Needs From: United Way of the Lakeshore

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Orchard View Early Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where: Orchard View Early Elementary |2820 MacArthur Rd, Muskegon, MI 49442

When: TBA 

ALL VOLUNTEERS GET FREE ACCESS TO THE FESTIVAL ON THE DAY OF YOUR SHIFT!

Want to make a big impact for a tiny agency? Join the MAP team of employees and volunteers at the Michigan Irish Music Festival!

MAP is the recipient agency of food donations to the MIMF. In return for this incredible generosity, we are once again providing vital Rubbish Removal services for the festival. Focusing on the recyclables, volunteers will be asked to collect and re-bag the recycle containers throughout the festival, then bring them back to the sorting area to be sorted. 

We are hoping for 6 people per shift available in order to meet the ongoing need. This is messy work, so come prepared! The festival provides gloves and all the materials needed to perform the necessary duties and MAP will be providing aprons to protect your clothing. Closed toe shoes are recommended!

To register:

Please feel free to reach out to Britany at Mission for Area People 231 733 9672 or britany@missionforareapeople.org with any questions or concerns. We are happy to help and can't wait to work alongside you at the festival!

Volunteer to Be a Team Lead for Day of Caring 2025 – Newaygo County

Join us as a Team Lead for United Way of the Lakeshore’s Day of Caring in Newaygo County on Friday, September 12, 2025! Use this form to register as a team lead and help make a difference in our community through service, compassion, and teamwork.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Sara at sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org or 231-332-4010.

As a Team Lead, you'll serve as the main point of contact for your group and help guide your team through a rewarding volunteer experience. Team Leads can bring a group of any size – whether it’s coworkers, family, friends, classmates, or a community group.

A full roster of your team members will be required prior to the event, including names and contact information. More details and instructions for submitting your roster will be shared after you register.

All project materials and tools

Breakfast and lunch for all volunteers

Water and hydration stations (please plan to bring an empty cooler for your team)

Volunteer T-shirts (thanks to our generous sponsors!)

Complete a team lead orientation (virtual and in-person options available).

Optional: Participate in a pre-event site visit with a United Way team member.

Serve as the main contact for your team and help coordinate communication and logistics on event day.

Personal tools (only if preferred – tools will be provided).

Work gloves (limited supply available onsite).

Extra cooler (some teams like to bring additional drinks like Gatorade for their group).

8:00 AM – Volunteer Check-In & Breakfast at Camp Newaygo

8:30 AM – Kickoff Celebration & Community Stretch

9:00 AM – Begin Volunteer Work

12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch

3:30–5:00 PM – Projects Wrap Up (completion time varies)

Sites will be assigned and shared with teams in advance.

As a Team Lead, your contact info will be shared with your team for coordination purposes.

Closed-toe shoes

Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
(Jeans not required – dress for the weather and your comfort)

Safety glasses (optional; provided for those using power tools)

Work gloves (bring your own if possible)

Transportation: Volunteers are responsible for getting themselves to their project site. Carpooling is encouraged!

Parking: Available on site.

Restrooms: restrooms will be located at each site.

Lunch: Delivered between 12 and 1 PM. If you have dietary restrictions, please email sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org in advance.

Nominate a Project: Day of Caring 2025 Nomination Form

Join the Planning Committee: Email sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org

We are committed to creating inclusive, accessible events for all volunteers. To request an accommodation or inquire about accessibility, please email sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org or include a comment in your registration form. We kindly ask that attendees avoid wearing strong fragrances out of respect for others’ sensitivities.

Thank you for stepping up to lead. Together, we can create meaningful impact across our community!

Volunteer for Day of Caring 2025 – Newaygo County

Join us for United Way of the Lakeshore’s annual Day of Caring on Friday, September 12, 2025! Use this form to register as a volunteer and be part of a powerful day of service that supports veterans, local nonprofits, and community spaces across Newaygo County.

If you’re part of a team, please include your team name or company/group when registering. If you’re not part of a team – no worries! Individual volunteers are welcome and will be matched with a meaningful project.

Questions? Contact Sara at sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org or 231-332-4010.

All materials and tools provided – no special skills required!

Breakfast, lunch, and water for all volunteers

A free Day of Caring T-shirt (thanks to our sponsors!)

A fun and fulfilling day giving back to your community alongside hundreds of volunteers

8:00 AM – Volunteer Check-In & Breakfast at Camp Newaygo

8:30 AM – Kickoff Celebration & Community Stretch

9:00 AM – Travel to Assigned Volunteer Sites

12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch Delivered to Sites

3:30–5:00 PM – Project Wrap-Up

Closed-toe shoes (required)

Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
(jeans not required; dress for the weather and your comfort)

Work gloves if you have them (some will be provided)

Safety glasses will be provided when needed for tasks using power tools

Transportation: Volunteers are responsible for getting themselves to the site. Carpooling is encouraged.

Restrooms: Restrooms will be available at the volunteer site.

Lunch: Delivered to your site. Please indicate dietary restrictions when registering.

Water: Water will be available at the kickoff and to take with you to your site.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events. If you need accommodations to fully participate, or have questions about accessibility, please let us know when registering or email sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org. We also ask volunteers to avoid wearing strong fragrances to respect those with sensitivities.

Thank you for being part of the change. Your time and energy are helping us build a stronger, more caring community!

Volunteer Opportunity: Parking Lot Attendant – Michigan Irish Music Festival

Organization: United Way of the Lakeshore (in partnership with Pigeon Hill Brewing Company)
Location: Pigeon Hill Brewing Company Parking Lot, 895 4th St, Muskegon, MI 49440
Dates: Friday, September 12 & Saturday, September 13, 2025

Description:
Join United Way of the Lakeshore and Pigeon Hill Brewing Company during the Michigan Irish Music Festival! Volunteers will help staff the Pigeon Hill parking lot by assisting festival-goers with parking payments (cash and card accepted). Each person who parks at Pigeon Hill will also receive a coupon for $10 off their drinks purchase inside the Brewer’s Lounge—adding to the fun atmosphere of the festival weekend!

Written instructions and on-site staff support from Pigeon Hill will be available to guide volunteers in using the credit card reader, so no prior experience is needed.

This opportunity is short, simple, and impactful. Half of the parking proceeds will be donated back to United Way of the Lakeshore to support local community programs.

Volunteer Perks:

Receive a complimentary shift drink (21+ volunteers only), courtesy of Pigeon Hill

Get a Live United volunteer t-shirt

Enjoy free parking during your shift and while attending the festival

Make a difference while being part of one of Muskegon’s favorite festivals!

Shifts:
Shifts are short and flexible, making it easy to volunteer and still enjoy the festival before or after your shift. The last shift of each day will end between 7 PM and 8 PM, depending on when traffic slows down for the evening.

Requirements:

Comfortable interacting with festival guests

Willing to handle cash and card transactions (support provided for card reader use)

Friendly and welcoming attitude

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in our community. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. You can make a difference by volunteering today! Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 2 PM.

This is the last chance to get your hands dirty for the season. Help our farmers remove our summer crops from the high tunnel, which will be replaced with winter greens.

The annual Veterans Resource Deployment will take place on September 17, 2024 from 11 AM -  3 PM at Baker College Student Center in Muskegon. Volunteers will be needed to help support the resource fair, greet guests, help carry Military Surplus to vehicles, serve lunch, and with clean-up.

Property Care & Maintenance

Every Woman’s Place relies on the generosity of our volunteers to keep our spaces safe, welcoming, and supportive for survivors. We are seeking individuals or groups willing to help with:

Date: Thursday, September 18
Location: Rocket Stadium - Reeths Puffer JV Football and Cheer!

Reeths Puffer will be taking on the Mona Shores Sailors! 

Join the Rotary Fanatics as we cheer for our inbound, Ella from Brazil, who is part of the Reeths-Puffer JV Cheerleading Squad! Let’s fill the stands with Rotary spirit and show her that she has a big Rotary family rooting for her. 

