Suggested 'Justice and Civil Society' Sites for 2009-10

The "Justice and Civil Society" course combines classroom instruction on theories of social justice with experiential education in the community to enable students to fully explore ethical servant leadership. Students must complete a minimum of 30 hours of experiential education, of which a few hours will be spent in assignments requiring social observation and the remaining hours will be spent performing community service at a site where students can interact directly with a marginalized population. Students enrolled in "Justice and Civil Society" may choose their service site from among the options listed below.

Bensley Elementary School
Build It Service Sites

• Boaz and Ruth Inc.
• Henderson Middle School
• Overby-Sheppard Elementary School
• Youth Life Foundation of Richmond Highland Park Learning Center

Charity Family Life
CHAT (Church Hill Activities and Tutoring)
Crestview Elementary School
Cross Over Health Center
Friends Association for Children
HomeAgain
Huguenot High School
International Hospital for Children
Lucy Corr Village
Marywood Independent Living Apartments
Medi Home Health & Hospice
Richmond Families Initiative Sites

• Peter Paul Development Center
• William Byrd Community House

Sacred Heart Center
Second Baptist ESL Program
Summer Hill Elementary School
Tuckahoe Middle School
VCU Children’s Medical Center, Child Life Program, VCU Center
Virginia Home
Virginia Juvenile Correctional Center
Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired

Bensley Elementary School

Contact: Leslie N. Canady, childcare director; Bessie Cooper, principal
Address: 6600 Strathmore Rd., Chesterfield, VA 23237
Phone: (804) 276-9622 ext. 105
Fax: not available
Email: CanadyL@ymcarichmond.org; Bessie_Cooper@ccpsnet.net
Web Site: http://www.chesterfield.k12.va.us/Schools/Bensley_ES/home.html
Site Synopsis: Approximately 77% of Bensley students come from low-income families and approximately 30% of Bensley students are Hispanic, although that percentage is rapidly growing. The school has the highest rate of free and reduced lunches in Chesterfield County.
Pre-requisites: none
Special Skills/Abilities Needed:

• Knowledge of Spanish preferred but not required for Head Start and K-5 programs
• Good working knowledge of Spanish required for ESL drill instructors

Site Activities:

• Work with Hispanic children, ages 4 and 5, in the Head Start program under the supervision of the teacher during school hours
• Work with Hispanic children in grades K-5 during school hours
• Work as a drill instructor for the Spanish-speaking parents of Bensley students during the ESL program
• Read Spanish-language books to the children in the after-school YMCA program
• Assist students and parents at library nights
• Participate in the lunch buddy mentoring program

Volunteer Hours:

• Head Start Program (ages 4 and 5): 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Grades K-5: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• ESL Drill Instructor for Spanish-speaking parents: 90 minutes every Monday and Wednesday evening
• Library nights: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month

Other Considerations: none

Build It Service Sites

The Bonner Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) at the University of Richmond is spearheading the Build It 2009-10 initiative, which aims to revitalize the Highland Park neighborhood in North Richmond. The Jepson School has approved four Build It sites for students enrolled in “Justice and Civil Society”: Boaz and Ruth, Henderson Middle School, Overby-Sheppard Elementary School, and Youth Life Foundation of Richmond Highland Park Learning Center. Because other UR students are going to these sites, there is a better-than-average chance of arranging carpools or getting a ride to your site on the CCE shuttle bus. If you decide to volunteer at one of these sites, please inform Cassie Price in the CCE at 484-1609 or cprice@richmond.edu.

Students must attend one of the orientation sessions sponsored by the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement. Check the Build It Calendar for orientation session dates and times.

To learn more about the Build It initiative, visit http://engage.richmond.edu/programs/build-it/index.html.

