Why should I volunteer?
  
 (from the former Volunteer Resource Center, www.volunteertwincities.org )

Scroll down for local volunteer opportunities!

10.  Gain Job Experience
Volunteer experience looks great on a resume.  Also, some of the work you do could lead to a job doing similar work.

9.  Improve Your Health and Self-Esteem
Volunteering to help others has been shown to reduce stress, give you hope, and boost your self-esteem.

8.  Meet Real Community Needs
Helping people learn to read, or get basic food, clothing, shelter or furniture makes a huge difference!  Whether the project is planting a tree or tutoring children, the community will look and feel better.

7.  Gain Entrance to College
Colleges and universities today are looking for applicants who have more than high grades.  They are looking for well-rounded people who have volunteered to make a difference in their communities.

6.  Meet New People and Establish Friends, Connections and References
When you work alongside others, you really get to know them and become friends with them.  Also, adults at organizations where you volunteer can connect you to great opportunities and provide you with a useful reference for a job or college.

5.  Gain New Skills and Develop Talents
Whether you enjoy working with computers, children or seniors, any interest you have can be developed through volunteering.

4.  Spread Positive Energy and Hope
Just like random acts of kindness, when you volunteer, your energy and efforts affect the whole community in a positive way.

3.  Make the World a Better Place
If you see problems in your community that you feel need addressing, do something about them.  By volunteering, you do make a difference and help make the world a better place.

2.  Personal Growth
By taking on new tasks, you'll learn more about people and life.

1.  It's Fun!
Volunteering will bring laughter and smiles into your life




 

Youth Volunteer Opportunities
This is general information.  For more details, please contact the organization.

The Arc of East Central Iowa

            Contact Name & Title:  Jessica Esch, Development & Communications Coordinator
            Address:  680 2nd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA  52401
            Phone:  319-365-0487 x1020
            Email:  jesch@arceci.org

            Organizations Mission Statement:  The Arc of East Central Iowa servers our community by   
            providing advocacy and services, which help people with developmental disabilities and their 
            families choose and realize their goals in life.  We work to reduce the incidence of develop-
            mental disabilities through education and public awareness.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities
            1. Volunteer position description:  Wrapping for a Cause
                         November 24 - December 24.  We need volunteers to help us set up for the event in late  
                         November, recruit, organize, and manage a large volunteer staff, and we also need volun-
                         teers to help supervise wrapping shifts - duties include checking in volunteers, overseeing
                         the cash register, and wrapping gifts.
                         1 time event, Flexible weekly hours

            2.  Volunteer position description:  The Challenger
                         We need volunteers to help us stuff, label, and sort our monthly newsletter for bulk mail
                         Ongoing Opportunity, 8-10 hours per month

            3.  Volunteer position description:  Administrative Support
                         We need volunteers to help with filing, shredding, bulk mail preparations, data entry, and
                         other general administrative support tasks.
                         Ongoing Opportunity, Flexible weekly hours

            4.  Volunteer position description:  Special Events (including Arc March and Golf Outing)
                         We need volunteers to help us solicit raffle prizes, help with event set-up and tear down,
                         and help with event coordination.
                         1 time event, 5-10 hours per week (for approximately 2 months for each event each year)

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa

            Contact Name & Title:  Sharie Greif, Development Director, Recruitment
            Address:  206 Collins Road NE,  Cedar Rapids, IA  52402
            Phone:  319-377-8993 x108
            Email:  SharieG@BeABigCR.org

            Organizations Mission Statement:  The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to help children reach
            their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities
            1.  Volunteer position description:  Lunch Buddies, Age 16+
                         Lunch Buddies visit an elementary aged child at school once a week or every other week
                         over lunch.  Eat together, read books, play at recess or work on homework.  Must provide
                         own transportation to the elementary school.  School schedule must allow you to leave 
                         campus to spend time with the same elementary student for the entire school year.
                         Ongoing opportunity, 1 hour per week
                 
Brucemore

            Contact Name:  Jim Kern
            Address:  2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, IA  52403
            Phone:  319-362-7375
            Email:  jim@brucemore.org

            Organizations Mission Statement:  To engage the public in history, traditions, resources and
            on-going preservation of Brucemore for the enrichment of the community.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities
            1.  Volunteer position description:  Decorate for the holidays, direct traffic, guide tours, assist with
                         office work, help plan and research exhibitions, scan archival photographs and documents,
                         serve refreshments at events, staff the Museum Store, work with school groups, 
                         assist with children's events, and assist with the garden.                 

