Center for Service Learning & Leadership -
Service Learning, Community Service &
Volunteer Opportunities
Below is a list of possible service learning, community service and volunteer opportunities for Summer, Fall and Spring 2011-2012 as well as listings of community organizations in Northwest Indiana and information for organizational representatives.
Questions? Please contact the Center at
(219) 785-5461 or service-learning@pnc.edu.
Updated
February 27, 2012
Click on the link below for each type of opportunity:
Service Learning Opportunities
Boys and Girls Club of Michigan City
Address: 301 East 8th St.
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.mc-boysandgirlsclub.com
Phone Number: 219-873-2298
Contact Person: Alan Whitlow, Executive Director
Email: bgcmc1@adsnet.com
Brief Organization Mission:
Boys & Girls Clubs nurture young people's self-esteem by instilling in them a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence, and competence.
Service Learning Opportunity Description:
Please contact the Boys and Girls Club of Michigan City for more information. Background checks are required for all volunteers.
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Boys and Girls Club of Valparaiso
Address: 354 West Jefferson St.
City, State Zip: Valparaiso, IN 46383
Website:www.bgcpoco.org/
Phone Number: 219-462-2182
Contact Person: Dan Welch, Unit Director
Email: dwelch@bgcpoco.org
Brief Organization Mission:
To inspire and enable the youth of our communities to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
Service Learning Opportunity Description:
Service learning projects are available with flexible schedules, including Monday through Friday, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Please contact the Boys and Girls Club of Valparaiso for more information. Background checks are required for all volunteers.
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Updated August 1, 2011
Center for Workforce Innovations (CWI)
Address: 2804 Boilermaker Ct Suite E
City, State Zip: Valparaiso, IN 46383
Website: www.innovativeworkforce.com
Phone Number: 219-462-2940
Contact Person: Linda Woloshansky, President & CEO
Email: lwolo@innovativeworkforce.com
Brief Organization Mission:
CWI is a catalyst for community and business investment in workforce, education, and economic development to biuld and enhance collective capacity to succeed in a new global economy.
Opportunity Descriptions:
- Communications - Build portfolio of communication tools to market CWI, advocate for workforce issues, promote success stories, and advance Lumina Foundation grant work on education.
- Volunteer Coordination - Build a plan, recruit and deploy volunteers to assist job seekers in developing and enhancing workforce skills and knowledge for employment.
- Research Associate - Develop a clearinghouse/database of services, strategies, and resources connected to the "green economy" of NWI - today and tomorrow!
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Globe Star
Address: 621 Broadway
City, State Zip: Chesterton, IN 46304
Website: www.globe-star.org
Phone Number: 219-921-5492 ext. 6
Contact Person: Anthony McCrovitz, Ph.D, Executive Director
Email: amccrovitz@globe-star.org
Brief Organization Vision:
The mission of Globe Star is to mentor individuals with disabilities in achieving a quality of life that fosters independency within their own community, creating companionship and formulating a sense of community.
Service Learning and Community Service Opportunity Description:
Globe Star is involved in many different projects relating to human services, such as:
- Analyzing and Implementing Policy: Analysis of State of Indiana policies to identify trends to update, or change our
current policies for implementation to improve the quality of life for individuals that receive our services.
- Quality of Model: Over the past 16 years we have presented our model internationally and we
currently are finding ways not only to expand our model with it’s assessments, but also looking for ways we can improve these assessments to enhance one’s quality of life to create a sense of
companionship and community.
- Organizational Strategic Planning: Although we are a human service agency we strive to improve our internal process through our own business model, such as the “Scorecard” and “Human Sigma” two well designed Harvard Business Models.
- Database and Computerized Application: Creating and updating our own existing database for implementation of our services
and holding all employees accountable to our model as we expand services through out the State of Indiana.
- Quality of Life Institute: An organization, which is affiliated with Globe Star that creates all the
teaching material for our employees to implement our model. The Institute is currently applying for accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission to facilitate giving our employees an associate
degree in Human Services.
The existence of all of these projects makes Globe Star a great place to intern, in that we can not only address internships within the human service or social work area, but also
the business arena as well. We also are using current and up to date technology, which could be of interest for a student studying in the area of computer sciences. Our internships are usually personalized
towards the interest of the student, their academic need, and our needs as a service provider and small business. This process allows the students to work on a project of interest, while also allowing Globe
Star to learn and grow in this relationship as well.
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Hours for Ours -- Michigan City Area Schools
Address: 100 Manny Court
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website:mcas.schoolwires.net//Domain/61
Phone Number: 219-873-2026 x8741
Contact Person: Sherri Silcox
Email:ssilcox@mcas.k12.in.us
Brief Organization Mission:
Hours for Ours is a school-based mentoring program partnering Michigan City Area Schools Students with the Michigan City adult/business community, thereby creating positive voluntary intergenerational relationships nurturing childrens’ potential. Who are mentors? Business Community Members, Retired Community Members, Parents, Grandparents, Community Members Committed to Children.
Service Learning, Community Service & Volunteer Opportunity Description:
Hours for Ours has many various opportunities for students, you can volunteer to mentor a student once a week at their school site either during lunchtime or in select after-school sites. You can build a positive relationship, help with homework and tutoring, and much more. We are also looking for assistance in administrative dutis, grant research and grant writing, fund development, marketing and recruitment of volunteers, coordination of service learning and character education projects, evaluations of outcomes of the program, designing professional development for staff, and mentor training. This is a great opportunity for students in the fields of management, social work, psychology, and education. Once a year in January, we celebrate National Mentoring Month and are in need of help with coordination of this major event, and also our year end celebration of our mentors and mentees.
