Issue Areas
Animal Welfare Children Community Elderly
Environment Poverty/Housing Special Needs Support
Animal Welfare
Buck Fund http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/buckfund.html
Issue Areas:
Description: The H. Dale Buck Animal Welfare Memorial Fund, Inc. ("Buck Fund") mission is to combat pet overpopulation, and to protect and place lost, abandoned, and unwanted animals in loving homes. The organization strives to protect and enhance the lives of companion animals by promoting healthy relationships between pets and people. Responsible pet ownership education and correctly matching the right people with the appropriate pet for their lifestyles is a primary component of our adoption program. The H. Dale Buck Animal Welfare Memorial Fund, Inc. is "best friends to man's best friend".
Volunteer Activities/Events:
Involvement Process:
Contact Information: ????, 620-343-3377, buckfund@cableone.net
*Non-profit*
City of Emporia Animal Shelter www.petfinder.com/shelters/emporiaksshelter.html
Issue Areas: Animal Welfare, Fundraising/Awareness
Description: The Animal Shelter provides care and shelter for stray cats and dogs. They are dedicated to finding good homes for the animals that they provide temporary shelter for. They accept donations of pet care supplies, towels, blankets, pet foods, treats, toys, and chews, as well as are always looking for volunteers to give extra love and attention to the animals in the shelter.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Assistance with cleaning, walking dogs, and petting/playing with the animals.
Involvement Process: Interested volunteers must fill out an information form, sign a waiver, and go through training covering safe handling of animals.
Contact Information: Peggy, 620-340-6345, ashelter@emporia-kansas.gov
*Non-profit*
David Traylor Zoo of Emporia www.emporiazoo.org
Issue Areas: Animal Welfare
Description: The purpose of the David Traylor Zoo is the creation of an environment which provides an opportunity of cultural enrichment for the community and surrounding area while fulfilling the Zoo’s obligations to conservation, education, and recreation.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Helping facilitate various events throughout the year, which include Spring Forward for Amphibians (February), Earth Day (April), Open House (June), Zoo Camps (July), and Safari Adventure Day (October). Another volunteer opportunity is to become a Docent, which is a volunteer teacher who is trained to handle the animals and is dedicated to teaching about animals, promoting ecological awareness, and supporting the Emporia Zoo.
Involvement Process: For the special events or short-term volunteering, make contact for available opportunities. To become a Docent, there are eight training sessions, 2 hours each, to learn how to safely work with animals. Docents are required to join “Friends of the Zoo”, which includes a onetime $20 fee. Those interested in being a Docent should be comfortable speaking in front of small groups.
Contact Information: Angela Anderson, 620-341-4372 OR 620-341-4365, emporiazooed@emporia-kansas.gov
*Non-profit*
Humane Society of the Flint Hills http://www.humanesocietyflinthills.org/wp/
Issue Areas: Animal Welfare, Fundraising/Awareness
Description: The Humane Society supports the humane treatment of all animals, with the goal of creating better awareness of animal importance and to treat them with respect and kindness.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Events include Pets in the Park (September), Dog House Build (October), Hay Giveaway (November), and handing out dog treats at the Great American Market (September).
Contact Information: Judy Dieker, 620-342-4477, hsfh@att.net
*Non-profit*
Children
After School Program, Emporia Middle School
Issue Areas: At-Risk Youth, Education/Dropout Prevention, Mentoring, Tutoring, Youth Development
Description: The After School Program is designed to increase the academic, social, and emotional development of students and to assist them in meeting or exceeding state and local standards, especially in reading and math.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Leading fun activates and projects to help the kids learn (ex. arts and crafts, boxing club, cooking, science, sports, games, etc).
Involvement Process: Interested volunteers must go through a training session covering safety and rules. Must be available during program time (2:45 - 3:45pm).