Camp Courageous of Iowa

            Contact Name & Title:  Shannon Poe, Respite Care/Volunteer Director
            Address:  12007 190th Street, PO Box 418, Monticello, IA  52310
            Phone:  319-465-5916 ext 2320
            Email:  spoe@campcourageous.org

            Organizations Mission Statement:  All people, regardless of ability level, have the right to opportuni-
            ties found in the world around them.  Individuals with disabilities, as well as, their families, should
            experience year-round recreatonal and respite care activities in a camp setting.  Camp
            Courageous of Iowa provides this needed service to all.  The camp provides opportunities for
            social and personal growth within a supportive environment.  Campers learn to try a variety of
            creative and challenging activities and experience success.  Campers develop enhanced self-
            esteem, which carries over to work, home, or school environments.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities
            1.  Volunteer position description:  Volunteer Counselor (Ages 16+)
                         Volunteer counselors must have a sincere desire to work with peopl with disabilities.  They
                         must be responsible, energetic, and have a good work ethic.  Volunteer counselors are 
                         responsible for the care and saftey of campers under supervision.  This may include 
                         assisting campers with feeding, dressing, transferring, and personal hygiene.
                         Weekend (Friday 6:30pm-Sunday 1pm) or Weeklong (times vary by season) opportunities
                         available.

            2.  Volunteer position description:  Group Service Projects
                         A variety of tasks are available for groups such as church groups, civic organizations, 4-H 
                         clubs, etc. that are looking for service projects.  Projects may include grounds keeping, 
                         housekeeping or maintenance tasks; administrative projects (mailings, stuffing envelopes)
                         or other needed tasks.
                         Ongoing opportunity, can last from 1 hour up to 1 week.

Catherine McAuley Center

            Contact Name:  Sue Driscoll, Volunteer Coordinator
            Address:  866 4th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA  52403
            Phone:  319-363-4993
            Email:  volcoordinator@qwest.net

            Organizations Mission Statement:  The Catherine McAuley Center, founded by the Sisters of
            Mercy, promotes the well-being and dignity of individuals in need by providing basic education
            for adults and a transitional housing program for women.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities
            1.  Volunteer position description:  Food Pantry Volunteer
                          Stocks and organizes the food pantry used by the clients at the Center.  Must be 16 or 
                          older, reliable, can work with minimal supervision and be able to lift up to 40 lbs.  Ongoing 
                          opportunity, flexible schedule, 2 days per week.  Approximately 2-4 hours per week.

            2.  Volunteer position description:  Lawn Care Volunteer
                          Maintains the lawn at the Catherine McAuley Center.  Position includes mowing, trimming
                          and edging sidewalks.  Lawn mower and trimmer provided.  Qualifications:  Must be 17 or
                          older, have basic knowledge of lawn equipment and flexible schedule.  Opportunity begins
                          in May and ends in October.  Approximately 2-3 hours per week.
  
            3.  Volunteer position description:  Fundraising Event Volunteers
                         Work at one of our four fundraising events, helping with set-up and tear down of event.
                         Must be 16 or older, flexible, reliable and able to lift up to 30 lbs.  Events include the Mall
                         Walk, held at Westdale Mall on February 16th, the Spelling Bee held at Xavier High School 
                         on May 7th, the Tea Party held at Mercy Medical Center on September 21st and the Quilt
                         Sale held at the American Red Cross building in November.  Approximate 2-4 hours per
                         event.