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Michigan City Area Schools
Address: 100 Manny Court
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.mcas.k12.in.us
Phone Number: 219-873-2000
Contact Person: See each Opportunity Description.
Email: See each Opportunity Description.
Service Learning, Community Service & Volunteer Opportunity Descriptions:
- Communications/Marketing/Graphic Design: A variety of internship opportunities in school communications and marketing are available, in public relations, marketing, event planning, media relations, graphic design, and more. Contact Betsy Kohn, Director of Communications, at 219-873-2000 ext. 8365 or bkohn@mcas.k12.in.us.
- Technology: MCAS is a leader in the State of Indiana in the area of instructional technology and is known internationally for its work in the integration of open source, Linux-based applications for staff and students. Internship opportunities exist in the areas of networking and desk support. Contact Kevin McGuire, Director of Technology, at 219-873-2000 ext. 8305 or email kmcguire@mcas.k12.in.us.
- Food Service/Nutrition (for students of Business, Technology, Human Resources, & Hospitality/Nutrition): MCAS' Department of Food Services is a $4.2 million self-supporting division of the school district that serves more than 1.6 million healthy meals each year at 16 locations. Interns will assist in a variety of management applications and project development, including marketing, creating inventory databases, nutrition analysis, and menu development. Contact Kathy Kane, Director of Food Service Operations, at 219-873-2131 or kkane@mcas.k12.in.us.
- Math & Science Tutors: After-school tutors are needed for Michigan City High School, particularly in Algebra. Contact Mark Francesconi, MCHS Principal, at 219-873-2044 or mfrancesconi@mcas.k12.in.us.
- Reading Tutors: After-school tutors are needed in reading, especially at elementary buildings. Contact Dr. Jan Radford, Director of K-12 Curriculum, at 219-873-2000 ext. 8318 or jradford@mcas.k12.in.us.
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Porter County Aging & Community Services
Address: 1005 Campbell Street
City, State Zip: Valparaiso, IN 46385
Website: www.portercountyacs.org
Phone Number: 219-464-9736
Contact Person: Bruce Lindner, Executive Director
Email: bhlindner@frontier.com
Brief Organization Mission:
PCACS extends a helping hand to seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents by providing compassionate services to improve their quality of life while maintaining their dignity and independence.
PCACS administers Energy Assistance for winter heating and summer cooling, Secion 8 Housing, senior nutrition sites, and door-to-door demand response transportation. It also builds ramps and provides emergency funding when funds are available.
Service Learning, Community Service & Volunteer Opportunity Description:
The PCACS website needs to be rebuilt and become ADA compliant, be able to receive donations, be socially interactive, and be able to provide forms and feedback. Video capability is also preferable and needs to be designed so that it can be maintained by PCACS staff.
There are often opportunities to write articles about the agency, board members, staff, clients, etc. for newspapers, internet, newsletters, etc.
There are maintenance projects indoors and outdoors that would improve the PCACS building and properties.
Back to top
Safe Harbor -- Michigan City Area Schools
Address: 100 Manny Court
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: mcas.schoolwires.net//Domain/62
Phone Number: 219-873-2026 ext. 8740
Contact Person: Herb Higgin, Program Coordinator
Email: hhiggin@mcas.k12.in.us
Brief Organization Mission:
Safe Harbor provides before and after school programming and is dedicated to promoting and encouraging all aspects of student development. Our tools are motivation, understanding and creativity, which we believe are essential.
Service Learning Opportunity Description:
- Safe Harbor is available after school at Knapp, Edgewood, Joy, Lake Hills, Marsh, and Springfield Elementary Schools from 3:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during Fall and Spring academic semesters. Participants commit to a schedule of up to 20 hours per week and work with students on a variety of activities, including homework help, recreational and enrichment activities (basketball, track and kickball), team building, service learning projects, Spanish and Sign language, music, art, cooking, crafts, creative writing and educational field trips.
- Safe Harbor also provides an 8-week summer camp for students in grades K-5. Safe Harbor partners with the local Boys and Girls Club to provide after school programming at Niemann and Pine Elementary Schools Monday through Friday.
All opportunities require an application and include an orientation upon placement. First Aid and CPR certification is a plus but not required.
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Salvation Army of St. Joseph County
Address: 303 Chapin Street
City, State Zip: South Bend, IN 46601
Website: usc.salvationarmy.org/SJC
Phone Number: 574-233-9471
Contact Person: Cheron Merten, Volunteer Coordinator
Email: cheron_merten@usc.salvationarmy.org
Brief Organization Mission:
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 loge of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human need in His name without discrimination.
Brief Organization Vision:
The Salvation Army will evolve as a leader in St. Joseph County by providing Christ-centered services through outreach ministries, education, and community partnerships.
Service Learning Opportunity Description:
Social Services intern needed - this position is an opportunity to assist the Salvation Army of St. Joseph County in three capacities: (1) direct experience with clients; (2) offering insight on an attainable broader issue that manifests itself in daily work; and (3) attending at least one Clinical Consultation Group meeting, where regional Salvation Army peers meet to learn from each other and share experiences. Read the full position description.
Community Service Opportunity Description:
BandLINK Program Assistant:
Job Objective:
To provide recreational assistance and supervision to youth engaged in the BandLINK after school program.
Job Duties: To provide assistance and supervision to children during organized activities.
