Community Needs From: Gonzaga University

Open Doors is a Family Day Emergency Shelter. For the first time in Spokane's history, there is now be a shelter available for displaced families who need a warm shelter, a welcoming smile and some help to find sustainable housing. We assess families, connect them to local resources, and provide food, supplies, showers, computer and laundry access between 7:30 am-7:30 pm. The Family Promise Emergency Shelter is located on 2002 E. Mission Avenue.

Contact oliviah@familypromiseofspokane.org or ggriffith@familypromiseofspokane.org to sign up.

Spark Central is your connection to creative destinations of all kinds. We are a community gathering place and creative learning center where people of all ages can access our high-speed Internet (1,000 Mbps), technology, rich and imaginative programming, and a curated book and media collection. Building on our neighborhood's rail yard roots, Spark Central is at the junction between where people are, and where they want to go.

One of the key ways we foster creativity and future success is by infusing writing, reading, and communication skills into our dynamic menu of programs for adults, teens, and kids. We believe these skills are the foundation of future success in the Information Age, where the jobs of tomorrow haven’t been created yet. From learning to write code to learning to write a story, we offer community members a one-way ticket to growth and opportunity.

Spark Central is looking for an intern to support all areas of our educational programming, including youth programs. This position is unpaid or for college credit only. Applicants seeking college credit are responsible for submitting necessary information fulfillment requirements to Spark Central.

COMMITMENT

Please note that we’re flexible and willing to work around an existing commitment.

Summer: Late June, July, and August; 10-15 hours a week as available

Academic year: One or more semesters; 10-15 hours a week as available

DESCRIPTION

The Education & Programs Intern is someone who is has a passion for teaching and learning. They are eager to design and lead Spark Central programs and are comfortable working with a variety of ages.

Interns complete a project of passion during their internship that benefits Spark Central’s patrons. This could include designing a new program, improving an existing program, leading a community project, or developing a system to help our programs run more smoothly.

RESPONSIBILITIES

You will work with the Programs Associate and Executive Director to execute the many programs of Spark Central and provide assistance for program planning and scheduling, though part of your schedule will be tailored to your specific talents and area of study. Duties will include:

DESIRED QUALITIES

The ideal programming intern is someone who relates well to youth as well as adults, and is inspired by helping them find the best ways to learn. We seek someone who takes great joy in teaching others, loses track of time in this pursuit, has a nuanced, intelligent sense of humor, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment without losing their cool. This person understands the importance of detail and appreciates use of the Oxford comma.

Other qualities include:

PERKS

As an intern at Spark Central, you’ll connect with a wide variety of talented people in our community, learn new skills, and have a hand in creating dynamic programs. Internships are also a fabulous way to get experience in the field. We also offer interns:

HOW TO APPLY

Please email a resumé and letter of interest to programs@sparkwestcentral.org. In your letter, tell us why you are interested in the Programs Internship and what you believe you will bring to Spark Central’s programs.

Have a passion for education & mentoring at-risk students? Need class credit hours and extra cash for books?

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Outreach Center is looking for college volunteers with experience in education, math, or English to become after-school tutors! Tutors work one-on-one or in small groups with K-6th grade Title I Elementary students offering remedial services in Math, English, reading, and language arts. This is a great opportunity for education majors looking to create and develop Student Learning Plans (SLPs) and gain valuable experience working in an Elementary classroom. This opportunity is also targeted for students who have a passion for youth empowerment & mentoring at-risk children.

Tutors, for each tutoring period successfully completed, you earn a $300 stipend to cover traveling expenses and provide an incentive for consistent attendance (potential of earning up to $900 for the academic school year). College credit hours are also available for relevant and appropriate courses.

For more information or to receive an application, email AmeriCorps@mlkspokane.org

There are many activities offered at Providence Emilie Court. If you are interested in helping out we could find what works best for your schedule. We offer Bingo, Game Day, Exercise, Current Events (reading the news), Beauty Basket (manicures), Movies, Enertainment, Arts & Crafts and more. We could also pair you to be a one on one companion.

The Salvation Army of Spokane Food Bank assists more than 1,500 people per month. This is a client choice program, meaning that each client that comes through our doors gets to “shop” for their own food with dignity. This process relies on volunteers to assist clients and keep the shelves stocked with a variety of food choices.

Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday (with the exception of holidays).  
Once applications are received and processed and orientation is completed, volunteers manage their own hours Monday through Friday, 8:30am through 5:00pm.

Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to request a volunteer application and schedule orientation. 
Mary Gayle Johnson's contact information is:
-Direct phone number: 509 329-2721
-Email: marygayle.johnson@usw.salvationarmy.org

 Students may serve in YFC's Center, which is open from about 2:00-6:00 Monday through Thursday. Service will include spending time with the kids who come in, playing sports, board games, video games, etc. Most importantly, fostering relationships and loving on the kids at the center. Our kiddos are ages 11-19. Students are encouraged to help with homework and tutors are greatly needed. There are longer term volunteer opportunities also available such as donor programming and outreach. 

*Visit YFC website for volunteer application.

Want to do something that's unique and emotionally rewarding? Have an affinity for folks with special needs and/or horses? Then Free Rein is the place for you! 

