“Do
all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
- John Wesley
Introduction
Contents
Anchor
Beacon Center (Court House)
Bridgeway
Colorado
AIDS Project
Denver
Urban Ministries
Ecumenical
Refugee Services
Habitat
for Humanity
Heifer
Project International
Denver
Inner City Parish
Interfaith
Community Services
International
Connections
Cambodia
El Salvador
Poland
Zimbabwe
Meals
on Wheels
Hispanic Ministries, Iowa
Shannon
’s Hope
St. Paul’s Sunday Meals
Urban
Warren
Women’s
Crisis Center
United
Methodist Volunteers in
Outreach to Senior Citizens
More Community Ministries
Ideas for Mission/Outreach Projects and Activities
This booklet was developed by the Missions Team as a
starting point to help you find meaningful, hands-on mission experiences. It is
a guide to help the Missions Team connect you with opportunities for service,
that take advantage of your passions, the things you feel strongly about and
enjoy doing.
One of the three core values of our church is to be missional.
All of us around the world are part of God’s family. We are here to love and
support each other, near and far, in whatever way we can, whenever we can. To
help where there is loneliness, anxiety, hunger or struggle. To share what we
have and who we are. To seek justice in a world in which many people do not have
enough food, clothing, shelter or opportunities to live to their potential. To
share life with our brothers and sisters of all races, creeds, communities and
nations. The needs and possibilities
are endless.
We are here to help you. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to dialogue about mission opportunities.
|
Sincerely, |
|
St. Luke’s Missions Team |
|
Linda Backus |
|
Kathy Balu |
|
Rich Boon |
|
Cathy Dunwody |
|
Dalai Dy |
|
Marie Fornof |
|
Laurie Gilbert -Co-chair (303-791-1328) |
|
Patti Hildebrand |
|
Betsy Keyack |
|
Theresa LaRock |
|
Debra Lawrence |
|
Susan McIntosh |
|
Andrea Mezger |
|
Julia and David Murrow |
|
Anne Necker |
|
Peter Reif - Co-chair (303-593-0987) |
|
Linda and Jon Streaty |
|
Jan Stull |
Marla Vasten |
Denver, Co 80205-4972
(303) 377-9732
St. Luke’s Contact- Linda Backus
Exec.
Director- Alice Applebaum
Description
Starting in the late 1970’s, the
Denver alumnae of Delta Gamma saw an opportunity for enhancing the unique
potential of children who are visually impaired through exemplary pre-school
education, therapy and family support services. Since opening its doors in 1982,
with just a few pupils, the
Currently, the
Volunteers are always needed
for drivers, classroom helpers, clerical helpers, and language helpers - call
them for more ideas! In the past, some of our Sunday School classes made tactile
song cards for the children.
For
More Information:
http://www.anchorcenter.org
NOW KNOWN AS BEACON CENTER
333 W. Hampden Ave., #305
Englewood, CO 80110
(303) 761-6756
Executive Director
Anne Robinson
St. Luke’s Contact- Linda Backus
Description
Beacon Center is a private, non-profit organization comprised of three residential treatment programs for adolescents ages 10-18. All of its programs are state licensed as Residential Childcare Facilities and Residential Treatment Facilities. Beacon Center is also licensed as a Drug and Alcohol Program.
Volunteer Opportunities
Members of St. Luke’s could collect any of the following items needed by Beacon Center:
1) School Supplies. Items could include copier paper, college ruled paper, folders, trapper note books, rulers, scissors, pencils, pens, erasers caps, journal (composition) note books, highlighters, dry erase markers, index cards, pencil sharpeners, construction paper, post-its, chalk, non-toxic glue.
2) Books. Items could include used fiction/non fiction, biographies, self help study books, dictionaries, atlases, maps, encyclopedias, globes, posters, poster frames, GED study material, college entrance study guide and materials, career exploration and vocational opportunity materials.
