Dear Community Volunteer:

Rising gas and grocery prices are putting the pinch on each of our pocket books! In an effort to help you find volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood, the MOVE office has begun distributing lists based on skills/interests and geographic areas. The list below is for folks who are interested in volunteering with agencies that serve children. Won't you consider taking time to invest in our future?

NORTHEAST ALBUQUERQUE:

Albuquerque Reads. Help a child learn to read. Tutors needed to work with kindergarten students at Title I schools, September 30, 2008 to April 30, 2009. Tutoring sessions are 70 minutes once a week (Tues., Wed. or Thurs., 9:30-10:50 a.m.) beginning September 30, 2008. You can join a tutor team if you can only tutor once or twice a month. Contact: Nena Perkin, nperkin@abqchamber.com, 505-764-3736 Tutors needed Bel Air Elementary School, 4725 Candelaria N.E.

Camp Fire USA Rocket Reader Program. We work with first and second grade students on improving and encouraging reading skills. Sessions are 45 minutes long once or twice a week. Training and ongoing support provided. Tutoring sessions take place during the school day during the 2008-2009 school year. Volunteers must be at least 18, complete an application, criminal background check and interview. Two hour training required and ongoing support offered. Now interviewing for training that will be provided in August. To learn more about us, please visit our website at http://www.campfireabq.org. Contact: Peggy Mahon, pmahon@campfireabq.org, 842-8787, ext. 3042.  Tutors needed at Mitchell Elementary School, 10121 Comanche Road N.E. AND Onate Elementary School, 12415 Brentwood Hills Blvd. N.E.

Catholic Charities of N.M., 6001 Marble N.E. We serve the community regardless of religious denomination. To learn more about us, please visit our website at http://www.ccasfnm.org. Volunteer tutors needed to work one-on-one with refugee middle & high school students in our after-school program from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays. Confidence in tutoring math & science especially desirable. Bilingual a plus, but not necessary. Contact: Cathy Aragon-Marquez, marquezc@ccasfnm.org, 724-4634

Children's Grief Center, 3020 Morris N.E. We provide support to children who are grieving the death or loss of someone they love. To learn more about us, please visit our website at http://www.childrensgrief.org. Contact: Carmen Land, carmen.land@childrensgrief.org., 323-0478. Volunteer opportunities available at our east side location, Sunset Mesa School, 3020 Morris N.E.: Facilitators. Serve a maximum of ten children with at least one co-facilitator in chosen age groups (5-7 yo, 8-10 yo, 11-13 yo, 14-18 yo, or adults) at each session. On the day of the facilitation, a pre-meeting is held at 5:15 p.m., followed by your group session from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. A post-meeting is held from 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bi-monthly sessions held on Tuesday evenings at 3020 Morris N.E. Feedback from current volunteers is extremely positive!  Family Greeters. Volunteers are needed at both our east and west side locations. Groups meet every other Tuesday at 3020 Morris N.E. We need special people to greet our families when they arrive for support group at 5:30 and help to serve dinner. When the families leave to go to their groups at 6:00 help is needed to clean up the room where the dinner was served. This volunteer opportunity would be from September 9, 2008 until mid-June 2009.  Board Members. Our program is currently seeking dynamic individuals to join our Board of Directors. The ideal candidate would have experience in developing short and long term goals for strategic planning and experience in construction or real estate, as well as fundraising, event planning, or public relations. Three year term. There will be approximately ten meetings per year, typically on the 3rd Sunday of the month, in the afternoon. Contact our Executive Director, Jade Bock, 323-0478, or info@childrensgrief.org to learn more about the program and how you can contribute your unique talents!