Boaz and Ruth Inc. (a Build It site)
Contact: Megan Rollins, volunteer coordinator
Address: 3030 Meadowbridge Rd., Richmond, VA 23222
Phone: (804) 329-4900
Fax: not available
Email: megan@boazandruth.com
Web Site: www.boazandruth.com
Site Synopsis: Boaz and Ruth was founded in 2002 as a social-entrepreneurial experiment based around a used-furniture store and was designed to improve both social and financial bottom lines. The organization provides on-the-job and beyond-the-job training as well as caring and coaching relationships for ex-offenders. The organization's social missions are to provide job training for individuals needing a second chance (primarily reentry support for ex-offenders), to foster commercial revitalization for Highland Park (a high-crime neighborhood in North Richmond), and to bridge culturally and economically disparate communities within the metropolitan area.
Pre-requisites: Students must attend a mandatory Build It orientation session (see above).
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities: Serve in a one-on-one capacity as coaches to trainees in computer skills (email, Web search, Word, and Excel), writing skills, and elementary math.
Volunteer Hours: Typical hours are 9:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., but volunteers can assist with 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. computer classes and some evening tutoring (GED/reading program).  For additional information, contact Cassie Price at the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement at 484-1609 or cprice@richmond.edu.
Other Considerations: The majority of trainees are men, and for this reason, it may not always be possible to pair student volunteers with trainees of the same gender.

Henderson Middle School (a Build It site)
Contact: Ms. Rose Marie Wiegandt, Communities in Schools of Richmond site coordinator
Address: 4319 Old Brook Rd., Richmond, VA 23227
Phone: (804) 780-8288 ext. 1138
Fax: (804) 228-5353
Email: rmwiegandt@cisofrichmond.org 
Web Site: http://www.richmond.k12.va.us/schools/henderson/
Site Synopsis: Henderson is a public middle school (grades 6-8) located on Richmond's North Side.
Pre-requisites: Students must attend a mandatory Build It orientation session (see above).
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities:

• Serve as classroom aides and one-on-one reading tutors during the school day
• Provide tutoring and homework assistance after school
• Henderson is also seeking volunteers interested in creating and implementing a college-preparatory curriculum for eighth-grade students to include information on study skills, courses middle school and high school students should take to prepare for college, educational opportunities following high school (vocational school, community college, four-year college), career options and earning potential available to students who pursue higher education, etc.

Volunteer Hours:

• Monday through Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Fridays between 8:30 a.m. and 2:40 p.m.

Other Considerations: none


Overby-Sheppard Elementary School (a Build It site)
Contact: Susan S. Stokes, school principal
Address: 2300 First Ave., Richmond, VA 23222
Phone: (804) 329-2515
Fax: (804) 780-4321
Email: sstokes2@richmond.k12.va.us
Web Site: http://richmond.k12.va.us/schools/sheppard
Site Synopsis: Overby-Sheppard is located in the Northside Richmond neighborhood of Highland Park and is a fully accredited public elementary school serving children in grades K through 5. The majority of students are African Americans and 90 percent of them qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches, a clear indicator of poverty.
Pre-requisites: Students must attend a mandatory Build It orientation session (see above).
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities:

• Assist with the Voyager reading program (K-2) in the morning or at stations in a variety of classrooms during the course of the academic day 
• Work with children in music, theater, dance, fine arts, and creative writing as part of the after-school arts initiative

Volunteer Hours: Monday through Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Other Considerations: none


Youth Life Foundation of Richmond Highland Park Learning Center (a Build It site)
Contact: Stephanie Gossett, executive director
Address: 3076 Meadowbridge Rd., Richmond, VA 23222
Phone: (804) 687-4168 for Ms. Gossett, (804) 321-1381 for the learning center
Fax: (804) 321-1382
Email: sgossett@hotmail.com
Web Site: http://www.ylfr.org
Site Synopsis: The Youth Life Foundation of Richmond (YLFR), an affiliate of the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation, operates learning centers that "exist to develop leaders by making long-term investments in children from at-risk communities." Children may enroll in the YLFR program between the ages of 5 and 10 and are eligible to remain in the program until graduating from high school. The certified teachers who staff the Highland Park Learning Center meet with each child's parents and school teachers to devise individualized education plans targeting each student's strengths and areas needing improvement. Although YLFR is a Christian-based organization, children and volunteers participating in the program do not have to be Christian.
Pre-requisites:

• Students must attend a mandatory Build It orientation session (see above).
• Volunteers must ALSO attend a YLFR mentor orientation.

Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities: Implement individualized education plans for children ages 5 – 10 and act as positive role models for each child through one-on-one tutoring.
Volunteer Hours: Monday – Thursday from 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (for those riding the CCE shuttle) or from 3:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (for those with their own transportation).
Other Considerations: This site is ideal for volunteers who are very committed and prefer to work in a highly structured, organized setting.

