Needs From: HandsOn River Region

Curious about what’s available for teens at the Museum?  You’re in luck! The Museum offers a range of programs for students interested in art, art history or any artistic discipline. The Museum is also a great place to socialize, have fun and meet other students with similar interests.

The Muses is the name of the Museum’s Teen Council that meets regularly during the school year at the Museum. Council members from public and private schools in Montgomery meet to plan events including:

Exhibitions Art Performances Outdoor Activities Poetry Competitions Opportunities to Work with Living Artists

If you'd like additional information about the Muses or other teen events, please contact Elisabeth Palmer at 334-625-4362 or epalmer@mmfa.org.

The ZooTeen program is designed for TEENS ages 13-17 years old that have an interest in animals and wildlife conservation. The Montgomery Zoo's Education Department is looking for teens who want to donate their time to the community and gain experience working with animals and the public. ZooTeens care for animals in the Zoo's education department and assist with animal presentations to school groups, community organizations and birthday parties. Examples of animals in the department are: chinchilla, three banded armadillo, tortoises, owls, hawks, snakes and small birds.

For more information on the ZooTeen or Docent (similar program for adults) programs, contact Casey Ward at (334) 240-4909. For more information about all other volunteer opportunities at the Zoo, go to the Montgomery Zoo's volunteer page at http://montgomeryzoo.com.

Volunteering with Dream Court is fun and rewarding for both the athlete and the volunteer. This organization depends solely upon the time, energy, commitment and enthusiasm of volunteers. If you like to encourage, empower and engage in activities with others, Dream Court is for you! There is always a need for individuals who want to serve as role models for the athletes.

Volunteers are also needed off the court for:

setting up the courts welcoming greeter updating social media administrative help photographer

Tennis experience and knowledge is a plus but not a requirement for all activities. Your involvement and passion for helping others is far more valuable than your knowledge and skill level as a tennis player.

Montgomery Children's Specialty Center cares for children with disabilities who require around-the-clock nursing care. Individualized care is provided through in-house therapy, nursing services and therapeutic diet - all overseen by licensed professionals and a Medical Director.

Volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis to assist with the following activities:

Reading books to children Interacting and socializing with children Assisting Activities Director Chaperoning with external activities

If you have the time, consider spending a morning or afternoon brightening the day of these special children!

Do you have a knack for planning and organizing?  If so, Women of Refined Gold needs you to serve on their Special Events Committee! This committee provides leadership for the entire event planning process. Members orchestrate the overall production, provide suggestions and advice as needed and are prepared to make final decisions.

Duties Include:

Oversee the entire event and planning process Attend ongoing committee meetings Encourage creativity and the development of new and exciting ideas Delegate tasks and encourage volunteers at special events Develop leaders from within the committee for specific events Maintain communication among other committee members Work closely with the Fundraising Committee

Not sure about serving on the committee but want to help out at the events?  Why not serve as one of the event volunteers! The ideal candidate for volunteer service at a special event works well with people, has an upbeat personality, communicates well and follows through to complete a task. 

The Elmore County Food Pantry needs volunteers to assist in their warehouse on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Tasks will include unloading trucks, moving boxes of food from warehouse to distribution area and assisting in the cooler and freezer. The times are from 7:30am until approximately 10:00am. Need more information? Contact Kathy Hall at (334) 567-3232 or  elmorecountyfoodpantry@gmail.com for all the details.

West Montgomery Action Committee will accept volunteers serving to fulfill a court ordered requirement for community service.

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Docent Volunteer Program is a year-long program within the Museum’s Education Department that prepares docents to present adult tours, school tours, studio activities, ARTWORKS presentations and outreach programs. Teaching credentials or artistic backgrounds are not required. The Education Department will supply the necessary training that is needed to equip participants to effectively lead tours and deliver other programs for visitors of all ages.

Prospective Docents are:

Enthusiastic People-friendly Eager to learn and share Flexible Interested in giving tours that generate conversations Ready to be the Museum’s ambassador to the public Interested in leading groups of children, teens and/or adults

For further information, contact Jill Byrd at 334-625-4359, email epalmer@mmfa.org.

Hospice of Montgomery volunteers are designed to play a vital role in the overall hospice program. Trained volunteers provide assistance with program administration as well as friendship and support to patients and families.

Volunteer Opportunities: Patient Care Support Bereavement Support Office Assistance Special Events Support Community Education

Experience is not required! Training programs are provided for those who are interested in becoming a Hospice Volunteer. Call the Hospice office at (334) 279-6677 for more information about volunteer opportunities and training.

