Greene County - Generations
Interested in volunteer opportunites in Greene County?
Contact
Greene County AngelWorx Coordinator
Alma Kramer
(812)888-4527
Click here to fill out and/or print volunteer application.
Volunteer Center of Greene County is funded by the Corporation for National & Community Services with a match from Generations of Vincennes University.
Greene County Humane Society is a no-kill shelter looking for animal lovers. Anyone 15 years of age or older is welcome. Dog walkers are at the top of the list! Whether you have an extra 30 minutes once a week or can come by daily, the dogs love to be taken for walks to burn off some energy and to get some fresh air. There are also animals that could use some one-on-one attention. When neglected or abused animals are brought into the shelter, they are often scared of everyone. A little extra time and attention is needed to help these animals learn to trust again. All of the animals need to play and socialize, and help with bathing the animals is always appreciated. The shelter is open Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Build A Basket is an award winning volunteer program and a wonderful way to give during the holiday season. Fill a basket with household items for a homebound client at Christmas time.
Son Shine Shop is a non-profit thrift store in Worthington, IN. The shop is open from 9 am to 12 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Volunteer activities may include greeting customers and running the cash register. Volunteers are also needed to sort through donations, hang up clothes, set out merchandise, keeping store neat & tidy, and helping customer as needed. Heavy lifting is also needed from time to time; volunteers for the heavy lifting may need to move furniture, carry seasonal boxes/items upstairs, and unloading large donations both to and from the store.
Bloomfield Public Library provides volunteer opportunites on an "as needed" basis. Volunteers are needed more frequently during the summer months. Volunteers at the library may scan and sort books for sale and/or dust shelves, books and DVDs. The library also participates in Color for a Cause.
Carnegie Heritage and Arts Center of Greene County displays and promotes area artists. The center offers information, pictures, and documents of the History of Greene County. Volunteers are needed to sit at the reception desk to be a friendly face and share what is available within the center to visitors. The building is also offered as a meeting space and volunteers are needed on occasion to open and close the building in the evenings. This also requires looking after the memorabilia and art within the building.
Glenburn Home in Linton, IN would love to have volunteers to visit with residents and to participate or lead the numerous activities that they offer to their residents. These activities include, but are not limited to fingernail technician to paint nails, reading to or sharing devotions with residents, shopping for residents, and accompanying residents on outings. Residents very much enjoy and appreciate all those who volunteer!
Shakamak Good Samaritan Retirement Community is looking for anyone with a heart to help the elderly or has a talent to share at the Jasonville Retirement Community. At any time, volunteers may read to, or visit with residents. Day or evening Men’s and Women’s Group leaders are also needed. The residents participate in crafts on Friday afternoons and would enjoy extra help, or if you have a craft of your own that you would like to share, you are encouraged to do so. If you have a musical talent, there are opportunities throughout the day to share your talent that would be enjoyed greatly by the residents. Bingo volunteers are also needed; Bingo is also very popular with the residents and is played daily (4pm M-F and 3pm on Sat-Sun).
Middle Way House envisions a community where individuals live free from violence and the threat of violence. Our mission is to end violence, both structural and interpersonal, in the lives of women and children. We are non-judgmental in our interactions with victims/survivors and work from a strengths-based perspective, helping those who see Middle Way House’s assistance to identify, believe in, and use their abilities to meet the needs they have identified. We do not assume to know what is best for the women we are serving; however, we will provide the best information and resources we have to support women’s efforts to make informed decisions.
Our services are free and confidential.
Middle Way House utilizes volunteers in a variety of ways. Volunteers are welcome to plan/implement special events, help educate the community, completing office work, crisis intervention, and personal/legal advocacy. All volunteers must complete an 8 hour volunteer training, and other specialized training as needed.
SON Ministeries, Inc is a local non-profit that is ran by 8 local churches (Linton First Christian, Assembly of God, First United Methodist, Trinity Lutheran, St. Peters, Bible Way Apostolic and Saron United Church of Christ). This ministry provides assistance to those in need within the community. Regardless of your interests, if you have a desire to be on the front line of helping locally, they have a need for you. They support the local Food Pantry, Thrift Store, Summer Food Program, CAM (coordinated assistance ministry), Furniture and Appliance Ministry and the Back-to-School clothing giveaway. There are a variety of needs within each of these programs. Volunteering your time with any of these community outreach programs is guaranteed to satisfy the needs of many local families.
