Are you looking for something to drag you out of the Wesleyan Bubble? Do you want to help change the local community? If so, Western Avenue Community Center offers many internships that allow you to provide community service to help Bloomington grow.
1. After School Program: This program seeks volunteers to assist with reading instruction, one-on-one tutoring, homework, and enrichment activities. Interested? Please fill in the following three documents: After School Program Application pdf, Background check pdf, and Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status pdf and return them to 600 N. Western Ave., Bloomington, IL 61701. For more information, call Lisa Barton at (309)829-4807 ext. 311
2. Food Pantry: This program seeks volunteers to welcome clients, distribute food, stock shelves, unload food deliveries and assist with client record keeping. Interested? Call Jackie Dunson at (309)829-4807
3. Hispanic Outreach Program – Interpretation & Translation Services: This program seeks volunteers who are fluent in Spanish and have some knowledge of the culture to assist clients with interpretation and translation of government, medical and legal documents and communication with landlords, employers, schools and other community agencies. Interested? Call Socorro Alvarez at (309)829-4807
4. Lawrence Irvin Neighborhood Center (LINC) Youth Programs: This program seeks volunteers interested in coaching and/or refereeing basketball leagues, mentoring young ladies through Girlsonly, after school tutoring, and mentoring and “hanging out” with junior high and high school youth in Teen Club. Interested? Please fill out the following four forms: Community Volunteer Application pdf, Volunteer Contract pdf, Background check pdf, Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status pdf and return them to 600 N. Western Ave., Bloomington, IL 61701. For more information, call Dodie Dunson at (309)750-4500 or send an email to Amy Cottone.
5. On My Way Summer Camp: This program seeks volunteers interested in helping in any part of a 6-week program for youth entering grades 7, 8 and 9, with the focus of confidently transitioning junior high students to high school. Activities include sports, art, drama, leadership activities, academic review and field trips. Interested? Please fill out the following four forms: Community Volunteer Application pdf, Volunteer Contract pdf, Background check pdf, Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status pdf and return them to 600 N. Western Ave., Bloomington, IL 61701. For more information, send an email to Danielle Truitt.
6. Senior Programs: This program seek volunteers to set up, decorate and/or serve for quarterly dinner-dances, assist with monthly BINGO, teach new computer skills and drive for field trips. Interested? Call Enrique Bustamante or Rose Beverly at (309)829-4807 for more information.