Center for Service Learning & Leadership-
Community Service & Volunteer Opportunities
Below is a list of possible community service and volunteer opportunities. For more information please contact the Center at (219) 785-5451 or at service-learning@pnc.edu.
Updated: 7/30/10
A Positive Approach to Teen Health (PATH)
Address: 1755 Thornapple Circle
City, State Zip: Valparaiso, IN 46384
Website: www.pathblazer.org
Phone Number: 219-548-8744
Brief Agency Mission:
PATH equips youth to make healthy choices and develop relationships skills through abstinence-centered services.
Community Service Opportunity:
Education majors or social work majors can provide mentoring and tutoring at 4 local sites (East Chicago, Portage, Michigan City, and North Judson). This is after school from 3:30-5:30 approximately. Education majors or social work majors can also teach alongside our educators in schools and at community events. This would be during the school day generally. Also, education majors or social work majors may want to assist with special events.
Volunteer Opportunity:
Need organizational specialists, administrative assistance, computer experts to help in the office regularly
Internship Available: N/A
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AseraCare Hospice
Address: 332 W US Hwy 30, Suite E
City, State Zip: Valparaiso, IN 46385
Website: www.aseracare.com
Phone Number: 866-902-8892
Contact Person: Janet Kostielney
Email: Janet.Kostielney@aseracare.com
Brief Agency Mission:
We will focus our resources to serve the emotional, spiritual and physical needs of our associates, patients and families with a sense of compassion, urgency and customer service.
We will preserve the dignity of death of our patients and families so that no one will ever die in pain or alone.
We will create a culture that is dedicated to the alleviation of human suffering which finds expression through the ongoing gentle acts of kindness, sympathy, and compassion.
We will serve, educate and support our local communities and referral sources as to the benefits, dignity, and nobility of end of life care.
Community Service Opportunity:
Volunteer Opportunity:
Companion Volunteers: This type of volunteer simply spends time with the hospice patient. He or she most often takes on the role of trusted friend, being there when the patient needs a listening ear, a hand to hold, or an open heart. Companions may give the patient emotional support, offer relief to a caregiver for a brief period of time, assist with practical tasks, or provide helpful services such as writing letters, reading and making phone calls.
‘Harmony of Hearts’: Music is an important part of any hospice program. It often brings back fond memories, provides a release of emotions, and fills empty hours that a person might otherwise spend alone. Music also can ease stress and anxiety, soothe the heart and comfort the spirit. The music Ministry program at AseraCare Hospice is known as Harmony of Hearts. These volunteers sing and play musical instruments, such as autoharp, guitar and violin. They typically join in groups of two or three to visit patients and bring them the gift of music.
Pet Therapy: Under our Pet therapy program, trained volunteers and their certified pets visit our patients-bringing joy, warmth and companionship to help brighten the last days of their lives. Pet therapy can bring our patients a sense of peace and trust, and help to relieve stress. The emotional benefits of pet therapy continue long after the visit is over.
‘Vigil Volunteers’: This group of caring, compassionate AseraCare Hospice volunteers was formed to provide a comforting presence to those patients in the final stage fo the their disease. The goal of the Vigil Volunteers is to ensure that “No patient shall die alone,” and they consider it a special privilege to care for people at the end of their lives.
Bereavement Volunteers: At AseraCare Hospice, our care does not stop with the death of the patient. Grief is a normal reaction to the loss of a loved one, and this is a very difficult time for the survivors. Bereavement volunteers provide support services for the family and friends for up to 13 months following the death of a loved one.
Professional volunteers have a unique personality and special talents:
- Clowns provide opportunities for fun and silliness. Being able to laugh may allow the patient to forget their pain for a moment.
- Magicians may capture the patient’s attention and make them smile. Magic tricks also can help with eye coordination.
- Massage therapists help patients relax, decreasing anxiety levels by the simple touch of a hand.
- Beauticians help patients build self-esteem by making them feel “pretty” again.
- Dog groomers can be a blessing to a family by bathing and grooming a beloved pet.
- Clerical workers share their talents by working in the business office-making copies, filing, sorting, etc.
- Public speakers make presentations to clubs, churches and other organizations on numerous topics related to terminal illness, grief, death and dying-as part of an AseraCare Hospice benefit known as the Speakers Bureau. When needed, the local Toastmasters Club will train these volunteers on how to speak to groups.
If you have a talent that may benefit our patients or their families, please contact us. We want to be creative in our volunteer services, and meet the diverse needs and wishes of those we serve.