Qualifications: (1) Ability to maintain health and safety of youth; (2)
Ability to maintain order and discipline; (3) Ability to be puntual and prompt; (4) Ability to work well with others; (5) Ability to participate in physical activities with youth (football, soccer, basketball, etc.). No music expertise necessary for this position.
Time requirement: BandLINK meets Monday-Thursday 3:00-5:00 pm. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one full day each week.
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Community Service Opportunities
Boys and Girls Club of Michigan City
Address: 301 East 8th St.
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.mc-boysandgirlsclub.com
Phone Number: 219-873-2298
Contact Person: Alan Whitlow, Executive Director
Email: bgcmc1@adsnet.com
Brief Organization Mission:
Boys & Girls Clubs nurture young people's self-esteem by instilling in them a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence, and competence.
Community Service Opportunity Description:
Please contact the Boys and Girls Club of Michigan City for more information. Background checks are required for all volunteers.
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Boys & Girls Club of St. Joseph County/affiliate of Family & Children's Center
Address: 1411 Lincoln Way West
City, State Zip: Mishawaka, IN 46544
Website: www.bgcsjc.org/
Phone Number: 574-259-5666
Contact Person: Victoria Geschke, Volunteer Coordinator
Email: vgeschke@fccin.org
Brief Organization Mission:
To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Community Service Opportunity:
Volunteers are needed to assist children K-6 grade during "power hour" with homework help/completion, basic tutoring, and literacy games. Also accompany groups to co-educational program rotations, including arts, music, gym/recreation, games, computers, and literacy room activities.
Fall and Spring Club programming is held after school Monday through Friday, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. (or 6:30 p.m. at select sites) at 8 locations (4 in Mishawaka and 4 in South Bend). Summer Club programming is held at a few sites for eight weeks during June and July, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Minimum requirement of one hour per week to establish consistency during school year day(s) or four hour blocks during summer day(s).
Experience with coaching, counseling, tutoring, teaching or leading youth is preferred. All volunteers are required to complete an application process, including criminal background check, sexual predator screening and child protective services history check as well as volunteer orientation and training.
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Updated August 1, 2011
Center for Workforce Innovations (CWI)
Address: 2804 Boilermaker Ct Suite E
City, State Zip: Valparaiso, IN 46383
Website: www.innovativeworkforce.com
Phone Number: 219-462-2940
Contact Person: Linda Woloshansky, President & CEO
Email: lwolo@innovativeworkforce.com
Brief Organization Mission:
CWI is a catalyst for community and business investment in workforce, education, and economic development to biuld and enhance collective capacity to succeed in a new global economy.
Opportunity Descriptions:
- Communications - Build portfolio of communication tools to market CWI, advocate for workforce issues, promote success stories, and advance Lumina Foundation grant work on education.
- Volunteer Coordination - Build a plan, recruit and deploy volunteers to assist job seekers in developing and enhancing workforce skills and knowledge for employment.
- Research Associate - Develop a clearinghouse/database of services, strategies, and resources connected to the "green economy" of NWI - today and tomorrow!
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Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited, Inc.
Address: PO Box 53
City, State Zip: Hobart, IN 46342
Website: www.eeunwi.org
Phone Number: 219-916-1713
Contact Person: Diane Wolfe, Volunteer Coordinator
Email: Diane.eeu@comcast.net
Brief Organization Mission:
The mission of Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited Inc. (EEU) is to provide equine-assisted riding activities to those with special needs for an improved quality of life utilizing professional instructors and trained volunteers in a safe and secure environment.
Community Service Opportunity:
EEU needs side walkers for their program. Side walkers help keep the student steady, reinforce the instructor's directives and keep the student motivated. Previous experience with horses is not required. Training sessions are provided for all new volunteers. The combination of horses and special needs students produces amazing results!
Lessons take place Monday through Thursday evenings at 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, and 7:30 pm. Spring session begins April 4, 2011 and ends May 26, 2011.
Volunteers are provided training to ensure everyone's safety.
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Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana
Address: 3620 Deahl Court
City, State Zip: South Bend, IN 46628
Website: girlscoutsnorthernindiana-michiana.org/
Phone Number: 800-272-7755
Contact Person: Jean Orcutt
Email: jean.orcutt@gsnim.org
Brief Organization Mission:
To build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
Volunteer Opportunity:
All opportunities require an application, including background check and training.
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Globe Star
Address: 621 Broadway
City, State Zip: Chesterton, IN 46304
Website: www.globe-star.org
Phone Number: 219-921-5492 ext. 6
Contact Person: Anthony McCrovitz, Ph.D, Executive Director
Email: amccrovitz@globe-star.org
Brief Organization Vision:
The mission of Globe Star is to mentor individuals with disabilities in achieving a quality of life that fosters independency within their own community, creating companionship and formulating a sense of community.
Service Learning and Community Service Opportunity Description:
Globe Star is involved in many different projects relating to human services, such as:
- Analyzing and Implementing Policy: Analysis of State of Indiana policies to identify trends to update, or change our
current policies for implementation to improve the quality of life for individuals that receive our services.
- Quality of Model: Over the past 16 years we have presented our model internationally and we
currently are finding ways not only to expand our model with it’s assessments, but also looking for ways we can improve these assessments to enhance one’s quality of life to create a sense of
companionship and community.
- Organizational Strategic Planning: Although we are a human service agency we strive to improve our internal process through our own business model, such as the “Scorecard” and “Human Sigma” two well designed Harvard Business Models.
- Database and Computerized Application: Creating and updating our own existing database for implementation of our services
and holding all employees accountable to our model as we expand services through out the State of Indiana.