Motherly Care will accept volunteers serving to fulfill a court ordered requirement for community service.

Come visit the Montgomery Zoo and see it all! If you haven't been in a while, you are missing out on a fun-packed and educational adventure. The residents include over 500 animals from five different continents all housed in natural, barrier-free habitats. The Zoo spans over 40 beautifully landscaped acres, offering you a magnificent view of exotic wildlife and endangered species.

Volunteers are always needed to help the Zoo run smoothly. Whether you have a few hours, an afternoon or more, please consider spending that time at the Zoo. Opportunities include: Parakeet Cove, Giraffe Encounter, Landscape/Building Maintenance, Cleaning the Mann Museum and Special Events help. Opportunities are available 7 days a week.

The senior residents at Caravita Village greatly enjoy a good game of Bingo! Two volunteers on Thursday or Saturday are needed to help with setting and cleaning up as well as assisting the participants with their cards.

Come spend a few hours with our area seniors!

Women of Refined Gold is seeking a volunteer Case Manager for Women of Refined Gold's Safehaven Transitional Home. This home will provide up to 12 months of housing for single women who are homeless due to domestic violence. The ideal participant will have experience in a related social service field and will be able to commit to 10-15 hours weekly to provide the following: 

Case Management Community Referrals Organize activities in the home Intake for new residents Clerical  Goal setting

Renascence is a residential reentry center that helps non-violent men on probation or parole from the Alabama Department of Corrections make a successful transition to responsible living in a community. Many of the residents struggle to get to work or make appointments due to a lack of transportation. To alleviate this problem, Renascence is seeking 3 to 4 mature males to assist with transporting residents to appointments, services and/or work. Participants will be called upon on an "as needed" basis on weekdays between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Volunteers should possess:

a valid driver's license be of good character have no outstanding warrants be willing to use their own vehicle

Before selection, the agency will need to interview each applicant to ensure suitability. For further information, please call (334) 832-1402.

The Autauga Creek Improvement Committee strives to provide a natural, scenic and educational recreation experience through ecological conservation and preservation of quality public access to the Autauga Creek Canoe Trail.

Volunteers are needed to assist with bank cleanup and trail construction. Please dress appropriately since you will be clearing brush and picking up trash along the creek banks and in the creek.

You will need to bring bug spray, garden or work gloves and wear sturdy shoes that can get wet. If you have a kayak or canoe, please bring them.

Highland Avenue Elementary is coordinating clean up sessions so the school will be tidy and welcoming to the students after their summer break. The school needs your help with painting hallways, cleaning out closets and moving furniture. If you are interested, please contact Ms. Heather Grayson at heather.grayson@mps.k12.al.us for further details and to coordinate a date and time to serve.

Wetumpka Depot Players will accept volunteers serving to fulfill a court ordered requirement for community service.

Reality and Truth Ministries provides the amenities of home to the homeless and needy in downtown Montgomery. This organization offers Bible study, showers, financial management, food and more to those in need. Volunteer assistance is needed at the Daily Dinner every weekday (including holidays!) to help set up, serve and clean up but ESPECIALLY to greet and interact warmly with those in attendance who could really use a smile.

For further details, please email realityandtruth@live.com or call (334) 354-6142. Contact the organization as well if you want to provide a meal for the group!

The Montgomery Zoo's Docent program is designed for adults age 18 and older who have an interest in animals and wildlife conservation. Docents care for the animals and assist with animal presentations to school groups, community organizations and birthday parties. The animals included in the program are chinchillas, three banded armadillos, tortoises, owls, hawks, snakes, small birds, rats, toads and more!

Volunteer opportunities for Docents are available every day of the week and some evenings. Upon acceptance into the program, there will be a one-time fee of $40 to cover the cost of a uniform shirt and training manual. To apply or for more information, contact Suzi Fontaine at 334-354-6034 or sfontaine@montgomeryal.gov. 

Please note: Responding to this need via HandsOn does not negate the need to complete a formal application available at the Zoo.

The Alabama State Capitol staff has an ongoing need for volunteers to assist with a variety of projects. Opportunities include:

Greeters Docents Museum store clerks

If you love working with the public, this is the place for you!