Internship Opp. Available: N/A
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Boys and Girls Club of Michigan City
Address: 301 E. 8th St.
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.mc-boys&girlsclub.com
Phone Number: 219-873-2298
Contact Person: Allan Whitlow
Email: Executive Director
Brief Agency Mission:
The mission of the Boys and Girls Club of Michigan City Charles R. Westcott Center is to provide a place where youth of all backgrounds, especially those who need us most, have pride of ownership in a fun and safe environment as they develop the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders.
Community Service Opportunity:
Working with our members in our after school programs. Members are between age 6 and 18.
Volunteer Opportunity: N/A
Internship Available: N/A
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Christian Haven, Inc.
Address: 12501 N. St. Rd. 49
City, State Zip: Wheatfield, IN 46392
Website: www.christianhaven.org
Phone Number: 219-956-4128
Contact Person: Mike Peterman
Email: mpeterman@christianhaven.org
Brief Agency Mission: To glorify God through ministering to the needs of children, youth and families in a supportive, therapeutic, united Christian community.
Community Service Opportunity: N/A
Volunteer Opportunity:
Annual fundraiser banquet, spring golf outing, being a guest chapel speaker, serving a holiday dinner or organization of the clothing room. Tasks in concrete work, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, roofing, carpentry, painting, and carpet cleaning. Landscaping
Internship Available: N/A
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Community Services of Starke County, INC.
Address: 311 E. Culver Rd.
City, State Zip: Knox, IN 46534
Website:
Phone Number: 574-772-7070
Contact Person: Joan Haugh
Email: jhaughcssc@embarqmail.com
Brief Agency Mission:
Provide services to elderly and low-income so they may maintain their independence in their own homes.
Community Service Opportunity:
Food Pantry- Help in securing funds or food or product for the food pantry which serves the needy in Starke County. Assistance in stocking shelves, serving as a regular volunteer to greet and serve the clientele would also be helpful.
Computer Instruction to seniors, helping them to create email addresses for themselves, and how to utilize the Internet. We have one or two computers that can be used for instructional purposes as well as for seniors to use during the day.
Volunteer Opportunity: N/A
Internship Available: N/A
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Corner to Cornerstone
Address: 1709 E. Michigan Blvd.
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: c2cmprogram.synthasite.com
Phone Number: 219-873-9433
Contact Person: Ionie Fly
Email: c2cmprogram2@yahoo.com
Brief Agency Mission:
Our mission is to instill, in our youth we serve, courage, wisdom, positive habits and a better understanding that will promote career and educational goals for a prosperous future.
Community Service Opportunity:
Need a teacher for our G.E.D. program, and an evening computer class instructor.
Volunteer Opportunity:
Need tutors for after school program. Need volunteers to help with food drive fundraiser activities. Volunteer for front desk reception in the afternoon.
Internship Available: N/A
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Duneland Family YMCA
Address: 215 Roosevelt Rd.
City, State Zip: Chesterton IN, 46304
Website: www.dunelandymca.org
Phone Number: 219-229-3333
Contact Person: Jason Schacht
Email: jschacht@dunelandymca.org
Brief Agency Mission:
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Community Service Opportunity:
Summer Camp, News letter, School Age Child Care (SACC)
Volunteer Opportunity:
Teen Night (every Friday), Pool Party (summer), Maintenance, Fitness Programs, Teen Programs. (More info coming)
Internship Available: N/A
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El Campito, Inc.
Address: 1024 Thomas St.
City, State Zip: South Bend, IN 46601
Website:
Phone Number: 574-232-0220
Contact Person: Susan Enamorado
Email: elcampito@sbcglobal.net
Brief Agency Mission:
El Campito Learning Center provides quality affordable child care and skills development programs for children of walking age to 12 years. Active learning based on solid development principles is implemented to foster social, and intellectual capacities in all children. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided daily.
Community Service Opportunity:
Presentations to parent groups- bilingual Spanish English preferred. Help with childcare during parent meetings and playgroup.
Volunteer Opportunity: N/A
Internship Available: N/A
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Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana
Address: 8699 Broadway
City, State Zip: Website: Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone Number: 219-795-3900
Contact Person: Theresa Chambers
Email: tchambers@girlscoutsgcnwi.org
Brief Agency Mission:
Our mission is to build girls with courage, confidence and character that make the world a better place. Every opportunity in Girl Scouting, from every group meeting to travel to earning badges, encourages girls toward this incredible mission of becoming courageous, having self-confidence, and being a person of character who takes action to make a difference in the world.
