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Central Service Spotlight--March 6th-12th

Erin Clemons - Monday, March 6, 2023

Events Service

Community Engagement has countless opportunities for you to develop and grow through service on our campus and with our Community Partners in the OKC/ Edmond area.

Check out the opportunities below to discover how you can make difference on campus and in the OKC/ Edmond Community.

If you don’t see an opportunity you connect with, we welcome you to come by our Community Engagement Office (NUC 141) where we will collaborate to find what you’re looking for.

For any questions, please reach out to Community Enagement at volunteer@uco.edu.

Follow us on Instagram @uco_ce to keep up with our events and programming!

Upcoming Community Engagement Involvement Opportunities

Student Parent Interest Form
Are you currently a student and a parent?

The Office of Community Engagement is looking to create more communication with UCO students that are student parents in an effort to be a better provider of community and campus resources and provider of events focused on supporting you through your college experience.

If you would like to receive periodic updates with helpful community and campus resources and plans for future events built for student parents, please fill out the Student Parent Interest Form on UCORE.

Questions, Contact Nicole Doherty at ndoherty@uco.edu.

Central Pantry Client Registration Open
Let us help fuel your success here at UCO!

The Central Pantry is UCO's on-campus, free food pantry for all students, faculty, and staff. Once you sign up as a client, you can come shopping at the Central Pantry once a week for your entire household.

The 2022-2023 Client Form is open. Sign-up today to shop! Register on UCORE.

Broncho Bites Notification Opt-In
Want to help eliminate food waste?

Broncho Bites is a new, on campus initiative helping reduce food waste and providiving meals to the UCO campus community. Through this program, food left over in Ayers Kitchen is rerouted to the Broncho Bites refrigerator outside of the Central Pantry (NUC 151). This food is available to any student, faculty, or staff member that wants to grab a meal on the go.

All interested participants can opt-in to the Broncho Bites notification system to receive a text or email notification any time food is delivered to the Broncho Bites refrigerator.

Register to receive notifications when food is available!

On-Campus Service Opportunities

Local Alternative Spring Break
Do you want to get involved in Environmental Conservation?

Local ASB is a four-day commitment taking place during a portion of UCO's Spring Break (March 11-14). Over these four days our focus will be on learning about and serving with organizations that address environmental conservation issues in the OKC Metro area.

During these days we will be partnering with organizations such as the OKC Zoo, OKC Beautiful, and Commonwealth Urban Farms to look at different ways organizations are locally working to saving the environment from the loss of species or ecosystems and create sustainable practices for our environment to work against pollution and other activities. We will spend one day at each organization learning about the population they serve, how they serve our community, and serving with their organization.

Date: 3/11/23-3/14/23, 9:00am-4:00pm

Register Today on UCORE!

Big Event
Help us say thank you to our community through a BIG day of service!

Big Event 2023 is on April 1st from 8:30am-2pm.

Volunteer Registration is due on Friday, March 10th.

Questions? Email bigevent@uco.edu.

Broncho Bites Volunteers
Help us eliminate food waste on campus!

Broncho Bites is a new, on campus initiative to helping reduce food waste and providing meals to the UCO campus community. Through this program, food left over in Ayers Kitchen is rerouted to the Broncho Bites refrigerator outside of the Central Pantry (NUC 151). This food is available to any student, faculty, or staff member that wants to grab a meal on the go.

Volunteers are critical to the success of Broncho Bites! UCO student, faculty, and staff volunteers are needed daily to package, record, label, and transport meals from Ayers Kitchen to the Broncho Bites refrigerator in the Nigh University Center.

Shifts are available every week day that campus is open. Each shift lasts from 2:00pm-3:00pm. All volunteers meet with a Broncho Bites representative at Ayers Kitchen to start their shift.

Register Here for shifts throughout the Spring Semester.

Questions? Email centralpantry@uco.edu.

If your office or organization has upcoming student volunteer opportunities, please send the information to volunteer@uco.edu to have it included in our weekly emails.

