SERVICE CORNER “Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves.” ~Horace Mann~

SERVICE
CORNER
The Office of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs
705 S. New Street, Lawrence Center
Room 241
610-436-3379
October 21, 2015
“Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves.”
~Horace Mann~
In this edition, you will find new updates on the following:
A. Special Announcements
B. Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
C. Available Internships and Employment for the Common Good
D. Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
-----A. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS----Addressing Issues of Affordable Housing- APPLY NOW!
Habitat for Humanity aims to alleviate poverty by assisting families with the construction of
affordable homes, understanding of financial literacy, and much more through offering a "hand
up, not a handout." West Chester University student participants will be volunteering with
Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge in the rural setting of Franklin, WV by building and
repairing homes for families dealing with issues of poverty.
Applications to participate on this trip are due by Sunday, October 25, 2014.
Click here to apply, or contact Kaitlyn McCabe and Dominique Hetrick for additional
information.
Creating Sustainable Food Resources for Communities in Eastern PA- APPLY NOW!
Through community gardening and education, students on this trip will be exploring the
connections between humans and the environment in regard to health, sustainability, and social
issues while also working to promote civic empowerment of both trip participants and
community members.
Applications to participate on this trip are due by Sunday, October 25, 2014.
Click here to apply, or contact Andrew Phillips for additional information.
Serving the Community Impacted by HIV/AIDS- APPLY NOW!
Members of various organizations within Fraternity and Sorority Life at WCU will unite to serve
the community infected and affected by HIV and AIDS by working with the Pittsburgh AIDS
Task Force.
Applications to participate on this trip are due by Sunday, October 25, 2014.
Click here to apply, or contact Nikki Cattan and Alex Rafuse for additional information.
Improving Youth Engagement through Play- APPLY NOW!
Students participating on this trip will engage children in academic enrichment activities that
improve social skill development, self-esteem, and overall involvement.
Applications to participate on this trip are due by Sunday, October 25, 2014.
Click here to apply, or contact Jamie Williams for additional information.
Thanksgiving Food Drive In November
Saturdays-9 a.m. to noon (Turkey drop-off) leading up to Thanksgiving
November 7, 14, & 21 from 9am –noon
*all to be dropped off at 650 Pennsylvania Drive, Exton in Eagle view Corporate Center*
The Chester County Food Bank is having a thanksgiving food drive all throughout November.
They are in need of canned goods such as peas, carrots, fruit, applesauce, gravy packets, stuffing
and instant potatoes. All food will be distributed to those in the community who are less
fortunate. If interested and are in need of more information check out:
www.chestercountyfoodbank.org or call 610-873-6000.
Global Brigades Information Meetings
Wednesday, October 21st, Monday, October 26th and Wednesday, October 28th
Global Brigades is currently one of the largest student-led volunteer organizations in the world,
and works to improve the quality of life in rural areas of Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua, and
Ghana. This chapter will focus on providing medical and dental care to these
communities. Medical/Dental brigades set up temporary clinics in rural areas of
Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. The clinics will see anywhere from 200 to 300 patients on a
given day, and the Brigade trips are either 7 or 9 days long. Students shadow local and foreign
health professionals as they provide pro-bono consultations and medications to patients in rural
communities. Volunteers assist with in-take, triage, medication packing, and health education in
the community. If you are interested in learning more about Global Brigades at WCU, please
join one of the informational sessions to be held in Sykes room 10B from 4 – 5 p.m. There are no
requirements for membership; anyone who is over the age of 18 is more than welcome to come!
Contact Esin Namoglu with any questions ([email protected]).
Halloween Costume Bringing Hope Home Stomps Cancer 5k and Fun Walk
Sunday, November 1st Registration at 10:30, Race at noon, Ehinger Gym
Bringing Hope Home “provides unexpected amazingness to local families with cancer through
financial and emotional support”. All WCU students, families, friends are invited to participate.
Register at http://www.runccrs.com/event/wcu-stomps-cancer (Cost before 10/18 - $20, cost
after 10/18 - $25)
WCU Lions Club - Get involved with the forming of this awesome club!