Community Service Opportunity: N/A
Volunteer Opportunity:
We are looking for a continued commitment from dedicated parental or community figures who can assist girls in reaching their full potential by becoming a mentor. The Girl Scout program depends on volunteers to assist in offering incredible opportunities for girls to grow in their leadership skills, develop lifelong friendships, and earn awards along each step of their leadership journeys.
Internship Available: N/A
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Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana- Michiana
Address: 3620 Deahl Court
City, State Zip: South Bend, IN 46628
Website: gsnim.org
Phone Number: 574-273-3021
Contact Person: Joyce Liggett
Email: joyce.liggett@gsnim.org
Brief Agency Mission: To build girls of confidence, character and courage to make the world a better place.
Community Service Opportunity:
As we focus very heavily on Community Service within Girl Scouts, all registered Girl Scouts continue to incorporate Community Service within the Girl Scout program and activities that troops and groups participate in. The Fast Track program incorporates doing a community service project with the girls as part of the program to help girls understand the value of giving back to ones community.
Girl Scout Fast Track Program
The Girl Scout Fast Track Program is designed to give interested 2 nd and 3 rd grade girls a brief, 6 week sampling of the Girl Scout experience. It is also a short term commitment for the adult volunteers with only about 8 weeks from training through the volunteering experience, and only about 1½ hours a week. The materials needed to run the program are provided, ready to go and we provide training on how to implement the program with the girls. We even provide you with a group of girls looking for an adult mentor. For more information or to volunteer, contact Jean Orcutt at the Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana - jean.orcutt@gsnim.org or (574) 533-8881.
Volunteer Opportunity:
This can be a short term commitment as a volunteer working with girls on a specific journey or earning a badge or try it. Flexibility is the key word in what you want to do in working with girls and how you go about getting it accomplished.
Internship Available: N/A
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Hours for Ours -- Michigan City Area Schools
Address: 100 Manny Court
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.MCAS.k12.in.us/support-services-main.asp
Phone Number: 219-873-2026
Contact Person: Chip Cotman
Email: ccotman@mcas.k12.in.us
Brief Agency 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.
Community Service Opportunity: N/A
Volunteer Opportunity:
Tutoring/homework help for grades 9-12 in Algebra & Geometry, for grades 6-8 in Pre-algebra & English, for grades 6-12 in Science
Internship Available: N/A
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Imagination Station
Address: 1200 Coolspring Ave.
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN. 46360
Website: www.childcareimaginationstation.org
Phone Number: 219-872-6723
Contact Person: Deborah Chubb
Email:
Brief Agency Mission:
To enhance childcare options, make high quality child care more accessible to all families in the community and to raise public awareness of the importance of the early childhood experience.
Community Service Opportunity:
Students could work on research projects and/or parent, staff and community surveys.
Volunteer Opportunity: N/A
Internship Available: Yes
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La Porte County Council on Aging/ Parents and Friends, Inc.
Address: 800 Michigan Ave., Suite 10
City, State Zip: La Porte, IN 46350
Website: www.pafinc.net
Phone Number: 219-326-7889
Contact Person: Dawn Biela
Email: dbiela@pafinc.net
Brief Agency Mission: N/A
Community Service Opportunity:
Office Volunteer: Answer phones, take new applicant information and transportation reservations, assist with client files and/or database and other records (ex. Vehicle maintenance, staff training); afternoons preferred.
Volunteer Opportunity: N/A
Internship Available: Social Work, Psychology, or similar Human Services
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Leadership La Porte County
Address: PO Box 1813 809 Washington St. Ste. B
City, State Zip: La Porte, IN 46352
Website: www.leadershiplaportecounty.com
Phone Number: 219-325-8223
Contact Person: Jim Jessup
Email: jim@leadershiplaportecounty.com
Brief Agency Mission:
To inspire, develop, cultivate, and connect emerging and existing leaders to serve their diverse communities.
Community Service Opportunity: N/A
Volunteer Opportunity:
Volunteer training, Fundraising, Providing volunteers opportunities to serve, connecting volunteers to community non-profits
Internship Available: N/A
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LOGAN
Address: 2505 E. Jefferson Blvd.
City, State Zip: South Bend, IN 46615
Website: www.logancenter.org
Phone Number: 289-4831
Contact Person: Nichole Maguire
Email: nmaguire@logancenter.org
Brief Agency Mission:
LOGAN is committed to supporting people with disabilities in achieving their desired quality of life.
