Opportunities From: United Way of Northwest Georgia

Want to make a real impact in the lives of teens?

Become a volunteer teacher!

As a volunteer, you’ll teach one class period (80 minutes, or two lessons) three times each quarter or semester—depending on the school system. We provide you with six ready-to-use lessons, covering topics such as:

-Goal setting and decision making
-How hormonal and chemical changes in the teen brain affect choices
-The influence of media, technology, family, and friends
-Recognizing red flags in relationships (romantic and otherwise)
-The impact of bullying from the victim’s perspective
-Respect and communication skills
-Each session ends with a review, reinforcing the life and soft skills teens need for future success in the workplace and in healthy relationships.

What we provide:
-All teaching materials
-Training and support
-A chance to make a lasting difference in students’ lives

Where we teach:
-9th grade Health classes at Dalton High, Dalton Academy, Southeast, Northwest, Coahulla Creek, North Murray, Murray, and Christian Heritage

-Four NWGA Boys & Girls Club locations during the summer (with modified lessons for ages 11–15, one hour per week for 4 weeks)

All volunteer opportunities are in person. Background check is required and is done through Whitfield County Sheriff's Department. Family Frameworks will pay for this.

We will be partnering with local churches to have a pumpkin patch fundraiser at Lifegate Church in Dalton. All proceeds will benefit our agency. Volunteers are needed to help run the pumpkin patch each day. The pumpkin patch will last from October 18th-November 1st from 10 am- 7:30 pm each day. 

The mission of Kids on the Block is to educate children, as well as the broader community, about health and social concerns that affect their lives. Using puppets and other teaching tools, Kids on the Block promotes the prevention of child abuse and bullying.  Kids on the Block serve Whitfield and Murray Counties.

Trained volunteers provide a voice in court for children who have been removed from their homes and deemed deprived due to abuse and neglect from their caregivers.

Court Appointed Special Advocates are trained by the agency, sworn in as CASAs by the Juvenile Court Judge, and then complete their own investigation of all the options a foster child might have for a permanent home.  CASAs make recommendations for that child's future to the court, based on this investigation.  CASAs ensure that foster children's needs are met and their voices are heard while they are in foster care.  

Contact Tracy Harmon for dates of in person trainings and online trainings.  706-272-7919 ext 226; email tharmon@fscdalton.com

We need to clean out the gutters, and it’s a job that’s much easier (and more fun) when we work together. If you’re available and willing to help, we’d love to have you join us. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while also helping out the community. Your help would be greatly appreciated, and it’s a chance to spend time together and get to know each other better

Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.  The need for blood is constant and so is the need for volunteers at our Blood Drives to help save lives.  Volunteer blood donor ambassadors ensure that blood donors have a pleasant and fulfilling experience, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. During a blood drive, whether you're greeting donors, answering questions, or thanking them for their donation, your courtesy and professionalism will create a favorable impression that encourages ongoing donor support.

You can use the link below to start your volunteer application or explore the opportunities in the Red Cross further.  Please feel free to pass this information on to family, friends, or coworkers.  You can also visit www.redcross.org/volunteer.

This position supports the Regional SAF department. This can be a virtual (volunteer-from-home) opportunity. Ensure that military families know they are supported by the Red Cross from the first day in the military through life as a veteran.

We are in need of a small group that could help with cleaning some windows and some other small cleaning/organizing jobs.

You can help the American Red Cross prevent and alleviate human suffering in your community as a trained Disaster Action Team (DAT) Member.  DAT volunteers are among the first to respond to home fires, disasters and other local incidents to help neighbors in need.  They also provide support for local emergency response partners. 

Example:

A home in your neighborhood catches fire.  Along with the Fire Department, your local Red Cross DAT responds.  Volunteers provide emotional support for the individual or family that just lost everything they own.  They ensure people have the resources for food, temporary lodging, clothing, and other essentials.  They also help them with a plan for moving forward after a fire. 

Apply to volunteer today at www.redcross.org/support/volunteer

This position is responsible for the tasks involved to implement the preparedness program including:

You can use the link below to start your volunteer application or explore the opportunities in the Red Cross further.  Please feel free to pass this information on to family, friends, or coworkers.  You can also visit www.redcross.org/volunteer.

Volunteer Recruitment Team Member- Proactively recruits new volunteers for general and specific volunteer opportunities.  Research outreach events and fairs. Reaches out to community groups to set up recruitment presentations.  Promotes volunteer opportunities at community events. This position would require about 3-5 hours of your time a week. All volunteers and employees will follow current Red Cross COVID-19 protocols.

You can use the link below to start your volunteer application or explore the opportunities in the Red Cross further.  Please feel free to pass this information on to family, friends, or coworkers.  You can also visit www.redcross.org/volunteer.

The Pillowcase Project is a national youth preparedness program offered by Red Cross regions across the country. The 40- or 60-minute presentation provides emergency preparedness education to youth in grades 3-5 (ages 8-11) in school classrooms and other settings. Numerous tools have been developed for this program including a standardized curriculum, workbook, quizzes, and activities which have been carefully constructed with the help of curriculum and hazard experts. Many tools for presenters have been developed to foster consistency and fidelity to the program goals and objectives. The highly interactive presentation addresses home fire safety, a local natural hazard, psycho-social coping skills and household preparedness steps like planning and a kit.