Contact Information: Dawn Young, 620-341-2335, dawny@usd253.org
*Non-profit*
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Flint Hills www.bbbsfh.org/Home.html
Issue Areas: At-Risk Youth, Mentoring, Youth Development
Description: Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) serves children between the ages of 5 and 17 years old, primarily from single-parent families in Case, Coffey, Lyon and Morris Counties. The BBBS program matches volunteers with children who want or need a mentor. The BBBS mission is to help children reach their fullest potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Being a one-to-one mentor by providing a positive role model who offers support, friendship and guidance to children who come from all social, financial and ethnic backgrounds. One-to-one mentoring is a minimally 6 month commitment, where Bigs are encouraged to get together with their Littles for a couple of hours on a weekly basis. Another opportunity to volunteer is for site-based programs, such as “Buzz Club and Hornet Queens” and “Sister Sister”, which typically begin in the fall and end in the spring. These programs provide mentoring experience within a group setting. There are also a variety of special events throughout the year, such as a Murder Mystery Dinner (February), Earth Day (April), Bowl for Kids Sake (May), Poker Run (June), fishing activities (June), and a Christmas Party (December).
Involvement Process: Volunteers are required to go through an intake/enrollment process to determine if they are eligible to serve as a mentor. The process consists of a volunteer inquiry record, volunteer application, in-person interview, background checks, reference requests, and volunteer eligibility and assessment. Depending on availability, the process can take two-four weeks.
Contact Information: Jessica Hopkins, 620-342-5645, jessicah@bbbsfh.org
*Non-profit*
Camp Alexander www.campalexander.org
Issue Areas: Mentoring, Youth Development
Description: Camp Alexander is a non-profit corporation which is funded by the United Way and private donations. The purpose of the corporation is to maintain this wonderful facility for outdoor environmental education and family activities. Their mission is to empower children with wisdom, life skills, positive character traits, self confidence and provide a safe place for growth and enrichment in the great outdoors. Camp Alexander has recreation, crafts, and education facilities, as well as a mountain bike course, 2 lakes, a shooting range, a ropes course, and a climbing wall.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Assisting with camps and field days for schools, including help running team building games/activities. Also, maintenance of the camp is something they always need help with.
Involvement Process: To work with the kids, volunteers are required to fill out an application and have a background check (for the safety of the kids). Having CPR and First Aid training is also helpful, but not required. To help with maintenance or small projects, this process may not be necessary.
Contact Information: Damon Leiss, 620-342-1386 OR 620-341-5940, dleiss@emporia.edu
*Non-profit*
Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE) http://cece.emporia.edu
Issue Areas: Education/Dropout Prevention, Mentoring, Youth Development
Description: The CECE provides a high quality early childhood environment for children. They provide all day care and early education for kids ages 12 months to 5 years of age, and in the summer they offer a school aged program. They strive to provide a healthy, safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment that encourages young children's natural growth and development. Their early childhood program is designed to foster each child's social-emotional, cognitive, language, and motor development through child-centered activities that are developmentally appropriate.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Reading to children, planning and running educational activities (health, art, departmental, multicultural, etc), fall and spring family events, bake sales, and summer activities.
Involvement Process: If interested in long-term volunteering, it is mandatory to get a TB test, KBI training, a background check, and individual training for child safety. If interested in short-term volunteering, make contact for available opportunities.
Contact Information: Keely Persinger, 620-341-5290, kpersing@emporia.edu
East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation (ECKAN) www.eckan.org
Issue Areas (ECKAN): Housing, Hunger, Youth Development
Issue Areas (Head Start): At-Risk Youth, Education/Dropout Prevention, Health/Nutrition, Mentoring, Tutoring, Youth Development
Description: ECKAN serves low-income persons in Anderson, Coffey, Douglas, Franklin, Johnson, Lyon, Miami, Morris and Osage Counties. Their mission is to identify and focus available resources that enable eligible families and individuals to attain critical skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. They provide a number of services including Community Food and Nutrition, FEMA, Head Start Program, Housing Choice Voucher Program, Housing Counseling and Rentals, Outreach and Referral, Volunteer Youth, Weatherization Program and Youth Services.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Weatherizing housing to save energy, which involves sealing leaks, repairing broken windows, sealing holes, and insulation. There are also volunteer opportunities of food distribution and creating educational games/activities. The Head Start program offers low-income children and families comprehensive and intentional support, designed to promote self sufficiency, healthy growth and development, and success for future experiences. Services are offered through preschool, child care and/or home visitation. Training areas include health, dental, parent education/involvement, nutrition, Social Services support, disability support, transitions, and education.
