- Organizations actively seek individuals with the requisite knowledge, skills and experience who are willing to offer their services and work on a full or part-time basis without remuneration on projects or in positions that benefit the organization itself or the people it serves. Many agencies that provide volunteer opportunities also offer intensive training in the tasks that are required for the job.
ADOPT A CLASSROOM
ACTION Group
Charles Betts - 623-1980
Leanard Thompson - 740-5852
Donate 45 minutes of time each week during the school year reading to a class in the Blytheville Public Schools to promote literacy. (8/8/08)
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Northeast Arkansas Chapter
630 W. Walnut, Blytheville, AR 72315
763-4481 or 740-2638 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
FAX: (870) 763-4711
Email
Serving Mississippi, Craighead, Greene and Poinsett Counties, additional trained volunteers for disaster response/mass care (feeding, shelter, damage assessment) are in demand. Background checks are required to be a Red Cross volunteer. (3/30/07)
Youth volunteers 7-18 are also needed for disaster relief, office work and health and safety programs. (2-1-1 - 12/24/08)
Albert Schneider, Executive Director
700 S. Main St. (P.O. Box 1437 Slot S230), Little Rock, AR 72203-1437
(501) 682-7540 or 682-6724
FAX: 501-682-1623
Email
National service programs that engage volunteers to serve in nonprofit organizations, public agencies and faith-based organizations where they provide services to meet needs in education, public safety, health and the environment. They tutor and mentor youth, build affordable housing, teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, run after-school programs and help communities respond to disaster. AmeriCorps' programs include AmeriCorps VISTA and the AmeriCorps NCCC Program (the National Civilian Community Corp).
AmeriCorps* NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps)
- Volunteers must be between 18 and 24 years old.
- Work involves clearing trails, disaster relief, renovating housing, tutoring kids and other active assignments.
- Relocation and travel during the service term.
- Living and working with a close-knit team.
- For a 10-month term of service, you'll receive a living allowance, student loan deferment, health insurance and room and board. After completing your service, you can receive a $4,725 education award to help pay for college, graduate school, vocational training or to pay off student loans.
AmeriCorps*VISTA- Be at least 18 years old. Most programs seek members with college degrees or at least three years of work experience. There is no upper age limit. Self-initiative, flexibility and organizational skills are a must. Fluency in Spanish or other languages also can be helpful in certain programs.
- An organizer, resource builder and self-starter.
- Patient enough to work on a project that might not have quickly visible results.
- Interested in helping a low income community establish a new program to help itself and sustain it.
- AmeriCorps*VISTA members successfully completing a term of service in an approved national service position are eligible to receive either an education award or end-of-service stipend of $1,200. The education award option is subject to available education trust allocations and must be selected prior to the start of service.
AmeriCorps*VISTA members are assigned full-time for one year to a nonprofit organization helping people move from welfare to work or introducing technology to an under-served neighborhood. You'll recruit and train volunteers, raise funds, write grants, gather corporate sponsorship and donations; plan community meetings and handle public relations -- whatever it takes to make your project come together. Training, a living allowance, limited health benefits and relocation expenses (if you move) are provided. You may also be eligible for child care assistance should you need it.
ARKANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD (U.S. Army National Guard)
1700 S. Division, Blytheville, AR 72315
Armory - 763-6778
Recruiter - 763-9539 (4/07)
Civilians can serve their country on a part time basis. The Guard offers a large selection of military occupation specialties (MOS) throughout a range of skills: Combat (Infantry, Artillery, Armor, Aviation, Air Defense), Combat Support (Engineer, Chemical, Military Police, Signal, Military Intelligence, Civil Affairs) and Combat Service Support (Finance, Public Affairs, Personnel, Supply, Maintenance, Transportation). Different MOS' have different qualifications recruiters can help determine which MOS would be best suited for you.
Benefits range from competitive pay and education assistance to insurance and retirement benefits. A broad range of skills are learned through schools and job training and leadership opportunities are numerous.