Community Corrections Improvements Association

            Contact Name:  Breanna Wriston
            Address:  951 29th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA  52404
            Phone:  319-398-3675
            Email:  breanna.wriston@iowa.gov

            Organizations Mission Statement:  The mission of the CCIA is to support community based
            corrections with community involvement, environmental stewardship, acceptance, and financial
            resources to establish and embrace pro-active programs that break the cycle of dysfunction
            for the family.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities
            1.  Volunteer position description:  Peer Court (for high school students) 

Four Oaks

            Contact Name:  Marti Gray, Director of Training and Support Services
            Address:  5400 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA  52404
            Phone:  319-364-0259 x388
            Email:  mgray@FourOaks.org

            Organizations Mission Statement:  Four Oaks provides family-based services that help children
            grow into competent, caring and responsible adults and encourage development of community
            attitudes and support systems to assure their success.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities
            1.  Volunteer position description:  Peer Mentor
                         Serve as a mentor for children in the Achievement Academy program.  Befriend a child, 
                         play games, assist with activities, help with homework, develop a lasting relationship.
                         Ongoing opportunity, 2 hours per week

            2.  Volunteer position description:  Clerical Assistant
                         Learn about human services by providing clerical support.  Answer phones, make copies, 
                         filing, collating packets, job shadow leadership positions.
                         Ongoing opportunity, 2 hours per week

            3.  Volunteer position description:  Special Event Assistance
                         Assist with one time projects such as fall Back to School, winter Holiday Celebrations, 
                         spring Wendy's Golf Classic, summer swimming party, etc.  
                         1 time event, Hours per week: Varies

            4.  Volunteer position description:  Unit Adoption
                         Adopt a unit of 5-8 kids and recognize all birthdays, decorate for the season/holidays, 
                         initiate penpal activities.
                         Ongoing opportunity, 2-3 hours per month

            5.  Volunteer position description:  Study Assistant
                         Help children with their homework
                         Ongoing opportunity, 2 hours per week

H.D. Youth Center
            Contact Name  & Title:  Mr. Henry Davidson, CEO
            Address:  1006 3rd Street NE, Cedar Rapids,IA  52401
            Phone:  319-363-5239 or 319-329-8841
            Fax:  319-396-4773
            Email:  hd-youthcenter@mchsi.com  or  goldenhubcap@mchsi.com

            Organizations Mission Statement:  The Youth Center was founded in 1997 by Henry Davidson, who
            saw a need for a safe and supervised center where area young people could go to play games, 
            study and interact with other youth in a drug free environment.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities
             1.  Volunteers are always needed to help supervise and coordinate activities at the Youth Center
                          as well as chaperone on outings and trips.  The center also counts on its volunteers to 
                          help serve breakfast to the homeless 5 days a week Monday thru Friday from 5:45am to
                          7:30am.

Habitat for Humanity

            Contact Name:  Tommi Boeder
            Address:  500 3rd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA  52406
            Phone:  319-366-4485

            Organizations Mission Statement:  HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness
            from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities
            1.  Volunteer position description:  Build, assist in the office, work in the ReStore, serve on 
                         committees, and help with special projects that benefit the organization.     
                   

Indian Creek Nature Center

            Contact Name:  Jean Wiedenheft
            Address:  6665 Otis Road SE, Cedar Rapids, IA  52403
            Phone:  319-362-0664
            Email:  jvwnature@aol.com

            Organizations Mission Statement:  Indian Creek Nature Center's purpose is to promote a
            sustainable future by: nurturing individuals through environmental education; providing leader-
            ship in land protection and restoration; and, encouraging responsible interaction with nature.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities
            1.  Volunteer position description:  Restorationist
                         Assist in prairie seed collection, honey extraction, removing exotic plant species and 
                         trail repair work

            2.  Volunteer position description:  Special Event Assistant
                         Honey Fest, Nature's Noel, Maple Syrup Fest, Plant Sale

            3.  Volunteer position description:  Scout Workshop Volunteer

Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, Inc.