Involvement Process: Volunteers are required to have a background check and sign a confidentiality agreement. If interested in volunteering for the Head Start program, which is a 3 month commitment, a background check, training on medical emergency preparedness, a TB test, signing a confidentiality waiver, and 3 hour training are required.
Contact Information (ECKAN): Yvonne Johnson, 620-342-4607, yvonne2johnson@eckan.org
Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland http://kansasgirlscouts.org
Issue Areas: Mentoring, Youth Development
Description: Girl Scouting offers programs designed to both reflect today's issues and help girls prepare for tomorrow. Girls have fun, develop skills, make new friends and learn through community service to take responsibility for their role in the community. The Girl Scouts offer programs designed to reflect today’s issues and help girls build courage, confidence and character.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Helping with various events throughout the year and/or become a leader or assistant leader of a troop, or group of girls. Special events include selling and sorting cookies (January), Mall Madness (March/April), and Riverside outreach (every Wednesday, 2:15-5pm).
Involvement Process: For regular basis volunteers or long-term, registering as a Girl Scout, which would include a background check and a $12 fee, is required. For short-term or one-time volunteering this would not be necessary; just make contact to find out about upcoming activities/events to help with.
Contact Information: Lydia Cope, 620-342-4532, lcope@gskh.org
*Non-profit*
Services Offering Safety (S.O.S.) www.soskansas.com
Issue areas (CASA): At-Risk Youth, Mentoring, Youth Development
Issue areas (SOS): Fundraising/Awareness
Description: S.O.S. provides services to children and adult victims of violence, abuse and neglect. The mission of S.O.S. is to end sexual and domestic violence, abuse and neglect through service education and advocacy.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Assisting with the Helpline, running arts and crafts, play and educational activities with kids, operating the information booth, and assisting with other special events and fundraising.
Involvement Process: Long-term volunteers are required to meet with the Volunteer Coordinator, participate in training, fill out an application, have a background check, and sign a confidentiality statement. Time commitments vary. Or make contact to find out about current needs or upcoming activities/events.
Contact Information: Bev Kerbs, 620-342-1870 OR 620-342-1890, bkerbs@soskansas.com
*Non-profit*
TFI Family Services www.the-farm.org
Issue Areas: Fundraising/Awareness
Description: TFI Family Services is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for youth and families through Behavioral Health and Child Welfare Services.
Volunteer Activities/Events: The main volunteer opportunity is the assist with the TFI Holiday Benefit.
Contact Information: Rachel Pientka, 620-342-2239, rachelp@the-farm.org
Youth Friends http://youthfriends.org/schooldistricts/KS/Emporia.html
Issue Areas: Mentoring, Tutoring
Description: Youth Friends is a school-based mentoring program that connects students, teachers and schools with mentors and real-world learning experiences to promote success, encourage healthy behaviors and build stronger communities.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Mentoring one-on-one or with a group of students. Activities to do with the kids include having lunch with them, sharing interests, tutoring, reading to a student or class, or just spending time with them. There is a one hour per week time commitment.
Involvement Process: Volunteers are required to complete an application and consent to a background screening. The application process takes about 2-8 weeks (that's how long it takes to get the results back from the background screening). There is also an interview and a 2-hour training session required.
Contact Information: Heather Wagner, 620-341-2450, hwagner@usd253.org
Community
Emporia Recreation Commission http://emporiarec.org/
Issue Areas:
Description:
Volunteer Activities/Events:
Involvement Process:
Contact Information:
*Non-profit* ????