3) Recreation needs could include, but are not limited to, sports equipment (i.e. balls, bats, gloves, bases, volleyballs, footballs, soccer balls, cones, flags, work gloves water bottles, fanny packs, bandanas, gator skin balls, rubber spots, tennis rackets and balls, mesh team jerseys (pennies) street hockey equipment etc.)
4) Any Educational computer software and movie videos that are rated PG-13. (no DVD player at Beacon Center).
(303) 969-0515, www.bridgewayhomes.org
Exec. Director – Carole Haas
St. Luke’s Contact- Theresa LaRock
Mission Statement
Bridgeway’s mission is to build new lives for pregnant teens and their
babies by providing shelter, food, clothes, education, life skills, counseling,
mentors, career training and support.
Description
Bridgeway is a loving home, providing education and support for pregnant and
parenting teenagers. Bridgeway’s focus is to help young women by encouraging
them to pursue educational goals, job training, good parenting and adoption
options. Mandated continued education, counseling and attendance in a series of
semi-weekly classes, taught by volunteers, helps to assure that they are
prepared for the future. These classes range from parenting, adoption and life
skills training to career options.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are needed in the Bridger Program, in which a person is a
friend/listener/role model/mentor and someone who provides emotional support.
Volunteers are also needed as Office Assistants, as
Public Contacts, in the Maintenance Program, in the Education Program, in Support Services
and in Special Services, such as baby showers.
Bridgeway also has a wishlist for donated items:
Mothers-Prenatal vitamins in
tamper-proof containers, calendars, bus tokens, feminine hygiene
products, shaving gel, water bottles, healthy non-perishable snacks, watches,
gratitude journals, baby name books, birthing and pregnancy books, grocery store
certificates.
Babies - medium and large diapers, hanging mobiles, newborn clothes (0-3
mos) (boys & girls)
House-Laundry baskets, birthday cards for adults, antibacterial spray
cleaner, 30-gal. & large size kitchen trash bags, low suds powder detergent,
cleaning supplies and oven cleaner, light bulbs and batteries, pots and pans.
Daycare Center-Book shelves, toy chests/boxes, stereo with CD player,
small bassinets, lockable file cabinet, toys for 0-12 months, books for 0-12
months, highchair.
(303) 837-0166
www.coloradoaidsproject.org
Exec. Director- Deirdre Maloney
St. Luke's Contact - Susan McIntosh
The
mission of Colorado AIDS Project is to improve lives affected by HIV and AIDS
and to prevent HIV infection.
Description
CAP
is the oldest and largest non-profit, community-based HIV and AIDS service and
education agency in
In
this decade HIV and AIDS will affect virtually every American in some way. CAP’s
Volunteer
Opportunities
Colorado
AIDS Walk
- St. Luke’s supports the yearly AIDS Walk Colorado
with enthusiastic walkers and sponsors. The
event began in 1987 as a way for caring communities in
Volunteers can be trained for the work performed
at CAP. Some of the volunteer opportunities available at Colorado AIDS Project
are:
Food Bank assistance
Prevention
and Education Outreach
Administrative
Support
Massage Therapy (licensed or training therapists)
1717 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80218
(303) 355-4896
www.denum.org
Executive Director - Tammy Mulligan
St. Luke’s
Contact- Anne Necker
Mission Statement
Denver Urban
Ministries (DenUM) nourishes the spirit of community and cultivates awareness of
urban life. We provide resources for persons in crisis and create opportunities
for individual and community growth and service.
Description
DenUM provides many
outreach services, including a food bank, clothing bank, Furnishings for People,
infant corner, bridge crisis fund, legal assistance and case management. DenUM’s
Job Center works with unemployed, underemployed and hard-to-employ
persons to assist them in obtaining, maintaining and/or creating jobs. DenUM
also provides a small thrift-store for individuals and families to
purchase clothing.
