I am only one.
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything.
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
- Edward Everett Hale
If you find yourself with a little extra time on your hands this summer, and decide you want to get out of the house and make a difference, then this list is for you! The volunteer opportunities listed below will not only allow you to help others, but they will help your growth as an individual as well. There is nothing better than making a positive difference in someone else's life and then seeing, that in doing so, you have also made a positive difference in your own. We invite you to look into the following volunteer sites. Give them a call if you are interested - they are more than willing to talk with you about the different opportunities within their site and where you would best fit in. If you have any other questions regarding the placements, feel free to stop by and see Ms. Chabot in Campus Ministry, and she will do her best to answer any questions you may have.
East Side Learning Center
740 York Ave., St. Paul, MN 55106
Contact: Sr. Jana Roberts - 651-793-7331
Dates: June 21st - July 22nd
Times: Mon - Thurs
10-11, 11-12, 1-2, 2-3, 3-4
Info: The East Side Learning Center provides one-on-one tutoring for elementary children in grades K-4. The main goals are to help children from the East Side of St. Paul improve their reading skills, reach grade level in reading, and empower them to be successful in school and in society. Volunteers tutor children, which includes, but is not limited to, listening to a child's reading, playing learning games to reinforce skills , and reading to the children.
MORE (Multicultural School for Empowerment)
96 Wheelock Parkway St. Paul, MN 55117
Contact: Sr. Kathleen Spencer - 651-487-2728
Dates: Summer
Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays
6 - 8 pm
Info: MORE serves a diverse population of Asian, African American and Hispanic communities. Staff members at MORE teach English, math and citizenship skills to immigrants and refugees. Volunteer opportunities include multicultural, multilevel tutoring of English or to work in the MORE Garage (a sort of "thrift shop") providing outreach for various cultures.
St. Joseph's Home for Children
1121 East 46th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Contact: Sr. Paulissa Jirik
Dates: Year-round
Times: Monday - Friday
4 - 6 pm
Info: "St. Joe's" is the primary provider of shelter, emergency care and specialized treatment for children in crisis in Hennepin County. Age range of children is infant-17. The goal of St. Joseph's is to encourage growth by providing a healthy environment which offers respect, opportunity and hope. Volunteer Opportunities include setting up and serving a family style dinner to residents and staff. Orientation is offered by the Pastoral Care/Volunteer Office with training specific to the dining room. Volunteers must be pleasant, hospitable and have tolerance for noise and physical activity. Volunteers do not eat with the residents, but are given dinner to eat as well.
Incarnation House
2120 Clinton Ave. S., Minneapolis 55404
Contact: Cathy Williams - 612-871-0099 ext 13
Dates: Summer
Times: It varies
Info: Incarnation House is a transitional housing program in the Whittier neighborhood serving chemically dependent women in recovery and their young children under age six. The program builds a safety net for some of the most vulnerable families in our community. Volunteer opportunities include going on field trips with the children, spending time with the children, doing yard work, and/or helping the cook at the food bank.
St. Stephens Programs for Persons with Special Needs
2211 Clinton Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55404
Contact: Julia Apaloo, Special Needs Program Director - 612-870-2267
Dates: Year-round
TImes: Varies depending on activities
Info: The goals of St. Stephen's Special Needs Program are to fully integrate persons with special needs into the life of the community. This goal is achieved by focusing on each person's abilities rather than their limitations; providing a religious education and social activities program that recognizes the importance of body, mind and spirit in achieving health, personal fulfillment and a full relationship with God. Volunteer opportunities include attending, socializing, dancing, serving refreshments, and visiting with special needs participants. In addition, artists and craft-persons are great assets to the program. Any talent you would like to share would be welcome!