Tuesday, November 10th, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Main Hall Room #132
Begin your journey by being part of a new club on campus which just happens to be the largest
service club in the world! Join with the other 1.4 million Lions around the globe and be
involved! Lions Clubs International members are dedicated to providing a better tomorrow for
your local and global communities and partner with many agencies to provide assistance to
programs they are passionate about including but not limited to Provision of Sight, Hearing and
Diabetes Services, Protecting the Environment, International Advocacy and Relationship
Programs and Disaster Relief. If you have a passion for community service and want an
excellent opportunity to become involved in the West Chester community, please attend this
informational meeting! For more information contact, [email protected]
----- B. UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES----Fall Blood Drive Dates - Did you know 1 pint of blood can save up to 3 lives? Do your part and
donate now or volunteer. The blood drives usually run from 3 – 8 pm. Drives are as follows:
10/26 Allegheny and Killinger
10/28 Goshen
Jumpstart’s Read for the Record
Thursday, October 22nd
Jumpstart’s Read for the Record highlights the importance of high-quality education in America
by mobilizing millions of children and adults to read a specific book to celebrate literacy. By
participating in the largest shared reading experience, people from all walks of life are able share
a bonding experience by learning about the importance of high-quality early education and
literacy. This year, on Thursday October 22, millions of people will be reading Not Norman: A
Goldfish story by Kelly Bennett. If interested in volunteering for this event, please visit
http://goo.gl/forms/VgAC78mqvV to complete a registration form.
Garnet Valley High School 50th Anniversary/Fundraiser
Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th
Garnet Valley High School is having a charity event celebrating its 50th anniversary. The event
is being held in a huge tent in the Concordville Town Centre located in front of the Home Depot.
The address of the event is 101 Byers Dr. Glen Mills, Pa 19342. The alumni event will raise
money for college scholarships and other supportive type of things that will enhance the
community of Garnet Valley High. Volunteers are needed Friday, October 23rd to help set up the
tent the day before as well as break it all down Saturday, October 24th, the evening of the event
after hours. Volunteers are also needed to bus the event and assist in keeping the tables clear.
Approximately 1,000 people are expected to attend. The attire for the volunteers will be a shirt
that is given to them and black pants. For further information please call Dean Sarah Walter at
610-529-6812.
October 23 - 12:00 p.m.
October 24 - 5:30 p.m.
October 24 - 10:30 p.m.
20 volunteers setup
20 volunteers for busing
20 volunteers for breakdown
Tree Planting with the Brandywine Conservancy
Saturday, October 24, Chadds Ford, PA 9am-12pm
Saturday, November 7, Downingtown, PA 9am-12pm
Have you ever wanted to help your community out by planting trees? Well here’s your chance!
Brandywine Conservancy is hosting two events these upcoming months. Both will be running
from 9am to 12pm in your local communities. No experience is required. Children are welcomed
to come accompanied by an adult. For more details and registration, please contact
[email protected] or call 610-388-8351.
YMCA Healthy Halloween
Saturday, October 24th
This is a free event open to the community that takes place in the evening from 6-8:00 p.m. The
West Chester YMCA on Airport Rd. is having a Healthy Halloween event that is free to the
community. It's a great time in which volunteers may dress up in costume and the whole
building is decorated! The YMCA needs many, many volunteers to make this a successful
outreach. We would love to have you involved! Contact Amy Leman-Terrell at (610) 4319622, ext. 2206 to sign up or for more information go to
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-healthy
Light the Night Walk 2015
Saturday, October 24th
Each year, communities all across the United States individuals come together to raise funds for
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk events and bring help and hope to
people battling blood cancers. This particular event takes place in Philadelphia, PA at the
Philadelphia Museum of Art. Volunteers are vital to the success of this event. Contact Aisling
Carroll at [email protected] or (610) 276-3191 for more information.