DenUM’s
Furnishings for People is the only "free for all in need" furniture program in the
metro Denver Area. Needed items include sofas, beds, occasional and dining
tables and chairs, baby beds, and high chairs. Please call DenUM ahead of
time for instructions before making these types of donations. DenUm’s
Infant Corner program provides diapers, infant formula, baby food, and
infant clothing to families with newborns and small children. The Bridge
Crisis Fund is a fund of emergency assistance money to help families and
individuals pay their rent or utility bills.
Volunteer Opportunities
DenUM urgently needs food for its food bank. A blue collection can marked "DenUM" is in the Missions closet. St. Luke's also participates in the "Food for All" in November and has a special food drive for DenUM in the Spring.
Volunteers are always needed at DenUM. Needs include Food and Clothing Bank workers, Computer Skills teachers, Job Center Phone Receptionist and workers at the DenUM concession stand at Bronco games.
DenUM also provides
an opportunity for outreach into the urban community through the Outreach
Volunteer Experience Program (DOVE). There are opportunities to work in a
variety of settings from 1 day to a week.
190 E. 9th Ave.
Denver, Co 80203
(303) 860-0128
Director of
Sponsorship – Genevieve Cruz
St. Luke’s
Contact- Betsy Keyack
Description
Ecumenical Refugee Services helps to resettle refugees who are legally approved in Colorado by providing the, assistance with educational needs, family and social services, medical attention, employment and cultural orientation. The main goal of ERS is to help refugees become self-sufficient and independent as quickly as possible. ERS has been working with refugees in this manner since 1979, resettling about 600 new refugees annually.
Refugees are people who MUST flee their homeland fearing death or persecution
because of their race, religion or political views. These people must leave
everything behind, including family members, material possessions and cultural
identity for the chance to rebuild a life with personal safety, individual
freedom and peace.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are opportunities to sponsor refugees at various levels of commitment.
The Church Sponsorship Program’s goal is assist a refugee family to become a
self-sufficient contributing member of the community within 3-6 months. ERS
finds and sets up housing for the refugee family before they arrive. ERS also
makes appointments at the appropriate social service agencies and obtains forms
that need to be completed. Church sponsors work with an assigned case worker to
help the refugee with transportation, school registration, understanding our
currency and banking system, food, furnishings or other needs.
Donations of household items are greatly needed. Ecumenical Refugee
Services will pick up large items or large quantities.
1500 W. 12th Ave.
Denver, CO. 80204
(303) 534-2929
St. Luke’s Contacts – need volunteers
Description
Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver was founded in 1979. The results have been inspiring! Habitat
has already provided simple housing for more than 200 children in Metro Denver.
In 2003, Habitat for Humanity will have built 40 houses in Denver, Westminster
and Lakewood. World wide, Habitat affiliates have built more than 35,000 homes.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are welcome on a one-time or longer term basis. To volunteer in
the
The Habitat web site also contains information about builds throughout Colorado and the US.
Habitat depends on the time and energy of volunteers for home construction, office support and committee work. Call and volunteer!
St. Luke’s Contact – Debbie Lawrence
Heifer Project International
World Headquarters:
P.O. Box 8058, Little Rock Ark. 72203
1-800-422-0474
www.heifer.org
Description
Heifer Project International combats hunger, alleviates poverty, and restores the environment by providing appropriate livestock, training, and related services to small-scale farmers worldwide. Heifer Project helps people utilize livestock as an integral component of sustainable agriculture and holistic development. Heifer Project’s projects strengthen rural families and communities through improved nourishment, increased production and the dissemination of skills and knowledge for self- reliance.
Heifer Project International has a wonderful website. Please check it out!
Volunteer Opportunities
Your family can purchase an animal for a family in need – there are not only heifers, but a variety of other animals such as chickens, goats, sheep, pigs and llamas. An easy way to do this is by participating in our Christmas Heifer Giving Tree.
Heifer Project also offers study tours and work-study trips for people who want to visit HPI projects and are committed to sharing the experience upon return. In addition, a family can take a trip to one of the learning centers (California, Massachusetts or Arkansas).
