Community Services

Dispute Resolution Services of Gryphon Place: Gryphon Place is offering new mediator training to those interested in becoming volunteer mediators with the program in Kalamazoo, Calhoun, and Barry Counties. The 40 hour training is scheduled to begin February 3, 2009 and will be held every Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. through April 13 with the final session on Saturday, April 18. the training will be held at Grypon Place, located at 1104 S. Westnedge Avenue in Kalamazoo. For more information or to get an application, contact Barry Burnside at 269-552-3434 or via e-mail drsmediate@hotmail.com. Registration ends January 23, 2009.

Blood Drives

Kalamazoo County Blood Drives: You can give a priceless gift that will benefit as many as four ill or injured people and it won't cost you a thing but about an hour of your time. The vast majority of Americans will need life-saving blood or blood products at some point in their lifetime. Most people simply expect that blood will be available when the need arises. But at the same time, only about five percent of Americans who are eligible to give blood do so. You can help reverse this dangerous trend! Giving blood is safe, simple and it saves lives. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good general health. Donors may give blood every 56 days. For questions on donor eligibility or blood drives scheduled throughout the region please contact the Greater Kalamazoo Area Chapter of the American Red Cross at 269-353-6180 or visit us on the web at www.greaterkzooredcross.org.
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Donations Needed

United Way Needs Your Help: The needs in across Southwest Michigan are greater than they have been in quite some time. It is common to hear about job losses, rising fuel prices, challenges in home rent/ownership, and many other hardships. As a result, the demand on local programs, initiatives, and partnerships has increased significantly. It is in all of our best interest to come together through United Way to strengthen our community. United Way plays a critical role in addressing current, emerging and under met health and human service needs. In order to maintain the quality of life in our communities, it is essential to sustain the capacity of our local health and human service providers in this time of unprecedented need. Here’s how you can help. If you have not contributed to your local United Way, please consider doing so by visiting www.SWMichiganUnitedWays.org

Help Leila Arboretum Society Grow: Leila Arboretum Society (LAS) is growing and we need your help to keep us branching out to Battle Creek and its surrounding communities. Without tax-based funding, we face the challenge of maintaining, improving and expanding our vision for a greener Battle Creek. Leila Arboretum Society's unique funding structure is completely supported by memberships, facility rentals, admissions, gift shop sales, and charitable donations. This funding allows LAS to reach out into the community and make it a more beautiful place to live. For more information about Leila Arboretum Society, please visit our Web site at: http://www.leilaarboretumsociety.org.

Military Dog Tag Project: Donations are being accepted for the "Help Us Send Military Dog Tags to the Troops So They Can Send Them to Their Kids project. The project was started by Rose Sliepka of Lancaster, California whose original idea was to send T-shirts that said "My Dad is in Iraq and he loves me." However the shipping was too expensive so she came up with something easy to send and receive. She has found a supplier that will supply the dog tags, Green for Army, Blue for Navy, Red for Marines, and Blue for Air Force, for $.38 each including the chain if she will purchase them in lots of 1000. This project is supported by the Lancaster California Rotary. They have set up a separate account for all funds received. Checks can be made payable to the Rotary District 5260 Foundation (for tax purposes) and mailed to Berna Lee Novak, 7715 TS Ave E., Scotts, MI 49088. For more information, you may call Berna at 269-649-3774. If you would like your donation earmarked to be sent to a particular unit, please specify that in your letter. For further information and to see what the dog tags look like, please visit their Web site.
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Family Programs/Services

Adoption Program: Catholic Social Services, 1441 S. Westnedge Ave. in Kalamazoo provides adoption services for infants and children with special needs. Services include: home studies for prospective adoptive parents, education on adoption issues, exposures to birth parents looking to make an adoption plan with prospective adoptive parents, parent-initiated adoption, international home studies, and supervision. Fees depend on type of adoption and services provided. Call us at 269-381-1234.

Caregiver Resource Center: If you are caring for a family member or friend, sometimes you, the caregiver, need a respite, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious and blue, or having your own health or personal problems. The Kalamazoo County Caregiver Resource Center can help you find different kinds of respite services including in-home, adult day service and overnight. Be sure to shop around for these services because prices and services vary. For more information call the Kalamazoo County Caregiver Resource Center at 269-978-0085 or 1-866-200-8877, or visit them at Senior Services, 918 Jasper Street in Kalamazoo.

Child Care Providers Needed: Children�s Resource Network can assist loving, caring people capable of nurturing infants and children with an opportunity to work at home and meet a community need. For more information, please call Children�s Resource Network at 231-843-2563 or 1-800-882-5213.

