Opportunities From: United Way of Central Iowa

Gather your fellow elves and join us at Momentum Art Studio for a merry day of making magic behind the scenes. With holiday tunes playing, you’ll help tidy the studio, organize supplies, and prep canvases with gesso, ensuring they're as white as the freshly fallen snow. Perfect for groups of 3–5 who love teamwork, laughter, and spreading cheer while making a real impact in the arts community.

Momentum Arts, a program of Community Support Advocates, was created in 2004 to support artists who identify as having a disability. In addition to an annual art showcase, the program offers free workshops, studio space, supplies, mentorship, and professional development. You can visit Momentum Arts in studio #109 at Mainframe Studios or online at: momentumartistcollective.org/

Are you an artist who loves to share your gifts? This season, sprinkle a little holiday magic at Momentum Art Studio by leading a festive, hands-on workshop or art demonstration. Whether it’s painting winter wonderlands, crafting ornaments, or exploring cozy creative themes, your time and talent can bring joy and inspiration to artists living with disabilities and mental health conditions. Workshops can be one-time or recurring, typically lasting 2–3 hours—just enough time to spread some creative cheer and make spirits bright!

Momentum Arts, a program of Community Support Advocates, was created in 2004 to support artists who identify as having a disability. In addition to an annual art showcase, the program offers free workshops, studio space, supplies, mentorship, and professional development. You can visit Momentum Arts in studio #109 at Mainframe Studios or online at: momentumartistcollective.org/

The holiday season is quickly approaching and everyone involved with Mentor Iowa is excited about our upcoming adopt-a-family program.  Our adopt-a-family program may be the only opportunity for our children to receive any gifts this holiday season, so it is important that we do everything possible to make them feel special during this festive time. 

At this time, Mentor Iowa asks you to consider becoming a sponsor for a family that is involved in our program.  Adopt a family sponsor’s work with the Mentor Iowa office to purchase needed items for the family.  Mentor Iowa distributes a wish list to mentors, and then the mentor discusses with their mentee’s family what they need and want for the holiday season.  Items needed typically include:  clothing, household items, shoes, books, games and whatever else is on the child’s wish list.  The average amount spent on each child is approximately $100, but you can choose the amount you want to spend on the child(ren).

This opportunity is looking for SPONSORS only at this time.  The adopt-a-family program is designed to help the children referred to Mentor Iowa and partnering agencies.  Last year we were able to support 453 children and foresee that number rising this year.  Due to limited adopt-a-family sponsors, children outside of our referral sources are not being accepted at this time.   

Mentor Iowa is a non-profit, volunteer organization that was started in 1974 by citizens of the community, a Juvenile Court Judge, and court personnel, all of whom were concerned about the growing number of children served by the court.  The mission of the organization is to provide trained volunteer mentors to at-risk children in need of a positive adult role model.  We do this by working in partnership with the children, their families, and the community.  Community volunteers present a solution by providing the mentor services to the ever-increasing number of Children in Need of Assistance and delinquent youth in central Iowa. 

Our creed is “Every Child Deserves a Future.”  By fulfilling this request, we can continue to achieve our mission and better the community.  Please contact the Mentor Iowa office by Friday, November 21st if you are interested in becoming an adopt a family sponsor and how many children you would like to purchase gifts for.  If you do participate, we will have your needs list sent to you by the latest Wednesday, November 26th.  We would like the gifts back to our offices by Monday, December 8th so we can start the distribution process to our mentors and partnering agencies.  This year, we are asking our sponsors to wrap their purchased gifts.  If you can create a list that has the items purchased, we will present to the parent so they know what their child(ren) are receiving.

We hope this information assists you in making a decision to become a part of Mentor Iowa’s adopt-a-family program this holiday season.  THANK YOU for your time to consider being a sponsor in our adopt-a-family program.  If you have any questions regarding Mentor Iowa's adopt-a-family program, please feel free to contact Marty Lester at 515-277-9797. 

