Are you looking for ways to get involved and to help out your community? Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities in Newark and beyond to give back. Below, check out a couple of resources and organizations looking for volunteers!
 

PAWS for People 

PAWS for People (Pet-Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services, or PAWS) is a “nonprofit organization committed to providing therapeutic visits to any person in the community who would benefit from interaction with a well-trained, loving pet.” What makes PAWS for People stand above other pet therapy services is the emphasis they place on providing individualized therapeutic experiences for everyone. 

PAWS for People defines themselves as “a volunteer-driven organization committed to lovingly providing individualized therapeutic visits with gentle, affectionate pets, improving the quality of life of each person.” How it works is as follows: teams consist of one volunteer and one pet (usually dogs, but sometimes cats or bunnies) who, after undergoing rigorous training and testing, commit to making therapeutic visits at least twice a month at a partnering site. PAWS boasts one of the strongest volunteer forces in the area with more than 500 volunteer teams visiting locations in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Don't fret if you don’t own a pet; you can volunteer without a pet or with a pet!
 

VITAS Healthcare of Delaware 

Interested in healthcare? Or want to help those in hospice or the hospital? The VITAS Healthcare of Delaware is a volunteer-run facility helping those in search for a comforting place for a loved one, support for treatment or help connecting with the right resources. 

Delaware Hospice accepts a multitude of volunteers. On their volunteer application, they list the types of volunteers they're looking for and a description of the qualities you need for each.

• Companion

  • “I’m a great listener. I’m comfortable being in the presence of someone who might be vulnerable, tired, frustrated or just in need of some company. I’m at ease with people in general, and happy to help with running errands.”

• Vigil

  • “I’m able to serve as a quiet presence and source of strength during the very intimate and emotional moments of an individual’s final hours. I can provide peace and comfort directly or on the sidelines, but I’m also able to create enough boundaries so I don’t become emotionally overwhelmed myself.”

• Kids' grief support

  • “I have a passion for working with children who have suffered a loss. I relate to their special needs and am willing to learn more. I can assist leaders with crafts, games and activities designed to help children identify and cope with their feelings.”

• Office administration 

  • “I enjoy coordinating the details of office organization and data entry. No job is too small for me, including filing or making copies. I know that working with even small details makes a vital contribution to Delaware Hospice and to the mission.”

• Community education 

  • “I demonstrate strong communications skills and enjoy the idea of raising awareness about the special needs people face at the end of life. I’m comfortable with public speaking and/or writing, and I like the idea of promoting a philosophy in which I passionately believe.”

• Fundraising and special events

  • "I love to plan parties or make appeals for community support through fundraising. I’d be happy to serve as an extra hand during special events such as the Jazz Brunch, Festival of Trees, 5K, annual golf outings and more."

• Bereavement

  • “I can relate to the pain associated with loss, and I’m able to visit, listen, write notes of encouragement or make phone calls to help people as they heal through grief. I don’t feel the need to hurry someone along with the process, and will wait patiently as they move at their own pace.”

New Castle County Volunteer Services 

You can make a difference throughout New Castle County by getting involved at several locations.

Carousel Park is a 217 acre park located in Pike Creek, Delaware and home to one of the best horseback riding programs in the area, offering private and group lessons. This volunteer opportunity needs assistance with pony rides and parties, schooling shows, therapeutic riding programs and general barn duties including help with the care and feeding of horses.

Revisit the Victorian Era and become a Rockwood Park and Museum volunteer. They are asking for help with estate guides, maintenance and gardening.

Good with technology? Want to help the seniors around you? Join the Senior Roll Call Life Line team to offer daily reassurance for seniors and their families with computerized telephone calls. Volunteers are needed to call the homes of its subscribers every day to ensure the welfare of its elderly residents, many of whom live alone. Daily phone calls are made to those enrolled to make sure they are doing well and do not require emergency assistance.

The Garage Community and Youth Center

Make a difference for the younger generation by becoming a mentor. If you are interested in becoming a Youth Center volunteer, please complete the volunteer application. Below are the types of volunteers they're seeking:

• After school:

  • Volunteers needed for a minimum of one hour per week every week for a semester during after school programming. Homework hour is from 3 to 4 p.m. Activity hour is from 4 to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Build relationships and positively influence students by helping with drop-in homework, academic stations and daily activity helping with café. Tutoring can be scheduled with students to help a student with homework and projects for specific subject needs.

• Girls and boys programs:

  • Volunteers needed for five hours per month for an academic year. The program meets the first and third Thursdays of the month from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Girls: Develop strong, confident women by taking part in monthly workshops and activities aimed at holistic development and promoting healthy community. Boys: Be a role model by developing and/or participating in monthly action-packed activities and critical conversations and workshops.

• MAPS Volunteer:

  • Volunteers needed two hours each month. MAPS meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays in Kennett Square and Thursdays at West Grove from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Work with juniors and seniors to build skills that will help them be successful after high school. Help write resumes, find and apply for scholarships, research colleges and post high school options.

• Fundraising and events:

  • Volunteers needed periodically, throughout the year. Help with mailings, event planning, decoration and event success. Work with a group and contribute to the success of a major funding opportunity.

     

This blog post is written by our Division of Student Life student intern Elliana Olivo.