Opportunities From: Volunteer Iowa

Volunteer language proficiency evaluators at Iowa Legal Aid play an important role in helping low-income Iowans with limited English proficiency (LEP) skills gain access to justice Language proficiency evaluators will assess the translation and interpretation abilities of prospective volunteer translators and interpreters In addition, they may also review and provide feedback on the materials translated by Iowa Legal Aid's volunteer translators

We need volunteers to evaluate for languages of Iowa?s LEP low-income populations, including but not limited to Spanish, Arabic, Bosnian, Somali, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, German, Russian, Swahili and Laotian Volunteer language proficiency evaluators may be asked to review materials such as website articles, outreach resources, legal forms or client letters Based on their availability, volunteer evaluators will be given regular assignments which they can perform remotely

Qualified volunteer applicants will be language professors, translation studies graduate students and translators/interpreters holding certifications from government bodies such as state or federal courts or recognized professional associations such as the ATA, NAJIT, CCHI, NBCMI or RID

To apply please visit our website at http://www.iowalegalaid.org/resource/volunteers-wanted-at-iowa-legal-aid

Did you know that becoming a volunteer blood donor is one of the easiest ways to give back to your community?  You can help someone fight cancer, make a surgery happen or transplant possible.  Donating blood only takes about a hour of your time, and you will save up to three lives per donation! 

Call 800-287-4903 to schedule your donation appointment at our donor center or a blood drive near you! Or, you can find us on the web at www.lifeservebloodcenter.org  

Background: Iowa Legal Aid seeks applicants to fill AmeriCorps member positions for its regional offices in Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City, Mason City, Ottumwa, Sioux City and Waterloo, subject to funding availability. Iowa Legal Aid provides free, high quality legal education, advice and representation to low-income and elderly Iowans with civil legal problems that most dramatically affect poor and vulnerable Iowans.

Responsibilities: Individual AmeriCorps members will help with various projects that can include: helping seniors, veterans, and low-income Iowans get legal help; enhancing our unified client intake system; increasing outreach to underserved veteran, minority, disabled and immigrant groups; advancing legal self-help education and financial literacy, helping seniors and people with disabilities get services to live independently, recruiting and managing volunteers; improving volunteer management practices; enhancing Iowa Legal Aid’s website; marketing and public relations activities.

Qualifications: We seek applicants who communicate well with individuals and groups, both verbally and in writing. Applicants should also have some or all of the following:
1. Background working with people who are low-income, elderly, victims of domestic/sexual abuse, from other cultural and/or ethnic backgrounds, and/or have disabilities;
2. Bi-lingual verbal and written communication skills, in one of the languages most used by low-income Iowans, including Spanish, Bosnian, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, and/or ASL;
3. Ability to use computers to organize information, update website, and/or perform research;
4. College or community college;
5. Background in journalism, marketing, teaching, and/or volunteer recruitment/management.

Opening/Closing Date: When filled, with members starting between September 1 - November 30, 2015.

Salary/Benefits: Full-time AmeriCorps members receive a modest living stipend ($12,530 for 11 month, full-time term), student loan forbearance, child care benefit, and can receive an education award of $5,730. Some half-time positions will also be available.

Applications: Submit letter of application, including geographic preference, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references to:

Gail R. Klearman, Managing Attorney – Iowa Legal Aid
1111 9th Street Suite 230
Des Moines, IA 50314-2527
gklearman@iowalaw.org
515-243-1198 ext 1678 or 1-800-532-1503
TTY/Relay Iowa: 1-800-735-2942

Iowa Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants upon request
Auxiliary aids and services are available in alternative formats

We are in need of 1-2 person to be a back up to the Route Preparation Team Route preparers are responsible for packaging 1 month food portions (AniMeals) for all clients so drivers can deliver them once a month Individual would look at a preprinted label which has clients name, phone number, address, number and type of pets, misc info and drivers name to determine what amount and kind of pet food to provide to the client Food would be pulled for each client from various locations and place in a bag(s) for that client A label would be affixed to each bag Individual would also look at the Wish List which contains a list of supply items that clients have requested Items we have in stock would be pulled from inventory and placed in a bag for that client All client bags for a particular driver are then placed in a container for that driver Individual is also responsible for dumping bags of cat or dog food into empty cans Bags can weigh anywhere from 3lbs to 55lbs Thorough training would be provided | Person must be detail oriented, be able to complete tasks with accuracy, have the ability to lift up to 55lbs, work standing and bending for longer periods of time in a non climate controlled facility Must be committed to assist for 1 year or longer

We have openings for drivers A driver typically commits 2 hours monthly It involves picking up a packaged route at a central location and distributing the food to approximately 5-15 clients, all within miles of each other because of how we package the routes | Valid drivers license and 18 years of age required

As an all volunteer organization, AniMeals relies upon volunteers to manage our client list, schedule deliveries, pick up donations, sort, package and deliver food on a monthly basis We are always looking for volunteers interested in the following activities Drivers - Route delivery, must be 18 or older and have a valid drivers license Routes are delivered from the 7th through 14th each month Average monthly time commitment is 1-2 hours Packaging and organizing food - Package food that will be delivered to our clients each month Average monthly time commitment is 2-6 hours Community Events - Participate in select public events by representing AniMeals at our booth Responsible for interacting with the public and educating them on the AniMeals mission At some events AniMeals will also have items for sale as well Average time commitment per event is 2-4 hours |

Waterloo Elementary Schools are seeking volunteers 55 years or older to be Reading Buddies with children in first grade who are participating in the Reading Recovery program.