Life Options Academy. We help teen mothers transform their lives and break the cycle of poverty and abuse that teen parenting perpetuates. Our services include innovative life skills training and hands-on school and career guidance as well as community support to a CYFD residential home for teen moms and their babies. To learn more about us, please visit our website at www.lifeopitonsacademy.org. Baby sit one or more young children (ages 6 months to 2 years) for short periods of time (1-4 hours) to allow mothers to complete required educational or work-related activities. Appropriate for youth volunteers age 15 and older. Contact: Jane Dixon, jjedixon@earthlink.net, 841-4874

NORTHWEST ALBUQUERQUE:

Adoption Exchange, 2929 Coors N.W., Suite 100-K. We are dedicated to helping waiting children in New Mexico find safe, loving, permanent homes. In addition, we are here to assist adoptive families by providing resource information and referrals, support, advocacy and education. Our website address is http://www.adoptex.org. Contact: Ginger Rivenbark, ginger@adoptex.org, 235-5661. Volunteer opportunities available as follows: Newsletter Editor.  We have a new contract to produce and mail a quarterly newsletter for New Mexico Children Youth and Family Services Division. We will need administrative support with editing, design, typing and mailing of this publication. Commitment: 2-4 hour shifts during the day.  Data Entry.  We receive a monthly average of 500 inquiries about adoption and waiting children. It is necessary to input into our Access database all of those who inquire along with keeping all records updated, and recording all supporters. Commitment: 1-3 hour weekly shifts during the day.
Event Coordinator.  We are in search of an Extraordinary Event Coordinator to chair an Adoption Recognition Banquet planned for November 15, 2008. The volunteer will work with the title sponsor and Director of Development to coordinate an event program, decorations and fund raising auction; attend planning meetings, coordinate with event facility, local businesses, and event committee staff; determine program and decorations; and oversee event set-up and the running of the fundraiser auction. Must be organized, enthusiastic, committed to adoption/fostercare, with event planning experience; creative, fun-to-work-with individual who desires to chair a great event for a great cause!!! Time commitment: 8-10 hours per month August through September; October and November as needed to prepare for the event; set-up Friday November 14; and event on November 15.  General Office Support.  Our offices always needs a helping hand in filing, collating, answering phones, typing, filing or any other administrative duties that may come up. Commitment: 3-4 hour shifts during the day.

Albuquerque CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), 5100 Second N.W. We serve as advocates for abused or neglected children. Volunteers interact with children, social workers, attorneys, treatment providers and judges to help ensure abused and neglected children find a safe and permanent home. Training provided. To learn more about us, please visit our website at http://www.nmcourts.com/seconddistrictcourt/casa2.html. Contact: Janet VanWhy, albdjlv@nmcourts.com, 841-7388

Albuquerque Christian Children's Home. We provide housing for school-aged children who are in crisis. We currently have children from 5 to 17 years of age. To learn more about us, please visit our website at http://www.acch4kids.org. Volunteers are required to get a background check if they work directly with the children (we are unable to cover the cost of background check). Please call our office for information. We need volunteers for tutoring, babysitting, and other activities with the children. We also need groups to do special projects such as painting, yard work, and hauling things away. Contact: Barbara Cruz, bcruz@acch4kids.org, 898-5520.

All Faiths Receiving Home, 3001 Trellis N.W. We provide intervention family services, child advocacy and therapy to families in need. Please visit our website at http://www.allfaiths.org. Volunteer help is needed at La Solana del Valle day care serving children ages six weeks to six years. We are in need of volunteers to cuddle infants, and to read and participate in activities with young children. Volunteers working with children must complete an application and undergo a background check. Volunteers are also needed to help with meal preparation and clean up on Thursday nights and answering phones during daytime hours Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Contact: Mary Lopez, 345-8938.

Camp Fire USA Rocket Reader Program. We work with first and second grade students on improving and encouraging reading skills. Sessions are 45 minutes long once or twice a week. Training and ongoing support provided. Tutoring sessions take place during the school day during the 2008-2009 school year. Volunteers must be at least 18, complete an application, criminal background check and interview. Two hour training required and ongoing support offered. Now interviewing for training that will be provided in August. To learn more about us, please visit our website at http://www.campfireabq.org. Contact: Peggy Mahon, pmahon@campfireabq.org, 842-8787, ext. 3042.  Tutors needed at Sierra Vista Elementary School, 10220 Paseo del Norte N.W.

