After School Program
After School Program is a volunteer opportunity coordinated through the Student Volunteer Center at New Catholic Center. Come help tutor/mentor local children after school two days a week.
Volunteers are needed for tutoring on Mondays - Thursdays from 4pm-5pm.
For more information:
Contact: Kelley Williams/Doris Nordin
Telephone: 217-348-0188
website:
www.eiu-newman.org
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Being a "Big Brother" or "Big Sister" is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things you will ever do. It's simple, too. You and your "Little" can share the kinds of activities you already like to do. This program does require a steady commitment as you are partnered with a "Little."
Volunteers are needed to become a "Big" as well as assist with other programming offered through this agency.
For more information
Contact: Toq Lawrence
Telephone: 217-348-8741
website: www.bbbsa.org
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
CASA is the only volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as officers of the court. In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks among hundreds of current cases. CASA volunteers change that. Appointed by judgets, CASA volunteers typically handle just one case at a time--and commit to staying on that case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. While others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide the one constant that children need in order to thrive.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Volunteers are needed to work with programs, special projects, fundraising, and letter writing campaigns.
For more information:
Contact: Mamie Richey
Telephone: 217-348-0599
website: www.nationalcasa.org
Charleston Public Library
A library is essential to a thriving community. Its presence says
something positive about its citizens and leaders. A library promotes
literacy and self-enrichment, thereby enriching the community.
Volunteers are needed to help at the information desk on weekday
evenings (5pm-8pm) and all day on the weekends (Saturday - 10am-6pm, Sunday
- 1pm-5pm). Minimal training is needed and provided.
For more information:
Contact: Ruth
Telephone: 217-345-4913
website: www.charlestonlibrary.org
Crisis Pregnancy Center
Crisis Pregnancy Center is available 24/7 to listen to individual concerns and questions concerning pregnancy, abortion and related issues.
Volunteers are needed to help with material needs and secretarial work. Please contact the office to inquire about availability of hours.
For more information:
Contact: Jessica Bulthouse
Telephone: 217-345-5000
website: www.cpc-ei.org
Hilltop Convalescent Center
Hilltop is a 108 bed home which serves the Charleston area. Connect and visit with the residents in a variety of ways. Consider planning a group outing.
Volunteer opportunities are available to be a friend, write letters, take walks and help with planning special activities/events. This program may be steady or minimal in time commitment.
For more information:
Contact: Becky Denning
Telephone: 217-345-7006
No website available.
HOPE of East Central Illinois
(Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
HOPE of East Central Illinois is a private non-profit domestic violence advocacy organization serving the counties of Coles, Clark, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie and Shelby. HOPE stands for housing, outreach, prevention and education.
Volunteers are needed to answer basic phone calls including informing callers of services and coordinating plans with the caller.
For more information:
Contact: Angie Hunt
Telephone: 217-348-8815
No website available.
Lakewood Village
Lakewood is an assisted living community located in Charleston. In this setting, residents can take advantage of a full range of services and amenities that will make life easy going and carefree. Connect and visit with the residents in a variety of ways. Consider planning a group outing.
Volunteers are needed to offer conversations and help with activities for residents.
For more information:
Contact: Teresa Packer
Telephone: 217-345-1212
No website available.
Nursing Home Visits
Nursing Home Visits is a volunteer opportunity coordinated through the Student Volunteer Center at Newman Catholic Center. Come take a moment to bring joy to the elderly by visiting them in some of the local nursing homes around the area.
Volunteers are needed on Thursdays at 2pm to participate in this program.
For more information:
Contact: Doris Nordin
Telephone: 217-348-0188
Website: www.eiu-newman.org
Peace Meal Senior Nutrition Program
Peace Meal Senior Nutrition Program’s mission is to provide quality meals for healthier lives. We help seniors improve their nutrition, sustain their independence and enhance the quality of their life by providing meals, fellowship and connections to other needed services.
Volunteers are a vital part of all aspects of the program from setting tables, to serving food, doing dishes and delivering meals. Almost every phase of the program can use volunteers, and the program’s success depends largely on the support of participants and others in the community.
For more information:
Contact: Barbra Wylie
Telephone: 217-581-3612
Website: www.eiu.edu/~pmsneiu
Sexual Assault Counseling Center
SACIS recently celebrated its 30-year anniversary in Charleston. The agency offers medical and criminal justice advocacy, counseling and educational programs. It has a 24-hour hotline available for people who either need someone to talk to or to alert someone is at the hospital following a sexual assault and wants an advocate to be there. A SACIS advocate can meet a victim at the hospital to provide support, explain the examination they might undergo and offer support to loved ones who might also be at the hospital. SACIS offers all of its services free of charge.
Volunteers are needed in many areas of SACIS including, taking on-call hours to respond to people who need assistance, counseling victims and significant others, and participating in public education programs. Training is required and provided.
For more information:
Contact: Bonnie Buckley
Telephone: 217-348-5033
No website available.
Teen Reach
Teen Reach is an after school and summer program that incorporates homework help, mentoring services, life skills enrichment, career exploration, volunteerism opportunities, counseling services (if needed), recreational activities, field trips and snacks. Not only that but, Teen Reach also provides transportation from school to Teen Reach and then home after. Best of all, this program is absolutely free to youth ages 6-17 in the Charleston School District.
Volunteers are needed to help in tutoring and mentoring students from ages 6-17 years of age. A volunteer form is available in the Office of Student Community Service for this opportunity.
For more information:
Contact: Christie Jones
Telephone: 217-345-1221
No website available.