What to do: Sign up so we know you are coming! Sit together with fellow Rotarians, wear Rotary gear or school colors (green and white), and cheer loud and proud! 

Time Commitment: About 2 hours

Why it matters: Many host families juggle busy schedules - your presence helps make Ella’s exchange year unforgettable! 

Volunteer for Day of Caring 2025 – Oceana County

Join us for United Way of the Lakeshore’s annual Day of Caring on Friday, September 19, 2025! Use this form to register as a volunteer and be part of a powerful day of service that supports veterans, local nonprofits, and community spaces across Oceana County.

If you’re part of a team, please include your team name or company/group when registering. If you’re not part of a team – no worries! Individual volunteers are welcome and will be matched with a meaningful project.

Questions? Contact Sara at sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org or 231-332-4010.

All materials and tools provided – no special skills required!

Breakfast, lunch, and water for all volunteers

A free Day of Caring T-shirt (thanks to our sponsors!)

A fun and fulfilling day giving back to your community alongside hundreds of volunteers

8:00 AM – Volunteer Check-In & Breakfast (location TBD)

8:30 AM – Kickoff Celebration & Community Stretch

9:00 AM – Travel to Assigned Volunteer Sites

12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch Delivered to Sites

3:30–5:00 PM – Project Wrap-Up

Closed-toe shoes (required)

Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
(jeans not required; dress for the weather and your comfort)

Work gloves if you have them (some will be provided)

Safety glasses will be provided when needed for tasks using power tools

Transportation: Volunteers are responsible for getting themselves to the site. Carpooling is encouraged.

Restrooms: Restrooms will be available at the volunteer site.

Lunch: Delivered to your site. Please indicate dietary restrictions when registering.

Water: Water will be available at the kickoff and to take with you to your site.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events. If you need accommodations to fully participate, or have questions about accessibility, please let us know when registering or email sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org. We also ask volunteers to avoid wearing strong fragrances to respect those with sensitivities.

Thank you for being part of the change. Your time and energy are helping us build a stronger, more caring community!

Date: Thursday, September 25
Location: Mona Shores High School - Soccer Stadium

Mona Shores will be taking on Byron Center! 

Be part of the Rotary Fanatics cheering section as we support our inbound, Simon from France, playing with the Mona Shores Varsity Soccer Team! Together, we’ll create a big Rotary presence and show Simon he’s never without family her in Muskegon. 

What to do: Sign up so we know you are coming! Sit together with fellow Rotarians, wear Rotary gear or school colors (blue and white), and cheer loud and proud! 

Time Commitment: About 2 hours

Why it matters: A Rotary cheering section will remind Simon that his efforts on the field are celebrated by more than just his team! Make his exchange unforgettable. 

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in our community. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. You can make a difference by volunteering today! Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Volunteer Role: Purse Cleaning Volunteer

Description: Help us prepare for the annual Power of the Purse auction gala by cleaning donated purses at Every Woman’s Place. Volunteers in this role will assist with sorting, gently cleaning, and preparing purses for display at the event. This is a hands-on activity that supports the success of the gala and ensures each purse looks its best for auction.

Location: Every Woman’s Place, 1221 W. Laketon Ave., Muskegon, MI 49441
Date & Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Training: On-site instructions will be provided at the start of the shift.

Additional Details:

All volunteers must have a background check on file prior to the event. A confirmation email will be sent with a link to complete this step.

Please complete the volunteer waiver as soon as possible after registering.

Date: Tuesday, September 30
Location: Oakridge High School Soccer Field 

Oakridge will be taking on Grand Rapids Wellspring Prep!  

Let’s rally together as Rotary Fanatics to cheer for our inbound, Dede from Italy, competing with Oakridge Varsity Soccer! Join the fun, connect with fellow Rotarians, and help us create a Rotary cheering section that will make Dede’s night unforgettable. 

What to do: Sign up so we know you are coming! Sit together with fellow Rotarians, wear Rotary gear or school colors (blue and white), and cheer loud and proud! 

Time Commitment: About 2 hours

Why it matters: With a Rotary cheering squad in the stands, Dede will know he has a community that’s proud to support him! 

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in our community. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. You can make a difference by volunteering today! Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Description: Assist with event set up by putting on chair covers and preparing the dining room space. This role requires moving around and bending. Volunteers will help transform the venue and create a glamorous atmosphere for the annual auction gala.

Location: Trillium Event Center, 17246 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI
Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Training: On-site instructions provided upon arrival.

Additional Details:

All volunteers must have a background check on file prior to the event. A confirmation email will be sent with a link to complete this step.

Please complete the volunteer waiver as soon as possible after registering.

Description: Provide support by filling in at volunteer posts while others are on break or at dinner. Duties may vary depending on the location covered and may include assisting with guest interactions, monitoring event areas, or helping with light tasks. This role requires flexibility and moving between different areas of the event.

Location: Trillium Event Center, 17246 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI
Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 3:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Training: On-site training begins at 3:30 PM.

Additional Details:

Dinner and breaks will be provided.

Dress code: semi-formal (business casual, business formal, or semi-formal attire encouraged).

All volunteers must have a background check on file prior to the event. A confirmation email will be sent with a link to complete this step.

Please complete the volunteer waiver as soon as possible after registering.

Description: Log bids during the live auction portion of the gala. Volunteers in this role should be comfortable using a computer and working in a fast-paced environment to ensure accuracy.

Location: Trillium Event Center, 17246 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI
Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 3:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Training: On-site training begins at 3:30 PM.

Additional Details:

Dinner and breaks will be provided.

Dress code: semi-formal (business casual, business formal, or semi-formal attire encouraged).

All volunteers must have a background check on file prior to the event. A confirmation email will be sent with a link to complete this step.

Please complete the volunteer waiver as soon as possible after registering.

Description: Assist during the live auction by spotting bids in the audience and signaling to the auctioneer team. Volunteers in this role should feel comfortable standing, moving around the room, and maintaining focus in a lively environment.

Location: Trillium Event Center, 17246 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI
Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 3:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Training: On-site training begins at 3:30 PM.

Additional Details:

Dinner and breaks will be provided.

Dress code: semi-formal (business casual, business formal, or semi-formal attire encouraged).

All volunteers must have a background check on file prior to the event. A confirmation email will be sent with a link to complete this step.

Please complete the volunteer waiver as soon as possible after registering.

Volunteer Role: Deals & Steals Volunteer

Description: Assist with the Deals & Steals area of the gala, including straightening merchandise and helping with check-out. May require using a computer/tablet.

Location: Trillium Event Center, 17246 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI
Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 3:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Training: On-site training begins at 3:30 PM.

Additional Details:

Dinner and breaks will be provided.

Dress code: semi-formal (business casual, business formal, or semi-formal attire encouraged).

All volunteers must have a background check on file prior to the event. A confirmation email will be sent with a link to complete this step.

Please complete the volunteer waiver as soon as possible after registering.

Volunteer Role: Silent Auction Volunteer

Description: Support the silent auction by monitoring the auction area, straightening items as needed, and assisting guests with check-out. This role may require the use of a computer/tablet. Volunteers should be detail-oriented and comfortable interacting with guests.

Location: Trillium Event Center, 17246 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI
Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 3:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Training: On-site training begins at 3:30 PM.

Additional Details:

Dinner and breaks will be provided.

Dress code: semi-formal (business casual, business formal, or semi-formal attire encouraged).

All volunteers must have a background check on file prior to the event. A confirmation email will be sent with a link to complete this step.

Please complete the volunteer waiver as soon as possible after registering.

Volunteer Role: Tech Support Volunteer

Description: Provide assistance to volunteers and staff with technology-related questions and troubleshooting during the event. This may include supporting registration/check-out stations, silent auction tablets, or other event technology. Volunteers in this role should be comfortable with computers/tablets and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.

Location: Trillium Event Center, 17246 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI
Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 3:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Training: On-site training begins at 3:30 PM.

