Following is a list of community agencies which Kenyon students have volunteered for in the past. If the interests you have do not coincide with the programs below, please contact us and we will assist you in finding a program that will fit your interests. As the year progresses, new opportunities may develop and will be publicized in Newscope of over e-mail. The OAPP office can also provide students with transportation to their volunteering programs through the use of college vehicles. Our office is located at Sam Mather 208.  Please stop in if you are interested in volunteering of if you have any questions. If we are not in the office, we can be reached at PBX 5363 anytime, or via e-mail at OAPP@kenyon.edu.

Students need not be psychology majors, nor be enrolled in a psychology class in order to participate in OAPP. A volunteer experience can supplement and enhance any course of study.

*** PROGRAMS ***

Children

Big Brothers/Big Sisters

Volunteers are needed to provide one-on-one friendship, support, and guidance to a child from a single parent home from all levels of society. They have a special program called "Campus Pals" designed for college student volunteers. Both tutoring and social skills volunteering opportunities available.

Head Start

A member of the federally funded national HEAD START program, the Knox County Head Start is a pre-school for low-income children ages 3 to 5. Volunteers can work directly with a child, reading and playing games, as children social skills and play habits through organized games, free play, sit-down meals, arts and crafts, etc. Volunteers also work closely with teachers in supervising children in a supportive, fun atmosphere.

Knox Community Hospital

Volunteers are needed for a speech and language program for pre-school children.

Knox County 4-H School-Age Program

Volunteers are needed to work with children in grades K through 5 in an after-school program. Help is needed with tutoring, projects, and other activities. Various programs that range from field sampling for environmental issues to horse training and children’s camp.

Knox County School Program for Young Children

This program is for both typically developing and special needs children of ages 3 to 5. This would be of interest for anyone interested in teaching of learning about children. The program is located in the New Hope School and is associated with Knox County School Program.

Domestic Violence

New Directions

Male and female volunteers at this shelter for abused women and their children could work in the shelter, helping with the hotline or providing child care. Volunteers are required to attend a training session before volunteering. Training sessions are currently being offered on Saturdays during the month of September at New Directions

Education

Adult Basic Education

Volunteers at this agency would be working with adults, particularly those who need assistance with reading.

Danville Primary School

Volunteers are needed to help meet the diverse needs of the classroom community in grades K through 3.

Gazebo School (Gambier Co-op Nursery School)

This Gambier school needs volunteers to work with children ages 2 to 6, helping them to understand their environment and learn a sense of responsibility for our planet and each other.

Knox County Mentorship Program

This program matches college volunteers with gifted and talented students in the Knox County School System (grades 1 to 6). Volunteers meet in weekly, one-to-one conferences with students planning and execution a chosen project for extra-curricular stimulation. At the year-end reception, the students under advisement come together to Kenyon to share their projects with parents and mentors.

Mount Vernon Middle School

Volunteers are needed to help in classrooms, to work in the library, for tutoring students in all subjects, and to help with grading. Opportunities exist for working one-on-one or in-groups. OAPP has descriptions of the available positions.

Mount Vernon High School

Volunteers are needed to work in classrooms of with one-on-one tutoring in various subjects. OAPP has descriptions of the various positions available.

Saint Vincent de Paul School

Opportunities are available to assist in elementary education classrooms. Volunteers are needed to read with children, provide one-on-one instruction and aid, and other various things in the classroom (such as creating bulletin boards, etc.).

WestSide Elementary School

Volunteers are needed to assist children with lower ability with tutoring in all subjects (particularly math and writing).

Wiggin Street School

A wide variety of positions are available to volunteers interested in working with students (grades K through 5) in set design, construction, tutoring in math, reading, writing. Doing bulletin boards and story discussion. This program enables volunteers to interact with students individually or in groups.

Elderly

Country Club Retirement Center

This retirement home provides full-time care for the elderly, including those with Alzheimer's disease. Volunteers are needed for one-on-one interaction in reality orientation and arts and crafts. Volunteers with special talents could provide live entertainment for the group as well.

Living Center

Volunteers are needed to teach dance and beginning art classes, play bridge, socialize, or hold informal discussions about current events with retired apartment residents.

Station Break

An agency providing recreational activities, transportation services, and meals for the elderly, Station Break seeks volunteers to help set up the dining room, pack meals, deliver meals, organize or participate in afternoon recreational activities, or plan speaker.

Mental Health; Special Education

Mount Vernon Developmental Center

Volunteers are needed for one-on-one or group interaction with moderately to severely retarded persons. Assistance in their gym, swimming, and retirement programs is also needed.

New Hope Center

Volunteers are welcome through an application process to assist in implementing programs in their early childhood center, which includes ages birth through 5. Volunteer activities include individualized interaction in academic, self-help, motor, vocational, and leisure skill development.

Mound builders Guidance Center

Volunteer opportunities available with activities at the Center and in schools. Students interested in working in the mental health field may be able to make visits with case managers, sit in on staff meetings, and aid in research or projects.

Alliance for the Mentally Ill

Volunteers have a chance to work with individuals who are recovering from mental illness and/or substance abuse and are living in the community. Volunteer opportunities vary, but will often include helping with activities. For more information, contact the OAPP Office, PBX 5363.

Youth; Substance Abuse

Freedom Center

This Knox County agency located in Mt. Vernon focuses on children, especially in dealing with the prevention of drug usage. Volunteers are needed to assist with service learning and direct mentoring.

Mohican Youth Center

This agency works with delinquent youth. Volunteers can work in education, recreation, or social sciences. There is also counseling for substance abuse (individual or group). The time commitment is especially flexible. Orientations will be arranged for students interested in ongoing volunteer work.

Miscellaneous

Arthritis Foundation of Mount Vernon

Students can help with office issues such as filing, phone and typing. Students may also work in groups during therapy.

Habitat for Humanity

Opportunities are available for students to assist in the construction of homes for the less fortunate. Further information available at the OAPP Office, PBX 5363.

Hospice of Knox County

Hospice volunteers assist in caring for terminally ill individuals. Volunteer activities can vary including such things as bathing, reading to, and driving the patient as well as helping the families of the patient. Hospice requires several training sessions. Call for training schedules.

Interchurch Social Services

This agency's programs include an emergency food pantry, second-hand clothes store, a transportation program, budget counseling, and information/referral services. Volunteers are welcome in any of these programs. Work as a receptionist-gathering basic information from the clients and assessing their needs-is also available. Emergency assistance in utilities and housing is also needed. Agency heads are receptive to volunteers interested in individually tailored projects involving some aspect of this agency.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

If you are interested in any of the programs listed above. Or if you have an idea of your own that you want to explore, stop by, email or call OAPP. We might be able to help you find the volunteer position that you are looking for. Sign up to be put on our distribution list for email so you are kept up-to-date with information!
 
 

Services provided:

And the list goes on….

Please call at 5363, Email at OAPP.

Please volunteer

Someone is counting on your support.