Lend A Hand (1/13/13)

Volunteers are needed for these ongoing programs:

• AARP TAX-AIDE PROGRAM

NEEDED: Volunteers 18 and older are needed to prepare federal and state income tax returns for seniors, 50 and older in Modesto, Newman, Patterson and Turlock. Volunteers are especially needed on the west side. Volunteers should be comfortable working with numbers, have some familiarity with simple tax returns and computer experience. All volunteers receive a 40-hour comprehensive training in early January and are asked to volunteer at least four hours per week from Feb. 1 through April 15. The AARP Tax-Aide Program is the nation's largest free, volunteer-run tax counseling and preparation service; it helped more than 3 million people nationwide file tax returns last year.

• CATHOLIC CHARITIES

NEEDED: Adult volunteers are needed to champion for seniors living in care homes as a long-term care ombudsmen and to help them remain independent with the Transportation Program. Ombudsman volunteers, ages 18 years and older, investigate and resolve complaints, including reports of elder abuse and neglect, and advocate for the quality of life and quality of care on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities. Volunteers complete a 36-hour training course, are certified by the California Department of Aging, receive on-the-job guidance from trained staff, and commit to volunteering at least 15 flexible hours per month. The next orientation meeting will be held Jan. 28. Volunteer training will be held in February. Transportation volunteers, ages 25 years and older, will drive seniors to doctor's appointments, errands and grocery shopping throughout Stanislaus County. Flexible scheduling is available weekdays between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Volunteer drivers utilize an agency wheelchair lift van or may use their own vehicle and receive mileage reimbursement. Volunteers must be a responsible driver with a valid California driver's license, proof of insurance, and provide a DMV printout. Volunteers for both programs must complete the agency's application and training process and pass a fingerprint background check. (Cost is reimbursed by the agency.)

• CENTER FOR HUMAN SERVICES

NEEDED: Youth volunteers, ages 13 to 17, are needed to serve as defense and prosecution attorneys, jury members, bailiffs and court clerks. The Youth Court process offers first-time juvenile defendants, who have admitted responsibility for their offense, an opportunity to have their case heard by a jury of their peers with an adult volunteer judge experienced in juvenile law presiding. Adult volunteers 18 and older who are knowledgeable of the law are also needed to act as judges to preside over the court and serve as mentors to assist volunteer attorneys with trial preparation. The court sessions are usually held during the evening bimonthly on Wednesdays in Modesto and on the third Tuesday in Oakdale.

• CENTER FOR HUMAN SERVICES

NEEDED: Volunteers 12 and older, are needed for Harvesting Futures, a new gleaning project focusing on youth development and entrepreneurship to help reduce the amount of wasted fruit and help increase access of fresh produce to low-income families in our area. A large amount of citrus fruit in back yards falls to the ground and goes to waste while area food banks are challenged with providing fresh produce to their clients. Volunteers are needed to glean/harvest citrus from registered tree donors. Additional harvest dates and times can be arranged for groups. All volunteers must attend a brief orientation prior to the harvest event dates to learn safety, use of harvesting equipment, and gleaning etiquette. Volunteer teams of young people, supervised by an adult volunteer, will harvest the citrus and deliver produce to local area food banks. Anyone interested in becoming a tree donor can contact the agency to register their back yard for harvesting.

• UNITED WAY OF STANISLAUS COUNTY, VITA

NEEDED: Volunteers 18 years and older are needed to assist individuals with tax returns and help clients claim their Earned Income Tax and Child tax credits. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is an expanding program that helps low-income residents get free tax preparation. Volunteer positions include preparer, greeter, screener and child care. Flexible schedules are available at sites throughout Stanislaus County with opportunities through April 2013. Some positions require training sanctioned by the IRS. The training program will be in December and January.

• VOLUNTEER CENTER OF UNITED WAY OF STANISLAUS COUNTY

NEEDED: Volunteers 18 and older to translate current brochures and other materials from English to Spanish. Volunteers should have strong English and Spanish writing skills, good attention to detail, the ability to meet deadlines and computer skills.