kids

BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS
Simpson students are eligible for two mentoring opportunities. School-based mentoring allows volunteers to enhance the life of a child academically and socially. This program requires 30 minutes, once a week, on the day and time that works best for you. Community-based mentoring allows the volunteer to meet with the child outside of the school setting. This program requires 4 hours a month for the volunteer to take the child into the community to do activities.

Contact: Alyssa Pressler
Email: apressler@bbbsia.org
Phone: 515-288-9025 x238
Website: www.bbbsia.org

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION COUNCIL OF WARREN COUNTY
Mission: To provide instruction, support and services to help prevent child abuse in Warren County.
This non-profit organization is governed by a board of community volunteers. CAPC operates the Wee Care respite nursery and the Young Parents program and also coordinates community awareness activities. Volunteers are needed as board members, to help with special community awareness projects, to raise funds for the programs and to work with young children in the nursery (see below)

Wee Care: Free respite nursery for children 6 wks through kindergarten age. Parents can run errands, go to medical appointments while their child is in a state-licensed child care program for 2 hours per week. Volunteers are needed to work with the children in the nursery and to help with special projects. Contact Lisa Gray @ 961-4716
Young Parents: Support/Information program for pregnant or parenting teens and young adults. Group meets weekly on Tuesday evenings at the First United Methodist Church in Indianola. Onsite child care and free meals for the parent and children is provided. Volunteers are needed to help supervise children in the nursery. Contact Becky Bausback @ 201-5485

For more information regarding the Child Abuse Prevention Council, contact Colleen Reisener at 962-9171 or c.reisener@mchsi.com

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES OF IOWA
Mission: To improve the well-being of children and to support the healthy development of families through safe, stable and nurturing environments.
Contact: Missy Rumery, Volunteer Coordinator, missyr@cfiowa.org
Address: 1111 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: 515.471.8699 ext. 18 Fax: 515.243.3404
Website: www.cfiowa.org

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES URBAN MINISTRIES
Mission: To provide students (K-8th Grade) with an enrichment of their educational experience through positive and creative activities that promote cooperative learning. Volunteers are needed to hang out with kids, help with homework, assist with crafts and recreational activities.

The Haven, After School Program
The Breakfast Club, Before School Program
Supper Club
Wonder Girls/Wild Girls mentoring initiative

Contact: Carmen Lampe Zeitler carmen@cfum.org or Linda Danielson linda@cfum.org
Address: 1548 8th St., Des Moines, IA 50311
Phone: 515-282-3242, Linda’s cell: 515.710.5964
Email: info@cfum.org
Website: www.cfum.org

CHILDSERVE
Mission: ChildServe, formerly the Convalescent Home for Children, is a not-for-profit organization based in central Iowa. ChildServe partners with families to help children with special health care needs live a great life. Direct service opportunities include spending time with the children, reading, rocking, assisting recreational therapy activities and much more.
Indirect service opportunities include assisting our staff with tasks around facilities like leaf raking, gardening, and painting.
There are opportunities for individuals, groups such as service organizations, church groups, children's clubs, and even families, as there roles available for both adults and children.
Contact: Kaylene Steele, Volunteer Coordinator
ChildServe Center, 5406 Merle Hay Road, P.O. Box 707, Johnston, IA 50131
Phone: 515-331-8139 Fax: 515-727-8757
Executive offices, ChildServe Foundation offices, and Care, Staff and Business Offices are located here. Six Des Moines-based community services are provided and coordinated here, including homecare, therapy, adaptive equipment, respite, supported community living, and case management.