Charity Family Life

Contact: Ayanna McMullen
Address: 1820 Creighton Rd., Richmond, VA 23223
Phone: (804) 225-0402
Fax: (804) 225-8246
Email: not available
Web Site: http://www.charityfamilylife.org
Site Synopsis: Charity Family Life is located in Creighton Court, a housing project in Richmond's East End. It provides after-school programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. "Justice and Civil Society" students have a high regard for this organization and the work it is doing in the community.
Pre-requisites: none
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities:

• Tutor children and teens in math and reading skills and provide homework assistance
• Teach life skills (such as manners, nutrition, and health) and Bible lessons/Christian values
• Lead/direct physical recreation activities and arts-and-crafts activities

Volunteer Hours: Monday through Friday between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Other Considerations: Volunteers are encouraged to work with the same child or teen in order to build a personal relationship.

CHAT (Church Hill Activities and Tutoring)

Contact: Chris Whiting, Executive Director
Address: 601 N. 31st Street, Richmond, VA 23223
Phone: (804) 236-4964
Fax: not available
Email: chris.whiting@chatrichmond.org
Web Site: www.chatrichmond.org
Site Synopsis: CHAT is a community development organization providing after school activities and a private school for at-risk students in the Church Hill neighborhood of Richmond.  Percy, an ordained minister, and Angie, a medical doctor, founded CHAT to address some of the needs they saw in their Church Hill neighborhood.  "Justice and Civil Society" students have a high regard for this organization and the work it is doing in the community.
Pre-requisites: none
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities:

• Tutoring sessions provide reading, writing, and math instruction for elementary, middle, and high-school students in the evenings at three different home locations.
• Life skills programs include music, art, sewing, woodworking, dance, and an outdoor club.
• Exercise program

Volunteer Hours: Volunteers are needed for weekdays, afternoons, evenings, and weekends.  
Other Considerations: none

Crestview Elementary School

Contact: Karen Rawlyk, school principal; Nancy Staples, PEP parent liaison, new ESL teacher mentor
Address: 1901 Charles St., Richmond, VA 23226
Phone: (804) 673-3775
Fax: not available
Email: khrawlyk@henrico.k12.va.us
Web Site: http://www.henrico.k12.va.us/ES/Crestview/
Site Synopsis:  Located in Henrico County, Crestview Elementary School has an English as Second Language (ESL) program that is currently serving nearly 80 K-5 students from more than 20 countries.  Many of these students are bused to Crestview from seven other Henrico school districts.
Pre-requisites: none
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities:

• Serve in the ESL immersion program for beginning English language learners, who receive from one to two hours of English language immersion each morning
• After-school resource time with ESL students

Volunteer Hours:  Contact Nancy Staples if you are interested in the ESL morning immersion program or would like to volunteer during after-school resource time with the ESL students.
Other Considerations:

• This site is very close to campus (approximately 2.3 miles from Boatwright Drive).
• Please be aware that even though other volunteer programs exist at Crestview, this is the only program currently approved for "Justice and Civil Society" students.

Cross Over Health Center

Contact: Rachel Contreras
Address: Three clinic locations

• Cowardin Clinic:  108 Cowardin Ave., Richmond, VA 23224
• Shelbourne Clinic:  Sherbourne United Methodist Church, 2619 Sherbourne Rd., Chesterfield, VA
• West Clinic:  8600 Quioccasin Rd., Suite 105, Richmond, VA 23229

Phone:  (804) 233-5016 x117 (Rachel Conteras at Cowardin Clinic)
Fax: not available
Email: rcontreras@crossoverministry.org
Web Site: http://crossoverministry.org/
Site Synopsis:  The Cross-Over Health Center provides free medical care for the working poor and the homeless.
Pre-requisites: none
Special Skills/Abilities Needed:  Volunteers should be at least third-year Spanish students if serving as translators.
Site Activities:

• Provide patient check-in, registration, and scheduling
• Serve as translator for Spanish-speaking patients

Volunteer Hours: Generally between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; each clinic has one day with evening hours.
Other Considerations:

• The volunteer coordinator will place translators in the clinic where the need is greatest at the time.
• Due to patient-doctor privacy constraints, volunteers do not normally shadow the doctors in the examining rooms; exceptions can be made in cases where the patient requests a translator.