Pregnancy Choices, located in Linton, is a faith-based organization that is passionate about embracing, equipping, and empowering pregnant women and their families. They are looking for equally passionate volunteers to teach Bible study lessons, parenting classes, and assist at the front desk.
Open Arms Christian Ministries provides a wide variety of services to the community such as HSE (GED) classes, foster parent training and assistance, assistance with credit recovery, and working with at-risk and/or youth with a troubled past. Please visit their website at www.openarmschristian.com to find out more about this organization. Click here for a list of volunteer activities to see where you might fit in with this ministry.
Very Important Pals, Grand Friends, Scouts, and AngelCorps offer opportunites including intergenerational contact and socialization for those in skilled care or who are homebound. All ages welcome!!
The Senior Medicare Patrol, or SMP, programs help Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries avoid, detect, prevent and report health care fraud. In doing so, they not only protect older persons, they also help preserve the integrity of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
SMP staff and their highly trained volunteers conduct outreach to Medicare beneficiaries in their communities through group presentations, exhibiting at community events, answering calls to the SMP help lines and one-on-one counseling. Most SMP volunteers are both retired and Medicare beneficiaries and thus well-positioned to assist their peers.
The Worthington Food Pantry is located in the Son Shine Shop. It is open on Thursdays from 10 am to 1 pm. Volunteers at the food pantry are needed to load and unload goods and commodities. They may also be asked to assist customers to their vehicles with their bags and help to keep track of the point system for the client as they are selecting their items.
Lyons Health and Living Center is looking for volunteers to offer a variety of activities to their residents. Activities might include devotions, arts/crafts, reading, storytelling, music, or whatever talent a volunteer might like to share. One-on-one visits are also an option for volunteering at Lyons Health and Living Center; these visits bring great joy to residents who do not receive outside visitors. School classes are also welcome at the center and students can interact with residents by providing acitivies such as bingo, music, coloring, cards, etc.
Literacy Coalition of Greene County, Inc provides one-on-one adult learning. The Bloomfield Public Library oversees this coalition. The coalition is looking for dedicated volunteers that can help a single individual ages 18 and up to prepare for the TASC (formally known as GED). The volunteer will follow the individual from beginning of the process and will continue assisting the individual in the learning process through the passing of the test.
The Linton Food Pantry and Thrift Store are 2 of the many programs run by SON Ministry. This community outreach program is looking for a variety of volunteers. Anyone with a truck is often needed to pick up donations from a variety of locations. Loading and unloading of donations and scheduled deliveries are also appreciated. If you would like to help out during operating hours (Tues. and Thurs. 1-4 and Sat. 12-12), volunteers are needed to check in consumers at the computer, help consumers select items, sort and display merchandise, change merchandise seasonally and haul donations to Goodwill. Cleaning duties are always appreciated, as well. If you don’t have extra time to volunteer, DONATIONS of any size are always welcome.
Linton Nursing and Rehab is a facility that is small and “feels like family”. Volunteers are needed to visit with and/or read to residents. There is an additional need for individuals or groups to participate in or lead activities for the residence. If you or your group have a special talent to share, or if you enjoy playing cards, board games, coloring, etc. you are sure to make a difference here. Volunteering with a small community of people has many benefits not only for the residence, but also for the individual volunteer.
PACE Head Start/Early Head Start works with children ages 0-5 and their families. They need volunteers for children and family outreach, working with and interacting with groups of children, craft preparation, reading to the children, and sharing a talent such as music and storytelling.
Disability Awareness is an award winning volunteer program in which volunteers aid in the hands-on program for area 5th graders. This program offers students an opportunity to take part in different disability awareness activities.
Color For A Cause is an award winning volunteer program that makes it possible for preschool and elementary students to decorate placemats and coloring pages for Meals on Wheels clients, as well as skilled care facility residents.
Bloomfield Lions Club vision screen volunteers conduct children's vision screens across Greene County.
The Worthington Senior Citizen Center would love to have volunteers with any talent to share! These activities may include just sharing a talent or providing a interactive activity. For example, music, arts & crafts, perhaps a simple cooking class, nature lesson, story telling, etc. Volunteers are also needed to visit the homebound and make/send cards.
