Opportunities From: United Way Quad Cities

Our Neighborhood association is preparing to make a parade float for this upcoming Halloween parade downtown Moline. We could use some helping hands to create an alter and arch for float. In June 2022 we recently completed a art beatification project on 7th street Moline. We are needing a few extra hands to do some clean up around this plaza 7th street Moline area with weeding, racking, and scrubs.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children is a national network of 951 community-based programs that recruit, train and support citizen-volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in courtrooms and communities. Rock Island County currently has 23 volunteer advocates. The advocates are empowered directly by the courts and offer judges the critical information they need to ensure that each child’s rights and needs are being attended to while in foster care. What does a CASA do? - Works to make a child's voice heard in court. - Works to protect a child's safety and well-being in and out of the court room. - Works to make sure children will be placed in a safe and loving home. - Respects a child's right to privacy and does not share any information about a child unless it is for their safety. - Cares about what a child has to say and help support their needs. What does CASA do with a case? - A CASA meets with a child to find out how things are going in a child's foster home, their parents and their school. - A CASA gathers information from other people involved in a child's life and their family. - A CASA writes a report for the judge to use in the next court hearing. How long is a CASA involved? A CASA can work with a child as long as their court case is before the court. If you are interested and would like to learn more, please visit www.foreverychild.org/casa

We receive food donations from local businesses several times a week and need some volunteers who would be willing commit to a weekly pickup day. This would entail going to the store one morning a week to pickup the food donations, loading it into the vehicle, bringing it to our building, and unloading it onto shelves in our front lobby for clients. This occurs Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings between the hours of 8-9:30 am. This position could utilize one of our fleet vehicles but must have a clean background check, current driver’s license, and motor vehicle check. No heavy lifting required.

Time Commitment: 1 hour

Janitorial/ Housekeeping: We do not have a maintenance/janitor/housekeeper so we desperately need help with tasks such as vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, windows, mowing, weed whacking, emptying trash, wiping down tables/chairs, cleaning bathrooms, etc. We’d love to have volunteers who are willing to help us keep our building clean in the midst of busy programs.

Time Commitment: 2+ hours

Organization Guru: We have a warehouse full of items that are used for programming, client services, have been donated, etc, and we need help getting it cleaned up and organized in a way that will maximize functionality. The warehouse is also used to store toys for distribution, red kettles for Christmas, emergency disaster relief, food/toiletries for our pantry, etc. Must be able to lift some heavy boxes.

Time Commitment: 2+ hours

Food Pantry Volunteer: Help a neighbor in need! Our food pantry is currently our biggest client service provided to the community. We offer a client choice pantry, which allows our clients to “shop” for the foods they like/need. We need help unloading boxes, stocking/organizing our food pantry, and helping clients shop for their food. This position does require some heavy lifting at times. This position can take place anytime Monday through Thursday from 8:30-2 pm. We would also love help starting a monthly cooking class teaching our clients how to fully utilize pantry ingredients in their own kitchens.

Time Commitment: 1+ hour

Baby Song Volunteer: Baby Song is our fun, weekly music class for littles ages 0-4 and their grown ups. There will be music, instruments, snacks, and baby giggles. This position will help pass out instruments, get snacks ready, pass out snacks, and help lead activities/songs with the littles. This class is every Thursday morning from 10-11:30 am with set up starting around 9:30 am.

Time Commitment: 2 hours

Lego Club Volunteer: Do you consider yourself a master builder? Do you like kids? Even if you’re not a master builder, this opportunity is for you! We need help serving local kids through legos! Come participate, lead lego building activities, and enjoy snacks every Thursday morning from 10-11:30 am. Set up will start at 9:30 am on Thursday mornings.

Time Commitment: 2 hours

We need a few rooms painted. We will provide the paint and supplies. 

Special Events: Getting out in the community is a priority so we can share information about our services, remind people who we are, and seek donations to continue our work. Commit to helping us at a booth at local events in the community. Pass out flyers, talk with people, make/pass out cotton candy or snow cones, set up/tear down the booth, get families signed up for programming or assistance, and help “be the face” of The Salvation Army in our community. We also need help hosting events in our building. 

Time Commitment: 2+ hours

Food/Toiletry/Toy/Coat Drive: We are always looking for volunteers to host donation drives. Would you or your group like to take on a donation drive? Everything you collect will go right back to our local community. This option does not follow the below volunteer requirements and would be held at a local business, group, gathered through your friends, etc. Toy and coat drives are needed seasonally. Food/toiletry drives are needed on an ongoing basis.