Guard members attend one drill weekend each month (usually consisting of one Saturday and Sunday but can occasionally include reporting on Friday night) and one annual training period (usually two weeks in the summer) each year. All personnel are required to attend initial entry training (IET) which can usually be scheduled to meet civilian employment constraints. Duration and location varies in accordance with the military specialty or career field that a soldier chooses.
ARKANSAS PRO BONO PARTNERSHIP
Arkansas Bar Association
2224 Cottondale Ln., Little Rock, AR 72202
501-375-4606 or 1-800-609-5668
FAX: 501-375-4901
EMAIL
Arkansas lawyers can volunteer their time to help the poor in their communities by working through pro bono programs operated by civil legal services. The Arkansas Access to Justice Commission has focused on pro bono as a way of enhancing equal justice in the state. Lawyers can become part of that effort and make a difference by joining the Partnership.
BINGO WORKERS
AMERICAN LEGION
Dud Cason Post 24
Cleo Massey, Commander (6/28/07)
232 N. 2nd St. (P.O. Box 474), Blytheville, AR 72316
(870) 780-6895, 763-1770 or 763-8238
Volunteers are needed for the Thursday night Bingo games which support the Post's community youth programs. Assistance is also needed with the Auxiliary's food concession. If you would like to help out, please report to the Post at 6:30 PM. (2/28/08)
MAIN STREET OSCEOLA, INC.
Beau Butler, Director
108 W. Hale (P.O. Box 631), Osceola, AR 72370
563-6177
FAX: 870-563-6177
Email (2007)
Volunteers are needed for the Thursday evening and First Saturday Bingo games which support the organization's downtown revitalization efforts. (3/18/08)
BLYTHEVILLE AREA
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
1031 W. Main St. (P.O. Box 1315), Blytheville, AR 72316
(870) 278-9277, 763-1839 or 763-6860 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Mon. - Fri.
Email
Habitat for Humanity builds affordable houses in partnership with those who lack adequate shelter. The organization meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Blytheville Chamber of Commerce, 300 W. Walnut. (5/05)
Construction experience is NOT required to volunteer! Site workers, hosts and lunch providers are needed. Call to apply. Donations are also accepted. (2-1-1 - 12/24/08)
BLYTHEVILLE/GOSNELL AREA FOOD PANTRY & CLOTHING MINISTRY, INC.
Dr. Dale Ruddick, Exec. Director
122 W. Main St., Blytheville
762-9999, 762-9991 or 623-4988 9:30 AM - 12 noon Monday - Friday
Email (2/18/07)
Volunteers as well as donations of funds or food are welcome.
BLYTHEVILLE SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER
1101 David Lane, Blytheville, AR 72315
870-762-1222 (11/06)
FAX: 870-763-1226
Volunteers (and donations) are needed and appreciated to cover the expenses of the many programs! The Center provides meals and transportation for area seniors, social activities, shopping trips, projects and activities. It serves as a focal point for many older adults in the community at a single location with a wide variety of services and activities. (12/4/07)
CIVIL AIR PATROL
120th Composite Squadron (Northeast Arkansas), Jonesboro, AR
(501) 376-1729
E-mail
The official civilian volunteer auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Each Squadron includes both Cadet and Senior Member Programs. Most Squadrons have a complete welcome and training period. Attend a meeting with no pressure to join.
COACHES AND UMPIRES NEEDED!
BLYTHEVILLE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL BOOSTERS
P.O. Box 1741, Blytheville, AR 72316
Gale Wilf, President & Little League Commissioner
Randy Scott, Board Member
EMAIL (3/18/07)
Anyone interested in managing a baseball or softball team for the 2008 Little League season should complete the
online application and
email it to the BBSB. (11/19/2007)
GOSNELL YOUTH ASSOCIATION
Lisa Holifield, Board President - 532-2406
Jeff Rounsaville - 763-1127
Cindy Platt - 532-6610
Needed for youth summer baseball, softball and T-ball. (5/21/07)
SO. MISS. CO. LITTLE LEAGUE
Robert Cotton
870-530-2804
Coaches needed for the fall baseball program beginning after Labor Day (8/28/08)
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Opal Sims
Federal Building, Room 2506, 700 W. Capitol St., Little Rock, AR 72201
501/324-5234 Ext. 5235 or 1-800-942-2677 TTY 1-800-833-3722
FAX: 501/324-6949
E-mail or
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM ITSELF.