EVERYBODY WINS
Mission: Power Lunch is a lunchtime literacy and mentoring program in which preschool and elementary school students are matched one-to-one with volunteers from companies and community organizations. Volunteer reading partners promote reading for pleasure by reading aloud with the students, sharing favorite stories and talking about books. Volunteer reading partners are also role models who enhance students’ self-esteem and encourage their success through consistent, positive weekly interaction. The schools with whom the agency partners are varied.
Contact: Karen Schechinger, Executive Director
Address: P.O. Box 214, Grimes, IA 50111
Phone: 515-720-5786
Website: everybodywinsiowa@msn.com

GIRL SCOUTS
Mission: Girl Scouts offers a comprehensive, informal education program accessible to all girls, ages 5 through 17 years. The Girl Scout program is based on an ethical code, teaches the skills for good citizenship, and stresses the importance of moral leadership. Girl Scouting is a preventative program that strives to give girls a solid base for their future direction and decisions. Girls learn and practice skills for living, full, responsible lives under the leadership and guidance of adult volunteers. And of course, girls have fun! Volunteers have many opportunities to be active with the Girl Scouts, including leading a troop and helping with programs.
Contact: Moingona Girl Scout Council
Des Moines, Iowa 50322-3733
Phone: 515-278-2881
Web Site: http://www.moingonagirlscouts.org

HOUSE OF MERCY
Description: House of Mercy is dedicated to providing for the unmet health, wellness and human services needs of those most at risk in our society. The agency provides a residential facility for homeless, chemically dependent, pregnant and/or parenting women who have a substance abuse problem and are in need of assistance with recovery, self-sufficiency, parenting and life skills. Childcare is provided at the John R. Grubb/House of Mercy Child Development Center. On average, 20-30 percent of the children residing at House of Mercy have been affected by drugs taken by their mothers during pregnancy and as a result have special needs. Simpson students may assist with nurturing and caring for children residing at House of Mercy.
Contact: Lynn McCormick, E-mail: lmccormick@mercydesmoines.org
Address: 1409 Clark St., Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: 515-643-6500

OAKRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES
Description: This agency provides numerous services to local residents, many of whom live in government subsidized housing. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring or “Homework Buddies,” helping with activities during morning daycare, and one time events such as the “Fall Fest,” which is an alternative to trick or treating. Also, ESL classes, Senior Bingo (3rd Thursday, 2-4 p.m.), and assisting in computer labs.
Contact: Esther Morris, 244.7702 x136; cell: 515.418.4170
Address: 1236 Oakridge Dr., Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: 515-244-7702
emorris@oakridgeneighborhood.org

ORCHARD PLACE
Mission: Helping heal troubled hearts and minds...one life at a time.
Orchard Place is a place for nurturing. It is a place for learning. It is a place for growth. And it is a place for children who have been unable to meet the demands of family life, school, community participation, or the requirements of other treatment programs. Above all, it is a place for a new beginning, a place to bloom...

Orchard Place Residential Campus
925 SW Porter Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50315.
Telephone: 515-285-6781 Fax: 515-287-9695
Child Guidance Center
1206 Pleasant Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.
Telephone: 515-244-2267 Fax: 515-244-1922
PACE Juvenile Center
620 8th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.
Telephone: 515-697-5700 Fax: 515-697-5701
Orchard Place Administrative Services
925 SW Porter Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50315.
Telephone: 515-285-6781 Fax: 515-287-9695
Contact: Stacy Kluesner, Director of Volunteers, 515-287-9654
Website: http://www.orchardplace.org/

SCHOOLS

ADAMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Des Moines: Children/ Family, Education/ Literacy, ESL
Description: Many recent immigrant children need help in working on reading and math. This opportunity involves working with children individually or in pairs, usually on a specific task or worksheet, or listening while children read aloud. Times are somewhat flexible, but must be scheduled during school hours.
Contact: Pam Rennie Curtis, guidance counselor; Jaynette Rittman, Principal
Address: 3720 E. 29th St., Des Moines, IA 50317
Telephone: 515-266-5169

WEEKS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Description: Weeks Middle School has an after-school program that is looking for volunteers to help out with the Homework Helpers program, which assists in tutoring Latino students on 2:45-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Des Moines: Education/Literacy, Mentoring, ESL
Contact: Kurt Long, E-mail: Kurt.Long@dmps.k12.ia.us
Address: 901 East Park Ave., Des Moines, IA 50315
Phone: 515-288-6755