            Contact Name & Title:  Erin Gray, Education Director
            Address:  315 3rd Avenue SE, Suite 209, Cedar Rapids, IA  52401
            Phone:  319-862-1100
            Email:  egray@jaeasterniowa.org 
            Website:  www.JAEasternIowa.org

            Organizations Mission Statement:  Junior Achievement's core purpose is to inspire and prepare
            young people to succeed in a global economy.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities
            1.  Volunteer position description:  Classroom Volunteer 
                         Achievement teaches students in kindergarten through high school about business and 
                         economic education.  All programs are taught by a volunteer.  The elementary programs are
                         5 activities, each lasting 30-45 minutes.  Middle school programs are 6 activities, 45 min-
                         utes each.  All program materials are provided as well as a one-time volunteer orientation.
                         Volunteer requests for a particular school or grade level are handled on a first-come, first-
                         serve basis.  To view updated information regarding available class opportunities, please
                         view our website at www.JAEasternIowa.org 
                         Ongoing opportunity

            2.  Volunteer position description:  Special Event Volunteer
                          As a non-profit organization, Junior Achievement hold four special events throughout the 
                          year to raise necessary funds to offer programs to area schools at little or no cost.  The 
                          success of each event is dependent on volunteers to help plan and run the events.  The
                          events are: the Junior Achievement East Central Business Hall of Fame in September, 
                          Bowl-4-Education in the fall, a wine tasting and auction known as Taste of Spring and 
                          Volley-4-Education in June.  Each event has volunteer opportunities ranging from a plan-
                          ing committee member to a day-of-event volunteer.
                          Ongoing opportunity 
       
Linn County Conservation - Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center

            Contact Name and Title:  Chuck Ungs, Conservation Education Specialist/Volunteer Coordinator
            Address:  Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, 10260 Morris Hills Road, Toddville, IA  52341
            Phone:  319-892-6489 or 6485
            Email:  Chuck.Ungs@LinnCounty.org

            Organizations Mission Statement:  To provide high-quality outdoor recreation and education
            opportunities and to help people understand the value of natural resources in their lives.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities
            1.  Volunteer position description:  Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center Host Volunteers
                         Open the Center, greet guests, may answer questions in person or on the phone, some
                         administrative tasks.  Ongoing opportunities are available for various 3-hour shifts on
                         weekdays or on weekends weekly.  Individuals sign up for the specific date and time they
                         wish to.

            2.  Volunteer position description:  Abbe Creek School Host
                         Volunteers open the building, greet guests, may answer some questions in person, some
                         housekeeping skills.  A knowledge or interest in one room schools if of great value.  Hosts
                         sign up for specific Sundays from 1pm-5pm between Memorial day and Labor day.

            3.  Volunteer position description:  Group Service Projects
                         A variety of tasks exist to utilize the skills of groups such as church groups, scouts, 4-H 
                         clubs, and other civic organizations who desire to complete projects.  Tasks may include
                         grounds keeping, habitat improvement or restoration, housekeeping, maintenance, 
                         administrative duties (mailings), or other needed tasks.  Ongoing opportunity for a variable
                         amount of time.

             4.  Volunteer position description:  Individual Service Projects
                         A variety of tasks may put your skills to the test.  Tasks might include grounds keeping, 
                         habitat improvement or restoration, housekeeping, maintenance, administrative duties
                         (mailings), or other needed tasks.  If you have a vision, bring it to us and we'll try to help
                         you see it to fruition.
                         Ongoing opportunity for a variable amount of time.

             5.  Volunteer position description:  Janitorial Assistant
                         Assist staff with the cleaning and TLC for the building and grounds.  Demand varies by 
                         season.  Hours would vary by your schedule - but would occur between 8am and 4:30pm
                         and could occur between Monday and Friday.  Some potential exists for weekend stints as
                         well. 
                         Ongoing opportunity for a variable amount of time.             

