Revision 16 (March 9, 2010, 2:32 p.m. by None)

Collecting volunteer opportunities for youth in Ann Arbor. Many of these come from a publication created by the Community Resources department at the Ann Arbor Public Schools.

  • The Neutral Zone, Ann Arbor's teen center, has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and internships from helping to clean up to organizing programs, designing marketing materials, stuffing envelopes, managing computer systems ... Something for every skill level and time investment.
  • The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is accepting volunteer applications from groups such as high school honor societies, key clubs, college student special interest societies and other groups (over age 14) offering community service. These groups can help the Museum with various education programs such as our weekend Sciencepalooza science festivals, Members’ Nights and other special events. http://www.aahom.org/about_us/volunteer/
  • The Ann Arbor District Library runs a summer reading program that often takes a number of highschool students who help process registrations.

Ecology

Leslie Science Center needs volunteers to help out with special events (e.g. Earth Day), spring and summer camps, and classes that they offer to elementary age students.

In general, we have many sign creation projects, requiring a combination of creativity and artistic, or graphic design, talent. The signs are typically geared toward school aged children, though young teens. We also have a variety of gardening taks that can suite most any skills and knowledge level, from volunteers who maintain a theme gardens (natural area plants, water garden, apple orchard, pizza garden, etc.) to volunteers who help out all season spreading mulch and weeding around the raised beds and in the paths.

In addition, at both of our Discovery Gardens, we would like to develop general signs that show how to carry out some of the more basic gardening tasks. For example: hoe to plant seeds and seedings, indentifacation of some common bugs and virus problems,etc. These signs will need to be simple enough for a 4th or 5th graders to read. Another sign development volunteer activity would be creating signs showcasing our new program for low-vision and blind gardeners. We are putting in demonstration gardens (in a small raised bed, 3’x5’) outlining the techniques that most often helps low-vision gardeners and the area needs signs explaning the techniques. These signs will be both in print and Braille. We can help with or provide the braile translation if needed.

CONTACT: Sheri Repucci

EMAIL: [email protected]

PHONE: 996-3169

MAIL: Project Grow, 1831 Traver Rd, Ann Arbor MI 48105

WEB: www.projectgrowgardens.org

Elder Care

We are looking for caring hearts and helping hands to join the fun at our daily activities. Our programs include everything from crafts & music to exercises & bowling. Or maybe you would like to play a few games while visiting with residents! Do you have a hobby you would like to demonstrate or share? Come join our residents and help create pleasant days and memories in our warm, friendly, home-like environment!

CONTACT: Susan Hunt 327-1350

Many volunteer opportunities to assist residents including; visiting, transporting, pet visits, reading and letter writing. Facilitate programs: bingo, crafts, excersing and gardening. Orientation provided. Ages 15 and up.

CONTACT: Marcia Kirk Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer opportunities: Assist in leading activities for residents. Activities include, but are not limited to playing cards, chess, and reading books of articles, reminiscing about family photos.

CONTACT: Wendi Harvey, 213-1708 750 W Eisenhower

Volunteers are really needed at Hillside Terrace Retirement Homes Health Center and Assisted Living. People are needed to help with activities, visit with residents, and/or bring in and share their own interests and expertise. You can also do a one-time experience, eg. a recital, or a presentation etc.

CONTACT: Trey Litz 1939 Jackson Rd. 761-4451 or CR Office


Perform light clerical tasks at the office located at 3840 Packard. Must be 16 years or older to volunteer.

CONTACT: Candice M Jones,Heartland Hospice-Ann Arbor, Volunteer Coordinator at 888-973-1145

Health

Weekend fundraisers, afternoon-artwork for publicity, office work. Students of all ages can volunteer.

CONTACT: Kate Jones, 677-3081

Volunteers at the American Cancer Society may select from activities according to their interests: office work, assistance with education, service programs and fund raising projects.

CONTACT: Cindy Knapp, 2010 Hogback Rd. Suite 4 Ann Arbor 48105 971-4300

SJMVS is more than a place to volunteer, it is a place where you are needed and appreciated. You play an integral role in our health care team. We require a minimum commitment of 4 months and you would be volunteering 1 day a week (on a set schedule) for 3-4 hours beginning at 4 pm. CONTACT: 712-4159

EMAIL: [email protected]

Office work, assist outreach workers, learn about HIV/AIDS, prepare presentations for schools. Start an awareness group at schools. Help with special events (i.e. A2 Art Fair, Aids Walk Ann Arbor).

CONTACT: Calvin Dishman 572-9355 ext. 237

A nonprofit agency in Ann Arbor, that serves women who are in recovery from chemical dependence, is seeking energetic and committed volunteers to serve as Transitional Childcare Staff.