Our facility offers therapeutic riding lessons for adults and children with disabilities. Lots of volunteers are needed to help these riders stay safe on the horse.

This is a great way to stay involved with a community, work with animals and feel like you're supporting the quality of life for someone whose experience of life might be vastly different than your own. It's a fun and active place to be and is definitely therapeutic for everyone! Not just the riders ;)

Please e-mail volunteer@freereinspokane.org to sign up or for more information!

Requirements for volunteering directly with horses and riders

 We'd love to meet you! Contact us at the above e-mail address to sign up or for more info!

Bring a smile to a senior! Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, who provides meals throughout the county, is looking for volunteers to deliver meals to homebound elderly and disabled persons in your neighborhood. Volunteers pick up the meals from any one of various sites throughout Spokane and Spokane County. It takes approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours to deliver a route of 10 to 15 stops. Volunteers choose the day of the week and frequency that they would like to deliver. The commitment is small but the rewards are immense. Won’t you help? Call Donna Ennis at 924-6976 or visit our web site at gscmealsonwheels.org

This is an awesome service learning opportunity if you like the farm life, horses and working with special needs children and adults (mostly children)! We also look for interns who can support on the administrative side. Being able to do both is a huge bonus! 

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting disabled children and adults through the progressive approach of equine assisted therapy. You can check out our website at www.freereinspokane.com or search YouTube to see what we do! 

Please contact Nicole at volunteerfreerein@gmail.com if interested or for more information! 

Our office hours are currently M-F, 10:00am - 6:00pm         Office phone: 509-979-1468

Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels asks for volunteers to help in our kitchen on week days to assist with general food preparation for the coming week. Times can vary between the hours of 5:00am-2:00pm Monday-Friday, and are flexible Food Handlers cards are not required.

Please note: This position is subject to availability, depending on current employee and organizational needs.

You will be matched with one of the employees in our job-training program. You will come to the GN office for one hour each week to meet with him/her. During this time you will serve as a conversation partner to help practice English. You may also be asked to help him/her practice specific workplace English vocabulary or tutor on ESL homework. We will provide a topic list to help guide your conversation times.

The goal of this volunteer program is twofold: First, we want each of our employees to leave their time with GN having a better grasp of English. This will help them in all areas of their life, and will especially help them as they search for full-time work. Second, we want to establish relationship/community between former-refugees and other members of the Spokane community. The relationship you build with your conversation partner will teach both of you and break down barriers preventing Spokane from being a more integrated community.

For CEL students specifically

We are people with and without intellectual disabilities, sharing life in communities belonging to an International Federation. Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together. We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognize our need of one another.

L’Arche’s mission is to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities especially as they are revealed through mutually transforming relationships. At L’Arche, we are people with and without intellectual disabilities who live and share community life together in 2 homes near Gonzaga while engaging in our diverse cultures and working together toward a more human society.  We belong to an International Federation of almost 150 communities in nearly 40 countries representing all the major faiths of the world. Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our life together where we celebrate the unique value of every person and recognize our need of one another.

Artisans helps individuals with disabilities reach employment and career goals by providing employment readiness, job placement and job retention supports.

Volunteer opportunities are available to assist with a variety of tasks/projects to help further our mission to help individuals with disabilities access employment and community inclusion opportunities in the Spokane Community. Due to Covid-19 closures and restrictions, remote/virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities are available at this time.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and must pass a background check.

Artisans has two office locations:

200 E. 2nd Ave. Ste. A Spokane, WA 99202

4019 E. Central Ave. Spokane, WA 99217

Spark Central is your connection to creative destinations of all kinds. We are a community gathering place and creative learning center where people of all ages can access our high-speed Internet (1,000 Mbps), technology, rich and imaginative programming, and a curated book and media collection. Building on our neighborhood's rail yard roots, Spark Central is at the junction between where people are, and where they want to go.

Youth Program Volunteers

Youth Program volunteers get to dive right into the fun by helping set up and run our many dynamic programs. Youth playshops and community events (all ages) are the two programs types that require youth program volunteers. 

TYPES OF PROGRAMS

Playshops

Playshop volunteers are expected to arrive 30 minutes early and plan to stay 15 minutes afterward to debrief and help clean up.  Please let Erika (programs@sparkwestcentral.org) know as soon as possible if your plans change so we can find a sub.

Community Events

Community event volunteers are expected to arrive an hour early and plan to stay 15 minutes afterward to help clean up.  Please let Erika (programs@sparkwestcentral.org) know as soon as possible if your plans change so we can find a sub.

REQUIREMENTS:

You can help hungry people in our community. Please join other volunteers to help sort and pack produce, food drive or bulk food items in preparation for distribution to our emergency food partners. Second Harvest's volunteers provide a wide range of valuable services that help feed 50,000 hungry people each week in the Inland Northwest. Volunteer opportunities are available Monday - Friday from as early as 9am to as late as 6:30pm.  