Community Partner Service Opportunities

StoneCreek of Edmond
StoneCreek Assisted Living is looking to diversify the activities offered to their elderly residents. If you have a background in Arts Education, Theatre Arts, Human Development & Family Studies, Health Sciences, or any other related field, they are looking to co-create programs based on your skillet as a volunteer. Some ideas for these programs include:

Matinee Theater performances
Arts Education – basic painting/drawing techniques; etc.
Specialized exercise programs (i.e. Tai Chi, dance, yoga)

If you have an idea for a program and/or would like to volunteer, contact Activites Director, Gabrielle Allmendinger, at 405-352-7118 or email ad2@stonecreek-al.com

Salvation Army/ Boys and Girls Club
The Salvation Army, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club, is looking for volunteers for their Youth Art Workshop and their After School Program (Weekdays 4-6 PM). They also need volunteers for their upcoming Vacation Bible School March 13th-17th, 9 AM-12PM to serve snacks and make crafts.

For more information, contact Liz Banks at 405-246-1107 or email at Liz.Banks@uss.salvationarmy.org

ReMerge of Oklahoma County
Remerge serves mothers who are facing felony charges through a program of treatment, recovery, and hope. Remerge helps them develop skills needed to be great mothers, excellent employees, and productive citizens.

One of their program requirements is to obtain their GED during their time with Remerge, and they are always looking for tutors to work one-on-one to help them achieve this. Tutoring times are 10am-3pm, Monday - Thursday, when their clients are on site

To volunteer or learn more, reach out to Compliance and Volunteer Manager, Miranda Ramey, at mramey@remergeok.org.

Make Promises Happen Neuromuscular Camp

MPH Neuromuscular Camp is a one-of-a-kind organization that hosts an annual summer camp for adults affected by neuromuscular diseases. They offer unique volunteer and educational experiences for students.

Their camp was created in 2010 to provide a place of community and respite for campers, allowing them to live a week without limits in which they can participate in normalizing camp activities despite their physical and health limitations and connect with a community of peers with similar diagnoses and experiences.

This year, their camp will be offering our typical camp for adults in addition to pioneering a brand new camp experience for individuals aged 6-17. Volunteers are needed to assist campers throughout their week and work with the MPH team to facilitate daily camp activities, such as boating, swimming, power soccer, dancing, and other related opportunities.

This volunteer opportunity gives 140+ hours of community service in addition to providing experience in healthcare and human service settings.Volunteers must be 16 or older with a willingness to learn and to work on a team.

To volunteer, contact Volunteer Coordinator, Kianna Archer, at mphneuro@gmail.com.

The Steam Engine
The STEAM Engine is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that focuses on expanding access to STEM and Arts education to Oklahoma communities. They connect with community organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of OK County, the YMCA, and OKCPS to bring engaging, hands-on curriculum to elementary-aged students. They encourage students to think critically and problem solve, preparing them to join the next generation of leaders, makers, and doers.

They are seeking volunteers for their Spring session B (beginning at the end of March). They will need assistance with materials management processes (packaging and transporting classroom resources) and program volunteers (in-classroom engagement with students).

You can sign up to be:
Materials Management Volunteer: https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp3637332.jsp?utm_params=onsiteshare_email_publicweb

Classroom Volunteer:

https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp3637338.jsp?utm_params=onsiteshare_email_publicweb

Contact Community Outreach Coordinator, Ellie Myers, via email at ellie.myers@steamengineokc.org.

Palomar
Please join Palomar for an Open House! On the last Wednesday of every other month (4/26/23, 6/28/23, 8/30/23, & 10/23/23) come and learn about Oklahoma City's Family Justice Center. During an Open House you will receive a tour of our facility, information about volunteering or interning, and interactions with many of Palomar's partner agencies. If you know that you will need an internship during your undergraduate or graduate degree, attending an Open House at Palomar will allow you the opportunity to network with their agency, as well as up to 40 other local partners.

Contact Volunteer Coordinator, Andie Sheppard-McDermott, for more information: andie.sheppard-mcdermott@palomarokc.org or 405-552-1017

Good Shepard Hospice Volunteer Opportunities
Good Shepard Hopsice is looking for patient visit volunteers in the Edmond area. All volunteers must pass a background check and complete training before they can visit with a patient. Once that is completed, they will be able to make a difference in the lives of others. Some of the things they can do with their patient are: read to them, take them on a wheelchair walk if the weather is nice, play games or cards, reminisce about their life, watch a movie and much more. For more information, contact head of Volunteer Services, Christa Cook, at Christa.Cook@goodshepherdhospices.com

Freedom City

Freedom City is looking for in-person volunteers to help with their homework helpers, math buddies, pen pals, and reading buddies programs! They are currently serving the schools F.D. Moon & John Marshall middle school. They provide options to volunteer in person or virtual. Students can Text "VOLUNTEER" to 405-322-5660.

