Mentoring & Tutoring

The Volunteer Center of Greater Kalamazoo is partnering with Communities in Schools of Kalamazoo and the Mentoring and Tutoring Community AdvisoryCommunities in Schools of Kalamazoo Group to engage new mentors and tutors for the 2010-11 academic year.

Volunteers are the backbone of our community. Quality one-on-one time with a student can be the difference between students achieving in school and life, or dropping out of school entirely. Teachers can identify the needs of students, but time is a premium. Help make Kalamazoo the education community by working with a student this year!

Visit the Mentor Michigan’s website for their Mentoring Toolkit which is designed to provide mentors with information, conversation starters, match activity ideas, and ready-to-use activities, to help their mentees take important steps toward higher education.

One hour a week. One child. One life changed.

Volunteer Opportunities (sorted by organization)

ACT-SO
Mentors for High-School Students

PO Box 51473, Kalamazoo www.actsokazoo.org
Mentors in: Science & Business, Performing Arts, Visual Arts. Volunteer mentors needed from Jan-March 2009, 5-6 hours/week with student. Must be available to meet with high school student to help prepare their project or performance for a Local Scholarship Competition in April. Hours: 5-6 hrs/wk. Minimum age: 18
Contact Information: Bertha Barbee-McNeal, 269-353-2784, bbarbeemcneal@aol.com

Bethany Christian Services
Youth School Homework Tutor

6687 Seeco Dr, Kalamazoo www.Bethany.org
Help children and youth with homework on a weekly basis. Tutors work with students 1-2 hours per week between 4-6pm] Minimum age: 18
Contact Information: Karen Renzema, 269-372-8800, krenzema@bethany.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters, A Community of Caring
Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple, Big Family, Bigs in Schools

3501 Covington Rd, Kalamazoo www.bbbsmi.org
One-to-one community volunteer is carefully matched with an individual child for activities of mutual interest in their own communities and on their own schedules. Days and times set by individual volunteer and child assigned. A commitment of at least 9 months is requested of all participants. Minimum age: 18
Contact Information: Customer Relations, 382-6800, customerrelations@bbbsmi.org

Boys and Girls Club of Kalamazoo
Tutor

Volunteer Opportunity Location: Eastwood Library, 1112 Gayle, Kalamazoo www.bgckzoo.org
Tutors needed for after school tutoring for children K-5.  Seeking volunteers who have interest in working with chidlren to complete homework and increase academic skills.  Experience in literacy and math tutoring/teaching helpful.  Working with diverse families a plus.  Background check required.  Hours: Tue [4-5:30pm], school year.  Minimum age: 16
Contact Information:  Sam Lealofi, 269-615-8092, saml@bgckzoo.org


Catholic Family Services, The Ark
Tutors

990 W. Kilgore Rd, Kalamazoo www.catholicfamilyservices.org
If you are interested in helping today’s youth attain their educational goals, then The Ark is looking for you. The Ark Shelter is a non-profit program of Catholic Family Services. The Ark provides 24/7 voluntary short-term crisis intervention shelter for youth ages 10-17 who are homeless, have run away from home, or are experiencing a crisis in their lives. Many of our youth are out of their school districts or have been removed from the school systems temporarily. We are looking for a part time tutor to come in and volunteer at least once a week to tutor our wonderful youth. The subject and area of study will be up to you as a volunteer!  Minimum age: 19
Contact Information: Aisha Stith, 269-343-8765, aishastith@catholicfamilyservices.org

Community Advocates for Parents & Students (CAPS) Academic Enhancement
Academic Tutors

1037 Interfaith Blvd, Kalamazoo
Are you a teacher at heart? We need volunteers who can teach and motivate students in grades K-12 to excel in English, reading, writing, and math. You may tutor students in one or more subject areas based upon your skills and available time. Volunteers must be able to commit to volunteering a minimum of 90 minutes one day per week for the entire academic year (Sept-May). Training and orientation are provided and a background check is required. Hours: Tutors may schedule time to work with students on Tues or Thu from 4-5:30 pm and/or Saturdays from 10am-noon. Minimum age: 14
Contact Information: Janice James or Harvey Myers, 269-345-3619, caps_janicebjames@yahoo.com