1212 Mariposa (new Administration location)
Denver, CO 80204
303-629-0636
Mission Statement
Denver Inner City Parish is a non-profit agency founded in 1960 to serve
low-income residents of West Denver. Its purpose is to provide basic human and
educational services to a disadvantaged community that is primarily but not
exclusively Hispanic/Latino.
Description
A major program of Inner City Parish is the Parish Seniors, with an active
client base of over 200 individuals.
Parish Seniors was developed to enhance the heath, social well-being and quality
of life for residents 55 years and older. The Parish Seniors meet every Saturday
beginning at 9:00 with coffee, rolls and conversation with friends. The program
offers basic medical services such as blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring,
vaccines and health education. Lunch is served at 12 noon, followed by bingo for
groceries. Excursions are taken bimonthly to places such as museums, movies and
bowling. Personal care, food, arts and crafts and transportation services are
also provided.
Inner City Parish also has a small school called La Academia for students in grades 6-12 who
have not been successful in the traditional school setting.
Volunteer Opportunities
Inner City Parish would greatly like help with
preparation and serving the meals to the senior citizens on Saturday. Volunteers
work from about 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
There is a tutoring program Monday through Thursday mornings for the young people
at La Academia..
Volunteer tutors are very welcome for Math and Language Arts on any of these
days.
Volunteers can also help with repairs and office work.
***New Opportunity - Church groups or families are invited to adopt a room at either the La Academia School or at the new Administration location at 1212 Mariposa. The room adoption would include maintenance such as repairs and painting. This sounds like fun!
3370 South Irving, Englewood, CO.
80110
(303) 789-0501
Community Relations Coordinator – Maria Pearson
St. Luke’s Contact- Anne Necker (Giving Tree); Betsy Keyack
Description
Interfaith provides many services to people in need in our community, including food, transportation, clothing and senior programs.
Volunteer Opportunities
Bring soup for Interfaith!!! St. Luke’s has been actively involved with Inter-Faith through canned soup donations. A blue bin with an Inter-Faith label is used to store your donations in the Missions closet.
Each year St. Luke’s joins in the "Gift giving" program through Inter-Faith. Members are asked to select a tag from the designated Christmas Tree, buy the requested gift, return it to church by a designated date. St. Luke’s is then responsible to get the gifts collected and organized and taken to Inter-Faith. Inter-Faith then takes the responsibility to get the gifts delivered. St. Luke’s has donated hundreds of gifts over the years.
There is “no end to the volunteer help needed.” Some volunteer needs are:
1) Volunteer Receptionist, Minimum of 6 months, 2-4 hours a week.
2) Senior Medical Transportation Driver, Minimum of 6 months commitment, number
of hours per week/month at volunteers discretion.
3) Driver for Donation Pickups
4) Food/Clothing Bank Assistant
5) Holiday Helper
6) Senior Lunch Bunch Driver
7) Mentors, friends, car mechanics, literacy and cooking/nutrition tutors
8) Drives (i.e., collection) for toiletries, household items and clothing.
Programs in the Planning Stages are Adopt a Grandparent and a Computer-based
Job Center.
Siem
Reap,
St. Luke’s contact is Laurie Gilbert or Andrea Mezger
St. Luke’s has been connected to the Siem Reap
Financial
assistance is needed. Funds will be
used for the
St.
Luke members currently sponsor 25 students with academic scholarships.
St. Luke’s contact is Betsy Keyack
St. Luke’s has been connected since 2003
Both
financial assistance and construction teams are needed.
Funds and/or teams will be used for renovation of the
St. Luke’s contact is Laurie Gilbert
St. Luke’s has been connected since 2002
Need new or gently used children and women’s clothing.
Maternity clothing is in great need.
Like new toys also greatly appreciated.
Donations are personally delivered and distributed by Mr. and Mrs.
Rathbun to the many refugee camps all over
St. Luke’s contact is Laurie Gilbert
St. Luke’s has
been sending assistance since 1997.
Town of Littleton Cares, Inc.