For any questions, contact mentoring coordinator, Alexia Converse, at alexia@freedomcityokc.com or contact Reading and Math Buddies Coordinator, Lena Lawson, at lena@freedomcityokc.com or visit freedomcityokc.galaxydigital.com

Bethany Children's Health Center
Bethany Children's Health Center volunteer opportunities include:

Patient Companion: Volunteers send one-on- one time with patients of all ages, with the goal of providing engaging activities, physical comfort, and joy. Weekday shifts are 9-11 am, 2-4 pm, 4-6 pm, and 6-8 pm.

Play While You Wait: Volunteers provide engaging activities such as crafts, games, and puzzles to patients and siblings in the Outpatient Services waiting area. Weekday shifts are 8:30-10 am; 10-11:30 am; 1-3:30 pm.

Special Education Volunteer: Volunteers assist in each of the Center’s six special education classrooms, assisting patients with language activities, music therapy sessions, craft projects and more. Classes last one hour and occur between the hours of 9 am-12 pm and 2-4 pm, M-F.

Therapy Gym Volunteer: This volunteer postition is open to college students who are currently pursuing degrees in physical, occupational or speech therapy, music therapy or recreation therapy. Volunteers facilitate one- on-one or small group activities, and sanitize and organize therapy equipment. Volunteers must commit to one weekly two-hour shift for 15 weeks. Shifts are 9-11 am and 2-4 pm, M-F.

For more information, contact Volunteer Services Manager, Bailey Tyler, atBTyler@bethanychildrens.org or 405-470-2284.

LifeSpring Hospice
LifeSpring Hospice has Volunteer Opportunities available for anyone 18 years or older with a heart to serve others. This opportunity is perfect for students that need community services hours and can spare a few hours a week. Volunteers are a vital part of their hospice team. They provide patients with companionship and give them the gift of their time. Volunteer Opportunities are available in Edmond, OKC, Norman, Chickasha, Pauls Valley, Shawnee and Sayre. They have patients in Edmond’s Touchmark at Coffee Creek Assisted Living Community and OKC’s Bellevue Health & Rehab Center who would love to have the companionship of a volunteer.

For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator, Lee Lewis, at LeeAndrea.Lewis@lifespringhomecare.com or call 405-329-4545.

The Arc of Oklahoma
The Arc of Oklahoma is currently seeking volunteers in the OKC and surrounding area for their OK Aim Program.

Oklahoma Advocates Involved in Monitoring (OK AIM), is the independent component of the system created by the State of Oklahoma to ensure people with IDD live quality lives and receive the best possible community-based residential services. The Arc will work with your schedule to complete the 8-hour training in three sessions so that you can perform “quality of life” visits to individuals.

For details, contact Stacey Figueroa at (918) 582-8272 or sfigueroa@thearcok.org.

APEX Hospice
Apex Hospice is seeking volunteers to visit hospice patients that either live in their own homes or facilities. Volunteers will stop by for a friendly visit, help with chores, or give the caregiver a break. Volunteering is flexible and can work around any schedule.

Email or call Volunteer Coordinator, Brenda Garrett, to schedule a training at your convenience at Bgarrett.mission@gmail.com or 405-850-4580.

Feed the Children Volunteer Opportunities
Feed the Children is looking for volunteer groups to help build food or hygiene boxes that go out to families in Oklahoma. Shifts last 2-3 hours during the week and occasionally on Saturdays. In our Oklahoma warehouse, we have the pleasure of housing our Teacher Store which provides approved teachers with donated books, supplies, etc. The Teacher Store needs help from volunteers to check teachers in/out on shopping days, sort, organize, and stock the donated supplies.

To register or learn more, go to https://www.feedthechildren.org/get-involved/volunteer/ or contact Hailey Montgomery at hailey.montgomery@feedthechildren.org.

Humanity Hospice Volunteer Opportuntiies
Volunteering with Humanity Hospice is a wonderful way to give back to the community, increase preference points for college, future employment and much more. There are many ways to volunteer at Humanity Hospice. Each area of service is equally important and all of them help us to achieve our goal of providing the best care possible for our patients and their loved ones.

