup Assistant: (“On-Call”) Help load furniture being donated, and unload it at our storage facility. * Circle of Friends: Form a group that will be friends for families in their first 6 months after arrival. Help them find their way around town, connect with their local community of faith, and empower them as they adjust to a different culture. The experience is mutual however, as your group will learn much about another culture and find what it truly means to welcome the stranger. We ask volunteers to attend an orientation before they begin. *currently most in need of volunteers for this opportunity * Airport Welcome Team: (“On-Call”) After traveling for many hours, and sometimes even days, families arrive at the airport unsure of what to expect. Help show them how welcoming Iowa is by greeting them at the airport, either with signs, small gifts, or just smiles. * Bus Trainer: (“Tue, Wed, or Thurs evenings”) When families first arrive, public buses are their main form of transportation. Help families become self-sufficient and independent by training them how to get around on the bus. Knowledge of the bus system is helpful, but not required as we can train you. Group and Family Opportunities * Donation Drive: Prior to a new family’s arrival an apartment is turned into a home by furnishing it with donated household items. Your group can help by collecting the household items that we are running low on or are completely out of. We rely completely on church and community support to supply these items. * Apartment Set ups: See above * Circle of Friends: See above * Airport Welcome Team: See above Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Michelle Raymer, 515-271-7364, michelle.raymer@lsiowa.org
Organization Name: Mercy Medical Center Location: 1111 6th Avenue, Des Moines (and various sites throughout the metro area) Mission Statement or Purpose: The Mission of Catholic Health Initiatives is to nurture the healing ministry of the Church by bringing it new life, energy and viability in the 21st century. Fidelity to the Gospel urges us to emphasize human dignity and social justice as we move toward the creation of healthier communities. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Individuals or Families: At Mercy, volunteers are ambassadors of goodwill – serving staff, patients and visitors in many direct and indirect ways to enhance the quality of health care we provide. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the Mercy organization and responsibilities may include patient interaction or non-patient care related duties. Ongoing roles for Mercy volunteers include, but are not limited to, the following: - Wayfinding - Patient comfort and companionship - Clerical or business-related services - Hospitality services - Pet therapy services - Leadership/advisory council services - Other humanitarian, charitable or public services *Not all opportunities are available at all times. Volunteer placement is dependent upon the needs of each unit/department. Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Volunteer Services, 515-247-3246, www.mercydesmoines.org
Organization
Name: The Heart Connection Children’s Cancer Programs - Clinic volunteer - Support group children’s activities volunteer - Office Volunteer - Special Event Volunteer (checking in families at events, manning water stops at races, etc.) - Camp Day Volunteer - Camp Weeklong Volunteer - Group sponsor of event or meal at camp (helping to provide a meal or an event and then volunteering to serve the meal or great families at the event) Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Brecka Putnam, 515-243-6239 x 6, brecka@childrenscancerprograms.com
Organization
Name: Living History Farms Mission Statement or Purpose: To tell the story of the changes in Midwestern agriculture and rural life. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Individuals or Families: We have a variety of opportunities including: - Teens who are at least 13 years old by June can be junior counselors for our Day Camp Program - Adults and teens 15 and older can participate by being a historical interpreter at one of our historic sites, or a family can help at special events throughout the year such as July 4th and Halloween - Adults can help orient visitors when they first arrive, and more. Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Jan Milroy, JMilroy@lhf.org, 515-645-9818
Organization
Name: Kids Against Hunger of Des Moines
Volunteer
Opportunities Available for Individuals or Families:
We package meals every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. You can sign up
to volunteer on our website at
www.kidsagainsthungerdsm.org
Organization
Name: Arbor Springs of West Des Moines
Organization
Name:
Crisis Intervention & Advocacy Center Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Jeflyn Jensen, Volunteer Coordinator, 515.993.4095 ext.17, jeflyn@ciac91.org
Organization
Name:
Catholic Charities Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church, we serve all people in need with compassion and competence, advocate for justice, and encourage all people of good will to share in these efforts.
Volunteer Opportunities Available for Individuals or Families:
St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter *Meal Providers: Volunteers can provide a dinner at the shelter in several ways: come to the shelter with the ingredients to prepare the meal, or prepare the meal ahead of time and deliver it to the shelter by 6pm on your assigned evening. Volunteers are welcome to stay and eat with the guests and staff. The average number of guests is about 20. (Please keep the maximum number of volunteers cooking at the shelter to 5.) *Yard Work/Donation Organization: small groups of up to 8 people are needed to help with yard work and to clean out the donation garage. St. Mary Family Center, food & clothing pantry Volunteers are needed to distribute food boxes, administer the clothing area and sort donations. Participation in a special event *Step Up to the Plate: Catholic Charities Night at the Iowa Cubs – June 11, 2009 Volunteers can help sell tickets, or help as needed at the night of the event and with seeking donations for a silent auction which takes place inside the ballpark. *Bishop Charron Catholic Charities Golf Classic – August 31, 2009 Pin sponsorships for four-somes are available, as well as individual sponsorships. *No Room at the Inn – December 2009 Volunteers are needed to help promote and organize the event as well as volunteer the day of the event. Collections Volunteers can take up a collection for St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter and St. Mary Family Center. Collections can include baby items, kitchen supplies, personal care items, cleaning supplies, new children’s socks/underwear, etc Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Pat Nestvedt, 515.237.5019, pnestvedt@dmdiocese.org
Organization Name: Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa Location: 3024 - 104th Street, Urbandale, IA Mission Statement or Purpose of the Organization: The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Volunteer Opportunities Available for Individuals or Families: Wish Granting, Special Events, Board Member, Office/Clerical, Area Committee Member Contact Info for Volunteer Inquiries: Mary Knueven, 515.334.2636, mary.knueven@iowawish.org
Organization
Name: Waukee Area Christian Food Pantry
Organization Name: Visiting Nurse Services
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