CONTACT: Holly 975-1602

EMAIL: [email protected]

TRI offers horseback riding lessons to adults and children with disabilities. We depend upon the services of over 120 volunteers each year to assist riders. It is a fun and fulfilling experience for the riders and volunteers.

CONTACT: Tracy Boyle, Volunteer Coordinator at 741-9402

Art

Volunteer at the Art Center! Help out in the education program, gallery shop, exhibition gallery, special events, and more. Meet new and interesting people while having a positive impact on your community. Opportunities for everything from mailing to hanging exhibitions.

CONTACT: Marsha Chamberlin, 117 W. Liberty Ann Arbor 994-8004 Ext. 101

Volunteers are needed during Artrain’s local stops and throughout the year for special projects.

CONTACT: Stacy Hanna 747-8300 1100 N Main, Suite 106

Registering students for classes, data entry, and occasional big projects, such as painting walls or props and assisting at special studio events. Ages 16 and up.

CONTACT: Robert Duha 747-8885


Education

A unique science, and technology museum with 250 participatory exhibits encourages students to volunteer to help with museum groups, the general public and exhibits, facilitators needed for pre-school room and science lab. “A great place to meet people and have a lot of fun” is promised. Anyone in grades 9-12 may apply by going to the museum for an interview and attending a training session. The museum wants volunteers to commit to 3-4 hours a week.

CONTACT: Volunteer Coordinator – Erin Mattimore 219 E. Huron St. 995-5439

EMAIL: [email protected] or [email protected]

Tutoring at

Be a first grade classroom volunteer. Stduents are ages 6 – 7 years old. If you are interested in education this will be a great experience.

CONTACT: Carol Detmer at Bach, 994-1949

EMAIL: [email protected]

Tutoring at

Kindergarten Classroom Volunteer: The students are ages 4-5. Responsibilities would include assisting with writing, reading and art activities. Reading stories with individual children and assisting children and the teacher as needed.

CONTACT: Deborah Joseph at 971-5902

EMAIL: [email protected]

Tutoring at

One-to-one and small group tutoring of K-5 grades, in all subject areas. Materials provided. School hours: 9-3:30

CONTACT: Principal Dicken School 2135 Runnymeade 994-1928

Tutoring at

One-on-one tutoring for 6th, 7th, or 8th graders in all subjects, particularly math and reading. Materials provided. During school hours or after school.

CONTACT: Counselors at Forsythe 1655 Newport Rd 994-1985

Other

Learn about the political process and help work on campaigns in local elections.

CONTACT: Tim Colenback 480-4986

EMAIL: [email protected]

Summer reading program. Helping adults and children to sign up for summer reading games.

CONTACT: Sherlonya Turner, 327-4268

Volunteers needed to help with hands-on ecological restoration projects in Ann Arbor’s natural areas. Most of these projects are outdoors and require physical labor.

CONTACT: Jason Frenzel 996-3266

Repackage, sort food, and organize for delivery on weekday afternoons. Kitchen work needed afternoons, evenings and weekends.

CONTACT: Missy Orge 761-2796

WEBSITE: foodgatherers.org

Clerical office work. Help with construction. Ages 16 and up.

CONTACT: Kay VanHorman 930-4663

Students may provide animal care at shelter if accompanied by a parent. Office work, fund raising, special events, mailing that can be done at home. Weekends, afternoons, evening. All ages with chaperone, otherwise 18 and up.

CONTACT: Tanya Hilgendorf 662-5585

Central support for task forces dealing with hunger, disarmament, Middle East Peace, Latin America, global warming and Iraq war. Opportunities for office support.

CONTACT: Chuck Warpenoski 663-1870 [email protected]


CONTACT: Francie Krawcke 997-1075

Volunteer in the gift shop, help with mailings, work with horticulturists, special events on weekends, greenhouse work during the week, and help with tours. Ages 14 and up.

CONTACT: Tara Griffith 647-8528

Volunteers are needed for ushering live events, marketing (distributing flyers) and office.

CONTACT: Jennie-Marie Adler 668-8397 ext. 39

EMAIL: [email protected]

Help with outreach efforts by distributing teen “help cards”, that has numbers for a variety of resources. “Youth, Education and Leadership” Program is for 14-20 year old. Looking for young people who are concerned about what is going on with youth today. 1705 Washtenaw Ave 48104

CONTACT: Michelle Jones 662-2222

Students will examine reproduction in the context of biological, social and psychological frameworks, with an emphasis on the integration of these perspectives to foster positive decisions about reproductive health. Clarification of personal values, awareness of community resource and of the role of communication and empathy skills in interpersonal relationships will be emphasized. This course serves as training for the Peer Education Program.

