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Service-Learning Handout

America Reads and Counts Agency Description: America Reads and Counts is a tutoring program in which Normandale students work within the Bloomington Public School District to help elementary and middle school children improve their reading and math skills. Position Description: Normandale students tutor Bloomington Public School children in grades K-12 in reading or math. Tutors spend 2-4 hours a week during a set time at a Bloomington school, tutoring the student in math or reading. Most tutors work one-on-one with students or will help a number of students in a classroom. Some tutors assist in an after-school homework help program. Tutoring positions are between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday-Friday. We do our best to work around your schedule when we place you with a classroom. You will need your own transportation to and from the school; several schools are on the bus line. You must also pass a background check (no cost to you). Tutoring in this position comes with many rewards, offering each tutor a chance to make a difference in a child's life, gain valuable skills, and build their resume. While previous tutoring experience is helpful, it is not required to apply. New tutors attend a required training session. The program seeks applicants with the desire to help a child succeed and the energy and time it takes to make this commitment. How to Apply: Submit an online application by the application deadline: Thursday, September 10th at 4:00 pm The application instructions and link are online at www.normandale.edu/arac. Application process:

1. Submit an online America Reads and Counts Normandale application. The application link is at www.normandale.edu/arac

2. Submit an online application to the Bloomington Public Schools. The application link is at www.normandale.edu/arac. You must complete BOTH the Normandale and Bloomington Public Schools application.

3. Sign up for an interview. Once you submit the online applications you will get an email with a link to sign up for a brief interview. The interviews are at Normandale with a Center for Experiential Education Coordinator.

4. Respond to the background check email. After you submit your application you will receive an email from administrator@rhis.com that you must respond to. If you don’t see the email check your junk folder.

Contact the Center for Experiential Education with any questions: (952) 358-8119 or servicelearning@normandale.edu.

Caauwe, Jim Community Crime Prevention

SOC 2900-90

www.normandale.edu/cee 952-358-8119 servicelearning@normandale.edu

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Bridging www.bridging.org Agency Description: Bridging was founded on one simple, yet powerful idea – that together we can create a bridge between those in need and those with excess. Now, over 28 years and nearly 50,000 square feet later, Bridging is the largest furniture bank in North America. Driven by volunteers and donations of furniture and household goods from the community, Bridging has furnished over 70,000 homes since 1987. To serve as many people in need as possible, we work with a network of over 150 referring agencies, including social service and non-profit organizations, who refer clients to us. It’s time to take action today! We rely on volunteers to do just about everything at Bridging. In addition to being a great way to give back to those in need, volunteering is a terrific opportunity for team building, socializing and staying active. Through the effective reuse of donated items, Bridging improves lives by providing quality furniture and household goods to those transitioning out of homelessness and poverty. We serve over 80 households, over 240 people, each week who are given a sense of dignity as they rebuild their lives. Visit our Facebook page and YouTube channel, BridgingMN, and see volunteers in action! Position Description: Warehouse Assistants Wanted General Tasks; • Move donated furniture, bags and boxes throughout the warehouse. • Restock shelves for client shopping. • Accept community donations at the dock door. • Load and unload vehicles. • Lifting required; carts and dollies available. • “Field trips” in the community to pick up donations (must be 18+ to go on trucks) Warehouse Assistant schedules; Set a regular weekly schedule OR rotate from week to week/flexible scheduling. Current openings and schedules will be covered in your orientation tour. Monday - Thursday: 8:00 - 11:30am, 9:30 - 1:00pm, 12:00 - 3:00pm, 3:00 - 6:00pm OR 12:00 - 6:00pm (Some 6-hour shifts will be available during the semester). Friday: 9:00 - 12:00pm OR 12:00 - 3:00pm Saturday: 9:00 - 12:00pm OR 12:00 - 3:00pm *Additional options available: Contact the Bridging Team for more details. Additional openings will be offered at the tour. A minimum of 20 service hours is required per volunteer/semester. All shifts are booked in advance. No drop-in volunteering. Visit bridging.org for more program details and a complete list of our donation needs. How to Apply: 1. Choose a Bridging Location (map & directions at www.bridging.org) Bloomington: Please contact Dave at 952-460-3750 or dave.rannow@bridging.org Roseville: Please contact Wendy at 651-319-9295 or wendy.erickson@bridging.org 2. Contact your selected location to RSVP for a new volunteer tour. Tours offered weekly and lasts about 30 minutes. At that time you will be able to check availability and schedule shifts. All hours are scheduled in advance. 3. All volunteers must complete a volunteer profile (available at www.bridging.org)