Flint Hills Mall http://www.theflinthillsmall.com
Issue Areas:
Description:
Volunteer Activities/Events:
Contact Information: Debbie Adamson, 620-342-4631, fhmevents@cableone.net
Lyon County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (LC-COAD)
Issue Areas: Disaster/Emergency Respond and Recovery
Description: The LC-COAD goes to disaster sites and establishes a volunteer reception center to direct volunteers with special skills to the areas that they are needed the most. This prevents added chaos to disaster sites and helps match the needs with what is available to work with.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Helping at disaster sites with clean-up and rebuilding, or attending meetings and helping with the development and organization of the program.
Involvement Process: Make contact to find out about volunteering, meeting times, and to get on the e-mail list. If disaster strikes, volunteers can come to the affected area to the reception center to be assigned a duty.
Contact Information: Mike Dorcey, 620-794-3476, mikedorcey@yahoo.com
*Non-profit*
Lyon County Historical Society, Archives www.osprey.net/~lycoarciv/
Issue Areas: Culture/Arts/Performance
Description: The Lyon County Historical Society focuses on preserving documents from the past and serves as a historical research provider.
Volunteer activities/events: Filing incoming documents and archival work.
Involvement Process: Make contact to find out about ongoing and upcoming projects. Some projects are short-term and some are long-term, so time restraints may vary. There may be a training process depending on the project.
Contact Information: Nancy Boyce, 620-340-6320, education@lyoncountymuseum.org
*Non-profit*
United Way http://www.uwfh.org/
Issue Areas:
Description:
Volunteer activities/events:
Involvement Process:
Contact Information: Jami Reever, 620-342-7564, jamir@uwfh.org
*Non-profit*
Elderly
Holiday Resort www.holidayresorts.net
Issue Area: Senior Citizen Services
Description: Holiday Resort is an adult care and rehabilitation center that provides programs designed to stimulate physical and mental abilities, and to encourage and develop a sense of usefulness and self-respect for the residents.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Any type of entertaining or educational activity with the residents, such as playing games, art activities, gardening, pen pal program, holiday activities, etc.
Involvement Process: Volunteers are required to fill out a Volunteer Personal Emergency Information form, sign a Volunteer Confidentiality Statement (HIPAA), review the Holiday Resort Volunteer Manual, and take a Holiday Resort HIPAA Quiz.
Contact Information: Cindy Weltha, 620-343-9285
Environment
Emporia Community Garden Association
Issue Areas: Education/Dropout Prevention, Environment
Description: The Garden Association is located on the grounds of the Flint Hills Technical College. It provides nearly 30 plots for community members to grow gardens for planting through harvest. Water, tools, resources and educational opportunities are provided to Community Garden plot holders. No special skills are needed, just a love for the outdoors, making new friends and learning new skills.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Helping with the gardening process, including tending plots, tilling, beautification, building and maintenance, as well as teaching classes or hosting educational activities for groups of kids.
Involvement Process: Liability waivers need to be signed in order to volunteer.
Contact Information: Rachael LeClear, 620-341-1372, rleclear@fhtc.edu
Poverty/Housing
East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation (ECKAN) www.eckan.org
Issue Areas (ECKAN): Housing, Hunger, Youth Development
Issue Areas (Head Start): At-Risk Youth, Education/Dropout Prevention, Health/Nutrition, Mentoring, Tutoring, Youth Development
Description: ECKAN serves low-income persons in Anderson, Coffey, Douglas, Franklin, Johnson, Lyon, Miami, Morris and Osage Counties. Their mission is to identify and focus available resources that enable eligible families and individuals to attain critical skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. They provide a number of services including Community Food and Nutrition, FEMA, Head Start Program, Housing Choice Voucher Program, Housing Counseling and Rentals, Outreach and Referral, Volunteer Youth, Weatherization Program and Youth Services.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Weatherizing housing to save energy, which involves sealing leaks, repairing broken windows, sealing holes, and insulation. There are also volunteer opportunities of food distribution and creating educational games/activities. The Head Start program offers low-income children and families comprehensive and intentional support, designed to promote self sufficiency, healthy growth and development, and success for future experiences. Services are offered through preschool, child care and/or home visitation. Training areas include health, dental, parent education/involvement, nutrition, Social Services support, disability support, transitions, and education.
