Volunteer Opportunities with Community Organizations
In addition to volunteering for the City of Lakewood, there are many Lakewood Community Organizations that are looking for volunteers.
Box Office – Ushers & House Managers
The Beck Center relies upon volunteers to help as ushers, ticket takers, concession helpers, and coat checkers for the professional theater series. In return, all volunteers see the show for free.
Contact Rennie Tisdale, Volunteer Coordinator, at rtisdale@beckcenter.org or 216-521-2540
Beck Center's Women’s Board
The Women’s Board is the Beck’s longest standing volunteer group, established in 1936. They are a fundraising and social organization dedicated to supporting the mission of the Beck Center. Attendance and involvement in the group is a requirement for membership. Membership fee is $15 per year.
Contact Jan Brundage for a meeting schedule at janbrundage@att.net or 216-521-2540
Dance Alliance of Beck Center (DABC)
The Dance Alliance was founded to support the programs of the dance department. DABC members primarily include parents of dance students and adult dancers, but also includes unaffiliated friends of the dance program at Beck. Dues are $5 per year (starting in September).
Contact Melanie Szucs, Associate Director of Dance Education, to join at mszucs@beckcenter.org or 216-521-2540
C.A.S.T. (Company of Advocates for Students in Theater)
C.A.S.T. is a group of parent volunteers who support the youth theater education program. Its mission is to promote the love of the arts and all avenues of artistic expression. The funds raised are used to help the theater program with production costs and assist in the purchase of classroom teaching tools. Dues are $22 per year or $11 per semester (per family) and membership is open to anyone interested in joining.
Contact Jeffrey Riskin for more information at silveriskin@yahoo.com or 216-521-2540
Gardening Group
A group dedicated to beautifying the many gardens of the Beck Center. Anyone is welcome to join – there is no membership fee.
For project dates and times, contact Maria Parke at maria1091@sbcglobal.net.
Interested in helping the homeless cats and dogs in Lakewood?
Then consider volunteering with the Citizens Committee for the Lakewood Animal Shelter. As the non-profit volunteer committee that supports the Lakewood Animal Shelter, they provide assists through fostering, fundraising, hosting off-site adoption events, and promoting adoptions.
If you're interested in getting involved, please visit their website at www.cclas.info or call the shelter at (216) 529-5020.
Organize a Collection for Donations!
Help a refugee child have “Sweet Dreams” when they arrive in Cleveland with new or gently used sheets and blankets and new pillows. Be a “Snow Angel” and keep refugee families warm in Cleveland with new or gently used winter coats, gloves, hats, shoes, and boots. Other items we often need are: pots and pans, cooking utensils, soup bowls, drinking glasses, and cleaning and personal hygiene items.
Contact volunteer coordinator is Samantha Cocco 216-939-3849
Set up a New Home for a Family!
Days before a family arrives help assemble and arrange furniture, lightly clean furniture and dishes, and place essential household and personal items in appropriate places in the home. Teams or individuals can work during evenings or weekends!
Contact volunteer coordinator is Samantha Cocco 216-939-3849
Teach and Tutor the English language!
Refugees arrive with varying levels of understanding of English language and cultural competency. In order for them to be self- sufficient, we help them improve their skills. Classes are offered on weekday mornings and early afternoons. For a couple of hours at a time. Tutor and provide homework help for children and teenagers of all ages. Held Tuesdays or Thursdays after school and in the evenings.
Contact volunteer coordinator is Samantha Cocco 216-939-3849
Mentor a Family!
Visit a refugee family in their home for 2-3 hours each week. Work on English, help with homework, answer questions, teach basic American norms, cook with them, and help them read their mail. You will form a mutual relationship where you are not only giving but being given many gifts as well.
Contact volunteer coordinator is Samantha Cocco 216-939-3849
Help Children Prepare for School!
Assist with childcare for refugee children from ages newborn—5 while their parents attend classes or interview for jobs. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Parents are welcome to bring along their own children while they volunteer!
Contact volunteer coordinator is Samantha Cocco 216-939-3849
Lakewood Arts Festival Volunteer
The Lakewood Arts Festival needs volunteers for the day of the Festival on Saturday, August 4, 2012. We need volunteers to booth sit, help artists set up, sell tee shirts, and serve morning and afternoon artist refreshments.
Persons interested in helping that day should contact Event Volunteer Coordinator Shannon Strachan at lakewood.arts.festival@gmail.com
Monthly Farmer’s Market Volunteer – March through October
Getting fresh produce to the families in our community is of great importance to us! For eight months each year LCSC is the site of a free Farmer's Market made possible by the Cleveland Foodbank. On the first Tuesday of each month, we receive a delivery of 10,000 lbs of produce to our back parking lot. We form a team and need 6-8 additional volunteers to help with the distribution from 9:30 am until 12:30 pm. We host the Farmer's Markets rain or shine, and it is held outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather.
Contact Shelly Napolitan at shelly@lcsclakewood.org.
Intake Volunteer
This is a very rewarding opportunity for our volunteers to welcome clients who come to the center, register them in our computer system to receive food or to have a session with a social worker. This position allows for client interaction and an opportunity for conversation. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact Shelly Napolitan at shelly@lcsclakewood.org.
Counter Volunteer
Engaging in this one on one opportunity, our volunteers assist clients by packing groceries from prefilled bins into bags and keep the counter stocked with fresh bakery, dairy and frozen foods. We also greet people who come in to drop off donations and help them complete the proper donation forms. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact Shelly Napolitan at shelly@lcsclakewood.org.