Additional Details:

Dinner and breaks will be provided.

Dress code: semi-formal (business casual, business formal, or semi-formal attire encouraged).

All volunteers must have a background check on file prior to the event. A confirmation email will be sent with a link to complete this step.

Description: Welcome guests upon arrival, offer a warm first impression, and guide them to their assigned tables. Greeters should be comfortable standing and walking for extended periods and confident providing courteous, timely directions.

Location: Trillium Event Center, 17246 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI
Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 3:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Training: On-site training begins at 3:30 PM.

Additional Details:

Dinner and breaks will be provided.

Dress code: semi-formal (business casual, business formal, or semi-formal attire encouraged).

All volunteers must have a background check on file prior to the event. A confirmation email will be sent with a link to complete this step.

Please complete the volunteer waiver as soon as possible after registering.

Description: Welcome guests by assisting with registration as they arrive and check-out as they leave. Maintain a neat and orderly registration area and provide courteous assistance throughout the process. Volunteers in this role should be comfortable using a computer/tablet and engaging with guests.

Location: Trillium Event Center, 17246 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI
Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 3:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Training: On-site training begins at 3:30 PM.

Additional Details:

Dinner and breaks will be provided.

Dress code: semi-formal (business casual, business formal, or semi-formal attire encouraged).

All volunteers must have a background check on file prior to the event. A confirmation email will be sent with a link to complete this step.

Please complete the volunteer waiver as soon as possible after registering.

Description: Assist with event clean up by removing chair covers, packaging table decorations, and pulling off tablecloths. This role requires moving around and bending. After tables are cleared, volunteers may also help load items into a vehicle.

Location: Trillium Event Center, 17246 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI
Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Additional Details:

All volunteers must have a background check on file prior to the event. A confirmation email will be sent with a link to complete this step.

Please complete the volunteer waiver as soon as possible after registering.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in our community. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. You can make a difference by volunteering today! Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in our community. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. You can make a difference by volunteering today! Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Make a Difference in Your Community—Right from Home!

Are you passionate about your local community and want to help others discover how to give back? We're looking for seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us update and enrich local pages on Ways to Connect, our national directory of volunteer sites.

Ways to Connect is a crowdsourced platform designed to boost traffic and engagement to local volunteer websites—like this one! With just a bit of online research and your enthusiasm, you can help neighbors easily find volunteer opportunity platforms, service clubs, mutual aid groups, and more—making it simpler than ever for everyone to make an impact locally.

What You'll Do:

Conduct quick, simple online research to identify active service clubs, mutual aid groups, and upcoming volunteer events in your community.

Enhance your community's page on Ways to Connect by ensuring the information is current, accurate, and inviting for potential volunteers.

Optional: Promote your community’s page on social media to help friends and family find a path to service.

Why Volunteer with Inspiring Service?

Easy and flexible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

Immediate community impact: Help your neighbors discover meaningful ways to contribute.

Small commitment: Volunteer for as little as 2 hours, or as much as you'd like.

Growth opportunities: Volunteers can explore deeper involvement through our Ambassador program.

Ready to help your community thrive? Join us today and make volunteering more accessible for everyone.

Muskegon Heights Public School Academy, along with the Coalition of Community Development, are in need of several volunteers to help out at King and Edgewood Elementary Schools along with Garden Manager to provide guidance to students planting, growing and harvesting the garden. Volunteers will also help maintain the gardens when students are unavailable. Times volunteers will be needed vary between the schools and are generally in half hour blocks, or a two hour shift will see four classes. Meet 4 times a week, but commitments don't have to cover all days, we mix and match! Contact us to find out more if you are interested in details. No gardening experience needed. 

Become a Muskegon South Pierhead Light Keeper and spend your summer on the coast of beautiful Lake Michigan, sharing in Muskegon's maritime past! 

Our Light is open on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1pm-5pm beginning Memorial Day and running through Labor Day. When you sign up to be a Keeper, you will be added to a schedule based on your availability. Volunteers are asked to work a minimum of three 4-hour shifts per month throughout the Summer. Keepers may be very busy or rather slow, dependent on the weather and the day.

Some of the primary responsibilities of volunteer keepers include the following:

Volunteers are asked to learn basic historic information about our lights. They should be energetic, comfortable speaking to the public, able to handle money and make change for admissions and several small gift shop items. Volunteers should plan to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the start of their shift.

We depend on our Volunteer Lighthouse Keepers to provide visitors and local community members with a fun, informative and educational experience at the lighthouse. Please consider joining us at Muskegon's South Pierhead Lighthouse this summer! 

Volunteers under 18 will need parent/guardian supervision or permission as required.

For information regarding accessibility please email muskegonlightsoperations@gmail.com.

Muskegon County Department of Health and Human Services is looking for inviduals who would like to make a difference in individual's lives.  You would be transporting individuals to medical appointments or parenting times with their children and/or parents.  You would be reimbursed mileage for using your own car and meals.  You will have to register with two systems: CHAMPS and SIGMA VSS prior to being reimbursed for mileage and transporting individuals. 

Our office will help you enroll in both CHAMPS and SIGMA VSS

A deconstruction project can range from disassembling kitchen cabinetry and countertops, appropriately disconnecting sinks, toilets, and dishwashers, to removing household appliances, landscaping materials and furniture. Deconstruction staff will provide all necessary instructions and safety equipment to volunteers.

The VITA free tax preparation program is a service available in Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties during tax season, February 1 - April 15. The program needs assistance with various clerical needs throughout the tax season and during the rest of the year.

It is also helpful if this position can assist with reminder phone calls for tax appointments.

Volunteers needed to help support families or individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities through their Person Centered Planning (PCP) process, which is the planning process for those who receive services through HealthWest (formerly Community Mental Health) .

Essential parts of the PCP process include: 1) Reviewing the current plan, 2) identifying who you would like to attend your PCP,  3)conducting the pre-plan,  4)attending and participating in the actual PCP, and 5) creating the Plan of Service. The focus will be to align with choice, need, medical necessity and Medicaid eligibility, which does provide for flexibility and community based services; keeping in mind the individual needs and desires of the person served.

The Arc Muskegon will provide training, which includes:

Please call about other opportunities to learn more. Background and/or personal relations with people who have disabilities are preferred. 

Volunteers needed to help support families through their education experience. This is a long term volunteer position.

Essential duties of a Special Education Advocate include:  

The Arc Muskegon will provide ongoing training sessions to prepare you for being a special education advocate.

Please call about other opportunities to learn more. Background and/or personal relations with people who have disabilities are preferred. 

We have a big project on our hands; as construction of the new Eddie Boersema Education and Activity Center is complete, we finally have a home for 92 years of archives and Pendy history! 

We need dedicated volunteers who love local history to help us get organized. Filing, database entry, finding alumni, creatively displaying artifacts, scanning photos and transfering old films to digital storage are just a bit of what we're up to!

Please contact Jessa Glick at jglick@pendalouan.org or call (231).894.4538 x 104 to get involved! 

Oversees a geographical area of volunteers and Girl Scout troops.  Hosts monthly meetings at a local, public location.  Assists with girl and adult recruitment.  Primary contact between Girl Scout Council and local Girl Scout Volunteers.

Application and background check required.

Mentor groups of 5-10 girls.  Provide opportunities to develop life skills and share talents.  Volunteering is very flexible to fit any busy schedule.

Application and background check required.

Intern is responsible for assisting with program creation and implementation, office duties, and girl and adult recruitment.

Plan local events for Girl Scout members.  Work closely with Council staff and Service Unit Volunteers.

Application and background check required.

Flexible hours

To participate in all DAT program support and capacity building activities necessary to ensure effective service delivery during a DAT response.  

Disaster Action Teams provide 24-hour emergency response to local disasters, particularly house fires, ensuring that those affected have access to resources for basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing. 