The Commission serves as an information clearinghouse and provides collaborative training opportunities for National Service programs. AmeriCorps members in Arkansas address issues in education, public safety, the environment and other human needs, serving through non-profits, public agencies and faith-based organizations. They tutor and mentor youth, build affordable housing, teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, run after-school programs and help communities respond to disasters. The Corporation also oversees Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America.
AmeriCorps is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or lawful permanent residents age 17 or older. Members serve full or part time over a 10 to 12 month period.
COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA) (2nd Judicial District)
Linda West, Executive Director
Angelena van Don, Program Director
511 Union Su. 327, Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 935-1099 or toll free (866) 804-2272
EMAIL
Applications for community volunteers to advocate in court for abused/neglected children are being accepted.
Requirements:
- You must be at least 21;
- Pass a background check with the Arkansas State Police and the Child Abuse Registry;
- Attend a 30-hour initial training;
- Commit to the duration of the case;
- Attend the next Bill Denney Seminar on Child Abuse Awareness.
CASA utilizes a network of volunteers appointed by judges to assist abused or neglected children through the foster care system. The goal is to help ensure that these children can live in a safe, permanent home.
The Jonesboro office serves more than 150 children a year and needs at least 100 volunteers at all times to serve the case load of the foster care system in Clay, Greene, Craighead, Poinsett, Mississippi and Crittenden Counties.
Volunteer DRIVERS are needed for the Mississippi County veterans' van for trips to the VA Medical Center in Memphis.
Mickey Littlejohn, Veterans Service Officer (2/21/07)
1301 N. 10th St. Su. B, Blytheville, AR
763-0509 (4/06) 763-0392 or 1-800-827-1000
TTD - 1-800-829-4833 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Mondays and Fridays.
The county veterans' van transports veterans to and from the VA Hospital in Memphis on Mondays and Tuesdays. Veterans needing a ride to medical appointments meet at the American Legion Hut (232 N. 2nd St. in Blytheville) at 6:15 AM. (3/2/07)
EAST ARKANSAS
RSVP
Nina Peeler
P.O. Box 5035, Jonesboro, AR 72403
(870) 930-2229
FAX: (870) 930-2234
Provides part-time opportunities for individuals age 55 and older in a diverse range of public agencies, non-profit and faith-based organizations. Participants may mentor at-risk youth, organize neighborhood watch programs, test drinking water for contaminants, teach English to immigrants, lend their business skills to community groups or engage in other activities that benefit their communities.
RSVP volunteers receive no stipend for their work but may be reimbursed for meals and transportation. Local organizations, both public and private, receive grants to sponsor and operate RSVP projects in their community.
The RSVP Program is part of
Senior Corps, administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
EDUCATIONAL INVOLVEMENT GROUP
Central Elementary School
Libby Thompson, Parental Involvement Co-ordinator (12/12/07)
Moultrie & Division, Blytheville, AR 72315
870-763-4485
Local citizens spend several hours each week working with students at the school on their studies, reading to them and being role models. (2/6/08)
FOSTER PARENTING
Patty Harris
1031 W. Walnut, Blytheville, AR
762-0784
Families are needed to
BECOME FOSTER PARENTS who provide temporary and extended care to children who can not remain in their own homes.
GOSNELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENT CENTER (5/31/07)
Sharon Davis, Facilitator
600 Hwy. 181 K-2 Bldg. Rm 6, Gosnell, AR 72315
(870) 532-4003 8-30:-10:30 AM and 1:30—3:10 PM
FAX: (870) 532-4030
Serving Grades K-12. Staffed by parents and community volunteers to assist teachers and students with day-to-day activities and students' special needs to help them learn.