Do you love making a difference in your community and are comfortable leading a group? Everybody Wins! Iowa is searching for charismatic volunteers to guide the program and other volunteers at our school sites. 

PRL volunteers will support one school to start, but more can be added depending on your availability. Most schools will need approximately 90 minutes of support each week. School schedules vary, but hours are primarily between 9 AM - 1 PM Monday - Friday. Schools and schedule can be found on the website: www.everybodywinsiowa.org.  Please reach out to Stacy Pearce, Operations Manager, volunteer@everybodywinsiowa.org, for more information or to apply! 

Everybody Wins! Iowa (EWI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring children’s success in school and life through weekly one-to-one read-aloud experiences with caring adults.

EWI is seeking Board Members who will serve a minimum three (3) year term and assist EWI to achieve its mission to increase children’s success in school and in life through reading and mentoring experiences with caring volunteers. Terms are eligible for renewal to a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms. The Board meets every other month (July, September, November, January, March, and May) on Mondays from 5:30-6:30 PM. All Board Members are expected to participate in Committee activities and attend Committee meetings. Current committees include Marketing, Recruitment, and Special Events. Committee meetings are held every month, the first Monday, from 5:30-6:30 PM.

In 2002, when Everybody Wins! Iowa was initially launched, our Power Read program served just 15 students in 3 Des Moines schools. The program is now serving nearly 300 students each year in 3 counties (Dallas, Polk, Warren) in 6 school districts in the cities of Ankeny, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Norwalk, Perry, and Waukee. 

Visit this link for more information: Everybody Wins! Iowa Volunteer Board Opportunities

Please reach out to Karen Ligas, Executive Director, at statedirector@everybodywinsiowa.org or (515) 277-7590 for additional information and the board member nomination form.

At SCIC, we believe our youth are the future, and we are committed to rising to the challenge of supporting refugee and immigrant students. Our After School Academic Support Program is designed to nurture their growth academically and personally. Through this program, we provide students from K-12th grade with critical academic support in subjects such as reading, writing, math, science, English, and the arts. Beyond academics, our program offers much-needed structure and supervision after school, along with opportunities for recreation, socialization, and mentoring. Students engage in enriching activities that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being while being guided by positive role models. SCIC is dedicated to providing a comprehensive, supportive environment where every child can thrive, both in and outside of the classroom.

Become a teammate with our Youth & Teen Programming. Can Play's adapted programs work with our participants with physical, cognitive, emotional disabilities, or other special health care needs. All of our programs are adapted to ensure everyBODY can play! 

AS A VOLUNTEER YOU WILL:

Youth & Teen programming take place on Tuesdays at 4:15-6:00 PM. 

Volunteer approval is required before volunteering. 

Please complete our online interest form at https://can-play.org/volunteer/. 

Can Play staff will contact you with details. 

Become a teammate with our Active Adults Program. Can Play's adapted programs work with our participants with physical, cognitive, emotional, or other special health care needs. All of our programs are adapted to ensure everyBODY can play! 

AS A VOLUNTEER YOU WILL:

Active Adults programming take place on Tuesdays at 10:00 AM. 

Volunteer approval is required before volunteering.

Please complete our online interest form at https://can-play.org/volunteer/. 

Can Play staff will contact you with details. 

Did you know that over 90% of the workforce for the American Red Cross is a volunteer?

The Volunteer Engagement Lead is responsible for overseeing the "Volunteer Experience" for Volunteers serving in the assigned Department.