Community Healing Center
Mentor for F.A.M.I.L.Y. Program

2615 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo www.communityhealingcenter.org
Mentors in the F.A.M.I.L.Y. (Families and Mentors Invested in the Lives of Youth) Mentor must be interested in working with young people and have the commitment to maintain a supportive relationship with a young person on an on-going basis. 15 Hours of training are provided prior to the assignment with youth, and ongoing training and support is provided thereafter. Must maintain a regular, weekly contact with youth, assisting in guiding their acedemic and social growth. Hours: 15 hrs of training, flexible 2 hrs/week during afternoons/evenings. Minimum age: 17
Contact Information: L. Kirby, 269-343-1651 Ext 144, lkirby@chcmi.org

Community Healing Center
Mentor for the Children’s Advocacy Center Program

2615 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo www.communityhealingcenter.org
Volunteer mentors must be interested in working with children who need a positive role model in their life. Volunteers require patience and compassion for working with children who have been victims of sexual abuse. Interview, clear background check, clean driving record and automobile required. Mentors plan activities to do with the child and make arrangements to meet on a weekly basis. 16 hours of training is provided with information on sexual abuse victims, family dynamics, perpetrators, the role of the volunteer and more. Flexible training occurs both with a therapist and group training with the prosecuting attorney and police detective. Hours: 4 hrs/week for minimum of a year. Minimum age: 18
Please note: This opportunity does not accept court-ordered volunteers.
Contact Information: Vicky Vanas 269-343-1651 vvanas@chcmi.org

Comstock Community Center
Mentor/Tutor

P. O. Box 34, Comstock www.comstockcc.com
Volunteers needed to tutor or mentor youth at the Center. Hours: Flexible, after-school. Minimum age: 16.
Contact Information: Sheri Ritchie 269-345-8556 volunteer@comstockcc.com

Eastside Neighborhood Association
Youth Mentor

1301 E Main St, Kalamazoo
Attend community youth programs 3 hrs per wk to teach and play chess with youth between the ages of 5 and 17. Hours: Wed-Fri[4pm-6pm] for participant ages 5-12; Wed-Fri [6pm-8pm] for participant ages 13-17. Must have the ability to teach the game of chess and effectively communicate with youth. Background check required for court ordered community service volunteers. Minimum age 18.
Contact Information: Patricia Taylor, 269-381-0700, pat-taylor@sbcglobal.net


El Sol Elementary
Afterschool Tutor

604 W. Vine St, Kalamazoo
El Sol Elementary is a dual launguage school, English-Spanish, in the Kalamazoo Public School system. Volunteers are needed to help with homework and improve skills after school and provide ESL support. Spanish helpful. Background checks required. Hours: School days, [3:45-4:40] Min age: 18
Contact Information: Kary Amos, 269-337-0230, amoskr@kalamazoo.k12.mi.us

Hispanic American Council
English as a Second Language Teachers, Assistants, Tutors, Childcare Workers

930 Lake St, Kalamazoo www.hispanicamericancouncil.org
Teach or assist in the ESL classes or work with the children of the class participants. Teachers must be willing to follow a curriculum. Other opportunities include providing one-on-one assistance with reading, writing or conversational skills, aiding in a classroom, working with children on math or other homework, working with preschoolers on English, conversation club twice a month, inputting data on student attendance and test scores, setting up rewards and parties, working on the library, helping with the computer lab. Spanish is not necessary for many positions. Hours: Beginning September, classes are Mon and Wed, [6-8pm] for six week sessions; conversation club meets Thur, twice/month during school year. Minimum age: 16
Contact Information: Cinthya Herrera, 269-385-6279, ramon@hispanicamericancouncil.org

Indian Prairie Elementary School
Tutor

3546 Grand Prairie, Kalamazoo
Reach for the Stars extended day program tutors needed to work with children one-on-one in reading and/or math: Monitor children on the Read Naturally computer program, keeping the child on task and providing guidance when necessary; help with math concepts, drilling them with flash cards and other manipulatives, checking their knowledge of basic math facts, time, money and story problems. Follow teacher’s guidelines regarding where each individual needs to improve their skills, working in the areas where the child needs improvement. Volunteers should like children and be able to guide them in basic math tasks, and help with school work without giving them the answers. Must be able to use a simple computer program. Hours: Mon-Thu mornings and afternoons; 1-4 hours/week. Minimum age: 16
Contact Information: Sherry DeHaan, 269-337-0590, shdehaan@aol.com

Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo
Tutor

125 W Exchange Place, Kalamazoo, www.kcis.us
We are seeking volunteers who are patient and dependable to work with elementary, middle and high school students that need extra help to succeed in school. Volunteers must be able to commit to a minimum of one hour each week, for a full school year. For in school and after school hours. Especially looking for Math tutors. Hours: Mon-Fri. Minimum age: 18
Contact Information: Coco Cook, 269-337-1601 x 218, ccook@kcis.us
Visit www.kcis.us for training calendar and other opportunities available with Communities in Schools of Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo Co 9th Circuit Court – Family Division
Youthful Offender Transitions Program (YOTP) Mentors

1400 Gull Road, Kalamazoo
Mentors are trained and screened community members who are assigned to 1-2 young adults (ages 16-21) involved in voluntary program. They regularly meet with their mentees and participate in activities designed to promote trust, improve social skills, and complete goals identified by the mentee. Mentors are provided complete support from the Transitions Coordinator. Must commit to 6 months of service; complete interview, background checks and required training. Must also have personal, insured transporation. Hours: Flexible, initial training during business hrs Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm. Min age: 19
Contact Information: Keri Leonard, 269-385-6078, kjleon@kalcounty.com

Kalamazoo Junior Girls
Tutor

1114 West Paterson, Kalamazoo
Tutors are needed (preferably female) to assist girls ages 6-18 with homework assignments and some computer assistance. Hours: Mon, Tue, Thur [3-6pm], one day/week preferred. Minimum age: 18
Contact Information: Pamela Roland, 269-344-2330, kjgirls@jasnetworks.net

Kalamazoo-Portage FIRST LEGO League Robotics Team
Research Mentor-Climate Change

811 Edison Street, Kalamazoo
Part of the FIRST(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO League Robotics Competition is to research a real world issue relating to that year’s theme, create an innovative solution to that problem and then make a creative and fun presentation to present to judges at the competition. This year’s theme is Climate Change. The research mentor, along with coaches and other mentors, would learn about the current issues/causes of our world’s climate change and then in turn teach it to the kids. The mentor would also be working with a professional in this field to help the kids develop an innovative solution to the problem. Then the mentor would work with the kids to make a fun presentation for the judges; whether that be in skit, song, story. . .the sky is the limit. Required skills: Willingness to learn alongside the kids. Hours: 4 hours every other Saturday afternoon starting in September and monthly meetings during the summer (Jun-Aug). Minimum age: 16
Contact Information: Carla Siler, 616-291-1394, csiler@steelcase.com

Robotics Mentor

The robotics team uses LEGO Mindstorms to design, build and program a robot for the FIRST(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) competition. This volunteer position would involve working with the robotics team to design, build and program a robot. Volunteers help to teach the kids, but are not allowed to build the robot for the kids. Required skills: A desire and willingness to learn. Useful but not required skills would be knowledge of programming, basic engineering concepts (such as gearing and structural strength) and knowledge of LEGO’s design. Hours: Every other Saturday [12-5], Sep through mid-Dec. Minimum age: 16
Contact Information: Carla Siler, 616-291-1394, csiler@steelcase.com

MI Dept of Human Services
Mentor

322 E Stockbridge Ave, Kalamazoo www.Mich.gov/dhs
Volunteer will mentor a child one-on-one, serve as a role-model, be a friend and a listener, give guidance and counsel, expose the child to and participate with the child in various community activities. Hours will be set up between adult volunteer and child. Min age: 18
Contact Information: John Ybarra, 269-337-5081, ybarraj@michigan.gov

New Genesis, Inc.
Tutor/Mentor

1340 Cobb Ave, Kalamazoo www.newgenesisinc.org
Assist children grades 1-12 with academics in math, English, reading, science, etc. Motivate/coach youth. Hours: Mon-Fri [3-6pm]. Minimum age: 17
Contact Information: Barb Ewell, 269-343-7023 x 243, bewell@newgenesisinc.org