- Quality of Life Institute: An organization, which is affiliated with Globe Star that creates all the
teaching material for our employees to implement our model. The Institute is currently applying for accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission to facilitate giving our employees an associate
degree in Human Services.
The existence of all of these projects makes Globe Star a great place to intern, in that we can not only address internships within the human service or social work area, but also
the business arena as well. We also are using current and up to date technology, which could be of interest for a student studying in the area of computer sciences. Our internships are usually personalized
towards the interest of the student, their academic need, and our needs as a service provider and small business. This process allows the students to work on a project of interest, while also allowing Globe
Star to learn and grow in this relationship as well.
Back to top
Hours for Ours -- Michigan City Area Schools
Address: 100 Manny Court
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website:mcas.schoolwires.net//Domain/61
Phone Number: 219-873-2026 x8741
Contact Person: Sherri Silcox
Email:ssilcox@mcas.k12.in.us
Brief Organization Mission:
Hours for Ours is a school-based mentoring program partnering Michigan City Area Schools Students with the Michigan City adult/business community, thereby creating positive voluntary intergenerational relationships nurturing childrens’ potential. Who are mentors? Business Community Members, Retired Community Members, Parents, Grandparents, Community Members Committed to Children.
Service Learning, Community Service & Volunteer Opportunity Description:
Hours for Ours has many various opportunities for students, you can volunteer to mentor a student once a week at their school site either during lunchtime or in select after-school sites. You can build a positive relationship, help with homework and tutoring, and much more. We are also looking for assistance in administrative dutis, grant research and grant writing, fund development, marketing and recruitment of volunteers, coordination of service learning and character education projects, evaluations of outcomes of the program, designing professional development for staff, and mentor training. This is a great opportunity for students in the fields of management, social work, psychology, and education. Once a year in January, we celebrate National Mentoring Month and are in need of help with coordination of this major event, and also our year end celebration of our mentors and mentees.
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LaPorte County Council on Aging (A Division of Parents & Friends, Inc.)
Address: 800 Michigan Ave Suite 10
City, State Zip: LaPorte, IN 46350
Website:www.pafinc.net/
Phone Number: 219-326-7889
Contact Person: Dawn Biela, COA Director
Email: dbiela@pafinc.net
Brief Organization Mission:
Parents & Friends will encourage and enhance total personal development, independence and quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities and provide support ot the senior population with caring well-coordinated community based support systems:
- Family, Home & Health
- Security & Safety
- Opportunity
- Goals
- A Growth of Spirit
- A Future
Community Service Opportunity:
Transportation Support: Human Services agency runs the only county-wide, door-to-door transportation service in LaPorte County. Focuses on seniors and various disabilities. Volunteers are needed in the dispatch center (office), answering phones, assisting individuals with applying for services and making trip reservations, and matching individuals with benefits sources. A capable individual may also be trained to use radio to community with drivers, schedule trips, update client files, or review data collected from trip logs.
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Lubeznik Center for the Arts
Address: 101 West 2nd Street
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.Lubeznikcenter.org
Phone Number: 219-874-4900
Contact Person: Janet Bloch
Email: jbloch@lubeznikcenter.org
Brief Organization Mission:
The Lubeznik Center for the Arts is a dynamic, contemporary arts center whose mission is to creatively interweave art exhibitions, the performing arts, educational programming, and collaborative community outreach in order to enrich the arts experience within the region.
Community Service Opportunity:
The Lubeznik Center for the Arts is seeking a committed education student to work with one elementary school site 1-2 times per week in an after-school program for Fall 2011. The student will assist the instructor by helping the children with their projects.
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Michigan City Area Schools
Address: 100 Manny Court
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website:mcas.schoolwires.net/
Phone Number: 219-873-2000
Contact Person: See each Opportunity Description.
Email: See each Opportunity Description.
Service Learning, Community Service & Volunteer Opportunity Descriptions:
- Communications/Marketing/Graphic Design: A variety of internship opportunities in school communications and marketing are available, in public relations, marketing, event planning, media relations, graphic design, and more. Contact Betsy Kohn, Director of Communications, at 219-873-2000 ext. 8365 or bkohn@mcas.k12.in.us.
- Technology: MCAS is a leader in the State of Indiana in the area of instructional technology and is known internationally for its work in the integration of open source, Linux-based applications for staff and students. Internship opportunities exist in the areas of networking and desk support. Contact Kevin McGuire, Director of Technology, at 219-873-2000 ext. 8305 or email kmcguire@mcas.k12.in.us.
- Food Service/Nutrition (for students of Business, Technology, Human Resources, & Hospitality/Nutrition): MCAS' Department of Food Services is a $4.2 million self-supporting division of the school district that serves more than 1.6 million healthy meals each year at 16 locations. Interns will assist in a variety of management applications and project development, including marketing, creating inventory databases, nutrition analysis, and menu development. Contact Kathy Kane, Director of Food Service Operations, at 219-873-2131 or kkane@mcas.k12.in.us.
- Math & Science Tutors: After-school tutors are needed for Michigan City High School, particularly in Algebra. Contact Mark Francesconi, MCHS Principal, at 219-873-2044 or mfrancesconi@mcas.k12.in.us.
- Reading Tutors: After-school tutors are needed in reading, especially at elementary buildings. Contact Dr. Jan Radford, Director of K-12 Curriculum, at 219-873-2000 ext. 8318 or jradford@mcas.k12.in.us.