Friends Association for Children

Contact: Jessica Hockett, volunteer liaison
Address: 1004 St. John St., Richmond, VA 23220
Phone: (804) 644-2357
Fax: (804) 644-0509
Email: jhockett@friendsassn.org
Web Site: www.friendsassn.org
Site Synopsis:  The Friends Association for Children offers three beautiful, state-of-the-art centers to serve low-income families in high-crime neighborhoods.  The centers take a four-pronged approach by providing the following services: childcare (for infants and children), family support services (classes on parenting, financial management, home ownership, etc.), youth enrichment programs (after-school, art-based and other cultural activities for underprivileged youth), and GED classes for adults.
The three centers are as follows:

• Friends Family Center
  Address: 1004 St. John St. (located in the Gilpin Court Housing Project)
• Robert L. Taylor Childcare Center
  Address: 929 N. 26th Street (located on Church Hill)
• Mary Tyler McClenahan Center
  Address: 2700 Bensley Commons Blvd. (located south of the James River off Jefferson Davis Highway)

Pre-requisites:

• Attend Friends Association orientation, arranged through Jessica Hockett
• Provide proof of TB screening within the past two years
• Sign a sworn statement of affirmation in regards to barrier crime/crime against a child

Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities:

• Work with children in the preschool and after-school programs, providing tutoring and recreational assistance
• Work with the youth enrichment programs and share your special talent, such as storytelling, puppetry, or music, with the children

Volunteer Hours: Contact Jessica Hockett for more information. There are hours during the traditional academic day, as well as some evening hours for music lessons and special programs
Other Considerations: Volunteering with the infants does not meet the criteria for this class.

HomeAgain

Contact: Ly Hayes
Address: not available
Phone: (804) 358-7747 ext. 109
Fax: not available
Email: lhayes@homeagainrichmond.org
Web Site: http://www.homeagainrichmond.org/
Site Synopsis: HomeAgain is a nonprofit agency that provides a variety of shelters and programming for homeless men, women, and children from the greater Richmond area. HomeAgain has several shelters, but the majority of volunteers will serve at the Family Shelter at: 2 E. Main St., Richmond, VA 23219.
Pre-requisites: Complete an interview and orientation with the site supervisor, who will place volunteers at one of the sites.
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities: Assist in addressing the needs of adults and children in the family shelter program, one of the women’s shelter programs, or one of the men’s shelter programs. Typical activities might include:

• helping adults with typing skills, resume writing, and GED preparation
• working with children by reading to them, playing games, and leading them in arts-and-crafts activities

Volunteer Hours: Mostly after-school/evening hours on Mondays and Wednesdays (typically 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.).
Other Considerations: none

Huguenot High School

Contact: Terrie C. Harris, Site Coordinator
Address: 7945 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 320-7967 ext. 240
Fax: not available
Email: tharris@cisofrichmond.org
Web Site: http://www.richmond.k12.va.us/schools/huguenot115/
Site Synopsis: Huguenot High School is a “Communities in Schools” affiliate. “Communities in Schools of Richmond, Inc.” is an affiliate of the nation’s premiere drop-out prevention program. Since 1996, CIS of Richmond has worked to identify the needs of Richmond Public Schools, students and their families, by mobilizing school-based community resources and partnerships to help students stay in school and prepare for life.
Pre-requisites: none
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: The school has a specific need for volunteers with special talents in math, science, band, art, and creative writing.
Site Activities:

• Tutor for the after-school program and athletes program
• Volunteer for various tutoring and mentoring programs throughout the school day

Volunteer Hours:

• Various tutoring and mentoring programs during school hours: 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• After-school and athletes programs: 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily

Other Considerations: The school’s primary need is for tutoring in the after-school and athletes programs.