Home at Last Dog Rescue Howloween 5k and Dog Walk
Saturday, October 31st
Home at Last (HAL) is a volunteer‐based dog rescue whose mission is to save the
lives of owner‐surrendered dogs, strays and dogs in high kill shelters that need to be
re‐homed. Our dogs are all fostered in our volunteers’ own homes until their forever
home is found, and since HAL’s inception, they have saved the lives of over 6,500 dogs.
Volunteers are needed for this fun event which will take place in the North Wales area. There
are many volunteer opportunities which can be found and signed up for at
https://www.runtheday.com/registration/volunteer_signup/33972
Philadelphia Rock ‘N’ Roll Half Marathon, AACR Runners for Research
Saturday, October 31st
AACR Runners for Research raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Volunteers are
needed to help out the AACR Team with this event. The Start and Finish location is Benjamin
Franklin Parkway, West of 22nd Street (in front of Eakins Oval). Participants are welcome as
well. Go to www.AACRFoundation.org for more information
The Hickman Fall Clean Up
Saturday, November 7th
Come out and help clean up the Hickman on a nice, fall Saturday. The cleanup will take place
from 8am to 12pm. Continental breakfast will be provided. If interested, contact Jen Harris at
484-760-6306 or [email protected] for more information or to register. Please register by
November 2, 2015.
The 7th Annual Lemon Run 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Dash
Sunday, November 8th
This event will be held at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Designed to be a fun
family event, a Kids’ Dash precedes the actual race enabling even the youngest of supporters to
participate. Last year the Lemon Run had a record number of 2,500 participants and this year the
event will reach $1 million raised since its inception. For more information, visit LemonRun.org.
If you are interested, registration for both events is open now! Please visit AlexsLemonade.org
Xingo hosted by Alpha Xi Delta
Thursday, November 12th
Come join Alpha Xi Delta for some bingo. On November 12, 2015, this organization will be
hosting bingo games for Autism Speaks. Doors open at 7pm. The event will be taking place at
7:30 p.m. in the Sykes Ballrooms. There is a $3 pre-registration fee in Sykes from November 4November 11. If you want to participate and just did not register ahead of time, it will be $5 at
the door. Come out and support Autism Speaks!
Hanging The Greens
Saturday, November 21st
Can you believe it’s time to start signing up for this?? This is a very popular event that singles,
groups of friends, clubs and you name it go to downtown West Chester to enjoy some
camaraderie while decorating the town, hanging pine greens and bows on doors and windows of
stores in the downtown area just in time for the winter season. Please visit the Office of ServiceLearning and Volunteer Programs to pick up a volunteer form which we will fax to the Chamber
of Commerce for you!
-----C. AVAILABLE INTERNSHIPS AND EMPLOYMENT FOR THE
COMMON GOOD----Young Quakers Community Athletics is looking for a passionate leader to coach the 6th-8th
grade boys' lacrosse team at Comegys University Assisted Community School. Young Quakers
is a unique opportunity to work with both Penn Varsity lacrosse players who serve as near peer
mentors and West Philadelphia youth. YQ sessions consist of leadership and relationship
building activities as well as lacrosse skill development. This is a PAID position. If you are
interested in learning more, please contact YQCA Director Jennifer Chu, [email protected] or
215-746-8117.
The Hickman, Temporary Volunteer Coordinator Position is available
Friends Senior Community of West Chester is looking for a volunteer coordinator who will assist
with a variety of tasks including email correspondence, scheduling, while working closely with
the Community Life Department. This position is ideal for someone wanting to make a
difference in the lives of residents at the Hickman. This position will begin in early December
and will last until the beginning of April. It will require about 5-10 hours per week. If interested
please contact Jen Harris at 484-760-6306 or [email protected]
Crossroads Hospice, Plymouth Meeting, PA
is a dignified approach to providing care to patients and families dealing with a life limiting
illness. They affirm life and focus on the comfort and support of the patient during the final
stages of life. They strive to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of both the patient
and family. Currently, Crossroads is need of interns that could help families who live in the area
in which you reside or go to school. The minimum age to volunteer is 16. A minimum
commitment is requested; 1 – 2 hours a month and on up to what you can give. They offer a
training program that will provide the volunteer with a certificate.