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Michigan City Public Library
Address: 100 E. 4th Street
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.mclib.org
Phone Number: 219-873-3049
Contact Person: Robin Kohn, Public Relations Director
Email: rkohn@mclib.org
Brief Organization Mission:
The mission of the Michigan City Public Library is to provide a center for information, education, culture, and recreation for patrons throughout their life span, through its collections, programs and special services.
Community Service Opportunity:
The library needs tutors for reading and/or math to students, ESL adults, and adults left behind in the normal learning setting.
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Porter County Aging & Community Services
Address: 1005 Campbell Street
City, State Zip: Valparaiso, IN 46385
Website: www.portercountyacs.org
Phone Number: 219-464-9736
Contact Person: Bruce Lindner, Executive Director
Email: bhlindner@frontier.com
Brief Organization Mission:
PCACS extends a helping hand to seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents by providing compassionate services to improve their quality of life while maintaining their dignity and independence.
PCACS administers Energy Assistance for winter heating and summer cooling, Secion 8 Housing, senior nutrition sites, and door-to-door demand response transportation. It also builds ramps and provides emergency funding when funds are available.
Service Learning, Community Service & Volunteer Opportunity Description:
The PCACS website needs to be rebuilt and become ADA compliant, be able to receive donations, be socially interactive, and be able to provide forms and feedback. Video capability is also preferable and needs to be designed so that it can be maintained by PCACS staff.
There are often opportunities to write articles about the agency, board members, staff, clients, etc. for newspapers, internet, newsletters, etc.
There are maintenance projects indoors and outdoors that would improve the PCACS building and properties.
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READ La Porte County
Address: 904 Indiana Ave.
City, State Zip: La Porte, IN 46350
Website: www.readlaportecounty.com
Phone Number: 219-362-6316
Contact Person: Mary Hedge, Director
Email: mhedge8@comcast.net
Brief Organization Mission:
Our mission is to increase the reading, math, and English skills in the community through tutoring.
Community Service and Volunteer Opportunities:
Tutors are needed for reading, math and English (including grammar, spelling, speaking English, etc.) who can make a commitment of at least a few months with a regular schedule of at least one hour per week. READ La Porte County tutors people of all ages, mainly at La Porte County Public Library and in schools.
The next training session is Saturday, April 30 from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. This training session is recommended but not required for volunteers. The student and tutor decide on the best time and place for their sessions. When not tutoring, the volunteer needs to plan for the lessons.
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Safe Harbor -- Michigan City Area Schools
Address: 100 Manny Court
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website:mcas.schoolwires.net//Domain/62
Phone Number: 219-873-2026 ext. 8740
Contact Person: Herb Higgin, Program Coordinator
Email: hhiggin@mcas.k12.in.us
Brief Organization Mission:
Safe Harbor provides before and after school programming and is dedicated to promoting and encouraging all aspects of student developement. Our tools are motivation, understanding and creativity, which we believe are essential.
Community Service Opportunity Description:
- Safe Harbor is available after school at Knapp, Edgewood, Joy, Lake Hills, Marsh, and Springfield Elementary Schools from 3:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during Fall and Spring academic semesters. Participants commit to a schedule of up to 20 hours per week and work with students on a variety of activities, including homework help, recreational and enrichment activities (basketball, track and kickball), team building, service learning projects, Spanish and Sign language, music, art, cooking, crafts, creative writing and educational field trips.
- Safe Harbor also provides an 8-week summer camp for students in grades K-5. Safe Harbor partners with the local Boys and Girls Club to provide after school programming at Niemann and Pine Elementary Schools Monday through Friday.
All opportunities require an application and include an orientation upon placement. First Aid and CPR certification is a plus but not required.
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Salvation Army of St. Joseph County
Address: 303 Chapin Street
City, State Zip: South Bend, IN 46601
Website: http://usc.salvationarmy.org/SJC
Phone Number: 574-233-9471
Contact Person: Cheron Merten, Volunteer Coordinator
Email: cheron_merten@usc.salvationarmy.org
Brief Organization Mission:
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 loge of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human need in His name without discrimination.
Brief Organization Vision:
The Salvation Army will evolve as a leader in St. Joseph County by providing Christ-centered services through outreach ministries, education, and community partnerships.
Service Learning Opportunity Description:
Social Services intern needed - this position is an opportunity to assist the Salvation Army of St. Joseph County in three capacities: (1) direct experience with clients; (2) offering insight on an attainable broader issue that manifests itself in daily work; and (3) attending at least one Clinical Consultation Group meeting, where regional Salvation Army peers meet to learn from each other and share experiences. Read the full position description.
Community Service Opportunity Description:
BandLINK Program Assistant:
Job Objective:
To provide recreational assistance and supervision to youth engaged in the BandLINK after school program.
Job Duties: To provide assistance and supervision to children during organized activities.
Qualifications: (1) Ability to maintain health and safety of youth; (2)
Ability to maintain order and discipline; (3) Ability to be puntual and prompt; (4) Ability to work well with others; (5) Ability to participate in physical activities with youth (football, soccer, basketball, etc.). No music expertise necessary for this position.
Time requirement: BandLINK meets Monday-Thursday 3:00-5:00 pm. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one full day each week.
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Samaritan Counseling Centers, Inc.
Address: 340 Commerce Square
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.samaritancounselingmc.org
Phone Number: 219-879-3283 x102
Contact Person: CeeCee Kaylor, Executive Director
Email: cckaylor@samaritancounselingmc.org
Brief Organization Mission:
We are a non-profit, community-based, interfaith counseling and educational services center offering excellent, affordable psychotherapy. Our mission is to help individuals and organizations heal and grow by improving their emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. All our therapists are trained, certified and licensed. We help with marriage and family problems, struggles with anxiety, depression, job loss, stress, loss, grief and the emotional strain of serious illness. Issues related to family addictions, separation, divorce, remarriage and step-families are frequent requests for help. Families have been healed, marriages have grown deeper and individuals have found the care they needed.
