Ways to volunteer locally
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by
Elizabeth Ashford
Staff Writer |
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| Peter Larkins|
The Appalachian |
| Faculty Senate members
discuss a resolution to reduce workloads
and increase tuition at their last meeting.
It was met with mixed responses. |
Whether it’s to fulfill a class requirement
or to simply help others, many Appalach ian State
University students volunteer their time with community
organizations.
There are many different options for students to
choose from. Shelter Rock is a faith-based ministry
run by Mr. and Mrs. Steven Reese and their son,
Ian, and is located on Church Road in Foscoe.
According to the Shelter Rock Web site, it is a
non-profit, inter-denominational, Christian organization,
dedicated to locating poor Appalachian families
and providing them with immediate needs of food
and clothing.
“Being a faith-based ministry doesn’t
mean we’ll shove our faith down your throat,
we want all to feel welcome,” Ian Reese, main
coordinator for student volunteers, said.
Students can volunteer at Shelter Rock anytime between
1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Tuesdays.
“There is no greater love than pouring out
your love for others, make a difference and give
them hope, experience personal growth and get an
intrinsic reward,” Reese said.
Students interested in volunteering at Shelter Rock
can contact Reese at 963-4135.
“There is nothing more rewarding then working
with kids, knowing you’ve changed someone’s
life for the better,” Jennifer Grubb said.
Grubb works at the Watauga Youth Network, which
is located in downtown Boone, on WYN Way. Grubb
is in charge of “Governor’s One on One,”
which is a mentoring program for at-risk youth.
“This is where we have our greatest need because
it requires the highest level of commitment from
the volunteer,” Grubb said.
The volunteer is matched with a youth based on personality
and common interests and spends at least four hours
a week with their child.
Volunteers are encouraged to incorporate the child
into their life as much as possible, Executive Director
of Watauga Youth Network Windy Tonker said.
Grubb said students can also get involved in the
Youth Resource Center, directed by Stephen Monticone.
The YRC is a place for “court involved”
children who need a place to go after school.
Grubb said YRC volunteers also help maintain order
and need to be able to give two to three hours per
week at the YRC.
Students interested in volunteering at the Watauga
Youth Network can reach Grubb and Monticone at 264-5174.
“The elderly love to see younger people, the
ASU students get a blessing out of it and the residents
really enjoy it,” Glenbride Health and Rehabilitation
nurse Pam Issacs said.
Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation is located
off of Highway 321 South on Bamboo Road, across
the street from Samaritan’s Purse.
“Students
should have a love for working with the elderly,
they need lots of tender loving care,” Issacs
said.
Isaacs said volunteers should call before coming
but are welcome all week long.
Students can help residents with whatever recreation
is planned for that day, such as Bingo or crafts.
Isaacs said students shouldn’t be afraid of
the residents. Some of the residents do have dementia
or get disoriented easily, but they are people like
anybody else and need lots of loving care.
Students interested in Glenbridge can contact Issacs
at 264-6720.
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