Erik Foundation
This newly formed charitable organization based in West Chester is in the process of getting up
and running to help at-risk children and families facing hardship. Volunteers or interns are
needed that will help research as well as prepare grant proposals and applications. If you are
interested in helping or talking about the opportunity, please contact Deborah Brussolo at
[email protected] or at (610) 742-3421
The Melton Center
The Melton Center is currently seeking a student intern/volunteer to help manage the community
center’s financial records. Any student interested in this opportunity can contact Ken Winston at
(610) 692-9290 or [email protected]. This would be a perfect fit for a business or
accounting major!
The Hickman, Human Resources Volunteer Requested
The HR Volunteer will assist with a variety of tasks including system development and data
entry/analysis for training and new programs. This position is ideal for a student interested in a
career in Health Care Administration, Data Analysis/Research or Human Resources. 2 hours per
week requirement. Please contact Jen Harris 484-760-6306 or [email protected] if you're
interested.
-----D. ONGOING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES----Westside Community Center
Volunteer opportunities for an After-School Program Mondays through Thursdays from 3-5:30
p.m., which includes tutoring and playing games with students. Also a Skate Park
(skateboarders) is open on Tuesdays from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and could definitely use a few
volunteers for the Skate Spot (helping setup, grilling food). For more information, contact Shane
Daniels at [email protected]
Coatesville Kids to College
Calling all education majors (or those who enjoy working with kids)! This is an opportunity to
give children of the Coatesville area a friend, a mentor, and someone to be with them in a variety
of after school programs. The three options are:
 Bright Beginnings Pre-K: 1:00-3:00 PM, Monday-Thursday

I-Rise Elementary After-School Program: 4-5 PM, Monday-Thursday

Head Strong Middle School After-School Program: 3-4, Monday-Thursday
Please note that the minimum requirement is 1 hr. one day a week to participate in this program.
To find out which program is best suited for you, please contact Keith Wilburn at
[email protected] or call 610-716-6999.
Safe Harbor is in need of Volunteers!
Safe Harbor is a non-profit organization that provides food, shelter, and help to homeless men
and women. Each weekday, approximately 35-40 people are given meals. With this in mind,
there is a lot of background work that goes on to help provide to the people in need. Volunteers
are needed in all areas. As a volunteer, you have a variety of options. One can be a lunchtime
volunteer, dinner server, dinner provider, shelter volunteer, Sunday morning volunteer, and
Sunday Breakfast volunteer. All volunteers must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by an
adult. No more than three volunteers per shift. If interested and would like some more
information contact Safe Harbor at 610-692-6550 or www.safeharborofgwc.org
Quest Therapeutic Services, Inc.
This volunteer opportunity is perfect for those who love animals. This program is looking for
people to act as side walkers and horse leaders to help children with special needs improve
function. The daily volunteer service hours available are Mondays and Tuesdays 2:30-7:00 p.m.,
Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Thursdays 1:30-7:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:30 a.m.-1:00
p.m. Please contact their volunteer coordinator by email at [email protected] or
call/text 484-678-6047 if interested.
YMCA, West Chester Site (Airport Road)
Many, many volunteer opportunities at this YMCA and it is so convenient for students!