Children's Grief Center, 5700 Ouray N.W. We provide support to children who are grieving the death or loss of someone they love. To learn more about us, please visit our website at http://www.childrensgrief.org. Contact: Carmen Land, carmen.land@sunset-mesa.com. Volunteer opportunities available at our west side location, Baha'I Center, 5700 Ouray N.W.  Facilitators. Serve a maximum of ten children with at least one co-facilitator in chosen age groups (5-7 yo, 8-10 yo, 11-13 yo, 14-18 yo, or adults) at each session. On the day of the facilitation, a pre-meeting is held at 5:15 p.m., followed by your group session from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. A post-meeting is held from 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bi-monthly sessions held on Thursday evenings, 5700 Ouray N.W. Feedback from current volunteers is extremely positive!
Family Greeters. Volunteers are needed at both our east and west side locations. Groups meet every other Thursday at 5700 Ouray N.W. We need special people to greet our families when they arrive for support group at 5:30 and help to serve dinner. When the families leave to go to their groups at 6:00 help is needed to clean up the room where the dinner was served. This volunteer opportunity would be from September 9, 2008 until mid-June 2009.

Explora, 1701 Mountain Road N.W. We create opportunities for inspirational discovery and the joy of lifelong learning through interactive experiences in science, technology and art. To learn more about us, please visit our website at www.explora.us. Contact: Drora Schub, dschub@explora.us, 224-8362. Volunteer opportunities available as follows: Educational Program Assistant. Assist educators by preparing materials for programs and working with students during explorations. Opportunities available Monday through Friday. May require experience as a Visitor Interaction Volunteer (see separate listing).  Outreach Volunteer. Explora participates in outreach throughout the year including festivals, school events, science fairs, and publicity. Volunteers are needed to assist with set-up, staff and visitor support, and materials.  Museum Visitor Interaction. Volunteers sought to interact with visitors and encourage them to experiment with the exhibits. Assist with activities, and help maintain the exhibit areas. Explora provides training on customer service, exhibits, and inquiry technique.  Special Events Volunteer. Explora has special events throughout the year including dinners, conferences, openings, promotions, and workshops. Volunteers are needed to assist with set-up, registration, and greeting visitors.

Project PeacePal. We are a nonprofit that links American youth with others their age in countries around the world. We currently have PeacePals in Nicaragua, India, Pakistan, Togo, Ghana, Senegal and Hungary. A major component of the PeacePal program is to develop service learning opportunities out of established relationships, like those developed over time through letter writing and an ongoing conversation about how to create peace in our daily lives. To learn more about us, please visit our website at http://www.peacepal.org. Volunteers needed to lead small groups of children or teenagers in after school programs for peace education using international penpal correspondence as the focal point. Curriculum and training provided to selected applicant. Contact: Sarah Wilkinson, peacepalsarah@gmail.com, 255-2042

SOUTHEAST ALBUQUERQUE:

A New Day Shelter. We serve youth ages 10-17 who are runaways or homeless. We welcome volunteers, age 21+, who are willing to 1) tutor in English, math, science; 2) teach youth a life skill, hobby, activity, or sport such as knitting, small engine repair, baking, soccer, guitar, drawing, balancing a check book, any number of topics. We also encourage volunteers to apply who wish to help maintain the facility through painting projects, landscaping, or refurbishing bedrooms. Time commitment varies with the project and hours are flexible to fit the needs of the youth. Call Karen Anderson (505) 710-9653, kanderson@ndnm.org, or check the website: www.ndnm.org for a Volunteer Application under “How Can I Help?”  Girls Circle is a nationally known research based program designed to promote resiliency in girls by providing them with skill-building themes and activities that promote critical thinking in all areas of girls’ lives. Facilitators are needed to assist with this program which uses a well planned curriculum. Groups meet once a week for 1.5 hours. Curriculums vary in length from 8-10 weeks. Projected start dates: Week of September 22-26.  Several locations: The Shelter, Downtown, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, and some High School and Middle School sites as needed.
Facilitators: Serve 8-10 girls (age dependent upon location) with one co-facilitator. 10-15 minute pre- and post-session meetings are held to complete paperwork and plan for the nest session.  Call Karen Anderson (505) 710-9653, kanderson@ndnm.org, or check the website: http://www.ndnm.org for a Volunteer Application under “How Can I Help?”

Albuquerque Reads. Help a child learn to read. Tutors needed to work with kindergarten students at Title I schools, September 29, 2008 to April 30, 2009. Tutoring sessions are 70 minutes once a week (Mon., Tues., or Thurs., 9:50-11:05 a.m.) beginning September 29, 2008. You can join a tutor team if you can only tutor once or twice a month. Contact: Nena Perkin, nperkin@abqchamber.com, 505-764-3736.  Tutors needed at Wherry Elementary School, 25000 E. Kirtland AFB (off Gibson, just past Louisiana).