INDIANOLA SCHOOLS
Emerson Elementary
Principal – Tom Comfort, 515-961-9550
1109 E. Euclid, Indianola 50125
Irving Elementary
Principal – Craig Sexton, 515-961-9560
500 W. Clinton, Indianola 50125
Whitter Elementary
Principal – Ed Johnson, 515-961-9570
1306 W. Salem Ave, Indianola 50125
Indianola Middle School
Principal – Peggy Fillio, 515-961-9530
403 S. 15th Street, Indianola 50125
Indianola High School
Principal – John Monroe, 515-961-9500
1304 E. 1st Ave., Indianola 50125
Indianola Learning Center
Director – Peggy Fillio, 515-961-9580
1304 E. 2nd Ave, Indianola 50125

McCombs Middle School
Des Moines: Children/Preventing Dropouts/Closing the Achievement Gap
Description: Many students leave middle school unprepared for the individual responsibility and rigor expected in high school. This opportunity involves working with students individually or in small groups, usually on organizational skills, homework completion, or specific tasks. Times are flexible, but the ideal time is from 1:45-2:30 any weekday(s).
Contact: Debbie Victor, Teacher; Barb Mullahey, Principal
Address: 201 County Line Road, Des Moines, IA 50320
Telephone: 515-242-8447

SHALOM ZONE (After School Program)
Gatchel United Methodist Church
Mission: To provide students with an enrichment of their educational experience through tutoring, as well as positive and creative activities that promote cooperative learning. Volunteers are needed to hang out with kids, help with homework, assist with crafts and recreational activities. A literacy program provides weekly one-on-one tutoring for children in grades K-5. Also have summer programs in conjunction with Camp Wesley Woods.
Contact: Kelsey Parker, Director, szkids@msn.com or Molly Harrison harrisonshr@aol.com
Address: 1909 Martin Luther King Parkway, Des Moines, IA
Phone: 515-288-0475
http://www.shalomzone.org

UPWARD BOUND
Indianola: At Risk Youth, Education/Literacy, Mentoring
Description: Upward Bound programs are college preparation programs designed to assist high school students in preparing for and succeeding in post-secondary education. Upward Bound programs provide exposure to college life to Iowa high school students who come from low income families or are first generation college students. Simpson College selects high school students from the Carlisle, Des Moines, Indianola, Martensdale-St. Marys, Norwalk and Southeast Warren communities. Simpson's Upward Bound program offers year-round services to ensure participants’ success, such as weekly tutoring and advising, as well as the opportunity to come to the campus once a month for workshops related to college preparation and career exploration. During the summer, students live in campus residence halls for six weeks while continuing to take high school-level courses. In addition, students visit other college campuses; take part in a variety of cultural activities and events.
Contact: Sonja Wright-McMurray, Director
Address: Simpson College, 701 North C Street, Indianola, IA 50125
Phone: 515-961-1861

WEE CARE RESPITE CARE
Mission: Free respite nursery for children 6 wks through kindergarten age. Parents can run errands, go to medical appointments while their child is in a state-licensed child care program for 2 hours per week. Volunteers are needed to work with the children in the nursery and to help with special projects.
Contact Lisa Gray @ 961-4716

WILLKIE HOUSE
Description: Willkie House is a non-profit organization designed to help children from inner-city neighborhoods. It was established in 1917 and is the only independent community center left in Iowa. They have summer programs, after-school programs and a tutoring program. There are two opportunities for service learning at Willkie House:

People are needed to help tutor children on Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m.
People are needed to assist with the after-school program and tutor children at Willkie House, 3:15-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Education/Literacy, Children/Families

Contact: Channtae Smith, Program Coordinator; Ed Barnes, Executive Director, ebarnes@wilkiehouse.org
Address: 900 17th St., Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: 515-243-7817, FAX 243-6316