International Hospital for Children

Contact: Treacy Stuck
Address: 1900 Byrd Ave., Ste. 204, Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: (804) 282-8830
Fax: (804) 282-8831
Email: TStuck@healachild.org
Web Site: www.healachild.org
Site Synopsis: The International Hospital for Children provides much-needed surgery free of charge to critically ill children from six developing nations, three of which are Spanish-speaking (Honduras, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic) and three of which are primarily English-speaking (Belize, Guyana, and St. Vincent). In some cases, medical teams from Richmond travel to these countries to perform surgeries; in other cases, patients and their parents are flown to Richmond for the surgical procedures.
Pre-requisites:

• Complete a driving record check (if the student owns a vehicle/will be providing transportation)
• Complete a criminal background check
• Complete an orientation with the site supervisor

Special Skills/Abilities Needed: Volunteers who have a good command of Spanish should ask to be paired with Spanish-speaking patients, but volunteers DO NOT need to be bilingual as most families are English-speaking.
Site Activities:

• Pick up patients and their parents at the airport upon their arrival if a student has transportation
• Help patients and their parents settle into temporary housing at either the Ronald McDonald House (2330 Monument Ave., 355-6517) or the Hospital Hospitality House (612 E. Marshall St., 828-6901)
• Take patients to doctors’ appointments via personal transportation or public transportation
• Take patients shopping (grocery store, thrift store, pharmacy, etc.) or to different attractions (agency provides passes)
• Assist with translating in cases where the patients and parents are from Spanish-speaking countries

Volunteer Hours: Weekdays, evenings and weekend hours are available; contact Treacy Stuck for more information.
Other Considerations:

• Possession of a car is not necessary to volunteer at this site.
• Plan ahead; driving record (if applicable) and criminal background checks can take several weeks to clear.
• Volunteers develop a close working relationship with children (and their parents) who come to Richmond for their surgery.

Lucy Corr Village

Contact: Jean Russell, Special Events Coordinator
Address: 6800 Lucy Corr Blvd., Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 706-5674
Fax: not available
Email: not available
Web Site: http://www.lucycorrvillage.com/
Site Synopsis: For more than 35 years, Lucy Corr Village has distinguished itself by meeting the assisted living and long-term care needs of individuals in the Chesterfield County community. Located in the Chesterfield courthouse area, Lucy Corr is a nonprofit community operated by The Health Center Commission for the County of Chesterfield. It offers a variety of services including assisted living, rehabilitation services, and adult day services.
Pre-requisites: none
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities:

• Assist with special events in the “neighborhoods” within Lucy Corr
• Provide companionship to residents
• Serve as chaperones for various field trips

Volunteer Hours: Contact Jean Russell for more information
Other Considerations: none

Marywood Independent Living Apartments

Contact: Sally Booth
Address: 1261 Marywood Ln., Richmond, VA 23229
Phone: (804) 740-5567
Fax: not available
Email: servicecoordinator2@verizon.net
Web Site: not available
Site Synopsis: Located in the West End near Gayton and Gaskins, the Marywood Apartments facility is a HUD section 8 independent-living facility for people who are either over the age of 62 or who suffer from physical-mobility disabilities.
Pre-requisites: none
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: None, although familiarity with the Wii System would be useful for the development of new resident activities.
Site Activities:

• Lead activities for the residents such as exercise classes, Bible studies, current events clubs, computer lessons, music classes, or an arts-and-crafts program.  The agency is also looking for volunteers to develop resident activities using the Wii System (e.g. a bowling league).
• Visit with residents

Volunteer Hours: Hours are flexible; volunteers just need to be consistent from week to week.  Contact Sally Booth for more information.
Other Considerations: If you are a creative or motivated person who would like to share your talent or passion with others, just call Sally Booth and let her know what type of program you would like to sponsor for the residents. Visiting with the residents is always appreciated, too.

Medi Home Health & Hospice

Contact: Andy Wichorek, volunteer coordinator
Address: 8100 Three Chopt Rd., Suite 226, Richmond, VA 23229
Phone: (804) 282-4301
Fax: not available
Email: Awichorek@msa-corp.com
Web Site: not available
Site Synopsis: Medi Home Health and Hospice serves patients and their families throughout the Greater Richmond area. Medi Hospice needs volunteers to assist with their terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Volunteers will interact one on one with patients in private homes or long term care facilities. Specific assignments depend on matching the needs of the patient/family with the availabilities of the volunteers.
Pre-requisites:

• Complete a training and orientation program
• Complete a criminal background check
• Complete a TB screening or provide proof of TB screening within the past two years

Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities:

• Provide companionship to the patient, and in some cases, allow their caregivers time off to run errands, make appointments, go to church, etc.
• Activities may include (but are not limited to) conversation, reading, playing games, craft activities, and music

Volunteer Hours: If placed at one of the nursing homes served, hours are extremely flexible.  Contact Andy Wichorek for more information.
Other Considerations:

• Patient visitor volunteers must be reliable, compassionate, and able to be present for patients and families who are facing a life-limiting illness.
• Students who are interested in medical or social service fields may arrange to attend interdisciplinary team meetings every week, during which professional staff from various fields discuss cases from multiple perspectives.