Adapted Swim Lessons: volunteers needed to help with swim lessons for people with
disabilities. Swimming experience is helpful, but not necessary.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-adapted
Family Fun Time: Every Sunday there are free, fun activities going on at the Y to help keep
everyone active. Families can jump in our moon bounces, play family kickball, swim in the
pool, and many other fun activities. Volunteers needed to help run the different stations
throughout the building.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-family
Saturday Night Lights: Every Saturday Night, they Y is open to those in grades 4-12 only, and
volunteers are needed to interact with teens in lots of fun activities, like playing games, shooting
hoops, and simply being a great role
model. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-saturday
SNAP (Special Needs Adaptive Programming) Wellness: Volunteers needed to assist with a
fitness program that introduces health and wellness to 11-21 year olds with a special need.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-snap
Childcare Early Learning Center: Volunteers needed who love children and would like to help
with lunch to nap transitions from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Monday through Friday.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-ymca
Childwatch Help on Friday Evenings: Come spend time with the children of members in Child
Watch! Parents drop their children off while they work out, and Fridays tend to be one of our
busiest times. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-child
Parents Night Out: Parents get to enjoy a date night or some "me" time while the Y's staff guide
children in fun activities like arts and crafts, playground time, moonbounce, swimming, and gym
time. Volunteers needed to help facilitate these activities.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-parents
Kids Night In: Hosted the first 3 Fridays every month, parents can enjoy a dinner out or a quiet
evening at home while their children play at the Y.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4aa5a92ca1fb6-kids
Community Volunteers in Medicine
CVIM is a healthcare home that monitors the progress of their patients and determines
appropriate care plans based on changes in health over time. The following areas that they have
volunteer positions open are Health Information Management - flexible hours between 8:00 a.m.
– 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and Mondays are 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and HIV Tester Monday and Thursday afternoons from 12 – 4 p.m. Volunteer positions are also available for
Bilingual English/Spanish Speaking at the Front Desk - commitment is a minimum of one 3
hour shift every week or filling in as needed. Shifts are either all morning 8:30-12:30 or 1 – 4
p.m. and the Dental Desk - commitment is a minimum of one 3 hour shift every week or
filling in as needed. Shifts are either all morning 8:30-12:30 or 1 – 4 p.m. If you are interested
in any of the above positions please contact Marie Frey at [email protected] or call 610-836-5990
ext. 106.
Coatesville Area Senior Center
Whether it be an hour or two, a day of the week, specific event help, or help with a special
project, your time is greatly appreciated. There are many volunteer opportunities available at
this center including kitchen help, game leader, clerical, arts and crafts, fundraising and much
more! For more information or to sign up, contact Kim Skinner at (610) 383-6900 or
[email protected]
Kennett Senior Center
Fall Yard Work – help is needed for one day of team work to put the Senior Center grounds to
sleep for winter. Also, a volunteer is needed in late Spring/Summer/Fall for weekly lawn and
garden maintenance including mowing. The Senior Center has all gardening tools including
push mowers, rakes, clippers, etc. and will buy all supplies including mulch and fuel. To
volunteer call Andrea at 610-444-4819.
Neighbors in Action Drivers Needed
Kennett Senior Center’s Neighbors in Action Program is looking for additional volunteers
interested in providing transportation. Volunteers sign-up only for dates/days/times/requests that
fit their interests and schedule. Many NIA clients need transportation to medical appointments
or to local stores for grocery shopping and errands. We have several new clients in the West
Chester Area - volunteers able to provide transportation for those clients are in great
demand! For more information call Berta or John at 610-444-4143.
Downingtown Area Senior Center
Volunteers are needed to assist with daily food serving and cleanup at the center, food pickup
and delivery, and many worthwhile programs, which will enrich the lives of members of the
community. For more information or to sign up, please contact Janice Tehie, Volunteer
Coordinator, at 610-269-3939.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania
Be a volunteer today! The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania are in a need of volunteers. As a
volunteer, you will introduce the girls to new experiences that show them they are capable of
more than they ever imagined. You’ll serve as their mentor, guide and cheerleader. It only starts
with four easy steps. Apply today at girlscouts.org/volunteer. For more information contact
Samantha Scott at [email protected].
Compeer
Compeer volunteers are people from all walks of life. They are given opportunities for personal
growth and satisfaction by helping others. Being a Compeer volunteer is very easy. Just like any
friendship, you are able to pick the hours you are available. The Compeer program aims to
change a lonely life with one-to-one supportive friendships with people of the same gender who
are recovering from a mental illness. Volunteers spend time with their matched up buddy. If this
seems like something you’re interested in, volunteer today! For more information contact your
local Compeer program at (610) 436-4445.
Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
705 S. New Street
Lawrence Center, Room 241
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-3379 | [email protected]
www.wcupa.edu/volunteer