Community Service Opportunity: N/A
Volunteer Opportunity:
Adult Day Services: Art, music, nature, sensations, socialization, nutrition/fitness. M-F, 9:30am-2:30pm at LOGAN Center
Community Connections: Adults volunteer in the community, delivering Meals on Wheels, helping at food bank, churches, parks etc. M-F 9:30am-2:30pm, starting out form LOGAN Center
Specialty Classes: Something for almost everyone…from cooking to crafts, fitness to drama, gardening to photography, music to computer and more! Weekdays at LOGAN Industries.
Recreation: Join others in fun activities on campus and in the community. Evenings and weekends.
Autism Center & Recreation: Assist with recreation/social skills classes, tutoring, childcare during parent meetings, or office help in the resource library at LOGAN Center
Internship Available: N/A
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Lubeznik Center for the Arts
Address: 101 W. 2nd St.
City, State, Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.lubeznikcenter.org
Phone Number: 219-874-4900
Contact Person: Carolyn Saxton
Email: csaxton@lubeznikcenter.org
Community Service Opportunity: N/A
Volunteer Opportunities:
Art Ambassador
Conduct tours and assisting with designated youth activities to youth groups. The time commitment is 2-3 hours per session on a periodic basis during regularly scheduled LCA hours. Typical visiting groups include youth clubs, Scouts, home school students, special interest groups, birthday parties, etc. Additionally the Art Ambassador may also be scheduled to present visual presentations to youth groups off-site. Call the Lubeznik Center at 219-874-4900 to volunteer or for more information.
Exhibit Assistant
Assist organization, installation, labeling and de-installation of program-related exhibits. Schedule is dependent upon the timing of exhibits and complexity of the installation. Call the Lubeznik Center at 219-874-4900 to volunteer or for more information.
Survey Analyst
Volunteer to administer surveys to various program participants as well as compiling and analyzing the data gathered. This is a flexible commitment. Call the Lubeznik Center at 219-874-4900 to volunteer or for more information.
Internship Available: Yes
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Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana Chapter
Address: Eleanor Street- P.O. Box 2763
City, State Zip: Portage, IN 46368
Website: www. Lupusindiana.org
Phone Number: 219-762-6575
Contact Person: Phyllis Simko
Email: Phyllis@lupusindiana.org
Brief Agency Mission:
To improve the diagnosis and treatment of lupus, support individuals and families affected by the disease, increase awareness of lupus among health professionals and the public, and find the causes of and cure for lupus.
Community Service Opportunity:
Develop and Initiate a Plan to Increase Awareness of Lupus. Improved awareness of lupus symptoms will cause more people with undiagnosed lupus to seek medical evaluation.
Design and distribute packets to physicians’ offices for newly diagnosed lupus patients and their families.
Design story boards for lupus to be displayed at libraries and other public places. Develop a plan for participating in health fairs to include displaying lupus material, story board, and distribution to people who attend the health fairs.
Volunteer Opportunity:
Create a reference document of articles from Lupus Now magazines. The job would entail entry of titles from the magazine by categories. This document would be used as a resource to pull a particular article(s) from a magazine(s) pertaining to wellness, men, teens, healthy eating, etc. for lupus patients.
Internship Available: N/A
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March of Dimes
Address: 604 S. Eddy Street
City, State Zip: South Bend, IN 46615
Website: www.marchofdimes.com/Indiana
Phone Number: 574-289-9519
Contact Person: Denise Patterson
Email: DLPatterson@marchofdimes.com
Brief Agency Mission: The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.
Community Service Opportunity:
Education and Interpersonal Communications classes team up to find a strategy & educate teaching children in the community about the mission of the March of Dimes and the importance of getting involved in the community and philanthropy. March for Babies involvement in the spring and Walkmania events would be an easy way to help incorporate the March of Dimes mission.
Volunteer Opportunity:
Contact media outlets in the county and surrounding counties to create more community awareness of the mission of the March of Dimes and our events. Also, find other marketing opportunities to pursue for public awareness.
Spring: March for Babies season
Fall: Prematurity Awareness Month & Special Events Season
Internship Available: N/A
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Michiana Resources
Address: 4315 East Michigan Blvd.
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: michianaresources.org
Phone Number: 219-874-4288
Contact Person: Kimberly Latchford
Email: latchford@michianaresources.org
Brief Agency Mission:
To provide and or facilitate resources thereby allowing persons served the opportunity to enhance their lives.