This position is responsible for the tasks involved in the Disaster Action Team program including:

Ability to:

Current training requirements are contained in the Training and System Requirements for Disaster Action Team Members Job Tool

Works closely with all other DAT Members to ensure team goals are achieved. 

With additional training there are opportunities for individual and leadership development to serve as:

Additional training is available across all service lines to orient volunteer to additional activities and opportunities within the Red Cross.

Fair Food Network’s Double Up Food Bucks program provides Americans who receive SNAP benefits, or food stamps, with a one-to-one match to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Double Up is available at participating grocery stores and Farmers markets across the state, and volunteers are essential in spreading the word about the program. The Double Up Community Outreach Volunteer will be provide local community outreach and participate in community events and meetings, expanding the reach of the program.

Primary Responsibilities:

Qualifications and Length of Service:

This role is from August 1st to November 30th. The Double Up Grocery Outreach Volunteer should

Time, Training, and Travel:

Time commitment will vary, depending on the phase of the program, event and meeting dates, and volunteer preference. Typically events are between 2 and 4 hours long. In any event, volunteers will be paired with either a staff member or other volunteer. Presentations are typically no longer than 15 minutes, but volunteer might stay for questions, comments, and/or the duration of a meeting, which could be up to 2 hours long. The volunteer will receive training on all responsibilities and policies relevant to the role. Training on the Double Up Food Bucks model in Michigan will also occur. Local travel to events and community organizations is expected.

Advantages to Community Outreach Volunteer:

The Double Up Volunteer will gain the following from this role:

Appointment, Supervision and Scope of Authority:

The Double Up Community Outreach Volunteer will be appointed by and report directly to the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator. The Community Outreach Volunteer will work in conjunction with local community organizations and the Double Up team to identify events and presentation opportunities for spreading the word about the program.

Available Resources:

The Community Outreach Volunteer will be afforded the necessary guidance, training and materials needed to connect with organizations and potential users about the program, with support from the Double Up Food Bucks team.

Volunteer Policy:

Fair Food Network believes in the principle of equality and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, height, or weight.

How to Apply:

To apply, e-mail Erin Allen at eallen@fairfoodnetwork.org or call 7342133999 ext 213.

Apply here and send it to info@doubleupfoodbucks.org or contact Erin Allen at 7342133999 ext 213. 

Fair Food Network’s Double Up Food Bucks program provides Americans who receive SNAP benefits, or food stamps, with a one-to-one match to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Double Up is available at participating grocery stores and Farmers markets across the state, and volunteers are essential in spreading the word about the program. The focus is on grocery store customers through volunteer outreach and nutrition education. The Double Up Grocery Outreach Volunteer will educate shoppers about how the program works and is carried out in the produce aisle and at the register.

Primary Responsibilities:

Qualifications and Length of Service:

This role is from August 1st to November 30th. The Double Up Grocery Outreach Volunteer should

Time, Training, and Travel:

Time commitment will vary, depending on the phase of the program and volunteer preference.

Times to choose from:

Volunteers are encouraged to select a regular schedule of at least 2-3 hours during the time slots listed so there is consistency for the customers.

The volunteer will receive training on all responsibilities and policies relevant to the role. Training on the Double Up Food Bucks model in Michigan will also occur. Local travel to the grocery store(s) will be expected.

Advantages to Grocery Outreach Volunteer:

The Double Up Volunteer will gain the following from this role:

Appointment, Supervision and Scope of Authority:

The Double Up Grocery Outreach Volunteer will be appointed by and report directly to the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator. The Local Coordinator will work in conjunction with SNAP Outreach Volunteers and Nutrition Educators in their efforts to connect with SNAP recipients and Double Up eligible shoppers.

Available Resources:

The Grocery Outreach Volunteer will be afforded the necessary guidance, training and materials needed to connect with shoppers about the program, with support from the Double Up Food Bucks team.

Volunteer Policy:

Fair Food Network believes in the principle of equality and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, height, or weight.

How to Apply:

To apply, e-mail Erin Allen at eallen@fairfoodnetwork.org or call 7342133999 ext 213

Fair Food Network’s Double Up Food Bucks program provides Americans who receive SNAP benefits, or food stamps, with a one-to-one match to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Double Up is available at participating grocery stores and Farmers markets across the state, and volunteers are essential in spreading the word about the program. The focus is on grocery store customers through volunteer outreach and nutrition education. The Double Up Food Bucks Local Coordinator will help to establish, lead, and manage the volunteer network.

Primary Responsibilities:

- Work with the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator to build and sustain a volunteer-run network

- Work with Double Up team to gain understanding of Double Up program how it works at farmers markets and grocery stores

- Cultivate relationships with local partners and potential sources of volunteer recruitment

- Lead the recruitment, management, and training of Double Up outreach volunteers and nutrition educators

- Work with the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator to develop a regular volunteer schedule for each store and market involved

- Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteers responding to postings

- Communicate regularly with the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator to discuss progress and challenges

- Ensure volunteers are equipped with necessary supplies and materials on market days.

Qualifications and Length of Service:

The Local Coordinator must be a self-starter, preferably with some understanding of nutrition incentives and the Supplemental Assistance Program (SNAP or Bridge Card). Must have leadership experience, people and public speaking skills, and the ability to assemble and train a qualified team of volunteers. This role is on-going.

Time, Training, and Travel:

Time commitment will vary, depending on the phase of the program. It is anticipated that the role could require 10 hours per week. Some flexibility will be required. The Local Coordinator will receive training on all responsibilities and policies relevant to the role. Training on the Double Up Food Bucks model in Michigan will also occur. Local travel to the various grocery and market sites, events, and to visit with local partners will be expected.

Advantages to Local Coordinator:

The Double Up Food Bucks Local Coordinator will gain valuable professional skills and connections through this role, including:

- Instrumental involvement in a growing nonprofit program in the food systems field

- Growth and experience in communications and volunteer coordination

- Broad access to social service agencies in Michigan

- Leadership, community collaboration, and networking skills

- Instrumental involvement in empowering volunteers to increase access to healthy foods in Michigan

Appointment, Supervision and Scope of Authority:

The Local Coordinator will be appointed by and report directly to the Fair Food Network Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator. The Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator will provide support to the Local Coordinator in their efforts to recruit and manage the volunteer network. This role is expected to be collaborative in nature, with the primary focus being on the development and maintenance of a volunteer network.

Available Resources:

The Local Coordinator will be afforded the necessary guidance, training and materials needed to facilitate the development of a volunteer network, with support from the Double Up Food Bucks team.

Volunteer Policy:

Fair Food Network believes in the principle of equality and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, height, or weight.

How to Apply:

To apply, send a resume to Erin Allen at eallen@fairfoodnetwork.org or call 7232133999 ext 213.

The Boys & Girls Club of Muskegon Lakeshore's academic program "Power Hour", is about making minutes count. This program is for helping club members ages 6-18, achieve academic success by providing; homework help, tutoring, and high-yield learning activities, and encouraging members to become self directed learners - We need volunteers to help with BGC members' homework, tutoring, and learning activities: For additional information call (231) 375-5576

DIY STEM

The Boys & Girls club DIY STEM program, is a hands-on activity-based STEM curriculum which connects youth aged 9 to 12 to science themes they encounter regularly. Special attention is paid to connections of theory and application and the common interactions members have with these scientific principals. DIY STEM currently includes five modules: Energy and Electricity, Engineering Design, Food Chemistry, Aeronautics and Robotics - We are in need of volunteers to help the facilitators instruct and lead activities in the various areas of programming for DIY STEM

All volunteers must pass a criminal background check.

What is a Tester?

As a tester, you play the role of a home seeker - a person who is looking for a housing unit in which to live. Testers must be at least 18 years old, objective, careful observers, accurate reporters, and truthful and credible witnesses.  View the Qualifications for Testers for more information on what characteristics are important in a tester.

Testers are paid a stipend for both remote and in-person tests.