Help us support and recognize the of volunteers that give their time & talents in the Nebraska Iowa Region. As an Engagement Volunteer, you can help onboard, mentor, encourage and express gratitude to our volunteer workforce.
Flexible: Approximately 10 hours per month preferred, but we will work with your schedule.
Work Location: remotely and on-site. For more information or to apply go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Title: Regional Nurse Lead

Description:

The Regional Nurse Leader (RNL) is a front-line leader of the Nursing Network who partners with the local Regional Volunteer Services Officer (RVSO) to recruit health professional volunteers per regional needs. The RNL provides guidance on nursing and health matters and helps build the health professional network in the region. RNLs promote volunteer engagement and satisfaction across the business lines and work to achieve the Volunteer Services Chief Nurse Initiatives. The American Red Cross National Nursing Network is comprised of all Red Cross nurses. Nursing Network leaders recruit and support nurses and other health professionals across all business lines to implement strategic goals of the American Red Cross as articulated in the Chief Nurse Initiatives. The American Red Cross is divided into geographic divisions, regions and chapters for service delivery. Each division has a Division Nurse Leader (DNL) appointed by the Chief Nurse and the Director of the Nursing Network. DNLs appoint Associate Division Nurse Leaders (ADNLs) to support RNLs and to assist them according to the division's unique needs.

Responsibilities

* Proactively support and guide Red Cross units in volunteer recruitment, reception, retention, and recognition to build health professional capacity across all business lines and at all levels of the organization in support of organizational and regional priorities. Assist units in volunteer recruitment to reflect community demographics.

* Act as a resource for nursing and health in the region across all business lines, working collaboratively with Nursing Network leaders and others to achieve the Chief Nurse Initiatives.

* Establish a good working relationship with key leaders at the regional level (e.g., Emergency Services Director, CEO, nurse/health leaders in other business lines).

* Establish relationships with community partners (nurses and non-nurses) and maintain updated roster

* Coordinate meetings for regional nurses and other health professionals, engaging colleagues and partners as appropriate in support of the Chief Nurse Initiatives.

* Regularly communicate nursing and health-related successes (e.g., awards, media coverage, projects) to other Nursing Network leaders and through other communication venues

* Ensure that nurse volunteers enter their nurse-specific information in Volunteer Connection and submit all volunteer hours

* Submit all RNL hours in Volunteer Connection on at least a monthly basis and maintain an updated Volunteer Connection profile

* Complete quarterly metrics and annual Nursing & Health Leaders Diversity Survey

* Recruit and support Nursing Network Engagement Specialists as needed.

RNLs should recruit for and mentor their own replacements in consultation with RVSOs and DNLs.

For more information or to apply go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Only 3% of high-performing, under-resourced students end up in a great first career experience. On our social platform, professionals like you can help change that.

Here's how:

1. Sign up via your computer at my.backrs.com or by downloading the Backrs mobile app from the Apple App or Google Play Stores.

2. Tell us a little about your background and experiences by completing your profile. This takes 5 mins. (Up to 15 if you'd like to give students more details about your hobbies and interests.)

3. We add you to identity-based, regional, university, and career-path Affinity Networks where you can connect with students you're well-positioned to support.

4. In Networks, you can answer students' questions, post resources or job/internship opportunities, and share insights into your college and career journey by responding to Backstage Pass posts. Though each of these actions takes a few minutes, they all have meaningful impacts on young people.

5. If you'd like to play a more involved role in a student's journey, you can join their panel of backrs. This enables you to view their goals, post on their personal feed, schedule Zoom check-ins, and even contribute to their Flourish Fund. It's a great choice for those looking to offer low-lift, relationship-driven support.

Best way to see how convenient and rewarding being a backr really is? Give it a try, commitment-free:

Sign up on your computer: my.backrs.com

Or get the Backrs mobile app: Apple App Store or Google Play Store

Research shows that cross-class relationships are the biggest predictors of social mobility. And financial margin increases the odds of college persistence four-fold.

We partner with schools and youth organizations to recruit committed high school and college students into our community. Then, by removing the barriers the keep well-resourced adults from connecting with under-resourced young people, our technology builds bridges across socioeconomic strata, enabling people like you to empower students like Diego R.

Diego R. joined Backrs so he could pursue his dream of becoming a biomedical engineer. Thanks to his talent, hard work, and the support he's received from his backrs, he's well on his way to making that dream a reality. As he explained:

"My brother was born with Chronic Kidney Disease. He’s the man who gives me the strength to pursue Biomedical Engineering and become an accomplished technician. I strive to make the lives of those who suffer like him better. I want to be the change he needs to be healthy."