Community Service Opportunity: N/A
Volunteer Opportunity:
Clerical Assistant- Assists with copying, filling, mailing, typing, and answering the telephone.
Direct Care Assistant/Classroom Assistant- Assists with individual or small group activities such as adult daily living, self help and sensory motor skills training.
Maintenance Assistant- Assists Maintenance personnel with various tasks, such as mowing grass, trimming, pulling weeds and other related tasks.
Senior Services Assistant- Assists with individual or small group activities in such areas as academics, leisure, social skills, and community outing
Creative Concept Studio Assistant- Assists clients in the production of artwork, organize & prep art supplies, and frame & hang artwork.
Internship Available: N/A
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New Creation Men's Center
Address: 653 Axe Ave.
City, State Zip: Valparaiso, IN 46383
Website: www.ncbai.org
Phone Number: 219-548-3548
Contact Person: Tom Isakson
Email: tomi@ncbai.org
Brief Agency Mission:
New Creation Men's Center gives Porter County homeless men the tools they need to address the root causes of their homelessness, find/keep employment and gain self-sufficient housing.
Community Service Opportunity:
Collections of toiletries, laundry supplies, paper goods and other items are always needed.
Volunteer Opportunity:
Receptionists and resale shop assistants needed. We work closely with the Valparaiso Men's Overnight Shelter, which needs volunteers to purchase/cook/serve meals and supervise the men throughout the night.
Internship Available: Yes, for business or social service students.
Internship Available: N/A
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Porter County Aging & Community Services, Inc. (PCACS)
Address: 1005 Campbell Street
City, State Zip: Valparaiso, IN 46385
Website: www.portercountyacs.org
Phone Number: 219-263-8300
Contact Person: Melissa Westphal Benefiel
Email: mbenefiel@verizon.net
Brief Agency Mission:
Porter County Aging & Community Services, Inc. (PCACS) is a nonprofit organization that provides for the basic needs of Porter County senior, disabled and low-income residents.
Community Service Opportunity: N/A
Volunteer Opportunity:
Community Workshop Program Assistant: PCACS hosts several monthly Community Workshops educating the community on topics that are related to senior issues (e.g. heart attack prevention) and/or poverty issues (e.g. How to Rebuild Your Credit). It would be great to have a student looking for event planning experience to help with introducing speakers, indentifying potential speakers/topics, creating flyers for the workshops, etc.
Website Research: We need someone to analyze our website in terms of its user friendliness, our ability to make changes to it, and our alternatives. This student would look at the website software we currently use and give us a recommendation on whether or not we should continue using it. If the recommendation is to stop using it, then we would like a summary of our alternative software options. If the recommendation is to continue using the current website software, then we would like some advice on how to work with it so that it meet our needs and/or recommendations on how to change the look and content of our existing website.
Customer Service Research for our Transportation Service: PCACS offers a door to door (also called demand response) transportation service to seniors and the disabled through our 6 buses and 2 mini vans. It would be great to have a student studying marketing and/or customer service to do ride alongs on each bus to examine our strengths and weaknesses when it comes to how we service our transportation clients. They could also do a survey of these clients (create the survey with our assistance, distribute it, and analyze the results/feedback).
Internship Available: N/A
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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: 362-6316
Contact Person: Mary Hedge
Email: mhedge8@comcast.net
Brief Agency Mission:
Our mission is to improve reading, math, and English skills in the community through tutoring.
Community Service Opportunity:
Tutors are needed for all ages of people who need to improve any kind of literacy skill including speaking English. Usually tutors work one hour per week, same place and time, with one person or a small group.
Volunteer Opportunity:
We need tutors for our individual tutoring program. They tutor at the La Porte Co. Public Library and a few other public buildings. We normally have 20 people of all ages. A need is tutoring individuals on how to speak English.
Internship Available: N/A
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Reins of Life
Address: 9375 W. 300 N.
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.ReinsofLife.org
Phone Number: 574-232-0853
Contact Person: Sharon Burnside
Email: SKB315@netzero.net
Brief Agency Mission:
“To improve the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding.”
Community Service Opportunity:
Sidewalkers or horseleader for classes for people with disabilities. Requires
commitment for once a week (minimum) for riding session of 8 weeks.
Horse feeder-Feed horses one time a day/1 day a week.