Cuidando los Ninos. We provide licensed, therapeutic childcare that meets the needs of children experiencing homelessness. To learn more about us, please visit our website at http://www.cuidandolosninos.org. Contact: Katie Sonnen, katies@clnkids.org, 843-6899. Volunteer opportunities available:  Parent Night Volunteers.  We host Parent Night at Cuidando los Ninos the 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings of the month, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eight (8) volunteers are needed to assist with childcare in the nursery, and preschool; four (4) volunteers to prepare, serve and clean up after the meal (approximately 80 children and adults are served); and four (4) volunteers to supervise recreation for school-aged children from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Appropriate for volunteers age 16 and older.  Cuddlers.  We have an incredibly successful program working with very young children and their families to help them become rehoused after a period of homelessness—but we do not have enough helping hands. Once you visit with the children you'll want to help them thrive. Loving arms are needed to hold, rock and read to these wonderful children. Help needed anytime Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (6:30 p.m. on Thursday).  Cook.  Help our cook prepare food for our wonderful children. Volunteers are welcome 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Isshin Ryu Club Inc., 1314 Gibson S.E. We provide educational and recreational activities to the community. To learn more about us, please visit our website at http://www.cabq.gov/communitycenters/isshinryu.html. Contact: Barbara Edmon, bedmon@cabq.gov, 764-1721. Volunteer opportunities available as follows:  Tutors to help at our after-school program at Lowell Elementary School, 1700 Sunshine Terra S.E. Help needed Monday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.).  Volunteers needed for our young ladies club (ages 6-15). Through this program, we enrich their life skills and encourage them to seek higher education and plans for their future. Volunteers will mentor participants and assist with activities.  Board Member. Meetings are held the last Wednesday of each month, 12:00 p.m., 1314 Gibson S.E. Fundraising, legal skills appreciated.

SOUTHWEST ALBUQUERQUE:

Albuquerque Reads. Help a child learn to read. Tutors needed to work with kindergarten students at Title I schools, September 29, 2008 to April 29, 2009. Tutoring sessions are 70 minutes once a week (Mon., Tues., or Wed., 8:45-10:00 a.m.) beginning September 29, 2008. You can join a tutor team if you can only tutor once or twice a month. Contact: Nena Perkin, nperkin@abqchamber.com, 505-764-3736. Tutors needed at Atrisco Elementary School, 1201 Atrisco S.W.

COMMUNITY-WIDE:

Bernalillo County Council of the PTA Clothing Bank. Quite often, school administrators, social workers and teachers will refer students in need of clothing. Each APS student is eligible for donations once per semester (August-December and January-May). To learn more about BCCPTA, visit their website at http://www.bccpta.org.
Contact: Kim Kerschen, kbkerschen@comcast.net, 344-7481.  Please consider donating any of the following items:
· New socks
· New underwear
· New or used coats/jackets
· New or used shoes
· New or used clothing to include school uniforms
· School supplies
· Travel-size toiletries
· Lunch boxes
· Hair accessories

Big Brothers/Big Sisters. We have a variety of programs, each with different levels of time commitment and involvement. The volunteer chooses the program that best fits his or her needs and acts as "Big Brother or Sister" to a child in a one-to-one mentoring relationship. To learn more about us, please visit our website at http://www.bbbs-cnm.org. The programs we offer are as follows: Community-based--Volunteer meets with the child 2-4 times per month and they spend time out in the community doing things they both enjoy (hiking, reading books, visiting the museum, etc.); Site-based--Volunteer meets with the child 1 hour per week at the child's school and provides academic guidance for the child. The match may also want to talk or play games; Crossroads--Volunteer meets with a teenager one Saturday per month and takes part in structured group activities with other Crossroads matches; Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents--A subdivision of the Community-based program in which volunteers undergo a training process specific to the needs of children of incarcerated parents or guardians. Currently, there are over 390 children waiting for a Big Brother or Sister. Of these 390 children, about 350 are boys, who typically wait 2-4 years before being matched. Contact: Kerrie Copelin, kerrie.copelin@bbbs.org, 837-9223