The Autauga Interfaith Care Center (AICC) assists impoverished residents of Autauga County facing temporary difficulties. Help is offered by providing the families with:

Financial Aid Personal Care Items Clothing Housewares Food

Volunteers are always needed and appreciated to assist in a variety of ways including:

Needs Specialist Receptionist Food Pantry Volunteer Clothing Closet Volunteer Local Shopper Food Bank Shopper Facility Manager Office Supply Shopper Eligibility Team Member Cleaning Manager

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to serve in the above ways, please consider donating food, clothing or personal items to be distributed to the center’s clients.

A pro at Facebook, Twitter or Instagram? This could be the perfect job for you!

Montgomery Food for Kids Backpack Program is seeking a social media intern to enhance their public awareness efforts and encourage volunteer participation. 

Each week, Food for Kids packs bags with kid friendly, nutritious, non-perishable food for Montgomery's hungry children. Bags are distributed anonymously to students prior to school dismissal on Friday afternoons to ensure participants won't go hungry over the weekend.

The ideal candidate for this position is an organized multitasker with social media experience and strong communication skills. As well as looking good on your resume and job applications, this internship will offer you valuable experience in the world of work, where social media is becoming ever-more important.

Apply today or email HERE for further information.

 

Be a Part of History!

The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail was established by Congress in November, 1966 to commemorate the three marches in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery.

Volunteers are needed to assist the regular professional park staff by helping with projects and assisting visitors. Volunteers perform a wide variety of jobs from maintaining trails to leading guided talks or tours. The time commitment for volunteer work varies from one-day projects to full-time work extending over months or years.

Both individuals and organized groups are welcome to volunteer. Individuals under 18 may volunteer with parental approval.

Second Chance needs volunteers to help tutor their youth in Language Arts, Math, Social Studies and Science. Available days and times include Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am until 12:00 noon.

Imagine not being able to open a bank account, read street signs or understand job directions. Over 60,000 Montgomery area residents are functionally illiterate, but the Capital Area Adult Literacy Council is working to combat this problem by bringing the power of literacy to their students FREE OF CHARGE.

To see how you can be a part of this important work, call 334-264-1239 or email HERE.

Reach & Rise is a national YMCA program designed to build a better future for youth by helping them reach their full potential through the support of caring adults. Reach & Rise supports youth ages 6 to 17 who lack role models and are in communities challenged by poverty, crime and single-parent households among other social issues.

Why be a mentor?

Provide youth with a POSITIVE, growth-inducing relationship Be a SOLUTION to the problem Move youth from risk to RESILIENCY Have a DIRECT impact on your local community Make a DIFFERENCE in the life of someone in need

Mentor Requirements:

Must be at least 23 years old Complete 15+ hours training (provided over 4-5 weeks) Pass background security screening Meet with youth 1-3 hours each week (flexible; scheduled by mentor, youth and youth’s family) Make a 1 year commitment to the program Inspire a Future: Become a Mentor!

The National Park Service is seeking motivated volunteers to assist the staff at three separate sites: the Selma to Montgomery Historic Trail, Tuskegee Institute and Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Sites.

Each site offers one-time to reoccurring volunteer opportunities for youth, families, groups and individuals. Register today! For further information, email tuai_tuskegee_vip@nps.gov or call (334) 724-0922.

Head Start needs volunteers to man the reception area and provide clerical assistance one or two days each week. The days and times are completely flexible, and the agency is willing to work with your schedule. Duties would include answering the telephones, greeting visitors, routing calls and taking messages, general clerical services such as copying forms, assembling packets and light typing.

The 19th Judicial Circuit, which includes Autauga, Chilton, and Elmore counties, is seeking military veterans interested in becoming mentors to veterans participating in the Veterans Treatment Court program. DD-214  and background check are required as part of the application process.

Mentors may be assigned to a particular veteran or provide support across the board.  If assigned to a veteran, the mentor will be expected to provide support to the veteran until he or she graduates from the program, generally within a year.

Mentors stand with the participants during their court reviews and provide support and resources to the veterans to assist them in completing their program. Resource material and on the job training will be provided.

Meals On Wheels needs volunteers to help plate the food in preparation for delivery to their senior home bound clients.

Meals On Wheels is MACOA's popular flagship program. This vital program is a source of much needed nutrition, provides welcome daily contact with the seniors and serves as a means to regularly check recipients' welfare. To older people who cannot prepare meals, this program is a blessing and provides them with a sense of security because of its personal contact.

One Place Family Justice Center, a one stop shop for victims of domestic violence, relies on volunteers to provide assistance in a variety of ways to ensure each day goes smoothly.