Pantry Volunteer
Our volunteers keep busy by packing crates with groceries in anticipation of clients. Efficiently, we stock pre-filled bins so that our clients can receive their groceries with little waiting. Sorting and date-checking food donations and keeping our produce table stocked are also common activities in this position. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact Shelly Napolitan at shelly@lcsclakewood.org.
Receptionist
Telephone support is needed to assist with general questions and transfer calls to our social workers and staff members. Additionally, this person will assist with special projects, office tasks and will rotate to one of the above positions half way through the shift. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact Shelly Napolitan at shelly@lcsclakewood.org.
LEAF Night Market Volunteer
LEAF Night Markets are each Thursday evening from June through October, at the main branch of the Lakewood Public Library (at the front porch). Lakewood Earth and Food (LEAF) Community coordinates this market to bring local, sustainable food into Lakewood.
Contact Annie Stahlheber at leafcommunity@gmail.com or (216) 367-2834.
Learning Garden Volunteer
At the Madison branch of the Lakewood Public Library, the Lakewood Earth and Food (LEAF) Community assists to manage the Learning Garden.
Contact Annie Stahlheber at leafcommunity@gmail.com or (216) 367-2834.
| Opportunity: |
Information Desk Volunteer |
| Description: |
Greet patients and visitors and man phones at desk in hospital entry. Must be engaging and willing to work with the public; mobile and able to make deliveries to patient rooms; capable of operating a two line phone and work a computer; able to commit to a 4-5 hour regular shift |
| Current need: |
Wednesday morning 8a-1p/Thursday morning 8a-1p/Thursday afternoon 1-5p/ Friday morning 8am-1pm |
| Contact: |
Volunteer Assistant Kristen Levy at 216-529-7171 or levyk@ccf.org |
| Opportunity: |
Comfort Runner |
| Description: |
Acts as liaison between clinical staff and patients/families on a nursing unit. Duties include a combination of light tasks and patient interaction. Must be a compassionate, caring individual who is comfortable being with patients and their families & friends; mobile and able to be on your feet for long periods of time; able to commit to 4 hours of service a week on a regular basis. |
| Current need: |
Monday evening’s 4-7p/Weekend evening’s 4-7p |
| Contact: |
Volunteer Assistant Kristen Levy at 216-529-7171 or levyk@ccf.org |
| Opportunity: |
Gift Shop Volunteer |
| Description: |
Assist customers with their purchases in our hospital Gift Shop. Must be engaging and willing to interact with the public; had previous retail or customer service experience; mobile and able to be on your feet for long periods of time; capable of operating a two line phone credit card machine and work a cash register; able to consistently commit to a 4 hour schedule on a regular basis |
| Current need: |
Wednesday and Friday evenings 3-7p/Saturday & Sunday 12n-4p |
| Contact: |
Volunteer Assistant Kristen Levy at 216-529-7171 or levyk@ccf.org Weekdays |
| Opportunity: |
Marketing Volunteer |
| Description: |
Assists the hospital Marketing staff with distributing fliers and printed promotional material around the hospital on a regular weekly basis. Must be mobile and able to be on your feet for long periods of time. |
| Current need: |
Exact time TBA |
| Contact: |
Volunteer Assistant Kristen Levy at 216-529-7171 or levyk@ccf.org Weekdays |
Volunteer Behavioral Health Counselors
Needed: Volunteers who are licensed to practice mental health therapy independently. Minimum requirement is a Master’s degree in a behavioral health related discipline and ability to provide therapy at least 2 hours/week. Day and evening hours available. Minimum six month commitment desired. If interested, please contact Sharon Tipton at 216-228-7878 ext. 108 or via email at stipton@nchealthministry.org.
Volunteer Dentists
Needed: Dentists willing to take referrals from North Coast Health Ministry for patients with critical dental care needs. Contact Mary Ludwig at (216) 228-7878 ext. 122 or via email at mludwig@nchealthministry.org.
Volunteer Nurses
Needed: Nurses willing to staff a Monday evening clinic once per month or willing to be trained to be on NCHM’s substitute nurse roster – to fill clinic staffing gaps due to vacation, sick days, etc. Contact Mary Ludwig at (216) 228-7878 ext. 122 or via email at mludwig@nchealthministry.org.
Volunteer Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Needed for day, evening and weekend clinics. Specialists and primary care practitioners needed. Contact Mary Ludwig at (216) 228-7878 ext. 122 or via email at mludwig@nchealthministry.org.
Associate Board Volunteers
Needed: Individuals who would like to help North Coast Health Ministry plan and execute fundraising and “friend-raising” events. If interested please contact Jeanine Gergel at 216-228-7878 ext. 107 or via email at jgergel@nchealthministry.org.
Toiletry Collection Volunteers
Needed: Volunteers willing to organize toiletry drives for NCHM patients at churches, schools or other community groups. Contact Jeanine Gergel at (216) 228-7878 ext. 107 or via email at jgergel@nchealthministry.org.
Administrative Volunteers
Needed: Volunteers willing to contribute time one morning or afternoon per week in the office to assist with patient screening, patient registration packet assembly, patient reminder calls, etc. If interested, please contact Mary Ludwig at 216-228-7878 ext. 122 or via email at mludwig@nchealthministry.org.
Benefit Bank Counseling Volunteers
Needed: Individuals willing to be trained to assist patients through the Ohio Benefit Bank counseling program for application for public program benefits. If interested, please contact Mary Ludwig at 216-228-7878 ext. 122 or via email at mludwig@nchealthministry.org.