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Men: You Are Needed As Mentors! (Gals, too)
The Children’s Home Society’s MODEL Mentoring Program seeks volunteers 21 and older to mentor children who have at least one parent incarcerated. There is a great need for men to make a 1-hour weekly commitment for a year. (Some women are needed, too, but there’s a real shortage of guys!) Training is provided. After a year in the program, 92% of mentored youth show developmental and social improvements, helping break the cycle of incarceration. Info: 321-397-3055, marisabel.decasas@chsfl.org.
Help Start Local Branch of PLAN: National Nonprofit that Helps Adults with Disabilities
A fledgling Planned Lifetime Assistance Network (PLAN) is in the works and needs help organizing to get its mission underway! A PLAN program brings hope and service directly to adult disabled people who need assistance with daily living activities. You can find out what other communities are doing at nationalplanalliance.org. Would you like to find out more? Call Jack Elliott at 407-365-6338.
Marketing-PR Help Wanted for Foundation
Gift from God Computer Foundation is a non-profit organization that refurbishes and gives away 1500 computer systems a year to students who cannot afford a computer for homework, and to other worthwhile organizations. The group is currently seeking one or two people with an interest in marketing, PR, and/or fundraising to take the initiative in making organizations in the community aware of the group and its goals, locate companies with used computer equipment to donate, and assist with the annual fundraiser, a semi-formal gala in February. Please contact Dr. Larry Hooper at 407-247-4399 or Gerry Myers at 407-618-4817.
Calling All Male Role Models
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida is a non-profit agency that provides one-on-one mentoring to children in the community in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard and Lake counties. They are looking for adult volunteers to spend time with a child age 6-14 in the community that needs a friend and positive role model. If you are interested, please call 407-478-2996 or visit www.bbbscfl.org.
Cat Rescue
Temporary foster parents for cats/kittens are needed for this local cat rescue. No medical cost to foster…food only. If you can help, please call Lucy at 407-862-3417 or Donna at 407-712-7271.
Mentors Needed for Children of Incarcerated Parents
Children’s Home Society of Florida’s MODEL Mentoring Program is in need of male volunteers to become mentors for children with at least one parent incarcerated. Volunteers are needed to have weekly visits with children, ages 4-18, in their community to help with schoolwork, build skills & do fun activities! Orientation sessions are held weekly at mutually convenient times and locations. Info: 321-397-3055, marisabel.decasas@chsfl.org.
New Faces Welcome at Canoe Outings
Volunteers for Eco-Action welcomes newcomers to its weekly canoe clean-ups, alternating lakes, rivers and the ocean. Outings are every Sunday afternoon. The group has been honored by the Florida Wildlife Federation for its hundreds of canoe clean-ups. Call 407-695-5050 for schedule or see www.eco-action.net.
Volunteers Needed to Review Rights Violations
The Local Advocacy Council needs people to serve on councils in the tri-county area (Orange, Osceola and Seminole) and review possible human-rights violations concerning clients of state agencies, such as individuals in foster homes, mental health facilities, group homes, and people diagnosed as developmentally disabled with conditions such as mental retardation or spina bifida. Training is provided. Call Bryan Morgan at 407-245-0981 or email at bryan.morgan@myflorida.gov.
OPD Citizen Volunteer Program
Volunteers aid in the overall efficiency of the organization to reduce and solve crime. Volunteers are not utilized to replace sworn or other paid positions within the Orlando Police Department, but rather to enhance the efficiency of the agency. There are many volunteer positions available. Positions are available primarily during business hours Monday through Friday. The Mounted Patrol Unit and Citizen Observer Program offer evening and weekend hours. Call 407-246-2470 – ask about the Volunteer Program.
The American Cancer Society Is Seeking Volunteers
The American Cancer Society is seeking volunteers throughout Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties to drive cancer patients to and from their treatment. Many times patients have no alternative way to get to their life saving treatment. The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program provides transportation for cancer patients, free of charge. Volunteering has never been so easy! You can drive once a month, once a week or every day! For more information, please call Dona Hohensee at 407-843-8680, ext. 2525.
Looking For Volunteers!
The Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando, is in need of volunteers for docents, special events, membership, development and marketing. Contact Patricia Birkhead for an application: 407-836-8583 or patricia.birkhead@ocfl.net.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
This program is administered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and based on volunteers seeking to ensure the health, safety and welfare of residents in long-term care facilities. They are looking for volunteers of all professional and cultural backgrounds with concerns of resident’s rights and good at negotiating and advocating. Mileage and meal reimbursements provided as well as special training and certification. For more information, visit http://ombudsman.myflorida.com or call toll-free 888-831-0404.
Hospice Volunteers Needed
VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Central Florida needs volunteers in your area who can befriend terminally ill patients, provide relief for weary caregivers, accompany their pet on Paw Pals visits, visit with veterans, provide art and music therapy, make bereavement calls, sew, make crafts, help repair medical equipment, or help with administrative work. Call 407-691-4541 or e-mail central.floridavolunteers@vitas.com for more information.