The Center is seeking Hospitality Volunteers to greet clients and guide them through the intake process.  Two shifts are available Monday through Friday: 8:00 am - 12:30 pm and 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm.

If you have a morning or afternoon to spare, consider spending it with One Place!

Hospice of Montgomery needs volunteers to man the reception area and provide clerical assistance one or two days each week.  The days and times are completely flexible, and the agency is willing to work with your schedule. Duties would include answering the telephones, routing calls and taking messages, general clerical services such as copying forms, assembling packets and manuals and light typing.

Homestead Hospice is currently seeking caring compassionate individuals to join their team to provide patient care and clerical assistance. The Hospice team serves to comfort the patients as well as their caregivers.

If you are interested in participating or would like additional information, please call (334) 418-0566.

Each weekday afternoon, nearly 8 million children are left alone and unsupervised. These are the hours when juvenile crime peaks and when youth are most likely to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, drugs and sex.

There's growing evidence that youth who attend after school programs do better in school and are less likely to get into trouble after the end of the school day.

New Heights for Youth is a Christian organization serving underprivileged children to combat juvenile delinquency by providing a "safe place" where youth can reach new heights mentally, physically, spiritually, morally and socially.

Monday through Thursday from 5:30-7:30 pm, volunteers are needed to assist staff and mental health professionals in the following ways:

Provide help with homework Plan and lead recreational activities Set up and clean up Provide and serve refreshments And most importantly, by being a friend and a mentor to these vulnerable young people. 

Register today or learn more by emailing Newheightsforyouth@gmail.com or calling (334) 328-0709.

Reality and Truth Ministries provides the amenities of home to the homeless and needy in downtown Montgomery including Bible study, showers, laundry, clothing, home furnishings, groceries, financial management, daily dinners and weekday lunches.

This ministry is in need of volunteers to assist them with a variety of tasks particularly administrative work and lunch preparation.

The Dallas County Family Resource Center was created in 2012 to serve as a central location to assess, assist and connect low income families and individuals in need with existing resources.

The Center has multiple opportunities for service. Whether it's clerical work or event planning, they have a place for you! Interested but want more information? Please email jthomas.frc@gmail.com or call (334) 874-7785.

Boys and Girls Ranches of Alabama will accept volunteers serving to fulfill a court ordered requirement for community service.

That's My Child will accept volunteers serving to fulfill a court ordered requirement for community service.

Are you interested in:

becoming a mentor putting your marketing skills to work facilitating life skills classes setting up events and prepping food putting your office skills to the test

Then this is the place for you! Join COSA and make a difference in the lives of those who are touched by the Council on Substance Abuse.  To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact the agency at 334-262-1629 or info@cosancadd.org.

Common Ground Montgomery provides academic and social programs throughout the year, focusing on youth development and leadership through after school programs, camps and mentoring. Volunteers are needed to help in the following ways:

Gym recreation assistant - playing games with leaders in the gym and supervision Math hall assistant - assisting math teacher with tutoring as well as making sure that leaders are engaged Reading hall assistant - assisting reading teacher, possible one on one reading and tutoring Homework assistant - assisting leaders with their homework assignments

Register today to make a REAL difference in a child's life!

The Alabama Shakespeare Festival (ASF) is a fully professional regional theatre that produces around ten productions each season. ASF needs volunteers to assist in a variety of ways to keep things running smoothly.

Volunteer duties include but are not limited to directing and assisting patrons of the theatre, passing out programs, event set up and clean up and selling concessions. Come out and support one of our community's greatest assets!

Alabama Empowerment needs volunteer assistance with their after school tutoring program held Monday through Thursday from 3:30pm to 6:00pm.

If you have an afternoon or two to spare, consider spending that time with one of our community's youth to help them be better prepared and more successful in school.

ECHO needs volunteers each weekday from 3:00pm until 4:30pm to assist with their after school tutoring program. If you have an afternoon or two to spare, consider spending that time with our community's youth to help them be better prepared and more successful in school. 

The Arc of Alabama is in need of someone to come to their office 2 or more times per week for general office assistance to include answering phones, data entry, sending emails, setting up for meetings and making copies.

Their staff is very flexible as to the schedule, so those participating can choose the days and times that are most convenient. For additional information, please contact Gena Richardson at (334) 262-7688.

Reality & Truth Ministries will accept volunteers serving to fulfill a court ordered requirement for community service.

Salvation Army Montgomery will accept volunteers serving to fulfill a court ordered requirement for community service.