P.O. Box 1176
Littleton, Colorado 80160
St. Luke’s Contact- Looking for Volunteers
Exe. Director- Jan Andrus
(303) 798-7642
Description and Volunteer Opportunities
Town of Littleton Cares, Inc. Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organization
with the purpose of delivering hot noontime meals to the homebound frail,
elderly and disabled five days each week.
All participants live in the Littleton, Englewood, or Western Arapahoe County.
Each weekday, meals need to be delivered around the noontime. All meals are
packaged hot and are ready for pick up by 11:30 each day at the Bradley House.
At the time the meals are picked up, maps and names are provided for easy
locating of participants. The scheduling is very flexible. A volunteer not only
provides a delicious hot meal, but a daily personal touch. Daily contact gives a
sense of security and pleasure while balanced meals improve general health. Be
prepared, taking on this task might make you rich in adopted grandparents you
adore.
Beatitudes for Friends of the Aged
(By Esther Mary Walker)
Blessed are they who understand my
faltering step and palsied hand.
Blessed are they who know that my ears today must strain to catch the things
they say.
Blessed are they who seem to know that my eyes are dim and my wits are slow.
Blessed are they who looked away when coffee spilled at the table today.
Blessed are they with a cheery smile that stops to chat for a little while.
Blessed are they who never say, "You’ve told that story twice
today."
Blessed are they who know the ways to bring back memories of yesterdays.
Blessed are they who make it known that I’m loved, respected and not alone.
Blessed are they who know I’m at a loss to find the strength to carry the
Cross.
Blessed are they who ease the days on my journey Home in loving ways.
In June, 2002, nine people from St. Luke’s traveled on a
mission trip to the
There is a growing Latino immigrant population in
While in Iowa, we also visited the
Currently Cathy Whitlatch is the pastor of the Columbus Junction, Iowa United
Methodist Church. Ron is a missionary with the National Plan for Hispanic
Ministries. He has been training leaders in local churches for Hispanic
ministries. Ron has been helping churches start Hispanic Ministry programs and
make their churches hospitable to Latinos.
At the Columbus Junction church, there is a weekly adult Sunday School class in Spanish. They are also involved in a "Coffee Project," which helps coffee growers in Latin America receive a dignified wage. Ron and Cathy handle requests for emergency translation and counseling in Spanish. Christian Education and child care is offered to children while their parents attend English classes. In addition, there are Vacation Bible Schools in the summer.
Our hearts and prayers remain with Ron and Cathy Whitlatch and the people to whom they are in ministry as they work to build a supportive community of faith and loving fellowship with the members of God’s family in Iowa .
Shannon’s Hope,
P.O. Box 1477, Wheat Ridge. CO 80332
Contact: Leslie Pottebaum, 303-286-1119
St. Luke’s Contact: Theresa LaRock
Shannon’s Hope serves to improve the quality of life for pregnant women at risk of becoming homeless or living in poverty. Shannon’s Hope helps clients initiate a plan for independence.
Founded in 1982, Shannon’s Hope is a Christian maternity home providing a residential community for pregnant women aged sixteen through menopause who have no place to call home. Shannon’s Hope provides a long-term program to foster self-esteem and the development of parenting skills. Counseling is offered, in addition to classes in Parenting, Nutrition, Bible Study and Budgeting. Shannon’s Hope has room for 7 women (and children). The Board of Directors is looking for a larger building because of the demand and the number of women they have to turn down.
Donations of baby items and toiletries are welcome.
Drop the items in the blue tub marked “Shannon’s Hope” in the Missions
closet, or visit Shannon’s Hope directly.
Donations of pantry items, meat and produce are always
needed.
Other volunteer needs include teachers for life skills classes, relief houseparents and office assistants.
