Summer Service for Youth and Families

Calling all youth and family energizer bunnies!
We have some great volunteer projects available for you to jump on right now!

iRecognize Volunteers iPhone App

Did you know the Points of Light Institute now has it’s own app for iPhone, iPad and iPod? It is a free app that allows you to tell your own volunteerism story or recognize someone you know for their service to the community. You can also learn how others are service across the county. Download iRecognize Volunteers for free in the iTunes store.

Stay-cations and Summer Service

What are you doing this summer? Many of us have had to cut back on the expenses of a vacation this summer. However, have you considered all the great things our own community has to offer?

5 Ways You Can Help Families Experiencing Homelessness

Located in Salem, for over 20 years St. Francis Homeless Shelter has provided housing and supportive services to families with children and pregnant women who are homeless, while they develop the skills to live independently and find permanent housing. This important resource is primarily provided by dedicated volunteers and they can use your expertise and compassion in a number of ways.

Partner Spotlight: Sunnyside Organics

Sunnyside Organics is a small non-profit organization that uses horticultural and agricultural activities to offer vocational training to young people in our area. Sunnyside Organics Director, Cynthia Lester has a background in Horticulture Therapy and knows the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with successfully planting a garden. Each month in Spring Sunnyside Organics is hosting monthly weekend work parties. Come enjoy the sun and good company and help Sunnyside Organics help more youth!

Check out these and other volunteer opportunities with Sunnyside Organics. Act Now!

Party Like a Volunteer!

By: Melissa Gibler, special to the Statesman Journal
The week of April 10-16 has been designated National Volunteer Week and will provide an opportunity to spotlight volunteers and commemorate their valuable contributions to our communities.

People Power

By: Khela Singer-Adams, special to the Statesman Journal
Volunteering for a national service program is a rewarding and highly impactful experience! Thousands of organizations benefit from the additional staff capacity a national service member brings including: Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Nationally more than 2,000 nonprofits have hired AmeriCorps members to help meet community needs and strengthen the reach of their organizations. Americorps members receive comprehensive training and support to bring innovative business-based approaches to citizen problem-solving.