Become a Foster Parent
How big is your heart? There are many children in need of good foster parents. Have you ever considered being a foster parent? You could make a real difference in a child’s life. To become a foster parent, contact Open Door International at 407-896-2323.
CARE Feline Rescue
Volunteers are needed to assist this 11 year, non profit group with feral and abandoned cat colonies in Orange County. This program is an alternative to impounding and euthanizing feral and stray cats. Transporters, phoners and appointment setters are needed. Please call 407-522-2617 or visit www.carefelinerescue.org.
Winter Park Memorial Hospital Volunteers Needed
The WPMH Auxiliary is the volunteer organization at Winter Park Memorial which is dedicated to providing volunteer service to our hospital & community. They invite you to join! While serving, you have an exciting opportunity to make new friends and enrich your life by helping others. Their hospital Auxiliary is an integral part of the hospital family. They encourage you to become a part of their family too. Please call the hospital’s Auxiliary/volunteer office at 407-646-7090.
Gift from God Computer Foundation…
…refurbishes computer equipment and provides systems free to needy students who can’t purchase computers for schoolwork. If available, systems also go to small churches, nonprofit organizations and overseas ministries. 1200 systems were donated last year. Seeking volunteers with variety of interests. No experience required; they will teach. Individuals with marketing skills, website experience, etc. also appreciated. Dr. Larry Hooper: 407-247-4399, Gerry Meyers: 407-618-4817.
In Need Of Diagnosis, Inc. (INOD) – Volunteer Needed!
INOD, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides support for persons who are ill with medical conditions that have eluded diagnosis, wants to create a web forum for members. A volunteer is needed to create and monitor a Yahoo (or Google) group. Please contact Marianne Genetti at 407-894-9190, Meg@INOD.org or www.INOD.org
Can you help deliver Meals on Wheels?
Can you give a couple of hours one morning a week taking hot meals to homebound elderly? Meals on Wheels always needs drivers! Please call Seniors First at 407-292-0177.
Children Need Your Help
The Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. Guardian ad Litem Program focuses on the needs of abused and neglected children in the Juvenile Court and Foster Care System in Orange County. They are recruiting Volunteer Advocates for Children (VACs) to work with court appointed attorneys (GALs). VACs will partner with our GALs by maintaining contact with the child, obtaining records and conducting home visits. VACs are invaluable. They’ll provide the needed training. Will you be the committed, caring adult? For information, contact Tiffany Smith at tsmith@legaladidocba.org or 407-841-8310 ext. 3149.
Seniors Helping Seniors
Community Care for the Elderly seeks individuals age 60 or over and on a limited income to assist homebound frail elderly, helping homebound elders live in their own homes. Senior Companion volunteers receive a stipend of $2.65/hour plus mileage reimbursement and paid time off. See www.CCEcares.com or contact the volunteer director at 407-628-2884.
Help Out At-Risk Youth at Covenant House
Covenant House of Florida (CHF) serves runaway, homeless and at-risk youth, including teen parents and their babies. Rewarding volunteer work is available in direct care, pastoral care, donations, food services and more. Call the volunteer hotline at 407-736-9187 or 407-736-9003 or see www.covenanthousefl.org.
Garden Volunteer Opportunities
Albin Polasek’s legacy was the gift of his home, his art and his gardens to the citizens of Central Florida and the world. Let your legacy be the care and maintenance of his generous gift, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens. Passionate gardeners and eager beginners are invited to play in one of Central Florida’s loveliest attractions. Help is needed weeding, pruning and planting. Join like-minded people in the garden every Tuesday and Thursday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. for a joyful gardening and volunteering experience.
Albin Polasek Museum Recruiting Volunteers
The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens offers the perfect location for volunteers seeking to actively participate in cultural and community service in a beautiful, historical setting. Join the volunteer team by assisting visitors at the reception desk and gift shop. Docents, gardeners, sculpture care, office workers and special events volunteers are also needed. Training is provided and hours are flexible. The museum is located at 633 Osceola Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407-647-6294 for volunteer opportunities or visit www.polasek.org for further museum information.
Samaritan Care Hospice Seeking Volunteers
Caring, loving, committed volunteers are needed who can assist terminally-ill patients and their caregivers. Volunteers can assist in a variety of different areas such as respite, providing emotional support, companionship and much more. Volunteer positions, direct patient care, indirect and administrative (homes, nursing homes and office site). For more information, please call 407-514-1327.
Be A Best Buddy — In Person or Online
Best Buddies pairs people with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships with people in the community. All it takes is one phone call per week, two visits per month, for six months to a year. And e-Buddies® (www.ebuddies.org) creates e-mail friendships between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Call 407-898-0787 or see www.bestbuddiesflorida.org.
Ongoing-Vehicle Donations Needed
The American Lung Association seeks vehicle donations as part of an on-going fundraiser. Any vehicle donated may be eligible for a tax deduction. Free towing. Call Larry Ward at 1-800-940-2933.
Looking for a Worthy Local Charity to Support?
BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation is a 22-year old local agency that helps children and families face the challenge of living with life-threatening hematology diseases. Unlike wish granting groups or annual camps, BASE Camp provides ongoing support such as clinic parties, hospital lunch delivery, overnight camps and more, for all those affected: patients, siblings, parents, and children who have a parent who is ill. Want to help? Volunteers are always needed in many areas! See basecampccf.org or call 407-673-5060.