Child Care Resources, Kalamazoo Regional 4C: We are a private, non-profit organization supporting parents, caregivers and employers with child care information and referral services. We are located at 3304 Mindi Lane in Kalamazoo and our phone number is 269-349-3296 or 800-343-3470. Please visit our Web site for answers to many of your questions from how to hold your brand new baby to breaking your children of junk-food habits. www.WorkFamilySolutions.com.

Haven of Rest Ministries: Established in 1956 as The Haven of Rest Rescue Mission by Rev. Don and Wilma Chalfant to provide meals, shelter and spiritual comfort to homeless men in the Battle Creek area. Since that time The Haven has grown to offer many innovative life-skills programs such as long-term adult foster care for low income mentally or physically disabled men, Inasmuch House, an emergency shelter for homeless women and children, the Calhoun County Jail Ministry, and most recently transitional housing programs for homeless recovering male substance abusers, and homeless families. For almost 50 years The Haven of Rest has provided quality, dedicated service to those in need. For more information on The Haven, please call 269-965-1148.

Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan: For 25 years, has served the community as a private, non-profit healthcare agency committed to caring for individuals and families who are confronted with serious illness and loss. The agency offers comprehensive hospice care, emotional counseling, spiritual support and other services to the residents of Cass, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties, as well as parts of Allegan, Barry, Berrien and Calhoun counties. HCSWM accepts clients based on their need for care, not their ability to pay.
Hospice of Greater Kalamazoo,
222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007-3882
Hospice of Van Buren County, Cass County Hospice, 310 E. Sherwood Street, Decatur, Michigan 49045-1148 Rose Arbor Hospice Residence,
5473 Croyden Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009-1091, (269) 345-8910 Phone
www.hospiceswmi.org

Parent to Parent of SW Michigan: If you're the parents of a child with special needs, Parent to Parent understands how you feel. We know it isn't always easy to talk about it, or to know who to talk to or even what the questions are. We're here for you and each other because we've "been there." Through this program, we share the joys, successes and challenges of raising a child with special needs and exchange practical suggestions about how to cope with day-to-day activities and concerns. All of our services are free from information about your child's disability or medical condition,financial assistance, intervention programs fro infants and toddlers,and huge community resources such as doctors, therapists, childcare and respite programs, educational opportunities, workshop scholarships, recreational and social activities and advocacy assistance. We're located at 814 S. Westnedge Avenue in Kalamazoo. Call us at 269-345-8950 or e-mail us at p2p@iserv.net. Pregnancy Outreach Program: Catholic Social Services, 1441 S. Westnedge Ave. in Kalamazoo provides free pregnancy options counseling to any person experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, informing them of their options as related to parenting or adoption. Counseling includes: assistance in obtaining prenatal care, housing, referrals, to community resources, assistance with family relationships, counseling to answer questions about adoption planning and the legal process. Call us at 269-381-1234.

Quality Care for Children: For free information and referrals to licensed child care providers in your area, as well as information concerning a program to help parents care for child care, please call Children�s Resource Network at 231-843-2563 or 1-800-882-5213.

Domestic/International Adoption Programs: Bethany Christian Services, 6687 Seeco Drive, in Kalamazoo provides Domestic/Infant, International, and State Adoptions. Recruitment, training, licensing, home studies, placement, post placement supports. Please contact us at 372-8800 or BCSKalamazoo@bethany.org. www.bethany.org

 

Foster Care: Bethany Christian Services, 6687 Seeco Drive, in Kalamazoo provides licensed foster care to children throughout Southwest Michigan who have been removed from their homes due to child abuse or neglect. Training and support is provided throughout the process to foster parents. Licensing, placement support, activities for children. You can make a tremendously positive impact in the life of a child! Please contact us at 372-8800 or BCSKalamazoo@bethany.org www.bethany.org
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Food Banks

The Haven of Rest: The Haven of Rest food bank is currently experiencing a tremendous need for meat products, eggs, paper products and laundry soaps. Your generosity would be much appreciated. Please bring donations to The Haven in Battle Creek at 148 East Michigan. For more information call The Haven at 269-965-1148.
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Health/Medical Services

American Cancer Society: No matter who you are, we can help. If you or someone you know could use support in dealing with cancer, please log on to our Web site at www.cancer.org. Learn not only how the American Cancer Society is fighting cancer every day, but learn what your local community is doing to support our efforts. If someone you care about needs help, but doesn't have web access, please pass this toll-free number on to them for help every day, anytime: 1-800-ACS-2345.