Richmond Families Initiative Service Sites

The Richmond Families Initiative (RFI), a multi-disciplinary collaboration between the University’s law and undergraduate programs, supports the development of stable and healthy families in the city of Richmond.  The RFI serves as a collaborative resource that connects Richmond families to social and legal services through partnerships with community agencies and professional organizations.  Operating out of UR Downtown, the RFI engages faculty and students in community-based learning, research, and service.

The Jepson School has approved two Richmond Families Initiatives sites for students enrolled in “Justice and Civil Society”: Peter Paul Development Center and William Byrd Community House.  Because other UR students are going to these sites, there is a better-than-average chance of arranging carpools or getting a ride to your site on the CCE shuttle bus.  If you decide to volunteer at one of these sites, please inform Judy Mejia of the CCE at (804) 955-4006 or jmejia@richmond.edu.

Students must attend one of the orientation sessions sponsored by the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, which will be held on the same days as the Build It orientation sessions.  Check the Build It Calendar for orientation session dates.

To learn more, visit engage.richmond.edu/programs/families/index.html

Peter Paul Development Center (RFI site)
Contact: Rosemary D’Adamo Jones, volunteer coordinator
Address: 1708 North 22nd Street
Phone: (804) 780-1195
Fax: not available
Email: rosemarydj@verizon.net
Web Site: http://peterpauldevcenter.org/
Site Synopsis: Peter Paul Development Center was established to uplift and empower the quality of life and standards of living for families in the East End of Richmond through a variety of holistic programs.  At the time of its founding, the Church Hill neighborhood faced below average income levels and high crime and drug use rates. The Center serves as a safe haven for the community.
Pre-requisites: Complete an orientation with the site supervisor.
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities:

• after-school tutoring and recreational activities
• senior citizens ministry
• Family Life Program to support the families of the children

Volunteer Hours: Volunteers are typically needed between the hours of 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Contact Rosemary D’Adamo Jones for more information.
Other Considerations: none

William Byrd Community House (RFI site)
Contact: Jessica Turner
Address: 224 S. Cherry St., Richmond, VA 23220
Phone: (804) 643-2717 ext. 314 or (804) 651-9449
Fax: not available
Email: jturner@wbch.org
Web Site: http://www.wbch.org/
Site Synopsis: William Byrd Community House strives to be a catalyst for transforming the lives of people, particularly children and youth, by helping them move from dependency toward self-sufficiency as quickly as possible.  The organization’s mission is to create pathways to success through direct delivery of high quality programs for individuals and families in need in the Richmond area, and to be an intermediary organization, engaging partners in a coordinated effort to help clients get the information, referrals and resources they need to move toward self-sufficiency.
Pre-requisites:

• Interview with program director
• Attend orientation once placed
• Criminal background check
• Complete a TB screening or provide documentation of TB screening within the last six months

Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities:

• Head Start program for preschool children
• after-school program for elementary school children that provides tutoring and activities
• teen program
• program for seniors
• social-service program providing emergency assistance (i.e., food, shelter, crisis intervention, etc.)

Volunteer Hours: Typically, volunteers are needed from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Volunteers must be relatively consistent with hours.
Other Considerations: none

Sacred Heart Center

Contact: Melissa Canaday, executive director
Address: 1400 Perry St., Richmond, VA 23224
Phone: (804) 230-4399 extension 319
Fax: (804) 231-7247
Email: melissa_canaday@shcrichmond.org
Web Site: http://www.shcrichmond.org/
Site Synopsis: Sacred Heart Center is a nonprofit community center in a low-income, high-crime area of Richmond south of the James River. Its mission is to be a source of hope and strength for children and families in need. SHC offers a comprehensive continuum of educational and social services to the whole family, such as early childhood education (preschool and K-2), school-age childcare, adult education classes, parent support groups, and a teen program.  "Justice and Civil Society" students have a high regard for this organization and the work it is doing in the community.
Pre-requisites:

• If working with children, will need to complete a background check.
• Site supervisor will provide orientation and training.

Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities:

• Tutor adults in GED and ESL classes
• Share your talents in regards to health programs (cooking, yoga, zumba classes) or financial literacy
• Serve as a preschool/Head Start classroom assistant (particularly if volunteer is bilingual)

Volunteer Hours: Day and evening volunteer hours are available.  Contact Melissa Canaday for more information.
Other Considerations: Volunteers don’t need to be bilingual, but bilingual volunteers are appreciated.

Second Baptist ESL Program

Contact: Lee Bottoms
Address: 9614 River Rd., Richmond, VA 23229
Phone: (804) 359-2657 or (804) 740-7101 (church office)
Fax: not available
Email: lee.bottoms@gmail.com
Web Site: http://www.secondbaptistrichmond.org/
Site Synopsis: The ESL (English as a Second Language) program began at Second Baptist in September 1991. Since that time the program has been a cooperative mission effort with River Road Church, Baptist. Currently, the teaching staff includes members of a number of different Richmond area churches and faiths. They concentrate on teaching conversational English so that the students may function better on the telephone, in the work place, and on a face to face basis with people they encounter.
Pre-requisites: Attend one of the church’s existing ESL classes to see how the class is taught
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities:

• Teach small ESL classes in the reading, writing, and pronunciation of English
• Translate (Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Bulgarian, Russian, Japanese, Persian, etc.) for immigrants
• Serve as a conversation partner for someone who wants to practice and refine their English
• Work with immigrant children while their parents attend the ESL classes

Volunteer Hours:

• Mondays 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Wednesdays 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Other Considerations:

• If you’ve ever had a desire to teach and/or work with people of different nationalities, this might be an ideal placement for you
• Although volunteers at this site typically devote some extra volunteer time to lesson planning, they save time on their commute to and from their site, as Second Baptist is close to campus (approximately four miles from Boatwright Drive)

Summer Hill Elementary School

Contact: Linda H. Williams, ESL teacher
Address: 2717 Alexander Avenue, Richmond, VA, 23234
Phone: (804) 780-5041
Fax: not available
Email: lhwesl@netscape.com
Web Site: http://www.richmond.k12.va.us/schools/summerhill/
Site Synopsis: Summer Hill Elementary School is located in one of the poorest, most blighted areas of the city in the Jefferson Davis corridor south of the James River. The student population is primarily African-American and Hispanic.
Pre-requisites: none
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities:

• Mentor and tutor third-grade students one-on-one during the school day
• Serve as a classroom aide
• School administrators hope to be able to offer an after-school program and a regular Saturday Academy from 9 a.m. - noon and would need volunteer tutors and mentors to work with students attending these programs

Volunteer Hours: Late morning and early afternoon, Monday through Friday; possibly late afternoons and Saturday mornings. Contact Linda Williams for more information.
Other Considerations: none

Tuckahoe Middle School

Contact: Christy Molnar
Address: 8109 Three Chopt Road, Henrico, VA 23229
Phone:  (804) 673-3720
Fax: not available
Email: carmolnar@henrico.k12.va.us
Web Site: http://www.henrico.k12.va.us/MS/TuckahoeMS/
Site Synopsis: Located in the Three Chopt district of western Henrico County, Tuckahoe Middle School serves a richly diverse student population.
Pre-requisites:

• Complete a background check
• Complete an orientation session with the site supervisor
• No shots are required, but Flu and H1N1 vaccinations are recommended

Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities:

• Assist the school in an effort to enhance instruction and to promote learning opportunities, specifically assisting English Language Learners (ELL) with homework and classroom material
• Help students focus on the reading, writing, and pronunciation of English

Volunteer Hours: Volunteers are needed during the academic day.  School operates on a block schedule, which means that volunteers will develop the best relationships if they can come on corresponding days (Day 1 or Day 2).  Contact Christy Molnar for more information.
Other Considerations: none