Involvement Process: Volunteers are required to have a background check and sign a confidentiality agreement. If interested in volunteering for the Head Start program, which is a 3 month commitment, a background check, training on medical emergency preparedness, a TB test, signing a confidentiality waiver, and 3 hour training are required.
Contact Information (ECKAN): Yvonne Johnson, 620-342-4607, yvonne2johnson@eckan.org
Emporia Area Habitat for Humanity www.emporiahabitat.org
Issue Area: Housing
Description: Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnerships with homeowner families. Houses are sold at no profit to partner families, financed with affordable, no-interest mortgages.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Volunteers are needed on evenings and weekends to help build houses.
Contact Information: Nicole Mortensen, 620-342-7435, nicole@poolcpa.com
*Non-profit*
Emporia Rescue Mission www.emporiamission.org
Issue Areas (Abundant Harvest): Hunger, Other (Clothing)
Issue Area (Rescue Mission House): Homelessness
Description: The Emporia Rescue Mission is a men’s shelter where they can stay for up to 30 days, during which time the Mission assists the men in finding jobs, housing, etc. Abundant Harvest is an outreach of the Rescue Mission, and serves the community with evening meal services and a clothing bank.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Assisting with house up-keep (yard work, maintenance, building), serving evening meals Monday thru Thursday from 5:15-6:30 (need 5 volunteers per meal), handing out food boxes, and helping with the clothing bank (sorting, folding, etc).
Contact Information: Jennifer Rhudy, 620-342-7439, emporiarescuemission@gmail.com
*Non-profit*
Plumb Place www.plumbplace.org
Issue Areas: Education/Dropout Prevention, Homelessness, Mentoring, Tutoring
Description: Plumb Place assists women in need by providing safe, affordable housing and opportunities for individual success. They offer an emergency shelter, transitional housing, limited long term housing programs, and provide personalized care management including personal finance and independent living classes. They hope to be able to offer basic computer training, have an on-site resource library complete with internet access, and job search assistance in the near future.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Renovating rooms and managing on-site events.
Contact Information: Mary Halleran, 620-342-1613, mhaller1@emporia.edu OR plumbplace224@sbcglobal.com
Salvation Army www.usc.salvationarmy.org
Issue Areas (Facility): Education/Dropout Prevention, Hunger, Mentoring, Youth Development
Issue Areas (Thrift Store): Other (Clothing)
Description: The Salvation Army is dedicated to meeting basic human needs, utilizing a food pantry and a thrift store/inexpensive clothing. Besides physical aid, they offer special assistance including help in facing personal problems, improving family relationships, deal with problems of single parents, alcoholics, drug abusers, ex-prisoners, etc. They also offer rehabilitation centers such as in-residence programs that provide work therapy, counseling, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. Programs offered by the Salvation Army include shelters, hospitals and clinics, services to people with HIV and AIDS-related illnesses, counseling, employment services, missing persons bureaus, service to the armed forces, correctional services, rehabilitation centers, social service centers, Christmas appeals, and disaster relief.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Sorting and organizing at the thrift store, organizing and stocking the food pantry, and other various events throughout the year. Special events include assembling Christmas gift and food baskets (December) and Character Building Workshops for kids (weekly).
Involvement Process: For those interested in more than 8 hours of volunteering, a background check is mandatory. However, the Salvation Army will cover the fee for that. If less than 8 hours, no background check is necessary.
Contact Information: Captain Hope Burris, 620-342-3093, hope_burris@usc.salvationarmy.org
*Non-profit*
Special Needs Support
Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org
Issue Areas: Fundraising/Awareness
Description: Alzheimer’s Association provides information, education, and support to those with Alzheimer’s, family members, and care providers. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Participating in or helping run the Memory Walk (October), or organizing and helping run other fundraising and awareness events.