A full calendar of events is available on our website. Please visit to sign up for a shift: http://inland.volunteerhub.com/

Spark Central is your connection to creative destinations of all kinds. We are a community gathering place and creative learning center where people of all ages can access our high-speed Internet (1,000 Mbps), technology, rich and imaginative programming, and a curated book and media collection. Building on our neighborhood's rail yard roots, Spark Central is at the junction between where people are, and where they want to go.

Station Volunteers

As a station volunteer, you commit to volunteer at Spark Central for 2.5 hours once a week—any shift you choose. You’ll welcome people who come in, run the station so that staff can focus on their duties, be a resource for those seeking help with a project, or share with those who just want to chat about who you are and what you know.  It's a great way to help others, connect with like-minded people, and hang out in a space where exciting connections will be happening all the time.

HOURS POSSIBLE:  2.5 - 12 hours per week (up to volunteer)

REQUIREMENTS:

A Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery volunteer augments the staff/child ratio by participating in childcare and daily routine activities under the direction of the staff.

 Examples of Duties

GENERAL FUNCTION:
Volunteer is responsible for the supporting the Program Director and assist with the development, implementation, and supervision of the after school program. He/She has a goal of providing excellent after school care for middle school students (6th-8th grade). It is his/her responsibility to make sure that the HUB 360 standards and procedures are followed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assist with the development and implementation of all aspects of the After School Program

2. Develop a positive relationship with students

3. Keep the Program Director informed of all program issues as they arise especially when related to the children’s behavior and development

4. Be familiar with HUB Sports Center mission, policies and procedures 8. Participate with the students in HUB 360 program activities

5. Be an enthusiastic, dedicated, reliable and committed leader of our team

This individual/s will assist with homework and outside activities once homework is done. Activities include, tutoring, activity play, cub and boy scouts. We are in need of eight volunteers that can assist us Monday-Thursday from 5:30-7:00pm.

NC needs instrumental musicians who would be willing to work with our 7th grade band and strings students Monday - Thursday from 2:30 - 3:30 in the afternoon. The class has violins, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, trumpet, alto sax, and percussion all in one class. Some students have two years experience on their instrument; some are beginners.

North Central High School is piloting a new choice school on our campus. We have 7th grade students attending middle school in our IST (Institute of Science and Technology) who want to continue their band and strings studies in a seventh period class. Tutors are needed to work with strings students on Mondays and Wednesdays and with band students on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 2:30 to 3:30. Approximately 63% of NC students qualify for free and reduced lunch; their music education has been limited to the experiences provided by Spokane Public Schools. They are talented and eager to grow as musicians but need one- on-one and small group coaching provided by experienced musicians. Contact Norilee Kimball at 354-6173 for more information.

Immediate need for 3-4 volunteers September 16, 17, 18. On-going need for volunteers to help with reception, clerical, visiting with patients and welcoming guests, Times and days for these tasks can vary.

REACH Ministries matches HIV-affected children with REACH mentors. Even though our office is in Tacoma, we are a regional ministry and have many children needing mentors in the Spokane area. If you are interested in building a trusted friendship with a child in your area, please fill out a mentor application online here. 

We are looking for some volunteers who could help plan and carry out after school activities and/or help with homework with kids at one of SNAP's housing properties.  Experience or studies in childhood development, or hopes to go into teaching or working with kids would be great for this opportunity!  Commitment can be flexible, but we need volunteers available from 3.30-5pm on various weekdays, on an ongoing basis.  Help make a difference in kids' lives and be in touch if this sounds like fun for you!

Address provided is for the SNAP admin office, not where volunteer opportunity is located.  Public transportation to the site is limited, so having personal transportation would be preferred. 

Duties: To become one or more of the Residents' trustworthy and reliable friend by getting to know them personally, sharing yourself personally if you wish and visiting them often to the point where they anticipate your next visit of quality and attention. So many of our Resident's need this service more than one could imagine.

If interested, you would need to come in to fill out the volunteer paperwork & go through orientation. We would then pair you with a Resident who might not get many visitors or who does not participate in many of the activities offered here at Providence Emilie Court.

We ask that companions visit once a week, the date and time would be whatever worked best for both the Resident and the volunteer.

If you are able to play and instrument or sing and would be interested in performing at Providence Emilie Court we would love to have you. The dates/times are flexible, would just have to fit into our Activity Schedule. This could be an individual or a group.

As part of our activity program we like to offer one or more educational presentations per month. We would like to have a volunteer(s) that would like to present a topic that would be relevant to Residents at Providence Emilie Court. It could be related to health issues, legal issues such as living wills, etc.

If presenting educational topics would be of interest to you, we could have volunteers present one topic a piece, or have a volunteer(s) who present multiple different topics.

Volunteers assist with dog socialization and training programs designed to help shelter animals shine while waiting to be adopted. Volunteers take them for walks, groom and play with the dogs. To get started with this program please CLICK HERE and submit a volunteer application

Volunteers help each cat or kitten get the socialization and exercise needed while waiting to be adopted. Volunteers play, groom and promote the cats and kittens. To get started with this program please CLICK HERE and submit a volunteer application.

Help kids connect with their creative side in the art room. There are endless possibilities of what can happen in the art room with paint, pottery , glue and endless supply of materials that are ready to be used. You will assist/ lead and create which art project kids will be working on for that day.