Become a Tester

Our housing tester program is an interesting way to learn about the community and get first hand experience with fair housing.  Testers play the role of a home seeker and participate in apartment showings, open houses, and other experiences to help us monitor fair housing practices.  Testers are of vital importance to the advocacy and research programs of the Fair Housing Center.  Without a vast and diverse pool of volunteer testers, the Fair Housing Center would be drastically limited in our ability to conduct research and investigate claims of illegal discrimination.

What is Testing?

Testing is a term used to describe the process of checking the housing market to determine the nature and extent of discriminatory treatment practiced against various home seekers. For example, in matched pair testing two or more individuals, similar in every respect other than the variable being tested, are sent to the same sales or rental office. Testers keep careful notes as to what transpires, and then record their experience on a standard report form. Differences in the treatment of testers often form the bases for successful resolution of a housing discrimination complaint.

Why Testing?

The testing process has been consistently supported by federal courts as a legitimate and necessary method to identify practices of unlawful housing discrimination. In West Michigan, successful complaints filed by claimants have been based upon evidence obtained by Fair Housing Center testers.

How Do I Become a Tester?

If you are interested in taking on the challenging and rewarding role of a tester, email us to learn about upcoming tester training dates.  To register for a tester training via phone, or for more information about testing, contact Sarah Brandt at (616) 438-5712.

Heartland Hospice provides a unique type of care to patients with

a terminal illness and to support their loved ones. At Heartland, we depend on our volunteers to

help us provide the love, respect, and care our patients and their families need.  As a volunteer

you would help us decide which tasks you are comfortable performing. Our volunteers help enrich

the lives of our patients by: providing a friendly visit to lift a patient's spirit, reading, running errands,

or staying with patients so that family members can get a much needed break. We also have volunteers

who work behind the scenes in the office setting.

A volunteer MMAP counselor meets with Medicare recipients who need help sorting through complex insurance and prescription changes each year.

Once a volunteer finishes the on-line modules and attends a three-day training, s/he becomes a certified MMAP counselor. To maintain a MMAP counselor status a volunteer must commit to 65 hours a year. New three-day training's are scheduled periodically throughout the year. Counselors are trained, certified and supported.

You can work one day a week or more.

  Located at Shady Rest cemetery, at the corner of Quarterline Rd and Oak Av. This county owned cemetery was in use from about 1908 til 1970 for residents of the county poor farm. Many of the surface mount headstones are sinking into the ground and need to raised back flush to the surface. This project involves carefully removing the monument, adding soil to the desired height, replacing the stone and leveling the surrounding area.  

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  Provide Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) services for a facility in Muskegon, Oceana, or Ottawa county including resident advocacy services, family support and consumer education. Actively work to improve the long-term care system by representing the interests of long-term care residents and monitoring the development of federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work with individual residents to resolve simple problems and promote high-quality care.  Explaining residents’ rights, empowering residents to communicate their concerns individually or collectively, and assist in the resolution of resident concerns. Refer complex concerns to the Local Long Term Care Ombudsman for Resolution.

Provide a community presence by visiting residents of the assigned long-term care facilities 2-4 hours weekly. Report results and findings to the Local Long Term Care Ombudsman. 

Promoting community education and awareness regarding long-term care issues and the use of best practices. May attend resident council meetings.

Continually seek to identify problems within the long-term care system.

Maintain inspection reports, licensing information and related materials for assigned facilities. 

Providing family support with assessing participants needs, helping to determine the type of care which may be most appropriate, and providing information about the facilities and services available. 

Attend state-wide training and complete educational requirements to retain LTCO certificate.

Volunteers provide support to Solid Rock Depots in a wide variety of ways. Our Depots strive to keep operating costs as low as possible to maximize the amount of money that goes directly to benefit our community, and volunteers are one of the ways to achieve this. Volunteers also help ensure every Depot is a great experience for donors and shoppers.

There are many ways to volunteer at Solid Rock Depot. Volunteer needs at our Depots may vary from time to time, but the following are common ways you can help the Depot:

Volunteers provide support to Solid Rock Depots in a wide variety of ways. Our Depots strive to keep operating costs as low as possible to maximize the amount of money that goes directly to benefit your community, and volunteers are one of the ways to achieve this. Volunteers also help ensure every Depot is a great experience for donors and shoppers.

There are many ways to volunteer at Solid Rock Depot. Volunteer needs at your local Depot may vary, but the following are common ways you can help the Depot: 

Besides helping Solid Rock Housing Support repair homes through merchandise sales, Solid Rock Depot also helps keep metal out of landfills through our scrap metal recycling efforts. 

A scrap metal volunteer would prepare and sort materials or products for recycling. Occasionally, dismantle components of products, such as appliances, for recycling. 

Experience of working in metal fabrication will help, but not required. 

Will work to assist CALL staff to develop and maintain a comprehensive, accurate, well-organized resource database that will provide users with relevant and up-to-date information about health and human service options in our community. Will also play an active role in outreach opportunities including communication with agencies in our community and participation in resource fairs/community events.

There are children in the Oceana County Court system that need Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers. CASAs are assigned by the judge to represent the best interest of children in abuse and neglect court proceedings. The volunteer visits with the child regularly, researches the background of the child, prepares written reports for the Court and attends hearings until the case is permanently resolved. CASA volunteers are a constant for children in a time of chaos. A child may have multiple social workers, foster care placements, therapists, and teachers throughout the life of the case but only one CASA volunteer.

Children with a CASA are more likely to: be placed in a permanent safe home faster, do better in school, and receive comprehensive services needed.

Must be at least 21 years of age, have a High School diploma/equivalent, pass background & reference checks, attend an interview, complete 30 hours of pre-service training, have reliable transportation, and time (10-15 hours per month).

Do you love to read? Do you have a passion for helping other's learn? Join the Read Muskegon team as a 1-on-1 tutor! Read Muskegon volunteer tutors get paired with an adult learner OR a parent-child pair to work toward the learners' literacy goals. Goals range from learning how to read to one's children to getting a better job to preparing to return to secondary education.

For 1-on-1 tutoring, we ask for a minimum one-year commitment of meeting weekly for about 1.5 hours per week. 

Contact Win, our Volunteer Coordinator, for more info on how to become a tutor!

Read Muskegon is a small organization with a big mission: improving the quality of life throughout Muskegon County through improved literacy. If you want to help but don't feel like tutoring is the right form of volunteering for you, there is another way you can help! Join us in spreading the word about our programs by volunteering at various outreach events held throughout the county. Whether it's a summer community block party or an info session at your church, almost every occasion presents an opportunity.

With the direction of the Read Muskegon Volunteer Coordinator, outreach ambassadors will occasionally staff our tables at events, distribute flyers and free giveaways, answer questions from visitors, and take down contact information for those interested in reading help.

This is a great volunteer opportunity for high school and college students, families, and anyone else interested in helping Read Muskegon without making the time commitment of volunteer tutoring.

Contact Win, our Volunteer Coordinator, at 231-769-5985 or win.frederick@readmuskegon.org for more information on how to get started!

Volunteers are the lifeblood of MADD—full of passion and compassion for our mission. Join our army of ordinary citizens who’ve become extraordinary activists in saving lives and preventing injuries.

Whether you’re interested in volunteering a couple of times a year or a couple of times a week, there’s a place for you at MADD. And we have a wide variety of opportunities to match your interests and expertise. Some options include:

For more information contact Meg Callow, Volunteer Coordinator248-528-1745 x2653

Join us in packing Sack Suppers in their final stage before delivery! 

While this shift is designated for the task of packing Sack Suppers, no task is ever a guarantee. Projects do change last minute due to food goods available on-site. Please be ready to have a good time while ensuring kids in our community get the nutrition they need to thrive!

For a full listing of our volunteer opportunities, please visit our websites:

http://muskegonkfb.volunteerhub.com/

https://www.kidsfoodbasket.org/get-involved/find-your-opportunity/

Thank you for supporting Kids' Food Basket!