Anyone who would like to assist is asked to contact the elementary school. (1/29/08)
THE HAVEN OF NORTH EAST ARKANSAS, INC.
Bobbie McLean, Volunteer Co-ordinator (6/3/07)
P.O. Box 1062, Blytheville, AR 72315
(870) 532-6669 or 1-800-474-1064
FAX: (870) 762-6562
EMAIL
The Haven provides multiple services to abused women and their children who have experienced or been threatened with abuse or domestic violence and assists them in learning to live independent, abuse-free lives while receiving basic needs, help with getting their GED, college programs, mental health ,(6/3/07), job placement and permanent housing options. (2007) Assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Services provided
- 24 Hour Crisis Hotline
- Emergency shelter & transitional housing
- Support Groups
- Parenting classes
- Basic money management workshops
- Victim and court advocacy
- Community education and awareness
- Community outreach - Representatives of The Haven are available to present programs on violence and abuse prevention to clubs, schools, agencies and organizations.
Volunteers are needed to make these services possible.
LONG TERM CARE VOLUNTEER OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM
East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging
Frankie Riga
870-930-2235
EMAIL
Certified volunteers are needed as advocates to visit residents of Blytheville and Osceola nursing homes on a weekly basis. Training is provided by the state and EAAAA. (7/11/08)
MISSISSIPPI COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION
Stephen Crosskno - 870-564-2552
Bob Lewis - 532-8545
Meets the third Saturday of each month at 10 AM at the Gosnell Police Department, 307 Air Base Hwy. Anyone interested in ham radio or emergency communications is welcome to attend. (3/7/07)
MISSISSIPPI COUNTY HISTORICAL CENTER MUSEUM
Mississippi County Historical & Genealogical Society
Glynda Thompson, President
209 W. Hale, Osceola, AR 72370
(870) 563-2915, 563-6161, 870-563-5503 or 563-5674 (2/2/08)
The 1904
Fred Patterson Dry Goods Store and adjacent 1902 building were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 and is sustained by volunteers. The Society meets at 7 PM the 2nd Thursday each month at the Museum. (11/06)
NEW OUTREACH MINISTRY
Rev. Robert Hopkins, Director
318 N. 5th St., Blytheville, AR
763-7104 or 838-5418
The ministry needs counselors, doctors, dentists and anyone who would like to assist. (4/20/07)
ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
Ritz Civic Center
306 W. Main Street (P.O. Box 925), Blytheville, AR 72315
(870) 762-1744 9 AM and 12 PM and 1-5 PM Monday through Friday
FAX: 763-1950
Email
The Arts Council is collecting a history of the city-owned former movie theater as told by those who experienced it. If you have memories of a particular show, event or time frame or any facts relating to it, send them to us.
You can also call or come by and let us know what you've got. Please help us piece together the rich history of this unique part of Main Street Blytheville!
OSCEOLA COMMUNICATION, ARTS & BUSINESS SCHOOL (OCABS) (To open Fall 2008)
Brian Holthouse, Director
1425 Ohlendorf Rd. (former Fruit of the Loom), Osceola, AR 72370
(870) 563-2707
EMAIL
If you want to be a part of something big and maybe even make some money at the same time, consider volunteering for the new school that is coming to Osceola this year.
Volunteers and paid part time workers are needed at almost every level and aspect of the school. You can:
- Help write a grant
- Put together classrooms and infrastructure
- Be a mentor
- Design the website
- Write documents to the Department of Education
- Develop computer skills
This is only the tip of the iceberg to making the school a success!
PEACE CORPS and PEACE CORPS
ENCORE!
1100 Commerce St. Su. 427, Dallas, TX 75242
214.253.5400
FAX: 214.253.5401
EMAIL
ENCORE! connects Peace Corps veterans to short-term assignments (typically three weeks to three months) that match their professional expertise with specific social needs.