Skills required by volunteer: Volunteers must be patient and literate themselves, being able to read and speak clearly and fluently.  Time commitment:  Once or more a week.  The time served per visit is determined by the teacher. The frequency the volunteer will meet with student(s) is determined by the teacher and agreed upon by the volunteer. A background check with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry will be conducted as well as national checks through Raptor visitor check-in system. 

Contact Dee Euchner @ (319)272-2553 OR email @ euchnerd@waterlooschools.org

Mend or alter resident's clothing in your home. Pick up and return mending in a timely manner. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome daily with flexible times as arranged. Arrangements can be made for pick-up and drop-off if volunteer has no transportation.

Plan and instruct a small group of residents in simple crafts. Residents may have limited abilities or special needs. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome daily with flexible times as arranged. Volunteers under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Materials can be provided if needed.

Spend one-on-one time with residents: go for walks, help with letter writing, visit, play a card or board game, read to a resident, share a skill, etc. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome daily with flexible times.  Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Befriend a Country View resident who may not have family or friends in the area.  Meet with your resident friend at least twice a month with to visit and share common interests and activities.  Individual volunteers age 18 and over are welcome daily.  Families may bring children if they are supervised by an adult.  If you'd like, meet your resident friend when they go shopping, out to eat or on other outings with recreation staff. 

Help one or two adults with special needs experience the fun of fishing. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome daily with flexible times as arranged. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers transporting residents must have a valid driver's license.

Are you entertaining? Share your gift with us! We are looking for individual or group volunteers to entertain us with music, dance, a magic act, a comedy routine, being a clown, making balloon animals, doing face painting or anything entertaining!  Daytime and evening opportunities available as arranged.  Families and groups are welcome. Volunteers under 18 must stay within sight of a rec aide or be accompanied by an adult.

Assist a resident in organizing their closet by removing clothes that are out of season, do not fit, are worn out or stained, need mending, etc. Organize remaining clothing neatly in closet. Turn in other clothing items to volunteer coordinator or assigned staff. Communicate to volunteer coordinator any clothing shortages or needs. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome daily with flexible times as arranged.

Assist a recreation aide with a small group of residents in working with ceramics. Assist in bringing residents in wheelchairs to the activity. Assist with setup and cleanup. Residents may have limited abilities or special needs. No previous experience in ceramics needed. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome at scheduled activity times.

Help keep bulletin boards updated and attractive with current seasonal or holiday backgrounds. Materials provided. Opportunities exist daily with flexible times. Volunteers age 16 and up are welcome.

Accompany and assist residents attending appointments in the community. Meet a resident at their appointment site. Assist them into the building and with check in. Keep them company while waiting for the appointment and afterwards until transportation arrives. Volunteers will not accompany residents into the exam room and will not be utilized to relay medical information.  Assistance is needed on weekday days.

    Assist recreation staff with bingo.  Help rec aides bring residents in wheelchairs to the community room and back to their living area afterwards.  Assist residents playing bingo- with marking cards and with choosing prizes.  Bingo is played once a month on weekday mornings.  Volunteers between the ages of 13 and 17 must stay within sight of staff or be accompanied by another adult. 

    Help recreation staff give adults with special needs the opportunity to go shopping, out to eat, on picnics, fishing or attending community events, etc.  Assist recreation staff with crafts, other activities or special events.  The ability to push a wheelchair is helpful but not necessary. 

   Provide baked goods or treats on arranged dates for special events or fundraisers.  You choose how often you help, what you make and the quantities that you wish to donate.  Most times arrangements can be made to pick up baked goods if you have no transportation.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Monroe, Wapello, and Jefferson Counties is seeking individuals to serve on the RSVP Advisory Council for Monroe and Wapello Counties. The RSVP Advisory Council for Monroe and Wapello Counties provides support and guidance to RSVP activities specifically in the Monroe and Wapello counties.

The council will consist of approximately 7 to 15 community members who are passionate about the community and are versed in a wide range of key areas including, but not limited to, community service and volunteerism, human and social needs of the community, public relations, and programming.

The council should both reflect the demographics of the program’s service area and of the RSVP age demographic (persons aged 55 and older). Unlike a board of directors, the advisory council is not a legal governing body of the RSVP program. Rather, the council uses its expertise to guide the program and assist in its success. 

Heartland Humane Society is a no-kill shelter. We have many cats at our shelter. These cats need care and social interaction. Volunteers play with, groom, and provide care for the cats and kittens. Positive social interaction is important for the cats' overall health.

Heartland Humane Society is a no-kill shelter. We have over 100 dogs at our shelter. These dogs need care and social interaction. Volunteers walk the dogs, bathe them, and play with them. Positive social interaction is important for the dogs' overall health.

