A collection of volunteer opportunities for youth and/or teens in Ann Arbor/Washtenaw County. Many of these come from a publication created by the Community Resources department at the Ann Arbor Public Schools.
See also these websites:
Volunteer Match!
Youth Empowerment
Ecology
Growing Hope
Growing Hope depends on volunteers to lead and assist in all of our programs and operations. Together we’re growing community, gardens, and healthy food! Individual volunteers and groups large or small are welcome on a one-time or ongoing basis. We always welcome people to come and actually dig in at any of the gardens and in the hoophouse or lend a hand at the farmers' market! We also have numerous volunteer opportunities that aren't about getting dirty, such as office work, educational opps, board & committee service, special events assistance, research you can do for us on your own time, and more. See here: http://www.growinghope.net/helpusgrow/volunteer.shtml
ADDRESS: PO Box 980129, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
PHONE: 734.786.8401
EMAIL: jeremy(at)growinghope.net
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.
Natural Area Preservation, City of Ann Arbor
NAP projects are many and varied. They include stewardship workdays, natural features inventory, adopt-a-park, photo monitoring, etc. Groups may set up a volunteer project as well. http://www.a2gov.org/government/publicservices/fieldoperations/NAP/volunteering/Pages/default.aspx
ADDRESS: 1831 Traver Road PHONE: 734.794.6627 EMAIL: [email protected]
Nicodemus Wilderness Project: Apprentice Ecology Initiative
The goals of the Apprentice Ecologist Initiative™ (officially recognized by the U.S. EPA) are to elevate young people into leadership roles by engaging them in environmental stewardship projects, empower youth to rebuild the environmental and social well-being of our communities, and improve local living conditions for both citizens and wildlife. MAIL: Post Office Box 40712, Albuquerque, NM 87196
CONTACT: Yih-Ming
EMAIL: [email protected]
http://www.wildernessproject.org/volunteer_apprentice_ecologist.php
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
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
Health
Weekend fundraisers, afternoon-artwork for publicity, office work. Students of all ages can volunteer.
CONTACT: Kate Jones, 677-3081
Arbor Hospice
Volunteers may sign up for “By Your Side Companions” or “Vigil Care Volunteer Program”. http://www.arborhospice.org/volunteers/volunteers.html
Address: 2366 Oak Valley Drive
Phone: 734.662.5999
e-mail: [email protected]
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
Motor Meals
Volunteers deliver 10-13 meals, taking 1-2 hours to complete a route. Meals are picked up at 11:30 weekdays and 10:30 on Saturdays (9:30 on holidays and Saturdays August - December). Volunteers can choose the day and frequency for delivering meals that works with their schedule. Volunteers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult driver. Driver's ed students, please contact the office. Kids are welcome! http://www.med.umich.edu/chs/services/meal.htm
PHONE: 734-998-6686
EMAIL: [email protected]
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
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]
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]
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
Ann Arbor Civic Theater
Many opportunities such as mailings/office help, set painting, and ushering. Minimum Age: 13 Check website: http://www.a2ct.org/files/participate/partform.htm
MAIL: 322 W. Ann Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 CONTACT: Emily Rogers 734.971.0605 EMAIL: [email protected]
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
Street Theater Art Project (an initiative of the University of Michigan)
Festifools Parade (April 11, 2010 4-5 p.m.) FestiFools (and its parent organization, the START Project) strives to bring students and community volunteers together to create unique public art that is free and accessible to everyone. Volunteers needed to create puppets beforehand, and to help on the day of the parade. Minimum Age: 14 http://festifools.org/
MAIL: Studio - 1239 Kipke St., Room 1309, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
CONTACT: 734.763.7550
EMAIL: [email protected]
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
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
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/
Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop
Groups volunteer at the PTO Thrift Shop. Website http://a2ptothriftshop.org/volunteer.php
Address: 2280 S. Industrial Hwy.
Phone: 734.996.9155
Arrowwood Hills Community Center
Homework assistance and tutors needed. Volunteer your services and be a part of the growing educational tide at Arrowwood Hills Community Center. Assist with homework activities and provide tutoring for youth ages 5-11, Monday thru Thursday from 4-6pm at the After School program. http://www.arrowwoodhills.com/
ADDRESS: 2566 Arrowwood Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 PHONE: 734 665-6629 Office CONTACT: Matt at 734 665-6629 EMAIL: [email protected]
Bryant Community Center
ADDRESS: 3 West Eden Court, Ann Arbor, MI PHONE: 734.994.2722
Fight Aids in Africa (Youth Empowerment)
http://www.youthempowerment.com/programs.htm http://www.youthempowerment.com/for_kids.htm
ADDRESS: 202 E. Huron, #101, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 PHONE: 734-761-3005
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
Girls on the Run-Southeastern Michigan
Our volunteers are a dynamic team dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and strengthening girls from the inside out. With a small staff, we rely on our volunteers to help us with many different aspects of our organization. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved at a variety of different times. Please take a look at our opportunities to determine what works best for your schedule. http://www.girlsontherunsemi.org/index.php
ADDRESS: 5320 Elliot Drive, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 PHONE: Lisa Gizzi (program coordinator) [email protected] EMAIL: 734.712.5640
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
Judson Center (Youth Mentors)
Volunteering at Judson Center is an excellent way to help those in our community who are in need. Individuals and groups can contribute directly or indirectly to the mission of Judson Center. Please contact us so we can help match your volunteer objectives to the needs of our programs. Volunteer opportunities include: Academic Tutoring, Clerical, Food Pantry, Handy Person, or Join a Committee.
ADDRESS: 4925 Packard Road, Suite 200
PHONE: 248-837-2033
CONTACT: Gail Lincoln
EMAIL: [email protected]
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]
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.
CONTACT: 734.214.9995
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
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
Rebuilding Together
The last Saturday in April each year. A one-day program to do home repairs here in the Ann Arbor - Ypsilanti area on a house that needs a small group of skilled workers, and a larger group of less skilled workers. Teenagers (especially high schoolers) can volunteer and contribute. They can attend without their parents. http://www.stfrancisa2.com/socialministry/rebuildingtogether.htm
CONTACT: Jim Wissman 734-971-9215 [email protected]
Recycle Ann Arbor - ReUse Center
Volunteers are needed to help prepare and distribute recycling literature packets, to promote recycling in their communities, and to assist with public recycling events such as community clean-up days. Volunteer as little as a few hours per year, to as much as a few hours per week.
CONTACT: Caroline Mitchell at (734) 662-6288, ext. 114, [email protected].
EMAIL: [email protected]
SafeHouse
SafeHouse Center’s Teen Voice is a group of teen volunteers (13-18 years old) dedicated to ending dating violence and sexual assault by providing educational events and presentations. Teen Voice works on a peer-to-peer education model that believes that the best way to reach and educate teens is to have the information presented by their teen peers. Teen Voice is committed to raising awareness and creating social change on the issue of teen dating violence and sexual assault. Teen Voice is available to come speak for your class, group, or agency! Teen Voice members go through 20 hrs of training, and hold weekly TV meetings. Trainings are held twice a year, once in the fall and again in the spring.
CONTACT: Elana Bloomfield 734-973-0242 ext. 290, [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]
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. Minimum age is 13.
CONTACT: Mike Lyons 734-971-5300 [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]