Healthy Lifestyle Management Program:The Wellness Store, 605 S. Burdick Street, will be offering the Body by Design, Health by Choice seminars throughout the summer. This healthy lifestyle management program consists of FREE orientations held Mondays and Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m. followed by a healthy snack and one of eight exciting program modules. Please contact The Wellness Store at 269-552-8880 for more information. We look forward to helping you Take Charge of Your Health!

HIV Testing: Every Tuesday and Wednesday Kalamazoo County Human Services offers free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-in clinic hours are from 1-4:30 p.m.. Kalamazoo County Human Services is located in the Nazareth Complex, 3299 Gull Road in Kalamazoo. For more information call 269-373-5208.

Military Dog Tag Project: Donations are being accepted for the "Help Us Send Military Dog Tags to the Troops So They Can Send Them to Their Kids project. The project was started by Rose Sliepka of Lancaster, California whose original idea was to send T-shirts that said "My Dad is in Iraq and he loves me." However the shipping was too expensive so she came up with something easy to send and receive. She has found a supplier that will supply the dog tags, Green for Army, Blue for Navy, Red for Marines, and Blue for Air Force, for $.38 each including the chain if she will purchase them in lots of 1000. This project is supported by the Lancaster California Rotary. They have set up a separate account for all funds received. Checks can be made payable to the Rotary District 5260 Foundation (for tax purposes) and mailed to Berna Novak, PO Box 183, Vicksburg, MI 49097. For more information, you may call Berna at 269-649-3774. If you would like your donation earmarked to be sent to a particular unit, please specify that in your letter. For further information and to see what the dog tags look like, please visit their Web site.

Greater Kalamazoo Area Chapter of the American Red Cross: Items most wished for include: individually wrapped pieces of hard candy, cookies, peanuts, pretzels, microwave popcorn and other snacks, wet wipes, sunscreen, lip balm, foot powder, wrap-around sunglasses, batteries, Kool-Aid and other drink mixes, blank greeting cards, toiletry items such as shaving cream, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and shower soap/gel, videos, DVDs, music CDs and cassettes, playing cards, small board games, recent paperback books such as mysteries, action, drama and science fiction, and puzzle books. If you would like to donate items on the list, or if you would like to help, please contact Evelyn Garner at 269-353-6180 or email her at: garner@greaterkzooredcross.org.

 

Operation Pillow Talk: A proud Mom from upper Michigan recently started a small project sending a pillow to her son in Iraq. It grew rapidly as she rallied her community to send decorated pillows to her son's unit and other deployed troops. Operation Pillow Talk emerged! Please join us in showing our support for our troops by writing uplifting messages on pillows (new bed pillows, small or regular size-no king size or body pillows) and/or pillow cases to send to our deployed troops. We need loved ones to come forward with names & APO/FPO addresses (kept confidential) of deployed troops from the area. Donations of new bed pillows and/or decorated pillows and pillow cases are needed. There is a need for shipping boxes and tape, and monetary donations for postage. Our troops deserve a soft place to put their heads and some encouraging thoughts as they fall asleep each night so far away from home!

For more information on "Operation Pillow Talk" or if you need to know where to drop off your pillow, please contact one of the following:
Cinda DeBolt, West MI Military Family Support, Ph: 616-249-3775
Email: westmiusmcfamilysupport@comcast.net
Major Mike Vogler, The Salvation Army,
Ph: 616-241-3723
Email: michael_vogler@usc.salvationarmy.org
Jim Johnson, The Salvation Army,
Ph: 616-459-3433
Email: jim_johnson@usc.salvationarmy.org
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Pet Resources

Adopt a Pet Day: If you're looking to adopt a dog, cat, puppy or kitten, head to the Oakridge Feed and Hardware on the second Saturday of every month. From 11 a.m.-4 p.m., "Adopt a Pet Day" will take place with on-the-spot adoptions. Oakridge Feed and Hardware is located on Stadium Drive and 8^th Street in Oshtemo. For more information call 616-388-2180.

Lost and Found Pets Get Cyber Help: The newly named Kalamazoo County Animal Services and Enforcement Department has extended their reach into the community seeking out owners of lost and found pets using the Internet. The department launched its presence on the County's Web site this winter and can be found at www.KalCounty.com/AC. Not only can visitors to the Web site submit missing pets but they can submit pets they've found as well.