1615 Ogden Street
Denver, CO. 80218
303-832-4929
St. Luke’s Contact: Linda
Backus
St. Paul’s United
Methodist Church started the Sunday Meal program on October 5, 1987. They did so
because of a very real need in the community. Although other programs operated
six days a week, there was no place for a hungry person to turn on Sundays. They
started with a simple meal cart loaded with sandwiches in the church parking
lot. But when the cold weather hit, they moved the meal into the church, where
it has continued. The goal is to provide a hot, nourishing, sit-down meal to
those in need.
All are welcome at
the meal tables. Meal guests are women, men, teens, and families with small
children (and they are seeing many more children). Most of those who eat at St.
Paul’s tables are homeless and nearly homeless. Many are chronically mentally
ill. Some folks, living on low monthly incomes, have to choose between a place
to live and something to eat. Everyone at the Sunday Meal is treated with warmth
and respect.
The nation’s
mayors say they are facing a rising tide of hunger and homelessness. A report
released by the US Conference of Mayors shows an average 18% jump in the demand
for emergency food, the largest boost since 1992. The report also shows an
average 12% increase in demand for emergency shelter.
The Sunday Meal
program had an increase of 15% during the year 2000, to an average of 300 meals
per Sunday.
Through the
kindness of a few organizations, members of St. Paul’s UMC and friends who
believe and support the cause, St. Paul’s has been able to provide a hot,
sit-down meal to all who come to their door.
You can sign up to help at the
Urban Peak, 1630
S. Acoma, Denver, CO 80223
303-777-9198
www.urbanpeak.org
St.
Luke’s Contact: Patti Hildebrand
Mission Statement
Urban Peak’s mission is to serve homeless and runaway
youth by providing them a safe, caring, stable environment and assist them in
permanently exiting street life.
Description
Urban
Peak is Colorado’s only licensed homeless and runaway youth shelter. Founded
in 1988, Urban Peak is a full service agency providing a continuum of services
that range from street outreach to housing.
Stabilization
services are provided at the main facility, which include emergency shelter with
42 beds, meals and hygiene products, an on-site school with computer lab, GED
classes, job training and placement, scholarship programs, medical care, and
drug/alcohol/ psychiatric counseling referrals.
The
key to Urban Peak's success at helping youth move off the streets is the
intensive case management they receive. Case managers contact family members and
legal guardians, develop goals with the youth for self-sufficiency and help the
young people locate housing.
Volunteer
Opportunities
1. St. Luke’s Evening Meal Donation Program – Volunteers provide dinner and breakfast for 50 youth on the 4th Tuesday of the month. Volunteers bring the food to the church and a volunteer delivers it to Urban Peak. More details and sign-up sheets on Missions kiosk.
2. Go to Urban Peak with a small group and prepare and serve a meal to youth.
3.
Provide donations
to the shelter including personal hygiene items, over-the-counter cold remedies,
blankets, towels
4. Provide donations to youth moving to permanent housing such as small household items, blankets, towels, sheets.
5.
Christmas Season - buy gifts items from St. Luke’s Gift Tree. Participate in Christmas Gift Wrapping Party.
6.
Annual
“Climb the Peak” Awards Dinner
(youth honors event) - provide food or silent auction items.
7.
Mentor Program - assist a youth for 6 months
to one year with life management skills and guidance.
8.
Teach in the Computer Lab.
9. Provide
GED
Tutoring
10.Outreach
Volunteers seek out homeless youth
in crisis and encourage them to seek assistance.
Warren Village,
1323 Gillian Street, Denver, CO. 80218
303-321-2345
www.warrenvillage.org
Resources Director
– Naomi Taggart, 303-321-2345, Ext. 201
St.
Luke’s Contact(s): Open – Need Volunteer
To promote personal and economic self-sufficiency for
single-parent families committed to empowerment by providing model programs in
transitional family support services, affordable housing and quality childcare.
Warren Village is a residential program, which moves
low-income single-parent families from government assistance to personal and
financial independence in approximately two years. Warren Village offers one,
two and three bedroom apartments to low-income, single-parent families for a
maximum of two years. Resident
families pay 30% of their income for rent.