Junior Achievement of N.M. Did you know that eighty-one (81) percent of the students who participate in one JA program say they were very sure that they will graduate from high school? JA has a tremendous impact on the lives of young people. Embodying the heart of JA, volunteers transform the key concepts of the lessons into a message that inspires and empowers students to believe in themselves. Junior Achievement of New Mexico can only accomplish our mission with your involvement! We have a statewide listing of the Greater Albuquerque and Rio Rancho area schools and classrooms requesting the JA program. Here’s how easy it is to volunteer: No Expertise Required: You don’t need to be an expert in business or education, you just need to be willing to share your life’s experiences with the students. JA of New Mexico will provide you with an orientation that will take approximately 90 minutes. Minimal Preparation Time: No matter what grade level you choose, JA of New Mexico provides you with materials containing all of the lesson plans and student materials that you will need. The time commitment is minimal compared to the significant impact you make. Personalized Placement: You don’t have to spend time researching schools and teachers – JA of New Mexico does the work for you. JA of New Mexico will provide you with school and program options to ensure that you are assigned to a school and grade level of your choice. JA Staff Support and Follow-Up: JA of New Mexico staff is always available to answer questions or make suggestions pertaining to the volunteer assignment. Contact: Kevin Hattery, kevin@newmexicoja.org, 344-0861


Wise Men & Women Mentorship Program. We are a school-based mentoring program serving at-risk students. Mentors spend an hour each week at the school, and are committed to spending at least one school year with the child they have been assigned. Mentors work on character building activities and also help the children with some school work if needed. The program trains mentors on how to work with children covering a range of topics. Mentors are taught communication and phases of relationships and what to expect in each phase. The program serves approximately 20 APS elementary and middle schools and one alternative school. We also have two other mentoring programs: Mentoring Children of Promise (MCOPP). This is a community based mentoring program, where mentors spend time out in the community with their assigned child. Mentors spend a minimum of 4 hours per month with the child. The mentors commit to one calendar year with the program. Each child in the MCOPP program must meet the stipulation that they have a parent who is incarcerated or has a history of incarceration. Mentors are taught the same training listed under WMW as well as training on how to work with this specific population of children and the stigma attached to children who have an incarcerated parent. Mentors can take their mentees to sporting events, museums, art shows, libraries, parks, etc. Mentors are not allowed to take their mentees to their homes. Alamosa Mentoring Project (AMP). This is a school/community based program where mentors are committed to spending one hour per week with children in the 4-6th grades. Volunteers must commit to spending a minimum of one calendar year with the program. Mentors can spend time with their mentees at their school, Alamosa Community Center or the Alamosa Neighborhood Association. Mentors are trained using the WMW curriculum.  Mentors go through an extensive screening process including a reference check, interview, fingerprinting for a state and federal background check (paid for by the program), sex offender website check and a minimum of 3 hours of initial training. All mentors are covered under the YDI liability insurance. Case Managers assist with placement and monitoring of matches once they have been placed. Staff also assists families access other resources when needed. Contact: Sally Sosa, ssosa@ydinm.org, 505-271-2066

LOS LUNAS:

El Ranchito de los Ninos. We are dedicated to keeping siblings together in a stable, long term, loving environment when their families are unable to care for them. Each child receives a comprehensive plan that is focused on the child’s educational, spiritual and personal growth and is encouraged to maintain relationships and ties with their biological families. Our commitment to the children is that they remain together and have a ‘home of their own’ until their family reconciles or they reach adulthood. To learn more about us, please visit our website at http://www.losninosnm.org. Contact: Kris Gillis, kgillis@losninosnm.org, 505-565-4470.  Tickets are now on sale for the fifth annual Home of Your Own House Raffle to benefit our agency. Only 4,000 $75 tickets will be sold between May 1 and November 11, 2008. The DR Horton Home is located at 2704 Violeta Circle in the Master Planned Community of Toscana II at Huning Ranch in Los Lunas, New Mexico.  Volunteers needed to participate in activities with children ages 5-12. All volunteer service will take place at our center. Activities include: playing games, reading, arts & crafts, etc. We welcome help any day of the week, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Background check required. Volunteer will be asked to pay the fee, which will be reimbursed after six months upon request.