Operation Fix-It: The Kalamazoo Humane Society offers assistance with spaying/neutering for those pets of low-income individuals/families at a reduced fee of $20 for male cats and $30 for female cats. If your pet is not altered, he or she increases the chances of adding to the pet overpopulation problem. Over a seven-year span, one female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens. In a six-year span one female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies, contributing to pet overpopulation. Many of the animals are left on the streets to continue this vicious cycle. An Operation Fix-It day is held each week at various locations in Kalamazoo County. If you think you may qualify for the program, or want further information, contact the KHS at 269-345-1181.

 

SPCA of Southwest Michigan: If you're looking for unconditional love, please consider adopting an adorable dog or cat who desperately needs a home. The SPCA of Southwest Michigan's mission is "To end the destruction of healthy companion animals in Kalamazoo County and Southwest Michigan, and to ensure that all animals in our community are treated with dignity, compassion and respect." More than 4,000 healthy, adoptable companion animals are destroyed each year in Kalamazoo County alone, with comparable numbers destroyed in other Southwest Michigan counties. All of our pets have been rescued from certain death from the streets or from being euthanized at animal shelters. For more information on how you can adopt a lifetime companion or about our organization, please visit www.spcaswmich.org. Donations of money, products and time are always appreciated.

 

W.A.G.S. and Bear Creek Refuge Adoptathon: The first Saturday of every month, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., there will be a pet adoptathon at MV Pets, located at 291 W. Center in Portage. The second Saturday of the month at Pets Supplies Plus, 5230 S. Westnedge (across from Meijer). And the fourth Saturday of every month at SuperPetz, 6305 S. Westnedge (next to Kmart). W.A.G.S. is a stray dog sanctuary that takes the abandoned animals in, cares for them, and places them into new loving homes. Bear Creek Refuge is a place for pets in need of a temporary home, then helps these pets find the right, new owners for them. If you cannot adopt a new pet, donations are always needed at both organizations.
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Senior Activities at the Vicksburg Community Center

Coffee, Cookies & Coping:Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., get together with supportive friends to enjoy coffee and cookies while learning new coping strategies. This support group is led by licensed social worker, Mary Werme as part of the Health Enhancement Project. What are you waiting for? This could be just what you need.

Exercise & Toning: Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., enjoy cardio, stretching and strengthening exercises while making friends and having a great time.

Lunch with Friends: Mondays through Thursdays at noon enjoy lunch, laughs, and friends! Call the day before for your reservation, 269-649-2901.

Gentle Yoga for Seniors:Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m., enjoy a 6 week Yoga series with instructor Yolanda Mitts. The cost is $35 for the entire series. Call 269-649-2901 to sign up.
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Support Groups

Allegan Mothers Against Drunk Driving Meeting: On the first Monday of every month, at 7 p.m., Allegan County MADD will hold their monthly meeting at the Allegan Public School Administration Building, 550 Fifth Street in Allegan. New members are needed and the public is welcome. For more information call 269-673-3451.

Cancer Support Group for Barry County: A support group for cancer patients, families/friends, and survivors, who live in Barry County. Meetings will be held the third Thursday of each month at the "Barry County Commission on Aging,� located at 320 West Woodlawn Street, Hastings. If you have any questions about the support group, or if you would like to contribute, please call Joann at 269-795-3493.

Family & Friends of Brain Injury Survivors: This group meets the First Tuesday of each month in Kalamazoo at Disability Resource Center, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo MI 49001. Call 345-1516 or 1-800-394-7450 for more information.

Greater Kalamazoo Mothers of Multiples Club: Greater Kalamazoo Mothers of Multiples Club meets the first Thursday of each month at The American Red Cross at 5640 Venture Court in Kalamazoo. New moms are asked to arrive at 6:45 p.m. and the general meeting begins at 7:15 p.m.. For more information please call 269-324-2662.

H.T.S. -Healing Through Sharing: On the 2^nd Tuesday of every month, at 7 p.m., H.T.S. - Healing Through Sharing meets at A.A. Rather Elementary School, 380 Tuttle Road in Ionia. This is a free grief self-help group for families experiencing the death of their baby during pregnancy, as a newborn, or an infant. For more information call Susan at 616-527-7282, or e-mail hts2_2191@hotmail.com.

Kalamazoo Speak Easy Club: The Kalamazoo Speak Easy Club, a cancer support club has a meeting for all laryngectomees, families and friends and professionals, on the third Saturday of each month at 10am. The meetings take place at the Oakwood Community Center, 3320 Laird Avenue in Kalamazoo. For more information contact Tom Cleveland at 269-343-0363.