Back to Service Opportunities Page


	Faculty Students Community After Graduation Forms Service Opportunities Reflection
Kids & Education BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS Simpson students are eligible for two mentoring opportunities. School-based mentoring allows volunteers to enhance the life of a child academically and socially. This program requires 30 minutes, once a week, on the day and time that works best for you. Community-based mentoring allows the volunteer to meet with the child outside of the school setting. This program requires 4 hours a month for the volunteer to take the child into the community to do activities. Contact: Alyssa Pressler Email: apressler@bbbsia.org Phone: 515-288-9025 x238 Website: www.bbbsia.org CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION COUNCIL OF WARREN COUNTY Mission: To provide instruction, support and services to help prevent child abuse in Warren County. This non-profit organization is governed by a board of community volunteers. CAPC operates the Wee Care respite nursery and the Young Parents program and also coordinates community awareness activities. Volunteers are needed as board members, to help with special community awareness projects, to raise funds for the programs and to work with young children in the nursery (see below) Wee Care: Free respite nursery for children 6 wks through kindergarten age. Parents can run errands, go to medical appointments while their child is in a state-licensed child care program for 2 hours per week. Volunteers are needed to work with the children in the nursery and to help with special projects. Contact Lisa Gray @ 961-4716 Young Parents: Support/Information program for pregnant or parenting teens and young adults. Group meets weekly on Tuesday evenings at the First United Methodist Church in Indianola. Onsite child care and free meals for the parent and children is provided. Volunteers are needed to help supervise children in the nursery. Contact Becky Bausback @ 201-5485 For more information regarding the Child Abuse Prevention Council, contact Colleen Reisener at 962-9171 or c.reisener@mchsi.com CHILDREN AND FAMILIES OF IOWA Mission: To improve the well-being of children and to support the healthy development of families through safe, stable and nurturing environments. Contact: Missy Rumery, Volunteer Coordinator, missyr@cfiowa.org Address: 1111 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314 Phone: 515.471.8699 ext. 18 Fax: 515.243.3404 Website: www.cfiowa.org CHILDREN AND FAMILIES URBAN MINISTRIES Mission: To provide students (K-8th Grade) with an enrichment of their educational experience through positive and creative activities that promote cooperative learning. Volunteers are needed to hang out with kids, help with homework, assist with crafts and recreational activities. The Haven, After School Program The Breakfast Club, Before School Program Supper Club Wonder Girls/Wild Girls mentoring initiative Contact: Carmen Lampe Zeitler carmen@cfum.org or Linda Danielson linda@cfum.org Address: 1548 8th St., Des Moines, IA 50311 Phone: 515-282-3242, Linda’s cell: 515.710.5964 Email: info@cfum.org Website: www.cfum.org CHILDSERVE Mission: ChildServe, formerly the Convalescent Home for Children, is a not-for-profit organization based in central Iowa. ChildServe partners with families to help children with special health care needs live a great life. Direct service opportunities include spending time with the children, reading, rocking, assisting recreational therapy activities and much more. Indirect service opportunities include assisting our staff with tasks around facilities like leaf raking, gardening, and painting. There are opportunities for individuals, groups such as service organizations, church groups, children's clubs, and even families, as there roles available for both adults and children. Contact: Kaylene Steele, Volunteer Coordinator ChildServe Center, 5406 Merle Hay Road, P.O. Box 707, Johnston, IA 50131 Phone: 515-331-8139 Fax: 515-727-8757 Executive offices, ChildServe Foundation offices, and Care, Staff and Business Offices are located here. Six Des Moines-based community services are provided and coordinated here, including homecare, therapy, adaptive equipment, respite, supported community living, and case management. EVERYBODY WINS Mission: Power Lunch is a lunchtime literacy and mentoring program in which preschool and elementary school students are matched one-to-one with volunteers from companies and community organizations. Volunteer reading partners promote