YouthHope needs compassionate, responsible and dedicated volunteers to students at our Moline Youth Center. Our kids need you! We are looking for adults to work with elementary students on literacy and reading. You will be working with two students twice a week for the school year. Volunteers are needed Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3pm-4pm. You will be working with at-risk and low-income children. Requirements include completion of a background check, commitment to tutor two days each week, and agreement with YouthHope's Statement of Faith.

Veterans can form a special bond with patients that have also served. We offer opportunities for companionship and to take part in honoring ceremonies. Veterans can provide assistance to patients with navigating paperwork associated with VA benefits 

We are looking for a supportive, compassionate individual who is a good listener. This individual could play cards, sing, play music, do puzzles, read, talk and/or help in the office. Volunteers make their own schedules and can serve as little as 1 hour a month. Volunteers make a difference in our patient's life.

We are starting a new project and are looking for people who enjoy sewing.

VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTION: Construction Site Supervisor
SUPERVISOR: Ben Kantner, Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities (HFHQC) Construction
Director
PURPOSE OF ASSIGNMENT: Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities, a non-profit
organization, believes in building strength, stability, and self-reliance through safe and
affordable housing to improve the homes and lives of low-income residents in Scott County
Iowa and Rock Island County Illinois.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: HFHQC needs volunteers to commit to volunteering on a
regular basis to lead other volunteers, both skilled and unskilled. Leaders are needed for new
construction and/or repair work.
Typical tasks in new construction include framing, installing windows, doors, and siding,
insulating, hanging drywall, painting, finish work, and landscaping. Construction leaders arrive
early to the job site to prep for the work day, they give a safety briefing and assign jobs when
the other volunteers arrive, and then they fill in where needed. When the work day is done,
they are the last to leave and they close the job site down. Additionally, they communicate
with the HFHQC Construction Director before and after each volunteer shift to aid in planning
and coordination.
For repair work, typical projects include aging in place modifications like bathroom remodels
and accessibility ramps, critical repairs like porch rebuilds and window replacement, and
beautification projects like fence painting and yard cleanup. All major electrical, plumbing, and
HVAC work is completed by sub-contractors. Construction leaders arrive early to the job site to
prep for the work day, they give a safety briefing and assign jobs when the other volunteers
arrive, and then they fill in where needed. When the work day is done, they are the last to leave
and they close the job site down. Additionally, they communicate with the HFHQC
Construction Coordinator before and after each volunteer shift to aid in planning and
coordination.
Successful site supervisors enjoy teaching and working with diverse groups of people.
TIME COMMITMENT: The minimum commitment is 8 hours per week plus a 1 hour
construction committee meeting each month.
Our new construction build sites are normally open 2 days per week (Saturdays and a
weekday), sometimes more in the summer. Our most dedicated supervisors volunteer 15-30
hours per week. On average, our houses take 8-10 months to complete. As this is a lengthy
time commitment, we typically pair up site supervisors to allow for time off when needed. We
are closed on holiday weekends.
For our repair program, we ask that supervisors commit to completing an entire project. At any
given time, we have multiple repair projects underway. Project duration can range from one
day to several weeks.
QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in construction preferred. Site supervisors do not have to
be an expert in every area of construction. A commitment to creating a safe working
environment where everyone is welcome is key.
TRAINING AND PREPERATION REQUIRED: All new volunteers must attend an
orientation. These are held twice each month. We ask that all prospective site supervisors work
with a seasoned supervisor until they are ready to lead a project on their own. Additionally,
volunteer leaders must agree to a yearly background check.
BENEFITS TO THE VOLUNTEER: Construction Site Supervisors make an incredible
difference in our community. Since 1993, we have built homes for 120 families in the Quad
Cities. In 2021, we completed 5 new houses, 20 repair projects and 22 ramps! Besides being a
place to make a difference, HFHQC jobsites are a great place to make new friends and have
fun!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO COME CHECK US OUT: Please contact
Rebecca Ludin, Volunteer Coordinator, to sign up for an orientation:
Rebecca.Ludin@habitatqc.org or (563)359-9066.
We invite you to come volunteer with us to see if the fit is right for you!

Assist warehouse associates with collection of materials from donors or pick ups of materials from businesses and individuals.  Prepare materials for sale including sorting, re-assembly, pricing and display.  If you enjoy physical work or like to clean or sort items, this is an opportunity for you.  Wednesday through Friday mornings. Check our volunteer schedule to schedule an orientation.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to instruct small classes or via an online platform, such as zoom. Individual groups will be 3-4 people as well as a support staff to assist. If you have a favorite talent or hobby, please feel free to come and share.  Some ideas include, but are not limited to; crafts, dancing, exercise, cooking, or even playing your chosen instrument.  We are always open to new ideas and learning experiences!