Community Service Opportunity Description:
The Samaritan Counseling Centers need someone to update their website, Facebook and Twitter regularly. The administration is small and does not have the time or talents to continually update the Center's social media. The Center would also like to create an e-newsletter and expand their marketing efforts.
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Swanson Center
Address: 450 St. John Road, Suite 501
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.swansoncenter.org
Phone Number: 219-879-4621
Contact Person: Monique Gillard, Assistant HR Manager
Email: mgillard@swansoncenter.org
Brief Organization Mission:
Swanson Center's compassionate staff is dedicated to improving lives by providing comprehensive, expert mental health services.
Community Service Opportunity Description:
Community Service opportunities are available - contact Monique Gillard for more information.
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Volunteer Links & Opportunities
Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement serving La Porte County is looking for volunteers for the spring session. For more information or to volunteer contact Jennifer Cress-Castillo, Area Coordinator at jennifer.castillo@ja.org.
United Way Regional Volunteer Center
United Way of Porter, LaPorte, and Lake Counties Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for volunteer opportunities? The United Way of Porter County 's Volunteer Opportunities site can help connect you with area agencies that need your help. Register for a login id to better track your volunteer hours and search for more opportunities.
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Boys and Girls Club of Michigan City
Address: 301 East 8th St.
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.mc-boysandgirlsclub.com
Phone Number: 219-873-2298
Contact Person: Alan Whitlow, Executive Director
Email: bgcmc1@adsnet.com
Brief Organization Mission:
Boys & Girls Clubs nurture young people's self-esteem by instilling in them a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence, and competence.
Volunteer Opportunity Description:
Please contact the Boys and Girls Club of Michigan City for more information. Background checks are required for all volunteers.
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Boys & Girls Club of St. Joseph County/affiliate of Family & Children's Center
Address: 1411 Lincoln Way West
City, State Zip: Mishawaka, IN 46544
Website: www.bgcsjc.org
Phone Number: 574-259-5666
Contact Person: Victoria Geschke, Volunteer Coordinator
Email: vgeschke@fccin.org
Brief Organization Mission:
To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Volunteer Opportunity:
Volunteers are needed to assist children K-6 grade during "power hour" with homework help/completion, basic tutoring, and literacy games. Also accompany groups to co-educational program rotations, including arts, music, gym/recreation, games, computers, and literacy room activities.
Fall and Spring Club programming is held after school Monday through Friday, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. (or 6:30 p.m. at select sites) at 8 locations (4 in Mishawaka and 4 in South Bend). Summer Club programming is held at a few sites for eight weeks during June and July, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Minimum requirement of one hour per week to establish consistency during school year day(s) or four hour blocks during summer day(s).
Experience with coaching, counseling, tutoring, teaching or leading youth is preferred. All volunteers are required to complete an application process, including criminal background check, sexual predator screening and child protective services history check as well as volunteer orientation and training.
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Updated August 1, 2011
Center for Workforce Innovations (CWI)
Address: 2804 Boilermaker Ct Suite E
City, State Zip: Valparaiso, IN 46383
Website: www.innovativeworkforce.com
Phone Number: 219-462-2940
Contact Person: Linda Woloshansky, President & CEO
Email: lwolo@innovativeworkforce.com
Brief Organization Mission:
CWI is a catalyst for community and business investment in workforce, education, and economic development to biuld and enhance collective capacity to succeed in a new global economy.
Opportunity Descriptions:
- Communications - Build portfolio of communication tools to market CWI, advocate for workforce issues, promote success stories, and advance Lumina Foundation grant work on education.
- Volunteer Coordination - Build a plan, recruit and deploy volunteers to assist job seekers in developing and enhancing workforce skills and knowledge for employment.
- Research Associate - Develop a clearinghouse/database of services, strategies, and resources connected to the "green economy" of NWI - today and tomorrow!
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City of La Porte
Address: 801 Michigan Ave
City, State Zip: La Porte, IN 46350
Website: www.cityoflaporte.com
Phone Number: 219-325-0656
Contact Person: Matthew Cook, HR Director
Email: humanresource@cityoflaporte.com
Brief Organization Mission:
We are a local government that provides public safety, community services, and infrastructure for the City of La Porte.
Volunteer Opportunity:
Projects are usually available during the Summer months. Interested students should contact the Parks Department at 219-326-9600 or Matthew Cook, HR Director.
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Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana- Michiana
Address: 3620 Deahl Court
City, State Zip: South Bend, IN 46628
Website:girlscoutsnorthernindiana-michiana.org/
Phone Number: 800-272-7755
Contact Person: Jean Orcutt
Email: jean.orcutt@gsnim.org
Brief Organization Mission:
To build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
Volunteer Opportunity:
All opportunities require an application, including background check and training.
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Harmony House/CASA Program of LaPorte County, Inc.
Address: 1005 Michigan Avenue
City, State Zip: La Porte, IN 46350
Website: www.lpcasa.com
Phone Number: 219-324-3385
Contact Person: Pamela Bergren, Administrative Assistant
Email: pbergren@lpcasa.com
Brief Organization Mission:
Harmony House/CASA Program of La Porte County, Inc. is an organization dedicated to providing an environment of integrity and respect. We are committed to objective advocacy focused on the best interest of children while fostering healthy, positive and permanent family relationships.