Opportunities include but are not limited to the following:

Administrative: This can be done between normal business hours; Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. Tasks include helping with various office duties such as phones, filing, faxing, and putting together packets.

Events: These hours vary in days and times. Tasks include things like hosting Bingo at a facility, helping Marketers with various events and luncheons, dropping off gifts to patients, physicians and facilities, putting together crafts and gift baskets as well as other types of marketing needs.

Patient Care: Humanity Hospice serves patients in numerous areas across the state both in homes and facilities. Volunteers who serve by visiting with patients and families may do so on days and times of their choosing. Patient care volunteers are there to provide emotional support through human contact. No administering of medications, medical interventions, hygiene services and so forth are done by volunteers. Simple companionship is all that is needed.

This is just a few of the many things volunteers at Humanity Hospice can do. Others include music therapy, serving our veterans and so forth. Hospice volunteering changes so many lives with just a few moments of time.

For more information, contact Kerri Wells, Volunteer Coordinator at kerri@humanityhospice.com

Edmond Mobile Meals
Edmond Mobile Meals needs volunteers for meal delivery to Homebound Seniors. Meals are delivered Monday - Friday between 10:30am-12:30pm. Volunteers pick up meals and deliver a route to homebound seniors in Edmond.

Visit https://edmondmobilemeals.org/volunteer/ to sign up to volunteer. For any questions please reach out to Cristi Twenter at cristi@edmondmobilemeals.org

Educational Guardians
An Ed GAL is a volunteer educational advocate appointed by the Juvenile Court in Oklahoma County with a court order for the best educational interest of a child/youth who is in DHS custody. Ed GALs have access to educational records and are mentors to the child/youth assisting in removing barriers to a successful school experience and accessing community services for academic success. This program has been in existence for 3 years with OLFC. Ed GALs receive specialized training to prepare to serve as educational advocates.

To learn more about volunteering as an Ed GAL, email Scott Kaufman with Oklahoma Lawyers for Children at skaufman@olfc.org.

The Fountains at Canterbury
The Fountains at Canterbury located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a retirement community offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing. Volunteer opportunities are offered throughout the community to compliment and boost thier activity calendar. All volunteers are required to have had the COVID vaccine.

Volunteer Opportunities: Calling Bingo, Pet Therapy, Music Therapy, Leading a class in a wide range of topics: technology, arts, music, cooking, cultural, travel, history, pop culture.

To share a skill, interest or hobbies with our residents-all of our residents enjoy music, theatre and dance!

For more information or to sign up for any of these events Please contact Lorna Deaton at lornardeaton@watermarkcommunities or call Lorn at 405.476.2195.

Creative Music Academy
Creative Music Academy is looking for any musicians that are interested in volunteering or interning in their music school. This non-profit music school that supports students in vitual or homeschool learning by teaching music lessons.

To learn more, contact Ann Booze at creativemusicacademyinc@gmail.com.

Traditions Health Edmond Hospice Volunteer
Traditions Health is seeking individuals to volunteer to spend time with a patient, provide help to a caregiver or assist with activities in a facility. If you have a desire to be of service to those in hospice care, we have a desire for you to be a part of our hospice team as a volunteer! A current driver's license and automobile insurance verification are required. There will be a background check and fingerprinting done.

Please contact Susan Lide, Volunteer Coordinator at 405-936-9433 or susan.lide@traditionshealth.com.

Peaceful Family Oklahoma
Come help your local community by volunteering with Peaceful Family Oklahoma!

Why we do it:
One-in-four US children is growing up in a family with drug or alcohol addiction. As a result of genetics and their experiences, they are eight times more likely to struggle with addiction themselves.

Peaceful Family Oklahoma was founded to break the cycle of addiction in families. This starts one child and family at a time.
Children are often hurt most by this disease, yet treatment programs are usually designed exclusively for the adult.

Using proven strategies that help children to play their way to understanding and health, Peaceful Family Oklahoma has become a critical service for foster care, justice-involved individuals and grandparents raising grandkids. Peaceful Family Solutions is an affiliate of the National Association for Children of Addiction and partner organization of the Partnership to End Addiction.

What you will do:
Peaceful Family's volunteer needs are growing and changing. They host many child-centered programs that may require your service.To determine the best fit for your interests and skills they can be contacted below.

How to sign up:
To Volunteer, sign- up HERE.