Bar Soap         

Body Wash

Razors             

Shaving Cream

Toothpaste       

Tooth Brushes

Shampoo         

Conditioner

Lotion               

Deodorant 

Underwear

Condiments

Coffee/Sugar/Creamer

Gallon Ziploc Bags

Christian Care is in need of hot prepared meals that can be served here inside our facility and to those in our community that are in need. Meals should include: protein, vegetable, carbohydrate, and dessert. Meal should be enough to feed 60 people.

Our meal schedule:

Lunch at Noon

Dinner at 6:30 PM

If you can stay to serve the meal (though this is not necessary), it would be a huge help as well.

Serves as the lead volunteer at the assigned program, responsible for planning purposeful, goal-oriented activities for each session which fills the allotted program time, as well as additional activities to promote skill development.

The Program Leader is the key Volunteer overseeing their assigned program planning and execution. Programs meet on a consistent schedule, set by the local Playhouse Program Committee, either meet weekly or monthly. The Program Leader works collaboratively with the Program Coordinator and Site Coordinator to provide high-quality, outcome-driven programs according to the program models developed by GiGi’s Playhouse. This volunteer position requires a commitment of 1.5-6 hours per month, depending on the length and frequency of the assigned program, and includes the following responsibilities:

* Prepares the program space/ environment for program activities, including making sure age-appropriate (high energy) music is playing at all times, the Playhouse is presentable and organized, creates an atmosphere of celebration and acceptance, refreshments provided as needed

* Ensures program activities motivate participants and families to reach high expectations and give their "best of all", track participant "best of all" from week to week/ month to month

* Ensures each program session has a structured beginning and ending activity

* Facilitates program activities between the parent and child to promote parent education, encourages skills practice at home and between program sessions

* Greets families, fully engages each program participant/ family in the program activities

* Acts as a resource for families, answers questions regarding program activities, GiGi’s Playhouse, and the Program Leader’s area of expertise/ therapeutic specialty to collaborate in guiding participants to meet their "best of all".

* Delegate responsibilities to assisting volunteers, such as taking pictures, monitoring sign-in, setting up program supplies and refreshments, cleaning up, etc.

* Completes the Program Leader Checklist at the end of each program

* Communicates with Site Coordinator and Program Committee to ensure successful program delivery

Experience/ Qualifications:

The Program Leader role is a "hands-on", active role and requires a Volunteer with the following skillset:

* Education and work experience in the specific therapeutic techniques or educational themes of the assigned program (ie. the "Crawlers" program is led by a physical therapist, handwriting program led by an occupational therapist, etc.)

* Excellent communication skills, positivity, and enthusiasm for GiGi’s Playhouse

For additional information please contact Pam Lynch at 309-762-7529 or volunteerquadcities@gigisplayhouse.org.

Visit www.gigisplayhouse.org/quadcities to see more about the organization.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a involved at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities!

GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers has a mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all! We provide resources, specialized teaching, and support to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. There are many areas in which you can help support the Playhouse - from becoming a board member, donating funds or services, or volunteering.

We have a variety of committees that meet throughout the year. Most only meet as needed. 

At GiGi’s Playhouse, we change lives through consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based and

career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community,

through a replicable playhouse model. With over 40 brick and mortar and pop up locations across the

United States and Mexico and 200 inquiries to start new locations all over the world, GiGi’s Playhouse is the

ONLY international network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers. Every day, we provide FREE, life-

changing therapeutic, educational and career training programs for individuals of all ages.

Through free programs and through our Generation G Campaign for global acceptance, we EMPOWER

families by maximizing opportunities for daily achievement and lasting acceptance. To ensure lasting

acceptance, we must show the world what individuals with Down syndrome are truly capable of achieving

as students, co-workers, volunteers, friends, and valued members of their communities. Our program

outcomes help advance this vital social impact goal.

We know that by helping individuals with Down syndrome reach their highest potential, we can change

outdated perceptions that people may have. The end result is a world that is empowered with knowledge,

compassion, and inspiration - what a better place for all of us!

Interested in becoming a Board member or other volunteer? Contact your local playhouse.

309-762-7529 or quadcities@gigisplayhouse.org

Please learn more about our programs on our website at www.gigisplayhouse.org/quadcities.

GiGi’s Playhouse, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your gift is tax deductible to the full extent of the law

Would you like to send a thank you note to the health care workers serving our community?

We have been so grateful for the outpouring of love and compassion from our community. We wanted to offer community members the opportunity to express their gratitude and support to the providers and staff at Genesis and UnityPoint Health.  Details to participate are below.