We need help preparing good, healthy, nourishing meals for children and families in our community! 

Come help prepare Sack Suppers!  You could be assisting with things like sandwich making, packing fresh produce, making trail mix, sorting food, re-packing food items,  or other much needed tasks. No task is ever a guarantee, and projects do change last minute due to food goods available on-site.

Please be ready to have a good time while ensuring kids in our community get the nutrition they need to thrive! 

We will welcome volunteers 5+ years of age. Volunteers ages 5 to 16 must also have parent or guardian supervision. For more information regarding this event, please check out our Volunteer FAQs.

This project is a project that requires several forms to be filled out but is relatively easy to complete. Essentially you walk through the Veterans History Project Instruction Booklet step by step to conduct an interview with your local veteran. You come up with prompts, record the interview, collect copies of any photographs or memorabilia, and have all forms and paperwork filled out.  

You can then either forward that information to the United Way of the Lakeshore, or you can send the documents to the Library of Congress. 

This project is a great way to spend time with some of our greatest community members (our veterans!) and record local history. 

The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

The Veterans History Project (VHP) of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center collects and preserves the firsthand interviews and narratives of the United States military veterans from World War I through the present. In addition to audio- and video-recorded oral history interviews, VHP accepts memoirs and collections of original photographs, letters, diaries, maps and other historical documents from veterans who served in the US armed services from World War I through the present. The Project makes accessible the materials that comprise this important national archive, which contains submissions from every state, and includes the US territories. VHP relies on volunteers, both individuals, and organizations, throughout the nation to contribute veterans’ stories to VHP.

VHP also collects oral histories with Gold Star Family members, defined as a parent, spouse, sibling, or child of members of the Armed Forces who died as a result of their service during a period of war.

Currently, the Veterans History Project only has 5 servicemen listed from the Lakeshore. None of these soldiers have their pictures available. This is a great opportunity to preserve not only Community History but to preserve the family history of those in our community as well.

While we continue to support clients through telehealth and other modified services, all Arbor Circle locations are currently closed to the public. If you are a current client, please check with your Arbor Circle staff regarding your services. If you are looking for services, need assistance, or are making a referral, please call our main line at 616.456.6571 or email us at info@arborcircle.org.

Assist library staff with Storyville check-in.  Assist families with waitlist (if necessary).  Monitor waitlist and call families when openings occur.

Ideal volunteers would have good customer service and organizational skills.  Volunteering won't begin until 2020.  Must fill out a volunteer form and pass a background check.

Assist library staff with Storyville check-in.  Assist families with waitlist (if necessary).  Monitor waitlist and call families when openings occur.

Ideal volunteers would have good customer service and organizational skills.  Volunteering won't begin until 2020.  Must fill out volunteer form and pass a background check.

Assist library staff with Storyville check-in.  Assist families with waitlist (if necessary).  Monitor waitlist and call families when openings occur.

Ideal volunteers would have good customer service and organizational skills.  Volunteering won't begin until 2020.  Must fill out volunteer form and pass a background check.

The Village monitor will assist with Storyville procedures within the village.  They will answer questions regarding the village, remind patrons of guidelines, check for check-in badges, and assist in straightening up the village.

Ideal volunteers would have good customer service skills and enjoy working with children.  Volunteering won't begin until 2020.  Must fill out a volunteer form and pass a background check.

The Village monitor will assist with Storyville procedures within the village.  They will answer questions regarding the village, remind patrons of guidelines, check for check-in badges, and assist in straightening up the village.

Ideal volunteers would have good customer service skills and enjoy working with children.  Volunteering won't begin until 2020.  Must fill out a volunteer form and pass a background check.

The Village monitor will assist with Storyville procedures within the village.  They will answer questions regarding the village, remind patrons of guidelines, check for check-in badges, and assist in straightening up the village.

Ideal volunteers would have good customer service skills and enjoy working with children.  Volunteering won't begin until 2020.  Must fill out a volunteer form and pass a background check.

The Village Assistant will help keep the village neat and assist with opening and closing procedures. They will also check to ensure everyone in the Storyville Village has a badge.  

Ideal volunteers would have good customer service skills and enjoy working with children.  Volunteering won't begin until 2020.  Must fill out a volunteer form and pass a background check.

The Village Assistant will help keep the village neat and assist with opening and closing procedures. They will also check to ensure everyone in the Storyville Village has a badge.  

Ideal volunteers would have good customer service skills and enjoy working with children.  Volunteering won't begin until 2020.  Must fill out a volunteer form and pass a background check.

The Village Assistant will help keep the village neat and assist with opening and closing procedures. They will also check to ensure everyone in the Storyville Village has a badge.  

Ideal volunteers would have good customer service skills and enjoy working with children.  Volunteering won't begin until 2020.  Must fill out a volunteer form and pass a background check.

This project is a project that requires several forms to be filled out but is relatively easy to complete. Essentially you walk through the Veterans History Project Instruction Booklet step by step to conduct an interview with your local veteran. You come up with prompts, record the interview, collect copies of any photographs or memorabilia, and have all forms and paperwork filled out.  

You can then either forward that information to the United Way of the Lakeshore, or you can send the documents to the Library of Congress. 

This project is a great way to spend time with some of our greatest community members (our veterans!) and record local history. 

The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

The Veterans History Project (VHP) of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center collects and preserves the firsthand interviews and narratives of the United States military veterans from World War I through the present. In addition to audio- and video-recorded oral history interviews, VHP accepts memoirs and collections of original photographs, letters, diaries, maps and other historical documents from veterans who served in the US armed services from World War I through the present. The Project makes accessible the materials that comprise this important national archive, which contains submissions from every state, and includes the US territories. VHP relies on volunteers, both individuals, and organizations, throughout the nation to contribute veterans’ stories to VHP.

VHP also collects oral histories with Gold Star Family members, defined as a parent, spouse, sibling, or child of members of the Armed Forces who died as a result of their service during a period of war.

Currently, the Veterans History Project only has 5 servicemen listed from the Lakeshore. None of these soldiers have their pictures available. This is a great opportunity to preserve not only Community History but to preserve the family history of those in our community as well.

To help workers claim the EITC and other tax credits, the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to low-to-moderate income working for families with the help of trained volunteers. Goodwills across the country are currently training hundreds of volunteers to help members of their community to prepare their taxes this season.
“I really do think it impacts the community, and I like to give back,” explains Paulette Johnson, a VITA volunteer. “Even though I don’t have a lot of money, I like to share my knowledge and time.  It is really rewarding when people come in that weren’t expecting to get money back.”
By volunteering as a VITA tax preparer in your community, you can gain free tax training, earn a certification from the IRS and gain applicable skills to advance your career.  “We have had several of our VITA volunteers get jobs because of their tax preparation experience here at our site,” says Kirby Kaple, financial services specialist at Goodwill Industries of Southern Rivers (Columbus, GA).
This great volunteer opportunity can help you:

Even if you aren’t interested in tax preparation, VITA sites offer many volunteer positions that can enhance your résumé and help members of your community:

To find your local VITA site and learn about VITA volunteer opportunities, go to VolunteerMatch or contact your local Goodwill.
Discover if you or someone you know is eligible to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Our Telephone Reassurance Volunteers enjoy a one-on-one relationship with one of our homebound older adult participants, helping to alleviate loneliness and isolation with important human contact and encouraging them to socialize.

Volunteers provide companionship during weekly telephone call(s), helping to improve the quality of life of the individual.

The purpose is to provide wellness checks and social contact, through regular telephone conversations, to a homebound senior who may be socially and/or geographically isolated.

Online volunteer training provided.

The Muskegon Baby Pantry offers a selection of new and gently used items for infant and toddler care at no cost. Pantry visitors must be able to show documentation that they are the primary parent or custodian for each child needing items from the pantry. Clients can visit the pantry once each month to obtain items for their children. Volunteers help stock and organize the pantry and shop with clients.