Mano A Mano
774 Sibley Memorial Highway, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Contact: Tony Schmitz - 651-489-3551
Dates: Fridays and some weekends
Times: 1 - 3 pm
Info: Mano a Mano works to improve the health of impoverished Bolivians by bringing health care and public health education into impoverished Bolivian communities. They obtain donations of needed medical supplies and equipment that are surplus in the U.S. and ship them to Bolivia for distribution to more than 100 facilities that serve the poor. Volunteers are needed to take and box medical supplies in Mano a Mano's building. For more information on Mano a Mano go to: www.manoamano.org
Resource Center of the Americas
3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55406
Contact: Jessica Smith or Tyler Robinson - 612-276-0788 ext. 14
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Info: The Resource Center of the Americas informs, educates and organizes to promote human rights, democratic participation, economic justice and cross-cultural understanding in the context of globalization in the Americas. Various opportunities are available including: children's program assistants, Saturday morning coffee hour volunteers, Friday night movie volunteers, ESL tutors, artists, event assistants, translators and interpreters, mailing assistants, and receptionists. For more information go to: www.americas.org
City of Lakes Transitional Care Center
110 E. 18th St., Minneapolis, MN
Contact: Margo Avey - 612-740-8262 (leave a clear message)
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Info: City of Lakes is not your regular nursing home. Residents range in age from 20's to 80's. They are from all different cultures; most speak English, although some do not. They are there due to medical needs, mental health reasons, and rehabilitation after being hospitalized. Volunteers are needed to socialize with the residents - games, social activities, and one-on-one visits. It would be great if you know card games, chess, or other games that the residents could play with you and others.
Bethany Convent
1870 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, MN
Contact: Megan - 651-696-2566
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Info: Bethany Convent serves as a nursing home to the older Sisters of St. Joseph. Volunteer opportunities include playing games, baking, listening to music, and visiting the sisters. They thoroughly enjoy having young visitors in their midst.
Boys and Girls Club of the Twin Cities
291 Belvidere St. E., St. Paul, MN
Contact: Gilbert Zamora - 651-222-2212
Dates: Monday - Friday
Times: Varies (during the school year: 3 - 9pm)
Info: The Boys and Girls Club offers children a place for recreation and companionship. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of children by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Volunteer opportunities include: coaching sports teams for grades 3rd - 6th, tutoring, mentoring, working as a computer assistant, or helping with arts and crafts. For more information on the Boys and Girls Club of the Twin Cities go to: boysandgirls.org
The Bridge
2200 Emerson Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55404
Contact: Shirlee Carter - 612-377-8800
Dates: Summer
Times: Varies
Info: The Bridge ensures a safe and enriching environment for youth in crisis by providing shelter, building life skills, and assisting families in conflict. In order to actually work with the clientele, you must be 21 years old because many of the girls at The Bridge are in High School, and you may know them from church, clubs, or other organizations. There are still plenty of volunteer opportunities available other than direct contact with the clients. These include yard work, cleaning, and finding fun ways to raise money for The Bridge. There is also a secretarial intern position open for anyone that may be interested in social work as a future career. The position includes doing a lot of administrative work while learning about social work, recruiting, and the ins and outs of the agency. You would be needed a couple of times a week for the intern position.
Hope Community
611 East Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404
Contact: Kyria Tarnowski - 612-874-8867
Date: Year-round
Times: Varies
Info: HOPE is a non-profit organization that works to provide low-income housing. Hope now owns and operates a thriving multi-cultural community in 88 low-income rental units. The Hope Campus is a place where community is encouraged to happen through the creation of relational environments. Flower gardens offer beauty and a sense of respectful caring, brightly colored playground equipment invites children to engage with one another, and sidewalks wind from house to house, playground to garden, picnic pavilion to indoor community and children's rooms. Volunteer opportunities include light cleaning, moving furniture, picking up garbage, and working with flower gardens and a vegetable garden. Kyria has recommended that it may be better if you come in small groups rather than just as individuals. Although if you want to come by yourself, you are encouraged to do so.
House of Charity
510 South Eighth St., Minneapolis, MN 55404
Contact: Rachel Ketterling - 612-594-2011
Date: Monday - Sunday
Times: Varies on what meals you would like to help with
Info: House of Charity's Food Center is open seven days a week, 365 days year. During the noon meal, which is open to the general public, they generally serve between 400-500 meals a day. They have a "no questions asked" philosophy about feeding the hungry-serving anyone in need of a meal. They strive to create a safe and respectful environment to ensure the comfort of their guests. Volunteer opportunities include preparing and serving meals, cleaning after meals, and/or working as a computer assistant - teaching and tutoring students. For more information on House of Charity go to: www.houseofcharity.org
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