Maintenance/grass cotting-flexible-as needed
Volunteer Opportunity: N/A
Internship Available: N/A
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Indiana-Michiana
Address: 615 N. Michigan St. P.O. Box 1274
City, State Zip: South Bend, IN 46624
Website: N/A
Phone Number: 574-547-7868
Contact Person: Shelley Lesniewicz
Email: N/A
Brief Agency Mission:
Ronald McDonald House Charitites, a non-profit, 501 ( c)(3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Its programs are grass roots-driven to enable the charity to offer help where children need it most in their own communities. RMHC makes an immediate, positive impact on children’s lives through its global network of local Chapters in 52 countries and its 3 core programs: Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. RMHC and its global network of local chapters have awarded more than $460 million in grants and program services to children’s programs around the world. These programs and grants provide a bridge to accessible health care and allow families time together which help in the healing process.
Community Service Opportunity:
Ongoing projects include seeking food and household goods to support families in need. Providing a “home away from home” to families with children in NICU, Peds, PICU, and Peds Hemotology/Oncology is our focus and there are a wide variety of goods needed.
Reaching out to educate the community about the Charity services and needs.
Volunteer Opportunity:
Volunteer positions are available between the hours of 9am-9pm daily. Answering the phone, welcoming and registering guests, light housekeeping-such as dusting, making coffee, putting away linens and occasionally cleaning overnight rooms and putting clean linens on beds.
Internship Available: N/A
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RSVP
Address: 321 W. 11th St.
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.catholic-charities.org
Phone Number: 219-874-8195
Contact Person: Thomas J. Szawara
Email: Tszawara@catholic-charities.org
Brief Agency Mission:
Provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for persons 55 years of age and older to keep them active and connected to the community, while providing volunteer service to worthwhile organizations and agencies in the community.
Community Service Opportunity:
Wheelchair ramp and home safety repair project-Construct wheelchair ramps and perform home safety repairs for less fortunate elderly and/or disabled residents of La Porte County; thereby keeping them safely in their homes.
Volunteer Opportunity: N/A
Internship Available: N/A
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The Salvation Army of Porter County
Address: 799 Capitol Road
City, State Zip: Valparaiso, IN 46385
Website: www.usc.salvationarmy.org/portercounty & www.lakenetnwi.org/member/salvationarmy
Phone Number: 219-508-9210
Contact Person: John Welch
Email: Jonathan_Welch@uscsalvationarmy.org
Brief Agency Mission:
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is 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 love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Chris and to meet human needs is his name without discrimination.
Community Service Opportunity:
Christmas/Holiday Assistance Program includes Angel Tree Application, collection & sorting of toys, food (drives), coat (drives), adopt-a-family, Thanksgiving Day Free Community Dinner, shut-in visitations/deliveries, Red Kettle Collection projects from November to December of each year. Volunteers are always needed for all areas of service. This would be for the late fall and winter season each year.
“Stuff the Bus” school assistance Program includes Application process, collection locations, sorting, Distribution Day with one day “Block Party” carnival type activities, information, food and school supplies. Volunteers are always needed for all areas of service. This would be available for summer and early fall each year.
Regular Social Service Assistance Program during office hour to assist people in need with food, rent, mortgage, utility, shelter, transportation, medicine, and others. This would be available for the whole year every year.
Volunteer Opportunity:
Red Kettle Campaign: bell ringing/collecting money at kettle sites throughout Porter County for Christmas Season
Angel Tree Toy collection (season), sort (1 week), and distributions (1-2 days)
Adopt-A-Family collection (season), sort (1 week), and distributions (1 day)
Thanksgiving Day Dinner, Thursday, 11am-1pm includes setup, cooking, serving, parking, cleanup and deliveries
“Stuff the Bus” Collecting 1 week, 2 hours/2persons, Monday-Saturday in July, applications (1 week) & distribution (1 day)
Youth Character Building classes like scouting programs for girls and boys school aged
Coat Drive collect, sort and distribute during the cold season (Fall-winter)
Food Drives throughout the year collect, sort and pack
Pick up Panera Bread Tuesdays and Thursdays (year round), pack food boxes (as needed)
Internship Available: N/A
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Share Foundation
Address: P.O. Box 400
City, State Zip: Rolling Prairie, IN 46371
Website: www.sharefoundation.org
Phone Number: 219-778-2585
Contact Person: Sandy Furman
Email: sfurman@sharefoundation.org
Brief Agency Mission:
The Share Foundation is a not for profit organization that serves the residential, vocational, spiritual and social needs of mentally retarded/other abled adults. Share is developing the 185 acre community of Sharing Meadows to provide a tranquil place where other abled people can live, work and relax in peace and dignity. Their unique gifts are recognized and appreciated as they focus on what they are able to do.