Linton First Baptist Church ROC Group has many volunteer opportunites if you are looking to make a difference in the life of a child. The program runs Monday through Friday from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The greatest need is with homework from 3:40 pm to 4:10 pm. Grades 1 - 5 need assistance with basic math, reading, spelling, vocabulary, and study assistance for tests. A simple kid friendly meal is served and volunteers are needed to help prepare and clean-up. They also offer daily workshops which include volunteer projects & community outreach, character building classes & activities, art & cooking classes, as well as visiting and playing games with Glenburn residents. If you have a talent and a heart for children, there is a place for you here! This group also contributes to the community and recently prepared meals for Linton firefighters and police officers.
Click here for volunteer information for Friends of Goosepond.
God's Safe Haven is a free store in Jasonville for anyone that may be in need. This store runs on donations alone. The store recently relocated to a larger location on Main St. Items available at God's Safe Haven include clothing, household items and furniture. Volunteers are needed to sort and wash donations and help customers. God’s Safe Haven is also making BIG plans for the future. They are preparing to offer a variety of educational classes and other exciting community outreach to anyone who would like to participate.
Greene County volunteers recognized for outstanding service! Congratulations and thank you for your willingness to serve others!
Jim Corizine has spent years giving his time to the residents at Linton Nursing and Rehab. Whether its playing bingo, cards, driving the van when needed, or any other task/activity that needs an extra hand - he is there. He faithfully spends 4 afternoons a week at the facility. Jenny is a new volunteer addition to the facility. She also plays cards and bingo with the residence and enjoys her time there. Thank You both for you time!
Karen Conley was recently recognized for volunteering her time with the residence at the Shakamak Good Samaritan Retirement Center. She spends countless hours visiting and offering companionship to residence. Sandy Carpenter presented her with a token of appreciation from AngelWorx and the Volunteer Center of Greene County. Thank You Karen for all you do.
Naomi Thomas was also presented an award from AngelWorx and the Volunteer Center but was unavailable. She volunteers her time at the Jasonville Senior Center and help as a Coach for the Matter of Balance Classes. Thank You Naomi!
The Volunteer Center of Greene County, along with Shakamak Good Samaritan Retirement Community, recognized Chester Edmonson for his countless hours spent at the facility. Chester is faithfully there every Friday and most Saturday afternoons to help with the activities. As he was presented with his token of appreciation he made sure to make us aware that he does it for the residence, not to be acknowledged. Thank You Chester!
Bernadine Kay was recently presented with a token of appreciation for the many hours of her free time that she volunteers at the Worthington Son Shine Shop. She greets customers at the door with a smile and helps them in any was possible. When she was presented with her award her comment was, "There are others that deserve this too”. This is what volunteering is all about. Thank You Bernadine, from the Volunteer Center of Greene County.
Linton First Baptist ROC program recognizes Larry Burger & Marge Frazier
Pregnancy Choices in Linton recognizing Micki Church
Greene County tribute for the 9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance. Bloomfield NJROTC and Fellowship of Christian Athletes gave a touching presentation of what 9/11 means to them. All in attendance joined in the National Anthem, prayer and a moment of silence. A big thank you to all who collaborated, attended and volunteered throughout the county. Thank you, as well, to the Trinity Lutheran Church volunteers who prepared and delivered lunch to Greene County First Responders.
Matter of Balance Lay Leaders are needed to facilitate classes in Greene County. For more information contact Sandy Carpenter at (812)381-0441 or by e-mail at sscarpenter@gmail.com
VOLUNTEER CENTER
OF GREENE COUNTY
Volunteers are very special people who are willing to share their time and talents with others in their community.
Who can be a Volunteer?
We welcome all ages who want to use their life experience and skills to make a difference in the Greene County community. Active volunteers need to commit to 50 hours annually, though many do more. Some volunteers participate in different annual events or activities, while others serve one cause all year. Joining does not require a fee and there are no restrictions based on education, income, age, experience, citizenship, race, gender or disability. Interested persons complete a volunteer application and identify their interests. Generations completes a background check and once approved will work to match the volunteer with an activity. Interested persons may get an application or more information by calling or emailing the Volunteer Center:
Sandy Carpenter, Volunteer Coordinator —sscarpenter@gmail.com or 812-381-0441
Alma Kramer, Healthy Aging Program Coordinator—generations@vinu.edu or toll free at 1-800-742-9002
What are my responsibilities as a Volunteer?
· Be reliable.
· Respect confidentiality-never discuss a child, family or client of the organization, except to perform your role at the site.
· Carry out the specified role according to its description.
· Be accountable for your actions.