All of the students in our community are driven to build a better world; when they're given the resources to do so, everyone around them benefits.

Watch this video to learn more about the difference Backrs makes for students: Kaothara's Experience

Being a great backr isn’t about grand gestures or having all the answers. It’s about the small things: sharing a word of encouragement. Passing along a helpful resource. Making an introduction. These actions make a big difference--take it from some of our current backrs: 

"As a backr, I love the opportunity to support and mentor my three proteges as they grow and develop. I feel grateful to be able to guide and shape their future in a positive way. Through Backrs, I have been able to watch them grow into confident and capable individuals, and it has given me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I can't put into words. It's made a tremendous difference in my life to see them achieve their goals and know that I played a role in helping them get there."

- Ahmed Dawood, Marketer at Apple

"Backrs gives me an opportunity to utilize my expertise to provide mentoring and support to students. Even though my students are a couple time zones away, I have the flexibility to connect with them on my time and have been dedicated to checking my app weekly at minimum to engage in conversations and answer questions. Its exciting to celebrate their wins and talk about future plans. Mentoring was very impactful in my life so it gives me joy to give back in this way."

- Lori Hunt, College Provost

Sign up for backrs today!

Growing up is only getting more complicated. Children in grades 6-12 have big and small choices to make every day. As a JUMP mentor, you can be the listening ear and positive role model for a Johnston student. Meeting for 1 class period each week during the school day, you will help a young person set goals, reinforce basic skills and chart a positive course for his or her life. Staff will provide training and any support you need along the way. Applications are mailed to anyone interested.  A basic background check is completed before matching with a student.  

Go to https://johnstonpartnership.org/jump/ to learn more and complete an application...We'll find you a perfect match!

The Dream Team uses the power of a bicycle to help youth develop a positive approach to life's challenges. We serve 50 youth who have been referred to our team through a professional - therapist, counselor, JCO, etc. 

Our mentors are committed to helping youth riders by offering guidance, providing assistance, and sharing life experiences. Volunteers are dynamic role models who are dedicated to helping our youth riders and play a crucial role in empowering teens to become healthy and confident adults. Several volunteer opportunities are available, each with their own set of responsibilities and time commitments. Our season runs from March - July with training on Monday, Thursday evenings from 5 pm-8:30 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm. Mentors are asked to attend 50% of the training rides to develop relationships with the youth:

Riding Mentor: Adult riding mentors are expected to attend at least 50% of all indoor and outdoor training practices and at least one campout. Riding mentors are also encouraged to participate in RAGBRAI, if possible. Successful mentors work with the youth riders to help them complete the program and grow as young adults.

In-Season Support Mentor: Adult in-season support mentors assist with rest stops during outdoor training and campouts. While support volunteers might not be riding next to youth riders on the road, they are still asked to serve as positive role models and mentors.

Truck driver Mentor: Assist Dream Team with driving a Ryder truck to campouts and during the week of RAGBRAI. Critical role in supporting the team and keeping the youth engaged while at camp.

General: Interested in helping, but not sure where you fit in right now? No worries, join as a general volunteer and we'll keep you updated on upcoming opportunities!

Youth thrive on quality time - movies, restaurants, trips to the Science Center. Outings like these provide opportunities for mentors to make a difference in a child's life. Whether discussing important life decisions or just having fun together, mentors help youth become their best. Quality time cannot be purchased, only shared, so we look to volunteers like you! 

Training for volunteers will help you learn to think like a mentor. Process includes application, background check, proof of car insurance and a valid driver's license.

Literacy Kits are used at early childhood centers and schools throughout central Iowa to help students in kindergarten through fifth grade learn and love to read.

Our Literacy Kits were designed by experts to focus on the skills young children need when learning to read while, at the same time, diving deeper into the book and its themes.

Each Literacy Kit includes:

If you would like to purchase literacy kits as an activity for your group, the first step is to contact us.