Interested in volunteering? Sign up for us to tell you more! 

With the aid of a grant from the State Supreme Court, the Community Dispute Resolution Program offers mediation, and other forms of dispute resolution, as alternatives to formal litigation. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offers many advantages when compared to the typical court process. For example, individuals are given the opportunity to actively participate in the resolution of disputes, relationships are often improved or maintained, costs are minimal, and the community benefits from a peaceful resolution of individual problems. At the same time, the agreements that arise from mediation are as binding as a decree from the courts.

Our volunteer mediators mediate a wide variety of disputes. Neighborhood problems, parenting-time and custody issues, merchant-consumer complaints, civil-rights cases, restorative justice programs in juvenile court, general civil and small claims matters, and any other type of dispute that you can imagine are resolved through this process.

Volunteer mediators must complete a 40-hour, court-approved training program and 10 hours of observation before they mediate cases. Additional advanced mediation is available for those interested. This specialized training allows mediators to work in Special Education, Balanced and Restorative Justice, Adult-Guardianship, and other specific areas.

Help Us Plan an Amazing Walk Like MADD Michigan 2021! Join the Walk Like MADD Committee to put your skills, input, ideas, and connections into helping us plan a great Community Event. Walk Like MADD is a fundraiser for MADD Michigan, as well as a substance-impaired driving awareness event, supporter get together, and pay tributes to those who have had their lives impacted by this 100% preventable crime. The Committee is open to everyone! Our goal is to create an event experience that will help people Remember, Inspire, and Commit. Join our dynamic group to create an unforgettable community event. There are many opportunities for people to get involved in planning and producing Walk Like MADD, from big roles to smaller roles depending on time and skill set. The committee is a 4 – 5 hour monthly commitment, with a monthly 1 hour committee meeting on zoom. The committee runs from April to August.

MADD Michigan is currently working to get volunteers, victims, and survivors engaged in passing an All Offender Ignition Interlock Law, and ending the Sunset Clause for .08 BAC. An ignition interlock is a device about the size of a cell phone that is wired into the ignition system of a vehicle.  A convicted drunk driver must blow into the device in order to start their vehicle.  If they have a measurable amount of alcohol in their system, the vehicle will not start. 34 states and Washington DC have passed this law already, and Michigan has not passed the law, it is currently sitting in the Michigan House of Representatives. 

Did you know that Michigan is the only state with a Sunset Clause for the .08 Blood Alcohol Content for stopping Impaired Drivers? A sunset law is also known as the sunset provision and it is a legal provision that has an expiration date for a government program, agency, or law on a certain date unless it is renewed. The Michigan Legislature has approved bills that will continue that state’s 0.08 blood-alcohol limit for drunk driving until 2021. The limit of 0.8 was set in 2003, however, a sunset provision has been put on it means that the law has to be revisited and amended when the deadline comes around or the law is no longer in place. Under the latest legislation, the limit is going to go back up from 0.8 to 0.10 in October 2021. Our goal is to end the Sunset Clause and have a new law that would have .08 be a law that never has to be debated again. 

It will take volunteers of all commitments and skill levels to help us create stronger laws to end impaired driving in Michigan.  From Leadership Roles to Contacting Your Legislator, there will be multiple ways for you to get involved. Public Policy volunteers would assist staff by engaging the public and legislators through educating them on the law. Public Policy volunteers also spread awareness of MADD’s legislative agenda throughout their communities, and communicate MADD’s legislative agenda to their legislators and encourage legislators and community leaders to support MADD’s legislative priorities.

Many communities are unaware of MADD Victim Services and how MADD helps victims/survivors of impaired driving. Volunteer outreach and communications specialists help to enhance community awareness of MADD Victim Services. By building relationships, educating the community, and connecting community members with needed services, outreach and communications volunteers help to solidify the presence of MADD Victim Services in all communities, thereby ensuring that victims/survivors receive the support they need.

Skills/Training Requirements: completion of MADD orientation, good organizational skills, ability to communicate effectively, reliable transportation and comfortable approaching community organizations to establish and strengthen networks.

–Attend Community Fairs and or Events to spread Awareness of MADD

–Help with Research on Ways to Help Spread Awareness of MADD Victim Services

–Contact or Help Contact Police Stations, Counseling Centers, Schools, Etc. to Share Information, Do Presentations, or have Meetings with about MADDs Victim Services

–Be able to do MADD Victim Services Presentations to Audiences

–Help expand Victim Services to reach more people in need

–Completion of MADD Awareness and Victim Services Training

–Comfortable with Public Speaking

–Awareness of MADD’s Mission and Victim Services Work

–Sensitivity to the needs of victims/survivors of impaired driving

–Comfortable working with people of diverse background and abilities

–Computer and Phone access to keep in contact with MADD MI Staff

–Access to own Transportation

–6-20 Hours Per Month

Weekly or Bi-Weekly Check Ins with Staff

MADD Victim Services offers many ways for victims/survivors to remember and honor those killed or injured in impaired driving crashes. Special events volunteers assist in planning, organizing, and implementing of special events for victims/survivors.

Skills/Training Requirements: completion of MADD orientation, good organizational skills, ability to communicate effectively, reliable transportation and comfortable approaching community vendors to procure products and services for event and, working with community partners. 

Have questions or are interested? 

Contact Allison LaPlatt, the Coordinator of Volunteer Resources

248-528-1745 Ext. 2653

allison.laplatt@madd.org

–Help plan, organize, and implement special events such as Tie One on For Safety, Remembrance Vigils, Walk Like MADD, and help create new ideas.

–Areas of involvement may include photography, public relations, registration, media, fundraising or logistics.

–Create and Build relationships with community partners.

–Sensitivity to the needs of victims and survivors of impaired driving

–Ability to communicate effectively

–Ability to work in a Team Environment

–Ethical behavior and respect of confidentiality

–Strong Advocate for MADD

–Have access to own transportation; have a valid drivers license and auto insurance

–Access to Internet and Phone

–2-4 Hours per Week

–Attend Special Event Committee Meeting, Typically in evenings and once per month

–4 month Commitment prior to Event

Responsibilities:

Primary strengths and abilities required:

General Information:

Questions about Love N Grace Healing Centers and the available volunteer opportunities should be directed to Debra Yonkers, executive director, at 231-260-0193 or deb@lovengrace.org

Help us stock up to keep our kitties happy and healthy! If you would like to donate any of the following, we are always looking for help with: 

Purina Kitten Chow Nurture Formula

Purina Naturals Cat Chow Adult Cat Food

Purina Beyond Grain Free Pate Variety Pack Adult Wet Cat Food

Whole Hearted Grain Free Chicken Formula Dry Cat Food

Fancy Feast Tender Ocean Whitefish Feast Wet Kitten Food

Friskies Poultry Platter, Canned Cat Food

Tomlyn Nutri-Cal Kitten Dietary Supplement

Tomlyn Nutri-Cal For Cats

K&H Microwaveable Pet Bed Warmer

Petstages Purr Pillow

Breeders Edge Foster Care Feline Powdered Milk Replacer

So Fresh Scoopable Cat Litter

Tidy Cat Litter

Gas Cards - Spay/Neuter Transport

Student United Need For Hour Tracking Purposes

Pioneer Resources is seeking individuals or groups interested in sponsoring one of our 8 group homes! 

This would include raking leaves, shoveling on occasion, decorating for holidays, and more as you desire. 

Our goal is to make each home a comfortable place for our residents to live. With your help, we can make that happen! 

Our Virtual Impact Program connects volunteers from across the globe with students throughout Latin America, who attend our after-school Virtual English Academy on a full scholarship. Together, volunteers and students bridge cultures digitally and inspire and empower each other to reach their potential.

while making a lifetime impact on young students throughout Latin America. You’ll provide students with quality English instruction and inspire them to create opportunities for their futures. Join us and make learning fun!