VCU Children’s Medical Center, Child Life Program, VCU Center

Contact: Heather Kinney
Address: VCU Medical Center, Child Life Program, 12th & Marshall Streets, 7th Floor, Main Hospital Building, Richmond VA 23298
Phone: (804) 828-3415
Fax: not available
Email: hkinney@mcvh-vcu.edu
Web Site: http://www.vcuchildrens.org/
Site Synopsis: VCU Children’s Medical Center is a full-service pediatric healthcare facility for children and their families. The pediatric team at VCU Children's is dedicated to providing comprehensive pediatric healthcare, educational experiences in all aspects of pediatric medicine, and life saving research initiatives. The VCU Medical Center is a level-one trauma and referral center for much of Virginia. Patients range in age from birth to 18 years and have illnesses and conditions such as asthma, seizures, cancer, cystic fibrosis, etc., or injuries resulting from car accidents, shootings, etc. Most children spend only a couple of days in the hospital, but some stay longer. This site can generally accommodate only one or two University of Richmond student volunteer(s) per semester.
Pre-requisites:

• Complete an interview with the site supervisor.  Interviews for Spring 2010 volunteers will begin in November 2009.
• Volunteers must go through the hospital’s volunteer department for screening and overall hospital orientation.
• Following orientation, volunteers must commit to working a minimum of three hours a week for two semesters (due to the amount of training involved).
• Complete a background check, which takes approximately 3-4 weeks.
• Provide medical documentation regarding Chicken Pox and MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) immunizations
• Complete a TB screening within the 30 day period before you begin to volunteer.

Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none; the Child Life staff will provide ongoing support and training to volunteers.
Site Activities:

• Work under the direction of the Child Life specialists to help pediatric patients and their families cope with their hospital stay
• play games and do crafts with individual patients or small groups of patients

Volunteer Hours: During a student's first semester, volunteers may only serve during the week and during the day.  Second semester volunteers may be approved for night and weekend hours.  Contact Heather Kinney for more information.
Other Considerations: This site can be emotionally challenging at times due to the nature and severity of the children’s illnesses. Volunteers should be caring and nurturing but able to hold their emotions in check in the event of a relapse or death.

Virginia Home

Contact: Sherry Williams, Director of Volunteer Services
Address: 1101 Hampton St., Richmond, VA 23220
Phone: (804) 359-4093
Fax: (804) 358-4075
Email: sherry.williams@thevirginiahome.org
Web Site: http://www.thevirginiahome.org
Site Synopsis: Virginia Home is a private, nonprofit residential facility for adults with disabilities, including MS, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Plenty of opportunities exist for one-on-one interaction between the volunteers and the residents.
Pre-requisites:
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities:
Volunteer Hours: Typically volunteers are needed during the weekday.  Some evening and weekend hours are available with special events.  Contact Sherry Williams for more information.
Other Considerations: none

Virginia Juvenile Correctional Center

Web Site: http://www.djj.state.va.us/About_Us/Default.aspx
Site Synopsis: The Virginia Juvenile Correction Center’s mission is to protect the public through a balanced approach of accountability and comprehensive services that prevent and reduce delinquency though partnerships with families, schools, communities, law enforcement, and others, while providing opportunities for delinquent youth to become responsible and productive citizens. Students may volunteer at one of five centers located in the metro Richmond area.
Pre-requisites:
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities: The activities may vary slightly from one juvenile correctional center to the next, but generally include such things as:
Volunteer Hours: Contact the person listed for the site that interests you.  Typically, volunteers are needed in the evening (6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.) and on Saturdays (for the REACH program).
Other Considerations:

The following two juvenile correctional centers are approved for service:

Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired

Contact: Melody Lindsey
Address: 401 Azalea Ave., Richmond, VA 23227
Phone: (804) 371-3338
Fax: not available
Email: melody.lindsey@dbvi.virginia.gov
Web Site: http://www.vrcbvi.org/
Site Synopsis: The Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired (VRCBVI), operated by the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI), was established in 1970 to provide comprehensive adjustment services to severely visually impaired Virginians. The center teaches blind persons strategies and skills to adapt to living without sight, and it teaches people with partial vision ways to use their remaining sight more effectively.
Pre-requisites: none
Special Skills/Abilities Needed: none
Site Activities: Provide skills training and assistance to visually impaired adolescents and adults in a rehabilitation center setting. Duties might include the following:
Volunteer Hours: Daytime, evening, and even some weekend hours available; contact Melody Lindsey for more information.
Other Considerations: none