Next, we will help you decide which book title you would like to purchase and how many kits you need. The cost is $8 per kit. This covers the cost of the book and the materials needed to make a kit. On average, volunteers can make one to two kits per hour.

We have the following books available for purchase:

If you would like to see more details on these titles, please visit LITERACY KITS | United Way of Central Iowa (unitedwaydm.org)

Then, we arrange the pickup of your materials (or we can deliver). 

You and your volunteers then complete the Literacy Kit activity on-site at your business, home, church, school, club, etc. You can choose the timeframe for the activity, as well. We have an ongoing need for the kits. 

Next, you return the completed kits to United Way. Then we distribute them to nonprofits, child care centers, and after-school programs. 

To sign up for this volunteer opportunity, please visit LITERACY KITS | United Way of Central Iowa (unitedwaydm.org). To make the volunteer experience as easy and convenient, United Way offers an online volunteer sign-up. 

For additional questions, contact Sarah Underwood, Volunteer Engagement Manager at sarah.underwood@unitedwaydm.org or 515-246-2504.

You don't have to be Vince Lombardi to make a huge impact in the Special Olympic sports world. Help adults and youth with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities discover their athletic potential by coaching, supervising, and supporting them in a variety of sports and events. We have coaching opportunities for people who are passionate about people and sports, including basketball, weightlifting, track and field, swimming, soccer, bocce ball, softball, golf, volleyball, and bowling.

No formal skills are needed, just a positive attitude and the ability to support and encourage participants in their efforts. Link Associates will provide required training in First Aid, CPR, universal precautions, introduction to ID/DD and mandatory reporter. Volunteers must also complete an application, including a background and abuse check.

Head Start gives every child an opportunity to succeed, but they can only do so with a strong board of directors. As a Community Representative on the Policy Council, you will work with parents of currently enrolled children to make decisions that will influence program outcomes and activities. Not only will you help shape programming at Drake University Head Start, but you will also provide mentoring and support to these families.

Time Commitment: Monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of each month from 6-8 p.m. Includes light dinner.

Staff Partner: Claudia Murphy

Help our future workforce figure out their path so their educational path is one that leads to positive outcomes. The Mentor Advantage Program (MAP), a state certified mentoring program, builds relationships between middle and high school youth and professionals. Mentors and mentees are matched based on personality, gender, and the mentee’s career interest. MAP's intent is to introduce youth to the mentor’s career and expose them to a “behind-the-scenes” look at how educational concepts are applied in a real-world setting. Matches are encouraged to spend time at the mentor’s place of employment, giving the mentee an apprenticeship-like experience, and explore what other opportunities might be in their areas of interest.

To find out how to get involved as a student or mentor, contact our Mentoring Coordinator, John Preston, at 515-243-4292 or john@cyconcepts.org . 

Food/care packages for youth:

Due to Covid-19, we are unable to hold weekly groups where youth were provided at least one meal and at times food to take home. More concerning is the fact youth aren’t attending school where they were getting the majority of their nutrition. Many of the youth we serve are at risk of not having their daily food needs met and this is an especially challenging time for them. Our goal is to drop off bi-weekly food baskets/care packages for the most needy youth in our programs. 

Specific needs: The Program is seeking food donations that would consist of items that could be refrigerated, frozen, or that have preservatives. Ensuring that youth have food for several days. Overall, anything will help and is appreciated.

Note: In order to follow government safety protocols for Covid-19, we will work with each donor on a drop off site that they will be able to safely drop the donation without having any contact with anyone. Once they leave; we will have a team member get the food and distribute it accordingly. 

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Director of the ManUp Iowa Mentoring Program, Zach Smith @ zachsmith@manupiowa.com or by cell @ 515-988-9358 (text or call) 

Flexible hours. Long-term benefits. No experience necessary.

It's a fact, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa's one-to-one youth mentoring has a real and positive impact on children and their futures by defending their potential. Children enrolled in our programs show consistent improvements in self-confidence, academic performance, and relationships with peers and family members. No experience is necessary, you just have to know how to have fun and want to make a positive lasting impact on the life of a child.