18+ / 5 days a week

Our Virtual Impact Program connects volunteers from across the globe with students throughout Latin America, who attend our after-school Virtual English Academy on a full scholarship. Together, volunteers and students bridge cultures digitally and inspire and empower each other to reach their potential.

in Spanish while making a lifetime impact on young students throughout Latin America. You'll provide students with the opportunity to expand their horizons, develop critical thinking skills, learn about the world, and have fun doing it!

The AgeWell Services Senior Medical Transportation Program provides door-to-door, non-emergency medical transportation for low income Muskegon County seniors.

The service operates Monday-Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. For more information, call (231) 726-7090

AgeWell Services Senior Transportation clients enjoy the friendly, personalized service they receive from the volunteers.
A recent letter sent by a client reads in part “the people who schedule my transportation and the volunteer drivers are
treasured friends. I’ve met so many wonderful, caring, and interesting people associated with your service.” She added,
“I’m able to continue living independently thanks to all of you.”

Volunteer with Michigan 4-H and help grow true leaders in your community by empowering young people with skills to lead for a lifetime. Join us as we grow kids in your community!

For more information and to apply to become a volunteer, visit https://msu.samaritan.com/custom/502/#/volunteer_home.

Ready to make an impact? We need friendly and enthusiastic people just like you who can represent the Red Cross to our blood donors.

As a volunteer blood donor ambassador, you'll ensure donors have a positive experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. Your professionalism and kindness during the blood drive will encourage ongoing donor support.

This role is for you if you…

· Love talking to all kinds of people!

· Demonstrate excellent customer service and comfort working with people.

· You have availability to serve for one 4-6 hour shift per month.

*shifts may vary on quarterly needs depending on your location*

Each volunteer shift, you make a difference and help save a life.

This opportunity requires participation in in-person activities and/or performing work in a Red Cross facility.

Key responsibilities –

Overview of Mobile Blood Drives

· Usually hosted at a community or sponsor-owned location

· Blood collection procedures are whole blood and red cell (no platelets or plasma)

· ‘Mobile’ blood drives change almost every day—with the need to setup and takedown each blood drive, they tend to be faster paced, in a variety of sites, with different donors, sponsors, team members, and chargeperson each drive

· Often requires careful maintenance of donor flow and wait times (typically more donors on the schedule)

· Events confirmed about 6 weeks in advance

Overview of Fixed Sites

· Usually hosted at a community or sponsor-owned location

· Blood collection procedures are whole blood and red cell (no platelets or plasma)

· Staff and equipment tend to be ‘ready to go’ in the same site each day--with fewer donors participating on a frequent basis in longer term procedures (some procedures take as long as 2-2.5 hours per donor) at a Red Cross donor center.

· Similar or same: list of donors, team members and charge people from week to week creates sense of team

· Regular donors become familiar with check-in process, materials and site

· Schedule rarely changes, available several months in advance, a weekly shift ‘adoption’ is highly encouraged. For example – one shift every Tuesday morning or afternoon

All Donor Ambassador roles (Mobile Blood Drives and Fixed Sites)

· Support Red Cross staff by being helpful, flexible, and patient

· Greet donors, explain the donation process as necessary and assist with initial intake and hand offs through the blood donation process

· Manage donor flow and direct donors to Check-In

· Model excellent customer service behaviors.

· Ensure blood donors have relevant information and that questions are answered appropriately while creating a favorable impression of the blood donation process.

· Learn and share the Red Cross story, including the mission, vision, and values

· Work with collections team supervisor or charge staff to match donor’s blood type with the best product for maximum impact (Right Type Mix)

· Check Post Donation Info and time

· Set up and maintain cleanliness in Reception and Hospitality Areas

· Provide customer service to donors in the Hospitality Area by ensuring that each donor is recognized for his/her contribution.

· Check that donor has their post-donation information before leaving the drive

· Report possible adverse post-donation physical reactions to the collections staff. Protect donors from injury during adverse reactions (if able without hurting self)

· May be asked to sanitize/disinfect donor areas and beds

· May make reminder/cancellation calls, re-schedule donor appointments, and perform follow up activities as directed

· Encourage donors to download Donor App, use RapidPass

Put Your Professional Credentials to Work on a Red Cross Disaster Health Services or Disaster Mental Health Team

During large disasters, you can use your professional skills as a licensed healthcare provider to deliver hands-on care and education to disaster-affected clients. The work setting is generally in emergency shelters or on outreach teams in the community. (Keep in mind, you could be assigned to another work location once you arrive on scene depending on the needs of the operation.)

Learn more here - https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities/disaster-health-mental-health-volunteer.html

Requirements

Disaster Health: Current, active, and unencumbered licensure or certification for the healthcare professions, including RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP, APRN. View eligibility requirements for healthcare professionals

Disaster Mental Health: Currently licensed or recently retired mental health professionals, current school psychologists and school counselors, and current psychiatric nurses. View complete eligibility requirements for mental health professionals

Shift commitment

If you are local to the disaster: multiple shifts (4-12 hours each) or

If you will need to travel: 10-14 consecutive days of 8-12 hour shifts (Travel, lodging and meals are provided for deployed workers.)

Comfortable interacting with people from diverse background whose lives have been disrupted

Ability to work in a continuously changing environment in which work priorities may change frequently

Ability to follow safety protocols and directions consistently and thoroughly

Put Your Professional Credentials to Work on a Red Cross Disaster Health Services or Disaster Mental Health Team

During large disasters, you can use your professional skills as a licensed healthcare provider to deliver hands-on care and education to disaster-affected clients. The work setting is generally in emergency shelters or on outreach teams in the community. (Keep in mind, you could be assigned to another work location once you arrive on scene depending on the needs of the operation.)

Learn more here - https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities/disaster-health-mental-health-volunteer.html

Requirements

Disaster Health: Current, active, and unencumbered licensure or certification for the healthcare professions, including RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP, APRN. View eligibility requirements for healthcare professionals

Disaster Mental Health: Currently licensed or recently retired mental health professionals, current school psychologists and school counselors, and current psychiatric nurses. View complete eligibility requirements for mental health professionals

Shift commitment

If you are local to the disaster: multiple shifts (4-12 hours each) or

If you will need to travel: 10-14 consecutive days of 8-12 hour shifts (Travel, lodging and meals are provided for deployed workers.)

Comfortable interacting with people from diverse background whose lives have been disrupted

Ability to work in a continuously changing environment in which work priorities may change frequently

Ability to follow safety protocols and directions consistently and thoroughly

Purpose

How does it feel to help save a life? This is your chance to find out! If you have a little free time, love driving, and enjoy meeting new people, the Red Cross has a great volunteer position for you.

The Red Cross collects and distributes about 40% of our nation’s blood supply. When you deliver blood, platelets or other blood products to a hospital, you’re delivering hope to a person when they need it most.

Each volunteer shift you take is another opportunity to help save a life.

Volunteer drivers use Red Cross vehicles that are GPS tracked for speed.

Become a life saver! All you need is:

A valid state driver's license and proof of insurance

3 years driving experience and a clean driving record

Comfortable using mobile app and smart phones

Ability to lift up to 45 lbs

Must be comfortable using an app on a smartphone

What is Red Cross Delivers?

Red Cross Delivers is a mobile app that supports our volunteers who deliver life-saving blood products to the hospitals efficiently and effectively. The Red Cross Delivers app is not just a tool; it is a vital link in the chain of hope, ensuring that every drop of donated blood reaches those in need, ultimately saving lives and making a profound difference in communities across the nation.

About Mission United: 

Mission United engages military veterans and their families to serve and address veteran needs in income stability, education, and health. These individuals help steer the impact work of United Way veteran-based programs and host special events such as the Memorial Day Clean Ups and Veterans Day activities.

Region: Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties 

Mission United Chair: Sunny Crenshaw
Mission United Vice Chair: Henrietta Hadley 

Meetings are on the last Wednesday of each month.