The Family Services staff helps residents set and achieve
specific personal, education, employment and family goals.
With support from Family Advocates, residents work and/or go to school,
attend life-skills classes, and give back to the community through volunteer
service.
The Greta Horwitz Learning Center at Warren Village provides quality childcare in a multicultural setting for both resident and neighborhood children.
St. Luke’s Annual Halloween Party, sponsored by the youth and the Missions team. Halloween Costumes for children ages 7-12 are needed in addition to help planning and hosting the party.
Classroom assistants
Evening life-skills class facilitators
Evening children's programs helpers
Substitute teachers
St. Luke's Contact –Debbie Lawrence
Exe. Director- Jennifer Walker
It is the ultimate vision of the Women’s Crisis
Center to assist in ending violence in the lives of all people. The Women’s
Crisis Center has found the definite need for another shelter. It is becoming
increasingly more difficult to accommodate all of the women and children that
are requesting their services. This would be an excellent opportunity of someone
to sponsor a fundraiser, to help them with the financial aid to make this
possible. Donations are also needed, the Women’s Crisis Center asks that
anyone interested in giving material donations, please call them first. The wish
list continually changes.
Please call (303) 688-1094.
Programs
24 Hour Crisis Line
*Crisis Intervention
*Information/Referral
* Resources
Emergency Shelter
*Advocacy
* Support
*Resources
*Employment Assistance
Women’s and Children’s Therapy
*Shelter
*Out-client
*Employment Assistance
Legal Advocacy
*Support
*Advocacy
*Information/Referral
*Resources
UMVIM enables persons to utilize their unique skills and
gifts in hands-on mission activities in a global context. The UMVIM theme is
“Christian love in action!” Adults
and youth can volunteer as individuals, join an existing team, or start a new
team. Length of service can vary from 1-2 weeks to several months.
UMVIM has a variety of needs all over the
United Methodist Commitee on Relief (UMCOR) Depot - Teams and individuals are needed at the UMCOR/Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, Louisiana to process disaster material resources.
UMCOR Disaster Response - Volunteers are needed to help at disaster relief sites on an ongoing basis.
Medical Mission Trips - The United Methodist Volunteers in Mission has a Fellowship of Healthcare Volunteers who go on medical mission trips. Many project locations and sources of medical equipment and medicines have been identified. Please contact Holly Ludlam 719-634-5576.
At the web site, there is also the ability to find project listings
of projects for each state in the
For more information and to explore the countless UMVIM opportunities, start with the above Web site, or contact Betsy Keyack.
www.douglas.co.us/DC/HumanSvcs/SeniorSvcs.htm
Senior Services is dedicated to enhancing the quality of
life for older adults by providing a social setting, a support network for older
people and assistance in alleviating health problems. There is a Neighbor
Network program through which volunteers can provide people with rides to the
doctor, etc. – there is a great need in this regard. Andrea Mezger is the
contact.
· Spirituality – Bible Study groups, prayer groups, worship
· Recreation – Exercise, group games, brain teasers, cooking, outings
· Support – Self-worth, losses, loneliness, illness
· Education – Current events, stress management, housing choices, legal
· Social – Singalongs, music, skits, crafts, FUN activities – BRING THE KIDS!!
Catholic Charities provides numerous services to people of
all faiths. Its mission is to help people, strengthen families and build
communities. Samaritan House (303-294-0241) is a homeless shelter in
Providing instruction in English as a second language is a
great need in this area, including Highlands Ranch. Volunteer tutors are needed
to help immigrant students one-on-one. Please call Penny Perkins, the Douglas
Public Library District Adult Literacy Program Coordinator.
Volunteers of
If you would like to help serve meals to people in need at Thanksgiving or
Christmas, you can contact Volunteers of America. This should be done at least 2
months in advance.
United Way provides assistance to a large number of
organizations that reach out to people who need help. Perhaps some of these
organizations could use your skills or passions. This is one place to look for
opportunities to share computer, legal or medical skills in the