Lend A Hand (3/17/13)

Call the Volunteer Center of United Way at (209) 524-1307 or email volunteer@uwaystan.org.

Volunteers are needed for these ongoing programs:

• CENTER FOR HUMAN SERVICES

NEEDED: Volunteers 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 needed to act as judges to preside over the court and serve as mentors to assist volunteer attorneys with trial preparation.

CONTACT: Liz Elizondo, (209) 526-1476 or lelizondo@ centerforhumanservices. org

• COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES OF STANISLAUS COUNTY

NEEDED: Volunteers 21 and older to stand up for a child and become a volunteer advocate with CASA. Advocates act as the voice of a dependent child during court proceedings, conduct case fact finding, and produce a court report for all hearings based on what is in the best interest of the child. Advocates are asked to volunteer an average of 10 to 15 hours per month and commit to being available for one year so they can build and maintain a trusting and stable relationship with the child. Volunteers are provided with a support system for training, guidance, and supervision. Interested individuals are asked to attend a volunteer orientation on March 18 at 6 p.m. The next training will be held on evenings beginning April 15 through July 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. Volunteers must complete initial and ongoing training and supervision meetings, attend daytime court hearings, maintain strict confidentiality, be computer-literate and have access to email, pass a fingerprint background check, possess a valid California driver's license and vehicle, show proof of insurance, and commit to volunteering for a minimum of one year. Bilingual individuals are especially encouraged to volunteer.

CONTACT: Steve Ashman, (209) 548-6320 or casacm2@stanct.org

• DMC FOUNDATION: R.S.V.P.

NEEDED: Volunteers 55 and older needed to provide visitation or transportation to registered home-bound seniors and disabled persons 55 years and older. Drivers will provide door-to-door service, and remain with the client during appointments if needed. Volunteers must be 55 years or older, have proof of current driver's license, registration and insurance on personal vehicle, and pass a background check. Visitation volunteers must be willing to visit in the home of a senior citizen or disabled person at least one to two hours per visit, twice a month. Training will be provided. Mileage reimbursement is available.

CONTACT: Christina Ulloa,(209) 527-3412 or culloa@dmcf.org

• YOUTH FOR CHRIST IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY

NEEDED: Volunteers are needed for school-based mentoring are needed to make a difference in the life of an at-risk child. Multiple mentoring opportunities are available for adult volunteers. Mentoring programs include: academic tutoring for fourth to 12th grade; Tapestry, a neighborhood-based youth church that provides mentoring in the reality of everyday life; Teen Parents, which educates and nurtures pregnant and parenting adolescents; and Juvenile Justice Ministry, which offers Sunday chapel services and weekly Bible studies at the juvenile hall and provides positive interaction with caring adults in one-to-one mentoring. Hours typically are after school or on the weekend, but are set up by the mentor and student. Volunteers must complete an application, interview, orientation and training process; provide references; pass a background check; and commit to volunteering at least four hours per month for 12 months depending on the program.

CONTACT: Ben Wheeler, (209) 522-9568 or bwheeler@scyfc.com