CONTACT: Planned Parenthood, 3100 Professional Dr., 973-0710

Peace Neighborhood, which provides after-school care and an educational program to build self-esteem, is seeking student interns and volunteers. The program stresses behavior modification activities such as learning games, tutoring, guest speakers, individual/small group work, and field trips. A hot meal is also served daily to youngsters. Participants number about 60 and come from Abbott, Haisley, Lawton, Dicken, Eberwhite and Mack Open Schools. Particular emphasis is given to working with children using the educational materials and instructions furnished by each child's teacher.

CONTACT: Paul Johnson, 1111 N. Maple Rd. 662-3564


The adapted program has volunteer openings for working with adults (primarily) and children who have special needs. Areas include water safety instructors, certified lifeguards, activity aides, and bowling and cooking classes. If you are paid for these, you cannot get CR credit. Classes are scheduled primarily on weekday evenings. Classes occur within 4 semesters: fall, winter, spring, and summer. Applications may be made in the following months: September, January, April, or June.

Contact: Linda at 994-2300 ext. 53203

EMAIL: [email protected]

Serve as a Red Cross Volunteer at local blood drives and help staff. Red Cross first aid station at U of M holds athletic contests. Must attend monthly volunteer meeting to receive full credit.

CONTACT: Erin 971-5300

The Salvation Army depends on our volunteers to be the extra hands to help us to help others. Through volunteering, you better the lives of others while you gain and expand your social circles. Our volunteers come away from events such as our Christmas distribution with a true sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. In addition, we offer many great opportunities for volunteers tailored to your specific abilities and interests.

CONTACT: Janice Nelson at (734) 668.8353


Join the Sunny Days program and volunteer your time to homeless youth. Volunteers provide care to children help with material preparation. Program runs approximately 8 weeks and begins mid June. To sign up, contact Donna and come to orientation. Background check is necessary on all volunteers.Ages 16 and up. Other duties as needed.

CONTACT: Donna 961-1210

EMAIL: [email protected]

Serve breakfast on Saturday mornings or other days. Program is 365 days per year 7-9am

CONTACT: Fran Rounds

EMAIL: [email protected]

The Youth Board is a year long commitment in which the youth may receive school credit for intense involvement. Thus far, they have attended a Youth Legislative day in Lansing, where they learned about policy making at the capitol. They are working to obtain a grant to fund the youth board, and they have recently been trained on how to conduct focus groups. They will soon be going to the schools to conduct actual focus groups with 8th graders and will use the information to fuel their work, apply for their grant, and to speak to school administrators. They are also going to go into schools to educate youth about their rights as students and will be advising the SAC Board of Directors on program development. Furthermore, the Board of Directors will also have projects for the youth to work on as time goes on.

Contact: Dana 482-4089

EMAIL: [email protected]

Volunteers for crisis counseling: training sessions weekday nights, followed by one three-hour shift per week. Six-month commitment. Must be 18 years old.

CONTACT: Donna 961-1210

EMAIL: [email protected]

Training provided, followed by weekly food distribution. Must be 18 years old.

CONTACT: Donna 961-1210

EMAIL: [email protected]



Students 16 and over volunteer in a choice of adult, pediatric and clerical placements throughout the UM Health System. Limited positions for 16 year olds. For more details and application, see the website at www.med.umich.edu/volutneer. Interviews required.

CONTACT: Karen Shill or Pamela Fogarty For appointment call 936-4327 ext. 3

EMAIL: [email protected] or [email protected]

As a volunteer with the Washtenaw County American Red Cross you can staff local blood drives, teach elementary and middle school students about emergency preparedness, assist clients after disasters, register community members for CPR and First Aid classes, assist with fundraisers and special events, participate in various community outreach opportunities, and help grow the Red Cross Club at your school.

CONTACT: [email protected].


Volunteers are needed as tutor assistants (help create materials for trained tutors), office assistance and data entry. Weekday afternoons. All ages.

CONTACT: 769-0099

The Women's Center is dedicated to emotional and economic self-determination of women, girls, and families. Learn about the unique challenges women face in the social service system. This CR is as active as you can make it. You can answer phones, work on the newsletter, help with mailings, arrange flowers, and work on the website. You may study during downtime.

CONTACT: Joan 973-6779

EMAIL: [email protected]

Provide physical comfort, assistance with recreation activities, and companionship for seniors with memory loss. Volunteer positions: Companionship, (reading, writing letters, visiting, and playing games). Assist with feeding Provide leadership for group recreational activities (music, pet therapy, cooking, group games).

Assist with office work; prepare craft items or projects, dining room set-up.

Requirements

Must feel a sincere desire to relate to the elderly with respect, compassion, and understanding. Must possess good listening skills, mature judgment, and emotional stability. Must maintain resident/family confidentiality of information.

Wear neat and clean street clothes while on duty and program name badge.

CONTACT: Angie Hanson Senior Health Bldg. St. Joseph Hospital 5361 McAuley Dr 712-2454