Volunteer Opportunity Description:
Our program is continually looking for volunteers to represent abused/neglected children in the juvenile court system as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). A 10-week training session is required prior to being sworn in as an office of the court to speak for the best interests of children.
Our program is also looking for social work interns for our supervised visitation program and students from various fields to assist the administrative assistant with clerical and technical duties.
Risks include working with children and parents involved with the court system - many parents have a history of substance abuse.
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HealthLinc Community Health Center
Address: 710 Franklin St
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.healthlincchc.org
Phone Number: 219-872-6200 Ext. 3755
Contact Person: Tina Jolevski, Site Manager
Email: vjolevski@healthlincchc.org
Brief Organization Mission:
HealthLinc Community Health Center seeks to enrich lives through education, counseling and affordable quality health care. Vision-HealthLinc Community Health Center will distinguish itself as the leader in health care recognized for the passion of its people in providing quality care.
Volunteer Opportunity Description:
We celebrate National Health Center Week every year in August with a Health Fair based around a back-to-school theme. Volunteers will be involved with non-clinical duties including giving backpacks out to children, concession stand duties, registration, etc.
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Hours for Ours -- Michigan City Area Schools
Address: 100 Manny Court
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website:mcas.schoolwires.net//Domain/61
Phone Number: 219-873-2026 x8741
Contact Person: Sherri Silcox
Email: ssilcox@mcas.k12.in.us
Brief Organization Mission:
Hours for Ours is a school-based mentoring program partnering Michigan City Area Schools Students with the Michigan City adult/business community, thereby creating positive voluntary intergenerational relationships nurturing childrens’ potential. Who are mentors? Business Community Members, Retired Community Members, Parents, Grandparents, Community Members Committed to Children.
Service Learning, Community Service & Volunteer Opportunity Description:
Hours for Ours has many various opportunities for students, you can volunteer to mentor a student once a week at their school site either during lunchtime or in select after-school sites. You can build a positive relationship, help with homework and tutoring, and much more. We are also looking for assistance in administrative dutis, grant research and grant writing, fund development, marketing and recruitment of volunteers, coordination of service learning and character education projects, evaluations of outcomes of the program, designing professional development for staff, and mentor training. This is a great opportunity for students in the fields of management, social work, psychology, and education. Once a year in January, we celebrate National Mentoring Month and are in need of help with coordination of this major event, and also our year end celebration of our mentors and mentees.
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Housing Opportunities, Inc.
Address: 954 Eastporte Centre Drive, Suite A
City, State Zip: Valparaiso, IN 46383
Website: www.housing-opportunities.com
Phone Number: 219-548-2800
Contact Person: Kathleen McClure, Fund Developer
Email: kmcclure@housing-opportunities.com
Brief Organization Mission:
The mission of Housing Opportunities, Inc. is to empower families and individuals by providing housing hope via access to housing options that are safe, decent and affordable, and customizing client support services that foster self-reliance.
Housing Opportunities, Inc. is committed to changing the face of homelessness by becoming the recognized regional resource and model for a continuum of programs encompassing prevention, crisis intervention and permanent housing.
Volunteer Opportunity:
Students may volunteer at the food pantry, help run a paper drive in the community, tutor the children of our clients, and work on projects at our facilities, depending on their individual skills and interests.
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Michigan City Area Schools
Address: 100 Manny Court
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website:mcas.schoolwires.net
Phone Number: 219-873-2000
Contact Person: See each Opportunity Description.
Email: See each Opportunity Description.
Service Learning, Community Service & Volunteer Opportunity Descriptions:
- Communications/Marketing/Graphic Design: A variety of internship opportunities in school communications and marketing are available, in public relations, marketing, event planning, media relations, graphic design, and more. Contact Betsy Kohn, Director of Communications, at 219-873-2000 ext. 8365 or bkohn@mcas.k12.in.us.
- Technology: MCAS is a leader in the State of Indiana in the area of instructional technology and is known internationally for its work in the integration of open source, Linux-based applications for staff and students. Internship opportunities exist in the areas of networking and desk support. Contact Kevin McGuire, Director of Technology, at 219-873-2000 ext. 8305 or email kmcguire@mcas.k12.in.us.
- Food Service/Nutrition (for students of Business, Technology, Human Resources, & Hospitality/Nutrition): MCAS' Department of Food Services is a $4.2 million self-supporting division of the school district that serves more than 1.6 million healthy meals each year at 16 locations. Interns will assist in a variety of management applications and project development, including marketing, creating inventory databases, nutrition analysis, and menu development. Contact Kathy Kane, Director of Food Service Operations, at 219-873-2131 or kkane@mcas.k12.in.us.
- Math & Science Tutors: After-school tutors are needed for Michigan City High School, particularly in Algebra. Contact Mark Francesconi, MCHS Principal, at 219-873-2044 or mfrancesconi@mcas.k12.in.us.
- Reading Tutors: After-school tutors are needed in reading, especially at elementary buildings. Contact Dr. Jan Radford, Director of K-12 Curriculum, at 219-873-2000 ext. 8318 or jradford@mcas.k12.in.us.
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Michigan City Senior Center
Address: Two on the Lake/Washington Park
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.emichigancity.com
Phone Number: 219-873-1504
Contact Person: Tara Miller, Director
Email: tmiller@adsnet.com
Brief Organization Mission:
The purpose of the Michigan City Senior Center is to provide a variety of social, recreational and educational activities and social services for persons 55 and older in Michigan City and surrounding areas, with the ultimate goal to encourage an independent lifestyle.