Contact Info: Paula Sauder, 620-342-4939
*Non-profit*
American Red Cross www.thinkred.org
Issue Areas: Disaster/Emergency Prevention and Mitigation, Disaster/Emergency Response and Recovery, Health/Nutrition
Description: American Red Cross provides disaster prevention and relief services, health and safety services, education, transportation, and armed forces emergency services. For disaster prevention and relief, they provide shelter, food, emotional support and other emergency assistance after a disaster strikes to help families recover and rebuild their lives. For health and safety, they teach residents to save lives with CPR, First Aid, defibrillator usage, lifeguard training, swimming, babysitting, and other courses.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Various activities/events and fundraising throughout the year, according to the need in the community. Additionally, there is opportunity to be a CPR/First Aid instructor, disaster service volunteer (providing emergency assistance), and community outreach (providing information at health fairs or information booths).
Involvement Process: The process of become a long-term volunteer includes the completion of an application, background check (free to volunteer), CPR, AED, First Aid and possibly DAT (disaster training). To volunteer for fundraising or other short-term activities/events, this process is not necessary.
Contact Information: Dwight Moore, 620-341-3074, dmoore@emporia.edu
*Non-profit*
DCCCA http://www.dccca.org/index.html
Issue Areas:
Description:
Volunteer Activities/Events:
Involvement Process:
Contact Information: Deb Hagemann, 620-343-2109 OR 620-757-1063, dhagemann@dccca.org
*Non-profit*?
Emporians for Drug Awareness www.emporiansfordrugawareness.com
Issue Areas: Education/Dropout Prevention, Fundraising/Awareness
Description: Emporians for Drug Awareness is dedicated to preventing substance abuse among youth and adults. They are involved with general education, awareness, and activities.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Helping with events such as the Guys in Gowns Fundraiser, Red Ribbon Week, and K.I.S.S. (Keep It a Safe Summer, May).
Involvement Process: Make contact to find out about upcoming events. If interested in further involved, may be encouraged to attend organization meetings.
Contact Information: Teresa Walters, 620-341-2450, director@emporiansfordrugawareness.com
*Non-profit*
Hetlinger Developmental Services www.hetlinger.org
Issue Area: Special Needs Support for the Disabled
Description: Hetlinger Developmental Services provides activities, services, and employment to adults with developmental disabilities. It was formed by a group of concerned parents and volunteers, and has grown both in the number of persons served and types of services offered. Hetlinger Developmental Services' mission is to assist people with developmental disabilities to have services and supports which allow them opportunities of choice to increase their independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into their communities.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Various volunteer opportunities throughout the year and are open to new activities or speakers (fun or educational). Special events include the Apple Fest (September) and can drives (fall/spring).
Involvement Process: For those interested in short-term volunteering where they would not be in direct contact with clients, filling out an application and meeting with the supervisor to discuss opportunities is required. For long-term, direct contact with clients, a background check (costs covered by Hetlinger) and an orientation are necessary.
Contact Information: Tammy Maley, 620-342-1087, tmaley@hetlinger.org
*Non-profit*
Services Offering Safety (S.O.S.) www.soskansas.com
Issue areas (CASA): At-Risk Youth, Mentoring, Youth Development
Issue areas (SOS): Fundraising/Awareness
Description: S.O.S. provides services to children and adult victims of violence, abuse and neglect. The mission of S.O.S. is to end sexual and domestic violence, abuse and neglect through service education and advocacy.
Volunteer Activities/Events: Assisting with the Helpline, running arts and crafts, play and educational activities with kids, operating the information booth, and assisting with other special events and fundraising.
Involvement Process: Long-term volunteers are required to meet with the Volunteer Coordinator, participate in training, fill out an application, have a background check, and sign a confidentiality statement. Time commitments vary. Or make contact to find out about current needs or upcoming activities/events.
Contact Information: Bev Kerbs, 620-342-1870 OR 620-342-1890, bkerbs@soskansas.com
*Non-profit*
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION!!