"Michigan Mommas": Michigan Mommas, is a sister site to Mommaville.com (a large online Parenting Community) and was started by the same young mother looking for a place on the Web where parents could have fun, gain information, and have the ability to fully speak their minds. Michigan Mommas is the place for Moms of Michigan to meet other local Moms and form friendships.

Parkinson's Support Groups: Support groups for people with Parkinson's and Caregivers of people with Parkinson's meets the 2nd Thursday of every month (except June, July & August) at 1:30 p.m.. The groups meet at the same time but in separate rooms at the Fountains at Bronson Place in Kalamazoo. Contact john.flynn@charter.net or mdollahan@drccil.org for more information. A large group meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. also at the Fountains at Bronson Place.

Help for Hard of Hearing People: Hearing Loss Association of Kalamazoo, meets the 2nd Saturday of every month, 9:00 a.m. at a local restaurant for breakfast.  For information on the meeting and location please call (269) 342-2134.
 
Hearing Loss Association is a national, non-profit, non-sectarian, educational organization dedicated to the well-being and interest of people who do not hear well.  More information about Hearing Loss Association can be found at www.hearingloss.org

Sturgis Al-Anon: Every Monday evening at 8 p.m., Sturgis Al-Anon meets at the Wesleyan Church, 907 N. Nottawa in Sturgis. Please enter via the Humpty Dumpty Center pre-school entrance. This door is located on the south side of the building. Anyone may attend these meetings. If you have any questions, please call Linda at 269-651-7955.

Women With Disabilities Meeting: A support group for Women with Disabilities meets every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Disability Resource Center, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001. The group is open to women with any type of disability. Call 345-1516 for more information.
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Transportation Services

Non-medical Escort Transportation for Seniors: If you are a senior citizen and need a ride, the Shepherd's Center of Greater Kalamazoo now offers Non-medical Escort Transportation for Seniors. This is a round-trip escort transportation program for all non-medical appointments, shopping and other errands. Volunteers will drive seniors from faith communities within Kalamazoo County. The Volunteer driver will also stay with and assist the rider if needed. A $7 donation is requested for each ride, but no one will be denied service. Seniors need to call the Shepherd's Center office at 269-383-1122 to set up their ride.

Veteran's Resources

 

Health Care for Homeless Veterans:Health Care for Homeless Veterans, 349 S. Division, Grand Rapids, assists veterans with food, clothing, housing, medical services, employment, VA benefits and hope. For more information, call Dick McDonald at 616-234-0220. Also looking for volunteers and donations of new clothing, food and cash contributions.
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Volunteer Opportunities

Aspect Foundation: Make an American dream come true - host an international exchange student! Aspect Foundation is currently seeking volunteer host families in the Muskegon and surrounding areas for high school students from nearly 30 countries who want to experience the American way of life. For more information about becoming a host family, please call Angie at 231-755-2491 or 1-800-US YOUTH, or visit www.aspectfoundation.org to profile available students online. Aspect Foundation is a non-profit educational exchange organization.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters: Make some time in your life to be a kid again by volunteering to be a Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple for an area youngster. Orientation is being scheduled now for volunteers over the age of 17. It�s easy, it�s fun, there�s no experience necessary, and you can make real magic in the life of a child. There are lots of ways to become involved. For information or to volunteer, call 269-382-6800 or toll free 1-888-898-3001. You�ll be glad you did. The staff of Big Brothers Big Sisters will work within the time you have available to make a fun and meaningful volunteer experience for you.

Gryphon Place: GryphonPlace HELP-Line volunteer learns to connect with people in crisis. A 45-hour experiential training starts April 29, 2004. Be a part of a long tradition of community service. Applications are due by April 21, 2004. To apply, call 381-1510. Gryphon Place is funded by the Greater Kalamazoo United Way, the Kalamazoo County Human Services Department, and Kalamazoo Community Mental Health. HELP-Line--The 24-hour Human Connection.

First Tee Junior Golf Program: The First Tee of Battle Creek Junior Golf Program is a non-profit organization in need of volunteers to assist us working with kids, teaching very basic golf skills to children ages 5-17. Days and hours vary. Locations will be in the Battle Creek area school district. Please call 269-979-6203 for more information or email marsdoyle@earthlink.net.

Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity: (KVHH) is a non-profit agency that works with lower income people to improve their living conditions. We strive to improve the quality of life of our homeowners with affordable housing, our volunteers with compassionate service, and our community with inspired partnership. If you would like to volunteer your time or make a donation, please visit our Web site at www.habitatkalamazoo.org or call us at 269-344-2443. In the Battle Creek area, please contact Habitat Battle Creek at www.habitatbc.org or call us at 269-966-2502.