· Be committed to the organization and its processes.
· Undertake training as required by the organization.
· Ask for support when you need it.
· Let the organization know as early as possible if unable to attend.
· Be courteous to clients, staff and other volunteers.
· Raise any issues you may have with the organization and do not denigrate the organization to others.
· Give notice before you leave the organization.
· Value and support other team members.
· Never be alone with a child or client.
· Do not transport a child or client in your vehicle.
· All individuals who suspect Child or Adult Abuse, will take the appropriate steps to make a report.
What if I have a problem or a concern while volunteering?
If the problem cannot be resolved by discussing it with the station supervisor, the Volunteer Coordinator will act as your mediator. All volunteers need to follow station and program policies regarding dress code, confidentiality issues, visitor sign-in rules, foul language, no smoking, no alcohol, no drugs, no promotion of religion or politics, etc. If in doubt, ask your station supervisor or volunteer coordinator for clarification.
What if I go to Florida for the winter?
Please get involved with volunteering during your time away from Greene County. Snow Birds make perfect AngelWorx volunteers, continue being a pen pal!
Will I be called on for several different places or stay with a single assignment?
This is entirely up to you. Most volunteers like the variety of several different places. This is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills. On the back of the volunteer application is the interest sheet. This tells us what you enjoy doing and helps us match you with a station or program. Some volunteers prefer several short term assignments, while others are dedicated to one project.
How will I find out about volunteer opportunities?
Please contact Sandy Carpenter to find out about current volunteer activities. New activities will be broadcast on Facebook and promoted in the Greene County Daily World community column. More information on all activities will be available online by the end of the year.
Why do we have to report the hours we serve?
All grants we submit request the number of active volunteers, hours donated, active stations and programs using volunteers. It is also a great way to brag about Greene County. Station time sheets are provided to station supervisors and program coordinators. Help us save printing costs and postage by e-mailing your hours to sscarpenter@gmail.com by the 5th of each month.
Sample Activities/Stations
Stations will be developed by matching volunteer interests to community needs. Some already identified include:
*Matter of Balance*Kids Read*Pre-K Vision Screeing*Farmers Market Vouchers*Food Pantry*Homebound*AngelWorx* Health education programs*Honor Flight* Community events*We Care packages*Drug Toss*Employment* *Recycling*Land reclamation*K-12 Education support *Marketing*Business acumen*Planning*Disaster reponse
Current AngelWorx Station
Become a pen pal to a homebound person or a resident in a skilled care facility. Participate in our Build A Basket project for homebound clients at Christmas time.
Volunteer “Angels” provide socialization to our Very Important Pals (VIPs) who are homebound seniors or disabled individuals. Socialization can be in the form of a phone call, letter or a visit to skilled care residents All ages are encouraged including classrooms and Scout troops.
Homebound individuals love to talk about their grandchildren and how they miss getting art work. Local schools, church and community groups help brighten the day of a Meals on Wheels recipient, homebound client and residents of local skilled care facilities. Today we have over 5000 Color for a Cause artists. Generations delivers the colored sheets four times a year. This project provides children with an awareness that homebound individuals need socialization too.
Volunteer Rights
· To work in a healthy and safe environment.
· To be interviewed and engaged in accordance with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation.
· To be given accurate and truthful information about the organization for which you are volunteering.
· To be given a copy of the organizations volunteer policy and any other policy/procedures that affect your role.
· Not to fill a position previously held by a paid worker.
· To have a role description and agreed hours of contribution.
· To be provided with orientation to the organization and the role.
This handbook has been produced to help answer your questions about volunteering at the Volunteer Center of Greene County. It cannot answer all your questions and we encourage you to address other questions you may have to the Volunteer Coordinator. She is there to help make this a successful experience for you and the Station where you volunteer.
Benefits of Volunteering
· Allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place.
· Helping out with even the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need.
· Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.
· Provides many physical and mental health benefits.
· Increases self-confidence.
· Helps define a sense of purpose.
· Can give you career experience and teach you valuable job skills.
· Is a fun and easy way to explore your interests and passions.
Tips for Getting Started
Ask yourself:
Do I want…
…to make it better around where I live?
…to meet people who are different from me?
…to try something new?
…to do something with my spare time?
…to see a different way of life and new places?
…to have a go at the type of work I might want to do as a full-time job?
…to do more with my interests and hobbies?
…to do something I’m good at?
THEN, let’s get started!