Community-Based Mentoring allows individuals who are 18 or older to visit with a child twice a month for a minimum of four hours a month. Bigs spend time with their Littles participating in activities throughout the community- whether it's going to the zoo, playing catch or just taking a walk, the possibilities are endless. The great part is, with every activity, a friendship grows. We also provide options for individuals to be Community-Based Mentors in pairs--Big Duos or Big Families. Note: A year commitment is required to be a Community-Based mentor.

Currently, there are over 100 children waiting to be matched with a mentor. Become a Defender of Potential and change a child's life. Contact us today. Please include your phone number in your response.  Mentors must be at least 18 years of age and be committed to spending only four hours a month with a child in need, for a minimum of one year.

Flexible hours. Long-term benefits. No experience necessary.

It's a fact, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa's one-to-one youth mentoring has a real and positive impact on children and their futures by defending their potential. Children enrolled in our programs show consistent improvements in self-confidence, academic performance, and relationships with peers and family members.

No experience is necessary, you just have to know how to have fun and want to make a positive lasting impact on the life of a child.

School-Based Mentoring allows individuals, high school age or older, to meet one-to-one with a child at the Little's elementary or middle school for 30-60 minutes each week during or after school. Matches spend time playing games, doing homework or just talking-all while building a relationship to increase the child's self-confidence and academic performance.

School-Based Plus is an extension of our School-Based Mentoring Program. The only difference is Bigs and Littles have the opportunity to meet once a month outside of the school setting. Mentors must be at least 18 years old, and the match must be together for three or more months.

Currently, there are over 100 children waiting to be matched with a mentor. Become a Defender of Potential and change a child's life. Contact us today to get involved! Please include your phone number in your response. Mentors must be high school age or older and spend four hours a month helping to make a difference in the life of a child.

Flexible hours. Long-term benefits. No experience necessary.

It's a fact, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa's one-to-one youth mentoring has a real and positive impact on children and their futures by defending their potential. Children enrolled in our programs show consistent improvements in self-confidence, academic performance, and relationships with peers and family members. No experience is necessary, you just have to know how to have fun and want to make a positive lasting impact on the life of a child.

Community-Based Mentoring allows individuals who are 18 or older to visit with a child twice a month for a minimum of four hours a month. Bigs spend time with their Littles participating in activities throughout the community- whether it's going to the zoo, playing catch or just taking a walk, the possibilities are endless. The great part is, with every activity, a friendship grows. We also provide options for individuals to be Community-Based Mentors in pairs--Big Duos or Big Families. Note: A year commitment is required to be a Community-Based mentor.

Currently, there are 100 children waiting to be matched with a mentor. Become a Defender of Potential and change a child's life. Contact us today. Please include your phone number in your response. Mentors must be at least 18 years of age and be committed to spending only four hours a month with a child in need, for a minimum of one year.

All it takes is the determination of one individual to step up and make a difference in girls lives with the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. As a volunteer, you’ll introduce girls to new experiences that show them they’re capable of more than they ever imagined. They’ll each find their inner G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader) after all!

Benefits of volunteering as a Troop “Co-leader” with Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa

All applicants must register as a volunteer first. After completing our annual membership fee, all volunteers are background checked. From there we will reach out to you to provide you with the rest.

Thank you for considering volunteering with Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa as a Troop “Co-Leader”. During this experience you will be the girls’ cheerleader, guide and mentor. Imagine the excitement, the impact, the memories made – those are the moments you’ll share at Girl Scouts with your troop!

Did you know that kids who can’t read by the end of third grade are 4 times more likely to drop out of school than their peers?

Power Read is a literacy and mentoring program that pairs volunteers and elementary school students to read together on a weekly basis. Everybody Wins! Iowa and United Way of Central Iowa are partnering to provide reading and mentoring experiences to children who might not have one-on-one attention from an adult. Power Read’s ultimate goal? To increase children’s chances of success in school and in life. If interested click the blue Respond Button