Kellogg Biological Station (KBS): MSU�s Kellogg Biological Station is looking for individuals to lead groups from preschool age to senior citizens through the Kellogg Farm Dairy Center or the MSU Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, located at 3700 East Gull Lake Drive near Hickory Corners. Volunteers do not need any special knowledge of dairy farming or birds and wildlife, just an interest in working with others. They should be at least 18 years old and available to lead tours or perform other duties as required on weekdays. To become a KBS tour guide, please contact the KBS Volunteer Office at 269-671-2263 or e-mail volunteers@kbs.mus.edu. For additional volunteer opportunities, please check out our Web site at www.kbs.msu.edu.

Leila Arboretum Society: There are so many different kinds of jobs to be done at Leila Arboretum Society! With only twelve staff members, we are very dependent on the skill and goodwill of our volunteers in making community beautification and environmental education a reality in Battle Creek! We have all kinds of jobs at LAS! There are so many things to be accomplished! Please call Pat Sulier, Volunteer Coordinator for Leila Arboretum Society at 269-969-0270 ext.112 for information and to sign up for ALL ACTIVITIES EXCEPT THOSE NOTED AS "DROP-IN". For more information about Leila Arboretum Society, please visit our Web site at: www.leilaarboretumsociety.org.

Metropolitan Hospital: Share your smiles and skills as a hospital volunteer! Metropolitan Hospital, 1919 Boston S.E. in Grand Rapids, has a variety of volunteer openings for friendly, helpful men and woman. Especially needed are volunteers to greet and direct patients and visitors, prepare treatment areas, entertain children in the playroom, circulate a magazine cart, assist patients with Medicare forms, deliver mail and supplies, provide parking lot assistance, and perform general office duties like filing, copying, packet assembly, phone work and computer tasks. Volunteers typically donate one morning, afternoon, or evening a week, to meet a 100-hour commitment. Requirements include a TB skin test, volunteer uniform, and orientation session. Parking is free in a safe neighbor-hood. Volunteers also receive a free meal any day they work a 4-hour shift. For more information or to request an application, please phone Bart at the Volunteer Services office, 616-252-7009. Or visit the Metropolitan Hospital Web site at www.metrohealth.net and click on volunteer opportunities.

RSVP Your Invitation to Volunteer: RSVP engages people 55 and better in volunteer service to meeting community needs and provides a high quality experience that will enrich the lives of volunteers. RSVP can put you in touch with one of more than 100 nonprofit agencies and programs in Kalamazoo County who utilize volunteer support. RSVP special volunteer opportunities: Enable an older adult to remain in their home by grocery shopping or providing transportation. Smiles and gratitude are great rewards (In-Home Support program); Provide a safety net for a child who may fall through the cracks. Light up the eyes of a child by teaching them to read or by being mentor and see how that lights up your life (STORY Time and STAR Patrol programs); Help prevent accidents or falls which often trigger a downward sequence of events. Feel good about keeping seniors safe. (Home Safety Checks and Triad programs). Call RSVP at 269-382-0515 or go to www.joinseniorservice.org for more information.

Champions for Children: Bethany Christian Services, 6687 Seeco Drive, in Kalamazoo is seeking volunteers in local churches to serve as "Champions for Children." Champions are contacted monthly and serve as the liaison between Bethany Christian Services and their church community. As a Christian non-profit organization offering services for adoption, foster care, counseling, infertility, and unplanned pregnancies we look to strengthen our relationship with area churches. Volunteers will be influential in getting out the word about adoption and foster care, and will help engage their church through volunteer opportunities and publicizing Bethany events. Please contact Karman at 372-8800 or khamlin@bethany.org for more information! www.bethany.org

Heartland Hospice is looking for caring and dedicated members of the Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Three Rivers Communities willing to help terminally ill patients and their families. Volunteers provide friendly visits, run errands, read to patients or lend a gentle ear. Volunteers are the heart of the hospice team. They provide extra warmth and thoughtful gestures to our patients. The gifts that volunteers offer are so varied that it allows flexibility to fit even the busiest schedule. No minimum requirements are made to your time commitment.  Volunteer training will be made available on a personal basis tailored to your schedule or in a group setting.  To begin your rewarding journey as a Heartland Hospice volunteer, please call Jamie Rhew, Volunteer Coordinator, at 800.590.4329.

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