Great opportunity for anyone who loves helping others! Our Agency is looking for volunteer advocates whom are willing to be the first to respond to crisis situations. As an on-call trained advocate the volunteer will be able to assist survivors of domestic violence during police interviews, accompany survivors to a hospital if necessary, provide survivors with counseling, crisis intervention services, information, and referrals soon after a crisis.

This could be a perfect opportunity for college students to earn experience and/or do their internship at our agency.

Training will be provided free of cost!

Candidates most complete a 30 hrs training that will be provided by our agency free of cost. Candidates most be able to pass background checks. Bilingual/Multilingual candidates are encouraged to participate. Candidates most be willing to maintain the most strict confidentiality and adhere to the Code of Ethics as required by Iowa Law.

An opportunity for volunteers to organize activities within the community to create awareness on different issues affecting our community. This opportunity involves organizing displays, presentations, and diverse events. Some travel may be required.

We are looking for a volunteer who is very energetic and creative to plan and coordinate fundraising activities and/or events within our community. Ability to interact with diverse population, communication skills a plus. Some travel may be required.

Volunteer will be required to complete the Advocacy Training that is provided free of cost by our agency. The volunteer will provide direct services to clients that are undergoing court processes or are involve somehow in the Judicial System. This includes but not limited to accompany clients to trials, depositions, assisting client to fill out restraining order forms, etc. This is a great opportunity for interns!

Volunteer will be required to complete the Advocacy Training that is provided free of cost by our agency.

Rural Domestic Abuse Program is committed to serve survivors of domestic abuse, if you are passionate about helping others in need, this is a great opportunity for you to make a difference!

Candidates interested in this opportunity are required to complete 30 hrs worth of training that is provided by our agency free of cost and pass a background check. Individuals are required to adhere to the most strict confidentiality, and code of ethics requirements as required by Iowa Laws.

This is a great opportunity to assist survivors during and after a crisis situation. Duties include, but are not limited to assist clients by providing crisis intervention services, information, referrals, an responding to crisis calls.

We are looking for individuals with a passion for the cause and a desire to learn.

College and University students are encourage to participate

Region 5 of Iowa: Appanoose, Davis, Jasper, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska, Marion, Monroe, Poweshiek, Wapello, and Wayne Counties.

Many non-direct care opportunities are present for volunteers at the Child Care Center including: reading to children, sanitizing toys, cleaning windows, grounds keeping, laundry, and many other "housekeeping" tasks. The Center follows the Ottumwa Community School District calendar and is therefore, closed on certain holidays, including Spring Break and Christmas Break. The Center is also not open during the summer months when school is not in session.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Volunteers must also be able to sign a volunteer waiver indicating they are free of communicable diseases and have no criminal or child abuse record.

Helping with various clean-up activities, including window washing, lawn care, and various facility improvements. Working with and organizing events with youth.

Volunteers must pass child abuse and criminal records checks, as well as attend Volunteer Orientation.

The American Gothic House Center has several gardens full of perennial flowers, most of which are native prairie flowers. Volunteer gardeners help maintain the flower beds by weeding and removing dead buds and plants.

The residents at Good Samaritan Society Ottumwa need you and your talents. As you share your love with others, there will be mutual rewards. Many of our volunteers say that they receive much more than they give- and they give a lot!

Volunteer opportunities are endless, and your talents, no matter what they might be, are always welcomed.

Volunteer opportunities include: 

We require criminal background check. We also require application form to be filled out. Orientation to volunteer positions include history and mission of the Good Samaritan Society, Resident Bill of Rights, the importance of confidentiality and the protection of vulnerable adults, communication with elderly residents, policies and procedures for volunteers, infection control, safety and emergency procedures and specific training for the assigned volunteer position.

Persons under the age of 18 must also have a signed parental/guardian consent form.

Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS), a 501(c)3 organization located in downtown Ames, works with the U.S. Department of State to implement the Youth Exchange & Study (YES) Program in Iowa. YES participants are high school students (age 15-18) from Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The students have won scholarships from the U.S. State Department to build leadership skills, gain an understanding and appreciation for community service, and share their cultures with Americans. In return, these students take back a love for America - and specifically, Iowa - dispelling misconceptions about our country and culture in their home countries.

Host families are needed for one semester or full school year commitments. Students live as a member of your family - chores, meals, church, activities, and other family expectations. Families receive a small stipend to offset school and activity registration and fees, and students are provided with monthly stipends to cover some of their personal costs. Our students are required to get involved in activities, do monthly community service, and integrate fully as a part of your family, high school, and community.

For more information about hosting with IRIS, visit www.iris-center.org/yes-program.

Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS) is constantly in search of individuals and families throughout Story County to act as short term host families for our international guests. Once a year, IRIS has adults from Eastern Europe who come to Iowa to attend professional development programs for about three weeks. Area host families can act as a home-away-from-home for our participants as they develop skills in Iowa to take back home. Host families need only a bedroom for their guests and a hospitable attitude - sharing meals and taking guests about on your daily lives is enough to show international participants what a snapshot of life is like here in Iowa.