Service Learning Opportunity Description & Volunteer Opportunity:
The St. Timothy Center Camp building is the very heart of our year round values retreat/camp program. Other abled individuals over the age of 18 are invited to come to
Sharing Meadows for summer camp and mini camps. These days of retreat
provide recreation, fellowship and learning in a non-judgmental atmosphere in
which the values of independence, self-esteem, spiritual growth and socialization
are stressed. The entire community is strengthened by the presence of camp
where more people can experience the joy and love that is Sharing Meadows.
Share is looking for cooks, nurses, counselors and directors for the monthly
weekends and the six week-long camps in the summer.
Community Service Opportunity:
Steward in Sharing Meadows Homes (1 year commitment)
The first four of five planned residential villages are now open on Sharing
Meadows 185 acres of land to other-abled adults. The family style homes give
the villagers (residents) privacy and a sense of belonging and responsibility. Each
home has a steward who teaches the villagers daily living skills and assists them
to attain and maintain their highest level of functioning through individually
designed programs with specific goals and objectives. Sharing Meadows provides
meaningful and productive vocational training, which helps the other abled
achieve a healthy and joyful sense of worth. The villagers thrive in this
environment where they feel safe and loved and are encouraged to be who they
are meant to be. Share is looking for house managers (stewards) that would live in
the homes in a 1 steward to 2 villager's ratio.
Internship Available: Yes
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Shirley Heinze Land Trust
Address: 444 Barker Rd.
City, State Zip: Michigan City, IN 46360
Website: www.heinzetrust.org
Phone Number: 219-879-4725
Contact Person: Jim Erdelac
Email: volunteer@heinzetrust.org
Brief Agency Mission:
The mission of Shirley Heinze Land Trust is to preserve, protect, and restore the unique ecosystems of the Indiana Dunes region.
Community Service Opportunity:
Shirley Heinze Land Trust engages students and volunteers to help stewardship staff in restoration projects. Projects vary with time of year and specific nature preserve.
Volunteer Opportunity: N/A
Internship Available: N/A
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Stone Soup Community
Address: 333 N. Main St.
City, State Zip: South Bend, IN. 46601
Website: N/A
Phone Number: 574-246-0364
Contact Person: Beverly Torres
Email: stone-soup@sbcglobal.net
Brief Agency Mission:
Stone Soups mission statement is: To willingly listen to individuals and families in crisis. We work with people to solve immediate problems, assess long-term need and resources and accompany them as they move toward self-sufficiency.
Community Service Opportunity:
Our life skills counselors, under the guidance of the director, meet one-on-one with clients who wish to share their concerns. Our student volunteers and interns become well versed in our areas community resources, advocating and creative problem solving for those struggling with life’s basic needs.
Volunteer Opportunity: N/A
Internship Available: N/A
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Taltree Arboretum & Gardens
Address: 71 North 500 West
City, State Zip: Valparaiso, IN 46385
Website: www.taltree.org
Phone Number: 219-462-0025
Contact Person: Stephanie Heyer
Email: sheyer@taltree.org
Brief Agency Mission:
Taltree Arboretum and Gardens will establish and maintain woody plant collections, gardens, and natural areas for the benefit of the people in the South Lake Michigan Region.
Community Service Opportunity: N/A
Volunteer Opportunities:
Gardening: Do you love working with plants? Then get your hands dirty while working in Taltree’s gardens, greenhouse and nursery. You could help us with planting, mulching, weeding, pruning or even construction of new gardens. Tasks in the greenhouse and nursery involve seed separation, planting, watering, transplanting and moving plants.
Grounds/Facilities: If you get satisfaction from carpentry, painting, irrigation and garden hardscape, or just general maintenance issues, then we could use your assistance. There is always a variety of projects on the grounds at Taltree that will provide volunteer opportunities for you, whether you like to work alone or with a group.
Docent: If you would enjoy sharing the surroundings of Taltree with others, then get involved as a docent. We will furnish the training to enable you to lead Interpretive Hikes
on the grounds of Taltree. Whether you prefer to work with children as young as 4 years old or adult groups such as Garden Clubs, these hikes provide the opportunity to share Taltree’s message.
Education: As an educator you will be involved in presenting pre-established training programs. If you prefer working with children, you could be assisting or leading training classes in our adult education program. If you have a specialty (i.e. horticulture, botany, biology, etc.) or are a retired teacher, educator or trainer, you may be involved in creating or giving training programs in your specialty.