Miracles in Motion

            Contact Name & Title:  Christine Denburg, Volunteer Coordinator
            Address:  2049 120th NW, Swisher, IA  52338
                              (3 miles west of Exit 10 (Swisher/Shueyville exit) on Interstate 380)
            Phone:  319-337-3010
            Email:  christineatMIM@netins.net

            Organizations Mission Statement:  We foster personal achievement by providing diverse 
            equestrian activities with therapeutic, educational and recreational benefits for persons
            with disabilities.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities
            1.  Volunteer position description:  Sidewalkers
                         Walks beside the horse, assists the rider as needed during class, jog alongside horse
                         and rider as needed for brief trots.
                         Ongoing opportunity, 3 hours per week

            2.  Volunteer position description:  Horse Committee
                         Lead horse in class, groom horses and assist in barn, opportunities to participate in 
                         advanced grooming, health care and riding (test required)
                         Ongoing opportunity, 4 hours per week

            3.  Volunteer position description:  Other needs
                        Help out around the riding center, from the office to the garden, assist with maintenance
                        of property and buildings, willing fundraisers are always welcome, internship and work-
                        study are available.
                        Ongoing opportunity, Flexible weekly hours

Planned Parenthood of East Central Iowa

            Contact Name & Title:  Jenifer Vick, Director of Communications & Development
            Address:  3425 1st Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA  52402
            Phone:  319-363-9000 x312
            Email:  Jenifer.Vick@pponline.org 

            Organizations Mission Statement:  To provide healthcare services, education, and advocacy that 
            ensures the right and ability of all individuals to manage their sexual and reproductive health.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities
            1.  Volunteer position description:  Assist with office duties in regard to fundraising, clinical 
                         services, and administrative tasks.  Tasks include: helping with direct mail and
                         correspondence, copying, labeling and filing.
                         Ongoing opportunity, Flexible weekly hours                        

The Salvation Army

            Contact Name:  Debra Applebee
            Address:  1000 C Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, IA  52405
            Phone:  319-364-9131 x107
            Email:  dapple@tsacedarrapids.org

            Organizations Mission Statement:  The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an 
            evangelical part of the universal Christian church.  Our message is based on the Bible. 
            Our ministry is motivated by the love of God.  Our mission is to preach the gospel of
             Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities
             1.  Volunteer position description:  Bell ringing
                         Persons needed Monday thru Saturday, November 15 - December 23, to ring the bell at
                         kettles located throughout the city.  Shifts are in 2 hour increments, but groups may take
                         a full day (10am - 8pm) and rotate members.

                         Bell ringing is a yearly fundraiser for The Salvation Army.  The money brought in through
                         bell ringing is used to fund social services that are provided throughout the following
                         year.  Bell ringing brings in funding that allows us to help needy individuals with the 
                         following services: rent, deposit, and utility assistance, food pantry, meal program, shelter, 
                         clothing/furniture/appliances/gasoline vouchers, summer day camp, basketball, after 
                         school program, character building programs, holiday meals, holiday food box, Christmas
                         toys, and emergency disaster services. 

            2.  Volunteer position description:  Kitchen Assistant
                         Persons needed to help serve meals Monday thru Friday at breakfast (7am - 9am)
                         and lunch (12pm - 2pm).  One person is needed for the breakfast shift and two for the
                         lunch shift.  The Salvation Army's Meals with Love program provides balanced nutritional 
                         meals to any individual in need.  Must be at least 16 for this position.
                         Ongoing opportunity

            3.  Volunteer position description:  Janitor Assistant
                         Person to assist staff with various cleaning projects.  Shifts are available Monday thru
                         Friday, (7am - 10am), (9am - 12pm), or (12pm - 2pm).

            4.  Volunteer position description:  Office Assistant
                         Person to answer phones, direct clients, and various other duties.  Shifts are available
                         Monday  thru Friday, (9am - 12pm), and (2pm - 3:30pm).

            5.  Volunteer position description:  Character Building Program
                         Programs teach skill building to kids between the ages of 4 and 12.  The curriculum
                         provides skills to maintain personal hygiene and cooking preparation.  A class about 
                         drug awareness is also provided.  Shifts are available Monday thru Thursday, (2:30pm -
                         5pm).  No experience needed but work with children helpful.

Tanager Place

            Contact Name & Title:  Andy Manternach, Recreation and Volunteer Coordinator
            Address:  2309 C Street SW, Cedar Rapids, IA  52404
            Phone:  319-365-9165 x399
            Email:  amantern@tanagerplace.org 

            Organizations Mission Statement:  The mission of Tanager Place is to successfully serve children
            and families challenged by social and psychological needs.

            Youth Volunteer Opportunities:&nbs