Send a thank you card or love note to the Genesis team at:
Genesis Health System
Attn: The Compassion Card Campaign
1401 W. Central Park Ave.
Davenport, IA 52804

#CompassionCounts #InThisTogether

Thank a Healthcare Hero - UnityPoint Health
Help our Healthcare Heroes feel loved and appreciated by sharing some positive thoughts or words of encouragement. Our UnityPoint Health doctors, nurses and countless other healthcare workers are working tirelessly to make sure people like you have the best care possible. So go ahead, share those positive vibes! We'll take them all and share them with our team. Thank you!

Mail a thank you card to:
Trinity Health Foundation
2701 17th Street
Rock Island, IL 61201

Or share your gratitude online at:
unitypoint.org/quadcities/thank-a-hero

Milestones Area Agency on Aging has routes available in Scott, Clinton and surrounding communities. Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to home-bound seniors Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Make an older adults day by delivering them a hot, nutritious meal! You can volunteer to deliver meals once a week, once a month, with a friend, with a group or on your own-whatever works for you.

Volunteer requirements include one year of driving experience, valid driver's license, auto insurance and reliable transportation. For more information contact Joni Osborn at 563-484-3108, or josborn@milestonesaaa.org

We are in need of a few volunteers a week, once a week for about an hour, assist with free food service in the QC area.  It will be sorting food for all the people at risk, organizing the food in the pantry, and getting food to those who called for our services.

We are looking for volunteers to greet guests when the historic house is open for tours May to October. You would also take admission, ring up gift shop purchases, and count visitors. This easy volunteer activity for 1-2 afternoons a month in a pleasant historic house gives you an opportunity to work with people and there's some downtime if you want to bring a book, knitting, etc.

GiGi's Volunteer Page

Do you like working with teenagers and families? Do you enjoy learning about other cultures? Would you like to support international exchange students in navigating their experience in the USA? YFU USA is currently looking for volunteers in Moline area interested in supporting our students and host families throughout their time together. You will serve as an unbiased advocate for the student, offering guidance and support through regular contact.

Youth for Understanding offers excellent training to prepare you for that role as well as support along the way. When you join YFU you become part of one of the oldest and most respected programs in international student exchange.

YFU also has other ways to get involved. Want to host an exchange student in your home? Are you one of our alumnus and want to re-connect? Contact YFU USA at 866.4.YFU.USA (866.493.8872).

Do you enjoy working with teenagers and families? Are you internationally minded? As a YFU volunteer, you’ll not only help change the lives of students, but you can help change the world!

Some volunteer opportunities may include: interviewing prospective exchange students and host families, conducting orientations, sharing information with local communities or providing administrative support. For more than 60 years, YFU has successfully carried out its mission thanks to the efforts of thousands of volunteers across the country and many more around the globe. When you join YFU as a volunteer, you become part of one of the most respected programs in international student exchange.

YouthHope needs compassionate, responsible and dedicated volunteers to students at our Rock Island Youth Center. Our kids need you! We are looking for adults to lead small groups, teach Bible study, display respect, and be positive role models. You will be working with at-risk and low-income children. Requirements include a background check, commitment to serve at a program each week, and agreement with YouthHope's Statement of Faith.

YouthHope needs compassionate, responsible and dedicated volunteers to students at our Rock Island Youth Center. Our teens need you! We are looking for adults to lead small groups, teach Bible study, display respect, and be positive role models. You will be working with at-risk and low-income teens. Requirements include a background check, commitment to serve at a program each week, and agreement with YouthHope's Statement of Faith.

Enjoy maintenance work and the outdoors? Beautiful Girl Scout's Camp Liberty is looking for you to help with some of the basic maintenance, including cleaning windows, wiping down surfaces, restocking supplies, pulling weeks, sweeping, and more. This is a great opportunity to help a great cause and enjoy nature!

Iowa Legal Aid provides free, high quality legal education, advice and representation to low-income and elderly Iowans with civil legal problems that most dramatically affect Iowa’s poor and vulnerable populations.  We rely on volunteers to help us reach even more people and provide them with excellent services.  If you would like a meaningful, dynamic and professional volunteer position, please consider serving as a volunteer receptionist.

Key responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Training and Support:

Time Commitment:

Position Location:

Position Benefits:

If you are interested in this volunteer position, please visit the “Iowa Legal Aid Volunteer Opportunities" page at https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/155a9e7f-7839-4ff3-ad11-5b2a90bd93b9/1

For more information about Iowa Legal Aid, go to http://www.iowalegalaid.org/ and http://iowalegalaidfoundation.org/

Please note that all positions may not be available at all times or locations nearest you. For example, a particular position may have been filled or we may have limited capacity to engage volunteers with certain types of skills. Even though we cannot guarantee a placement to every prospective volunteer, we will do our best to match the applicants’ skills and interests with our present needs.

Iowa Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants upon request

Auxiliary aids and services are available in alternative formats