Events: Taltree hosts, or participates in, a wide range of events such as weddings, concerts, Taltree 10K run, art competition, workshops, classes and booths at trade shows or conferences. The activities and positions may be varied, but all participating volunteers have the opportunity to work with various age groups as they meet the public and help facilitate a successful event.
Native Plant Garden: Do you have an interest in conservation or native plants? Volunteers in the Native Plant Garden help maintain the plant displays while learning about ecosystems and the specific needs of Northwest Indiana’s native plants.
Outreach: With energy and enthusiasm, the Outreach Team presents the mission, vision, and goals of Taltree Arboretum and Gardens to community groups and other interested parties.
Office: If your preference is to work indoors, office volunteers assist with data entry, kiosk up-dating and visitor tracking. They may also furnish support with phone calls, faxes, functioning as receptionist, creating flyers and other office procedures.
Habitat Restoration: Along with removing invasive plants, you will prepare areas for and participate in prescribed burns.
Internship Available: N/A
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United Way of La Porte County
Address: 800 Lincolnway, Ste. 200
City, State Zip: La Porte, IN. 463650
Website: www.unitedwaylpc.org
Phone Number: 219-362-6256
Contact Person: Renee Barton
Email: renee@unitedwaylpc.org
Brief Agency Mission:
United Way is the collective power of everyone in La Porte County working together to change lives. When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all.
Community Service Opportunity:
Website updates including pictures, stories/press releases, events. Prep for events (celebration, training for campaign, campaign materials, etc). Keeping Facebook and Twitter updated.
Volunteer Opportunity: Food Drive (May), Basketball All-Stars, Walk for Homeless
Internship Available: N/A
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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 Agency Mission:
The United Ways of Lake, La Porte, Porter and Starke Counties have joined forces to build community through volunteerism.
Community Service Opportunity: N/A
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.
Internship Available: N/A
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Youth Service Bureau -- Big Brothers, Big Sisters of La Porte County, Inc.
Address: 906 Michigan Ave.
City, State Zip: La Porte, IN 46350
Website: www.youthservicebureau.com
Phone Number: 219-362-9587
Contact Person: Alliegra Hand
Email: alliegrabbbs@csinet.net
Brief Agency Mission:
To provide services promoting the development of youth into caring and responsible adults.
Community Service Opportunity: N/A
Volunteer Opportunity:
Summer Program Assistant from June 15- July 29th 2010 at least 11 hours per week. Responsibilities: Work as part of a team with the Director and Summer Program Helper
Plan and facilitate group life skills activities, help plan and organize field trips, daily activites and fundraisers, Attend fundraisers, Run the program if Director is unable to attend a Summer Program meeting, Stay at the YSB Summer Program location until all youth have left for the day, Be responsible for the youth when on outings, field trips, fundraisers, etc., Be attentive to the youth’s needs and feelings and respond appropriately, Continually positively reinforce the youth, Be a positive role model to the youth through your actions and words, Calmly correct the youth if they are breaking a rule or being disruptive, Assist Director to properly facilitate the Summer Program, Ask for assistance or clarification if not clear on something
Internship Opp. Available: N/A
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Community Service Links
Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement in Michigan City is looking for volunteer teachers for the spring session beginning March 16 and continuing for 6 weeks. For more information or to volunteer contact Brooke Switzer at brookes@fosterprinting.com.
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.
Tropical Adventures
The Tropical Adventures Foundation is a resource for empowering individuals and communities inside and outside of Costa Rica. Tropical Adventures provides volunteer and volun-tour packages for individuals, families and groups interested in exploring the culture, language and natural beauty of Costa Rica (and now Panama and Nicaragua).
Make A Difference Michiana
Make a Difference Michiana's mission is to connect the resources of the community with the non-profit organizations of Michiana. We collaborate with over 300 local agencies to provide a one-stop website for you to find all the information you need about non-profit organizations in the Michiana area. Our vision is to better connect the Difference Makers of our community in order to improve the lives of all Michiana residents through generous giving and volunteerism.
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 28
1401 S. US Hwy 421
Westville, IN 46391
Contact Numbers
Toll-Free in Indiana: (800) 872-1231 ext. 5742
Michigan City: 872-0527, ext. 5742
LaPorte/Westville: 785-5742
Valpo/Portage: 462-4197, ext. 5742
Fax number: 785-5658
Email
service-learning@pnc.edu
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