Volunteer Opportunity:
The Michigan City Senior Center needs volunteers for the Comcast Cares Day on April 30, 2011. Visit www.emichigancity.com for more information or contact Director Tara Miller at 219-873-1504.
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Porter County Aging & Community Services
Address: 1005 Campbell Street
City, State Zip: Valparaiso, IN 46385
Website: www.portercountyacs.org
Phone Number: 219-464-9736
Contact Person: Bruce Lindner, Executive Director
Email: bhlindner@frontier.com
Brief Organization Mission:
PCACS extends a helping hand to seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents by providing compassionate services to improve their quality of life while maintaining their dignity and independence.
PCACS administers Energy Assistance for winter heating and summer cooling, Secion 8 Housing, senior nutrition sites, and door-to-door demand response transportation. It also builds ramps and provides emergency funding when funds are available.
Service Learning, Community Service & Volunteer Opportunity Description:
The PCACS website needs to be rebuilt and become ADA compliant, be able to receive donations, be socially interactive, and be able to provide forms and feedback. Video capability is also preferable and needs to be designed so that it can be maintained by PCACS staff.
There are often opportunities to write articles about the agency, board members, staff, clients, etc. for newspapers, internet, newsletters, etc.
There are maintenance projects indoors and outdoors that would improve the PCACS building and properties.
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READ La Porte County
Address: 904 Indiana Ave.
City, State Zip: La Porte, IN 46350
Website: www.readlaportecounty.com
Phone Number: 219-362-6316
Contact Person: Mary Hedge, Director
Email: mhedge8@comcast.net
Brief Organization Mission:
Our mission is to increase the reading, math, and English skills in the community through tutoring.
Community Service and Volunteer Opportunities:
Tutors are needed for reading, math and English (including grammar, spelling, speaking English, etc.) who can make a commitment of at least a few months with a regular schedule of at least one hour per week. READ La Porte County tutors people of all ages, mainly at La Porte County Public Library and in schools.
The next training session is Saturday, April 30 from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. This training session is recommended but not required for volunteers. The student and tutor decide on the best time and place for their sessions. When not tutoring, the volunteer needs to plan for the lessons.
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Safe Harbor -- Michigan City Area Schools
Address: 100 Manny Court
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website:mcas.schoolwires.net//Domain/62
Phone Number: 219-873-2026 ext. 8740
Contact Person: Herb Higgin, Program Coordinator
Email: hhiggin@mcas.k12.in.us
Brief Organization Mission:
Safe Harbor provides before and after school programming and is dedicated to promoting and encouraging all aspects of student developement. Our tools are motivation, understanding and creativity, which we believe are essential.
Volunteer Opportunity Description:
- Safe Harbor is available after school at Knapp, Edgewood, Joy, Lake Hills, Marsh, and Springfield Elementary Schools from 3:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during Fall and Spring academic semesters. Participants commit to a schedule of up to 20 hours per week and work with students on a variety of activities, including homework help, recreational and enrichment activities (basketball, track and kickball), team building, service learning projects, Spanish and Sign language, music, art, cooking, crafts, creative writing and educational field trips.
- Safe Harbor also provides an 8-week summer camp for students in grades K-5. Safe Harbor partners with the local Boys and Girls Club to provide after school programming at Niemann and Pine Elementary Schools Monday through Friday.
All opportunities require an application and include an orientation upon placement. First Aid and CPR certification is a plus but not required.
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United Way Regional Volunteer Center
Address: 951 Eastport Centre Drive
City, State Zip: Valparaiso, IN. 46383
Website: www.nwivolunteer.org
Phone Number: 219-464-3583
Contact Person: Laurie Griffith
Email: laurieg@unitedwaypc.org
Brief Organization Mission:
The United Ways of Lake, La Porte, Porter and Starke Counties have joined forces to build community through volunteerism.
Volunteer Opportunity:
In 2003, the United Way Volunteer Center and the Valparaiso University Softball team joined to create the I Need a Hug program to assist the guidance counselors in our elementary schools that could no longer physically comfort young children going through a crisis. Throughout the year, we ask the community businesses, churches, civic groups, and families to host a drive and collect new, small, stuffed animals that we provide to the counselors and are used to comfort the children. Last year we one of the participating schools asked us to provide a stuffed animal to each of the second grade students for a pilot literacy program called Reading Buddies. Students were tested reading skills were tested at the beginning of the year and again at the end of the year. Each day the students read out loud to their “Reading Buddy” and by the end of the school year the reading scores had risen significantly. When this information was shared with the other counselors, many schools have asked to participate in Reading Buddies which means we will need 8,000 stuffed animals per year to support the expanded I Need a Hug program in the 84 schools that implement this program.
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Information for Community Organization Representatives
Are you a Community Organization with a service opportunity to share?
Please complete the Service Engagement Opportunity Form if your organization is seeking to promote service engagement opportunities on Purdue University North Central's campus. You may fill out a .pdf or complete the form online: Service Engagement Opportunity Form (.pdf) or complete the Service Engagement Opportunity Form online.
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Center for Service Learning & Leadership
Office Hours
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or by appointment
Mailing Address
Center for Service Learning & Leadership
Library-Student-Faculty Building Room 27
1401 S. US Hwy 421
Westville, IN 46391
Contact Numbers
Toll-Free in Indiana: (800) 872-1231 ext. 5461
LaPorte/Westville: 785-5461
Valpo/Portage: 462-4197, ext. 5461
Fax number: 785-5418
Email
service-learning@pnc.edu
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