POLL WORKERS are needed at area voting sites .
Contact Johnny Buchanan, Election Co-ordinator at the Mississippi County Court House Election Office, 200 W. Walnut in Blytheville or call 763-8682. (12/5/07)
RESERVE OFFICERS
Blytheville Police Department
201 W. Walnut
762-0404 (4/07)
Qualifications:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate
- Have a valid drivers license
- Pass the Auxiliary Police Course
- Pass a psychological examination
- Pass a background investigation
- Be a United States citizen
Applications are available at the BPD Administration Office.
SENIOR CORPS (East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging)
Nina Peeler, Project Director
P.O. Box 5035, Jonesboro, AR 72403-5035
(870) 930-2229
FAX: (870) 930-2234
Email
A network of programs that tap the experience, skills and talents of older citizens to meet community challenges through
Foster Grandparents and
RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program).
You can also apply for any of the AmeriCorps programs
online.
SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE/FAITH IN ACTION
Naked Truth Training & Empowerment Center
Christine L. Bennett, Pastor
1665 E. CR 36, Gosnell, AR
532-1501 Monday - Friday 8 AM - 2:00 PM or Patricia Evans - 762-0235 (3/13/08)
EMAIL
Has a Caregiving for Seniors program which assists with daily living activities, light yard work, housekeeping and companionship; building wheelchair ramps and providing transportation. Volunteers and financial support are welcome. (1/8/08)
Providing transportation within the Blytheville/Gosnell area to qualified individuals in need of this service is greatly appreciated. (7/25/08)
TAKING IT TO THE STREETS MINISTRY
1031 Denny St. (P.O. Box 1777), Blytheville, AR 72315
Vera James
763-0563 or 762-6128
Carolyn Stewart - 740-1186 or 763-5919 after 3:30 PM
Volunteers are needed for building repairs, including wiring and plumbing. Physicians are encouraged to donate their time for health screenings, as well as counselors and ex-substance abusers to talk to people in the area one-on-one. (4/19/07)
Volunteers for the Caregiving for Seniors program which assists with daily living activities, such as building wheelchair ramps, providing transportation. light yard work, housekeeping and companionship are also welcome. (3/30/07)
UNITED WAY OF GREATER BLYTHEVILLE
404 Park St., (P.O. Box 866), Blytheville, AR 72316-0866
870-763-7522 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
FAX: (870) 776-1786
Email
Volunteers and staff assess community needs, raise funds, allocate resources and encourage collaborative efforts to build a stronger and healthier community. (2-1-1 - 12/24/08)
UNITED WAY OF SOUTH MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, INC.
113 E. Hale Su. C (P.O. Box 174) Osceola, AR 72370
563-3733 or 563-2721 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday
FAX: (870) 563-6550
Volunteers needed for fundraising activities. (2-1-1 - 12/24/08)
VOLUNTEER CENTERS (Arkansas Department of Human Services)
501-682-7849
Assists with formation and support of Volunteer Centers which are advocates and clearinghouses for volunteering in local communities. These, in turn, recruit, screen and refer prospective volunteers to Department of Human Services Divisions requesting assistance and provides orientation and training.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS/PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
501-682-6723
This program advocates the empowerment of persons with disabilities to be involved in volunteerism through education and training of volunteers and host organizations.
VolunteerMATCH
385 Grove St., San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 241-6868
FAX: (415) 241-6869
Email
Client Service/Technical Support - (415) 241-6872
A non-profit organization to help everyone find a great place to volunteer. It offers a variety of online services to support a community of non-profit, volunteer and business leaders committed to civic engagement. Interested volunteers can enter their ZIP code to quickly find local volunteer opportunities posted by non-profits throughout the United States.
YOUTH VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (Youth Services Arkansas)
501-682-6723
This program serves as an advocate for youth empowerment through volunteerism and community service.