reading for pleasure by reading aloud with the students, sharing favorite stories and talking about books. Volunteer reading partners are also role models who enhance students’ self-esteem and encourage their success through consistent, positive weekly interaction. The schools with whom the agency partners are varied. Contact: Karen Schechinger, Executive Director Address: P.O. Box 214, Grimes, IA 50111 Phone: 515-720-5786 Website: everybodywinsiowa@msn.com GIRL SCOUTS Mission: Girl Scouts offers a comprehensive, informal education program accessible to all girls, ages 5 through 17 years. The Girl Scout program is based on an ethical code, teaches the skills for good citizenship, and stresses the importance of moral leadership. Girl Scouting is a preventative program that strives to give girls a solid base for their future direction and decisions. Girls learn and practice skills for living, full, responsible lives under the leadership and guidance of adult volunteers. And of course, girls have fun! Volunteers have many opportunities to be active with the Girl Scouts, including leading a troop and helping with programs. Contact: Moingona Girl Scout Council Des Moines, Iowa 50322-3733 Phone: 515-278-2881 Web Site: http://www.moingonagirlscouts.org HOUSE OF MERCY Description: House of Mercy is dedicated to providing for the unmet health, wellness and human services needs of those most at risk in our society. The agency provides a residential facility for homeless, chemically dependent, pregnant and/or parenting women who have a substance abuse problem and are in need of assistance with recovery, self-sufficiency, parenting and life skills. Childcare is provided at the John R. Grubb/House of Mercy Child Development Center. On average, 20-30 percent of the children residing at House of Mercy have been affected by drugs taken by their mothers during pregnancy and as a result have special needs. Simpson students may assist with nurturing and caring for children residing at House of Mercy. Contact: Lynn McCormick, E-mail: lmccormick@mercydesmoines.org Address: 1409 Clark St., Des Moines, IA 50314 Phone: 515-643-6500 OAKRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES Description: This agency provides numerous services to local residents, many of whom live in government subsidized housing. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring or “Homework Buddies,” helping with activities during morning daycare, and one time events such as the “Fall Fest,” which is an alternative to trick or treating. Also, ESL classes, Senior Bingo (3rd Thursday, 2-4 p.m.), and assisting in computer labs. Contact: Esther Morris, 244.7702 x136; cell: 515.418.4170 Address: 1236 Oakridge Dr., Des Moines, IA 50314 Phone: 515-244-7702 emorris@oakridgeneighborhood.org ORCHARD PLACE Mission: Helping heal troubled hearts and minds...one life at a time. Orchard Place is a place for nurturing. It is a place for learning. It is a place for growth. And it is a place for children who have been unable to meet the demands of family life, school, community participation, or the requirements of other treatment programs. Above all, it is a place for a new beginning, a place to bloom... Orchard Place Residential Campus 925 SW Porter Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50315. Telephone: 515-285-6781 Fax: 515-287-9695 Child Guidance Center 1206 Pleasant Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. Telephone: 515-244-2267 Fax: 515-244-1922 PACE Juvenile Center 620 8th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. Telephone: 515-697-5700 Fax: 515-697-5701 Orchard Place Administrative Services 925 SW Porter Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50315. Telephone: 515-285-6781 Fax: 515-287-9695 Contact: Stacy Kluesner, Director of Volunteers, 515-287-9654 Website: http://www.orchardplace.org/ SCHOOLS ADAMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Des Moines: Children/ Family, Education/ Literacy, ESL Description: Many recent immigrant children need help in working on reading and math. This opportunity involves working with children individually or in pairs, usually on a specific task or worksheet, or listening while children read aloud. Times are somewhat flexible, but must be scheduled during school hours. Contact: Pam Rennie Curtis, guidance counselor; Jaynette Rittman, Principal Address: 3720 E. 29th St., Des Moines, IA 50317 Telephone: 515-266-5169 WEEKS MIDDLE SCHOOL Description: Weeks Middle School has an after-school program that is looking for volunteers to help out with the