New Horizon Learning Center
Reading and Math Tutor

2708 Heatherdowns, Kalamazoo
Help local youth improve their academic success by volunteering as a math or reading tutor in the program. Flexible hours may be scheduled Mon-Sat afternoons or evenings. Minimum age: 16
Contact Information: Joan Goiser, 269-341-9438, nhvneighborhoodnetworkcenter@phoenixproperties.com

Portage Community Center
Tutors

325 E. Centre, Portage www.portagecommunitycenter.org
High school students or adults needed to tutor elementary or middle  school students in a variety of subjects. Hours: Mon or Wed from [4:00-6:00pm]. Must be able to make a semester commitment. Minimum Age: 14
Contact Information: Tia Harden, 269-323-1942, tharden@charterinternet.com


RSVP Senior Services
Mentor Academic Success Volunteers

918 Jasper St, Kalamazoo, www.seniorservices1.org
Mentors and tutors provide needed support for academic achievement. A one-on-one approach to help students K-12 with reading and/or math in the school setting. Volunteers can also assist teachers, library workers or preschool “Ready to Read” programs. Hours: Flexible, 1-2 hours/week or more as desired. Minimum age: 55
Contact Information: Traci Furman, 269-382-0515 ext 123, tfurman@seniorservices1.org

Specialized Language Development Center
Reading Tutors for Elementary-Aged Children

504 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo www.sldcenter.org
Tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, writing and spelling to Kalamazoo Public School students at area schools. Hours: Tutors must be available at least two hours per week, during school hours, for one school year. Requirements: High school diploma, patience and a commitment to help children, successful completion of the SLD Center’s 30-hour Phonics Fundamentals training course, reliable transportaion, background check and references are required. Minimum age: 18
Contact Information: Heidi Turchan, 269-345-2661, hturchan@sldcenter.org

Thunderbird RC
Airplane Model Assistants

Comstock East Elementary, 175 Hunt Street, Kalamazoo
We are looking for volunteers to work with 3rd and 4th graders to build and fly rubber-band model airplanes during an after-school program at Comstock East Elementary. No model airplane experience is preferred and training can be provided. Hours: One day after school per week (usually Wednesdays) beginning the week of Sept 20, 2010, [2:35-4pm]. A 6 to 8 week commitment is required. Minimum age: 17

Contact Information: Fred Marion, 269-668-3808, fred4asme@verizon.net.

The William Thurman Center for Youth Development
Tutor

823 W. Vine St #1, Kalamazoo
Help elementary and middle school students with homework on a weekly basis. Ability to work well with youth. Hours: Tue or Thur [5-7pm], 2 hour/week committment required. Minimum age: 18.
Contact Information: Latron Whitfield, 269-903-2996, wtc@computermail.net

Vineyard Outreach Ministry
Tutor

811 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo www.vineyardoutreachministry.org
Volunteer will do one-on-one tutoring with school age children. Hours: Wed [4:00-5:00pm], [4:30-5:30pm] or [5-6pm]. Minimum age: 18
Contact Information: Catherine Dance, 269-349-2388, vinoutmn@iserv.net

Youth Advancement Academy
Tutor

622 W. Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo
Volunteers are needed to help students one-on-one with schoolwork. Hours: Flexible. Minimum age: 18
Contact Information: Mary Blakely, 269-276-9036, maryblakely@sbcglobal.net

Youth Opportunities Unlimited
Tutor

422 E South St, Kalamazoo
The Credit Recovery and Graduation program at Y.O.U. is in need of volunteers with a desire to help students succeed in a variety of high school subjects. Prospective tutors would assist students one on one with course work on NovaNET, an online high school curriculum. Hours: Mon-Thu, [10am-5pm], Fri. [10am-3:30pm]minimum of 2 hrs/wk. Minimum age: 18
Contact Information: Nathan Runyon 269-349-9676 nrunyon@kresa.org

YWCA of Kalamazoo
Teen Mentors

353 E Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo www.ywcakalamazoo.org
Support and empower teenage girls to complete their education; set positive goals; and direct their own futures. Training and specific qualifications required, please call for details. Volunteers are asked to make a one year commitment. Criminal and child abuse/neglect background checks are required. Hours: Flexible. Min age: 18
Contact Information: Development Office, 269-345-5595, keswikoski@ywcakalamazoo.org

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