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Oasis for Youth www.oasisforyouth.org Agency Description: Oasis for Youth provides services for youth ages 16-21 who are struggling with homelessness and housing stability in Bloomington, Richfield and Edina. We are a volunteer-driven, community-supported tax exempt 501(c)3 corporation. Oasis for Youth operates a drop-in resource center. We provide onsite support and services as well as referrals to resources for shelter, counseling and medical assistance. We are participants in the Suburban Host Home Program that recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteer hosts for homeless youth. Drop-In Resource Center Hours: 2:00-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our work begins with assessing the strengths and needs of a youth regarding housing, basic needs, education, employment, safety, and wellness. Youth goal plans and supportive services help youth move toward stability. Services: On-site laundry and shower facilities Computer/internet access Personal hygiene products and school supplies Clothing and Food Tutoring and educational assistance Employment Search assistance A safe, comfortable and welcoming place to rest Referrals to crisis shelter and supportive housing programs Referrals to family/individual counseling, mental health services, medical assistance, social services, and legal advice An evening meal is available at a community center one block away. Position Description: Drop-In Center Volunteers A criminal background check and references are required, with a minimal cost paid by the volunteer. Volunteers in the drop-in center must be 21 years of age or older. Volunteer shift hours are Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Volunteers assist with set-up and closing of the center, which requires some light lifting and light cleaning. Volunteers help to provide a safe, warm and welcoming atmosphere for the youth who visit. On-site volunteer duties include welcoming youth, assisting with youth intake and goal plans, providing support to youth and referral information for services, assisting with various programmed activities, and assisting with use of laundry and computer facilities, as needed. Volunteers for tutoring, outreach, transportation, and youth programs are also needed and also need to be 21 years of age and complete a background check process and training. Other Volunteer Opportunities Other opportunities include helping with special events including clothing and hygiene supply drives and assistance with advocacy, outreach, fundraising, publicity and marketing. Host home program volunteers and host homes are also needed. How to Apply:

1. Contact us: info@oasisforyouth.org and give us some basic information about yourself, how you heard about Oasis, what you are interested in, and how we might contact you.

2. Complete the Volunteer Application, Background Check Authorization, Confidentiality Statement and Driver's Release. You can download a PDF of the application online at www.normandale.edu/cee in the key partners section under Oasis for Youth.

3. Please attach an $8 check made payable to Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to cover the cost of the background check.

a. Send the completed application documents and check to: b. Oasis for Youth c. Attn: Volunteer Coordinator

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d. 2200 West Old Shakopee Rd. e. Bloomington, MN 55431-3034

4. When we have your completed documents, we will contact you to schedule a time to meet or talk by phone about your interests and availability and we will process your application packet.

5. Attend a 1.5 hour training and orientation. Review our Policy and Procedure Manual 6. Begin volunteering! Most students work two shifts per month to complete their Service Learning requirements,

and some continue on with Oasis after their requirements are completed.

Simpson Housing Services

Agency Description: In the heart of Minneapolis, Simpson Housing Services offers a variety of services that strive to bring people in off the street and help them find and obtain stability. Their mission is to house, support and advocate for people experiencing homelessness. Position Description: Simpson Housing Services’ shelter provides one-on-one advocacy services and overnight shelter for 22 women and 44 men every night of the year. Shelter guests may stay at the shelter from a few weeks to several months, depending on their situation. Volunteers work with a dedicated team of staff members during the shelter operating hours of 5 pm to 9 am. Three volunteer shifts are available:

• Evening Shift: 4:45 pm - 10 pm • Overnight Shift: 9 pm – 7 am, this includes a sleeping shift from 11 pm – 4 am • Morning Shift: 7 am - 9 am

Volunteers assist staff with welcoming guests to the shelter, distributing supplies, providing wake-ups, and answering questions. Volunteers must be 18 years old or older and orientation and training is provided. Shifts are available every day of the year and scheduling is done online. This site requires a minimum commitment of 50 hours in a 6 month period. How to Apply: Complete our online application: http://www.simpsonhousing.org/volunteer_ap.html. Simpson staff will review the application and contact you for a phone interview. If you are accepted as a volunteer you will attend an orientation and then sign up for a training shift. Contact Barbara Glaser at cgiese@simpsonhousing.org or (612) 455-0859 with questions.

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