Hands On Orlando Makes It Easy to Volunteer!
Ready to start or restart your interest in volunteer community involvement? Hands On Orlando, part of the national Hands On Network, works to identify, plan, manage and lead volunteer projects that involve individuals, families, groups and companies. The typical project lasts about three hours. No long-term commitment is required. See www.handsonorlando.com or call 407-740-8652.
Volunteers for Hospice Inpatient Unit
Vitas Innovative Hospice Care is in need of volunteers any time at their inpatient hospice unit in Winter Park, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Volunteers are trained in listening, family dynamics, and the right words to say to terminally ill patients and their families. Visit with patients, walk or wheel patients to the garden area, help with mealtime, read to or play games with patients, offer spiritual support, offer to polish nails or other pampering, or facilitate excursions. For more information or to reserve a training spot, call Linda Marcantonio at 407-691-4541.
Help Paint a Mural, Stencil, or Just Use a Roller!
Put your creative abilities to good use by helping paint a cheerful environment for children and adults with developmental disabilities at Quest’s Camp Thunderbird and/or at group homes run by Quest. This is a great project for a group of friends or co-workers. Someone with experience with artistic wall effects such as sponge-painting or murals would be greatly appreciated, but don’t hesitate to volunteer to just roll it on! Call Michelle at 407-218-4331 or mzwieg@questinc.org or see www.questinc.org.
Girl Scout Leaders Needed
Adult volunteers are needed for civic-minded girls ages 5 to 18 who want to learn diverse skills and do activities ranging from visual arts, healthful living, outdoor sports and recreation, to community service projects. If you want to instill a sense of responsibility to a new generation, influence positive choices, and have fun, then leading a troop is for you! No prior experience necessary. Committments are for one school year. Free training, program materials, on-going support and an assigned mentor are available. Background check required. Contact Lori at 407-376-2707.
The Sharing Center Needs Your Help!
Volunteers Needed: Receptionists (especially on Mondays and Wednesdays) and Caseworkers (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays). One-on-one training. Both positions require good listening and basic computer skills. Must commit to one day a week, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or be on call. Receptionists answer phones, file and help clients fill out paperwork. Caseworkers learn to respond to individual needs. Call Michael Kenyon at 407-260-9155 ext. 114.
Meals on Wheels Needs You!
Can you spare a couple of hours on a weekday morning? Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to homebound seniors for Meals on Wheels in Seminole County. It’s a great way to spend some quality time with your teenager, doing a route together as he or she earns community service hours for Bright Futures! Please call Meals on Wheels, Etc. at 407-333-8877, ext. 103 or visit www.mealsetc.org.
Compassionate Volunteers Needed
Hospice of the Comforter is looking for compassionate volunteers to befriend patients, offer respite to caregivers, volunteer in their Hospice House in-patient facility, assist with administrative duties, participate in fundraising events, prepare meals or comfort bereaved families. For more information about upcoming training classes and volunteer opportunities, please call Rose van der Berg at 407-682-0808 or visit their website at www.hospiceofthecomforter.org.
Volunteer Opportunities at Anthony House
Make a Difference! VOLUNTEER! Help with data input, fundraising, general repairs, medical, sponsor (a child, family, or an adult) and more. Anthony House is a transitional residential center guiding people to productive living. 352-383-5577
So Many Ways You Can Help at the Hospital!
Orlando Regional Healthcare’s many locations are always in need of volunteer help of every type imaginable. Get inspired by checking out their excellent guide to opportunities at www.orlandoregional.org/getting_involved/ or call the volunteer office at 321-841-1615.
Planned Lifetime Assistance Network
PLAN of Greater Orlando is looking for volunteers to assist with the completion of a 5-year business plan. PLAN will be a not for profit 501(c) (3) charitable organization and hopes to incorporate by the end of 2009. PLAN’s mission will be to assist disabled individuals and their families in finding solutions to problems they are faced with every day. For more information contact Sherrie at 407-273-9721.
Do you Love Animals?
Please join the all-volunteer Animal Welfare Alliance of Central Florida in their efforts to educate the community about pet overpopulation and establish a low-cost spay/neuter clinic. Donate money, time, or community connections! Visit www.awalliancecf.org or call 407-327-2814.
Help Feed the Hungry
The Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, a non-profit religious entity, provides free delivered food to needy persons in Central FL (shut-ins, infant children, elderly, etc.). Charitable contributions in any amount will help with the food costs and will be sincerely appreciated by these needy persons. The first of the seven corporal works of Mercy is: To Feed The Hungry. Send your tax deductible contributions to: Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, 1975 Lanier Ct., Winter Park, FL 32792. 407-599-2129
Winter Park Benefit Shop Needs Volunteers
The Winter Park Benefit Shop has moved across the street to 140 W. Lyman Avenue. It is located at the west end of City Hall, better known as the “Old Jail.” All contributions received are donated to services in Winter Park. Hours are Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please call Julie at 407-644-0523.