Homework Helpers program, which assists in tutoring Latino students on 2:45-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Des Moines: Education/Literacy, Mentoring, ESL Contact: Kurt Long, E-mail: Kurt.Long@dmps.k12.ia.us Address: 901 East Park Ave., Des Moines, IA 50315 Phone: 515-288-6755 INDIANOLA SCHOOLS Emerson Elementary Principal – Tom Comfort, 515-961-9550 1109 E. Euclid, Indianola 50125 Irving Elementary Principal – Craig Sexton, 515-961-9560 500 W. Clinton, Indianola 50125 Whitter Elementary Principal – Ed Johnson, 515-961-9570 1306 W. Salem Ave, Indianola 50125 Indianola Middle School Principal – Peggy Fillio, 515-961-9530 403 S. 15th Street, Indianola 50125 Indianola High School Principal – John Monroe, 515-961-9500 1304 E. 1st Ave., Indianola 50125 Indianola Learning Center Director – Peggy Fillio, 515-961-9580 1304 E. 2nd Ave, Indianola 50125 McCombs Middle School Des Moines: Children/Preventing Dropouts/Closing the Achievement Gap Description: Many students leave middle school unprepared for the individual responsibility and rigor expected in high school. This opportunity involves working with students individually or in small groups, usually on organizational skills, homework completion, or specific tasks. Times are flexible, but the ideal time is from 1:45-2:30 any weekday(s). Contact: Debbie Victor, Teacher; Barb Mullahey, Principal Address: 201 County Line Road, Des Moines, IA 50320 Telephone: 515-242-8447 SHALOM ZONE (After School Program) Gatchel United Methodist Church Mission: To provide students with an enrichment of their educational experience through tutoring, as well as positive and creative activities that promote cooperative learning. Volunteers are needed to hang out with kids, help with homework, assist with crafts and recreational activities. A literacy program provides weekly one-on-one tutoring for children in grades K-5. Also have summer programs in conjunction with Camp Wesley Woods. Contact: Kelsey Parker, Director, szkids@msn.com or Molly Harrison harrisonshr@aol.com Address: 1909 Martin Luther King Parkway, Des Moines, IA Phone: 515-288-0475 http://www.shalomzone.org UPWARD BOUND Indianola: At Risk Youth, Education/Literacy, Mentoring Description: Upward Bound programs are college preparation programs designed to assist high school students in preparing for and succeeding in post-secondary education. Upward Bound programs provide exposure to college life to Iowa high school students who come from low income families or are first generation college students. Simpson College selects high school students from the Carlisle, Des Moines, Indianola, Martensdale-St. Marys, Norwalk and Southeast Warren communities. Simpson's Upward Bound program offers year-round services to ensure participants’ success, such as weekly tutoring and advising, as well as the opportunity to come to the campus once a month for workshops related to college preparation and career exploration. During the summer, students live in campus residence halls for six weeks while continuing to take high school-level courses. In addition, students visit other college campuses; take part in a variety of cultural activities and events. Contact: Sonja Wright-McMurray, Director Address: Simpson College, 701 North C Street, Indianola, IA 50125 Phone: 515-961-1861 WEE CARE RESPITE CARE Mission: Free respite nursery for children 6 wks through kindergarten age. Parents can run errands, go to medical appointments while their child is in a state-licensed child care program for 2 hours per week. Volunteers are needed to work with the children in the nursery and to help with special projects. Contact Lisa Gray @ 961-4716 WILLKIE HOUSE Description: Willkie House is a non-profit organization designed to help children from inner-city neighborhoods. It was established in 1917 and is the only independent community center left in Iowa. They have summer programs, after-school programs and a tutoring program. There are two opportunities for service learning at Willkie House: People are needed to help tutor children on Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. People are needed to assist with the after-school program and tutor children at Willkie House, 3:15-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Education/Literacy, Children/Families Contact: Channtae Smith, Program Coordinator; Ed Barnes, Executive Director, ebarnes@wilkiehouse.org Address: 900 17th St., Des Moines, IA 50314 Phone: 515-243-7817, FAX 243-6316 Back to Service Opportunities Page
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