You can use the link below to start your volunteer application or explore the opportunities in the Red Cross further.  Please feel free to pass this information on to family, friends, or coworkers.  You can also visit www.redcross.org/volunteer.

The NWGA Family Crisis Center is looking for a group of volunteers to assist with our sorting and organizing our donation building.  A small group of 6-10 would be perfect for this project.

NWGA Family Crisis center is in need of toiletries due to the pandemic. You can drop them at the United Way NWGA office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

Whatever you donate helps!

Address: 816 S Thornton Ave Dalton Ga, 30720

Items include:

Tooth Brush

Tooth Paste

Shampoo 

Conditioner

Body Wash

Deodorant

The door hanger campaign is for individuals or groups of individuals to distribute door hangers that will help residents learn that they have access to free curbside recycling and help decrease contamination in the recycling bins. 

If you would like to distribute the door hangers by yourself you will get a zone assigned to you approximately one mile long, sign a waiver, download the route, and then start distributing in your zone. You can complete the whole zone in one day or you can come back to it another day. You can schedule a pickup or drop off of the materials and thank you present with Amy Hartline at ahartline@dwswa.org.

If you would like to distribute the door hangers with a group, we will set up a time and day to come speak to your group briefly before you distribute to provide the door hangers, go over the waiver, rules, and answer any questions. The group can complete the whole zone in one day or you can come back to it another day!

The DEO Clinic provides healthcare to members of our community who lack health insurance and financial resources. The clinic is in need of Spanish/English translators for approximately 1 to 2 hours per month, typically in the evening. An opportunity to learn medical terms in Spanish and English while helping non English speaking patients explain their symptoms and assist them in navigating the health care system.

The DEO Clinic is always in need of a few good nurses, CNAs, and CMAs.  If you are a licensed RN or LPN, or certified CNA or CMA, please consider volunteering at DEO.  The average medical volunteer comes 2 to 3 hours per month.  Please consider helping us make a difference in the lives of people who lack the financial resources to afford quality healthcare.  Most of our patients have chronic disease. The clinic tries not to duplicate services which are already available in the community; we do not provide reproductive health services, immunizations, testing for STDs or mental health services.  The State of Georgia provides malpractice insurance for all medical volunteers.  No pain medication or psychiatric medicines are prescribed or dispensed at DEO.

For more information please visit: www.deoclinic.org

The Little Free Libraries across Whitfield and Murray Counties are always in need of being restocked with books. There are several books located at our United Way office to be delivered. You can find a full list of LFL locations here. 

Volunteers will assist with daily activities such as homework help, sports and rec, arts & crafts, and any other activities planned by our staff. Please contact Tony Causby to schedule a time to visit our Dalton or Chatsworth location.

Volunteers are needed in classrooms to read, interact with children, do special projects, rock babies, help with fund raisers, Buddy Program, Friendly Faces.

Sorting food, stocking shelves and packing food boxes.

The GreenHouse CAC/SAC prides itself on providing trauma-informed services in a home-like setting! Our new location has been occupied for two (very busy) years and it's time to do some routine freshening-up to ensure our "house" stays welcoming, clean, and serves as a place of comfort for victims of child abuse and/or sexual assault.

A team of 15-18 volunteers would be wonderful for the following tasks!

1. Painting hall

2. Painting THREE waiting areas

3. Painting conference room

4. Painting doors

5. Painting bathrooms

6. Painting trim

7. Painting bathroom cabinets

7. Moving furniture

8. Moving equipment

9. Hanging forensic interview viewing television on the wall

Sign your team up today!

 Items needed are Teen: soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, personal care items, brush, comb, tooth paste, tooth brushes, and clothing such as pants, shirts, pajamas, socks and underwear.  Babies: baby soap and lotion, diapers, wipes, bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, crib sheets, clothing newborn to 3T.  All donations are greatly appreciated.

Oak Haven is looking for baby sitters to come in once a month on a Saturday to watch the resident's children while they have a mother's day out.  Volunteers would be supervised by a staff member at the home while another staff took the young ladies on an outing.  We like to try to do about a 4 hour block of time so the young ladies can eat lunch and go to a movie.  Anyone interested in this opportunity must complete a background check prior to volunteering.  

Oak Haven is looking for individuals who are interested in being mentors to some of our young ladies.  This individual would be a positive support system to one of our young ladies.  At times we have young ladies in our program who do not have family that is able to come and see them or that they are able to go see.  It is a huge benefit to each young ladies life to have someone they feel they can talk to and count on outside of the staff of the program. A background check is required for this opportunity.  

The United Way Volunteer Center provides streamlined event management to corporate partners with firsthand knowledge of community needs to ensure that employee volunteer time is used effectively and efficiently. If your corporate group would like to get involved in a volunteer project, email Stephanie Hogshead at stephanie.hogshead@ourunitedway.org to set up a project. 

The Conasauga District of the Northwest Georgia Council is looking for individuals to assist in developing and growing the Scouting program within the Whitfield and Murray County Communities.  Our District Committee meets monthly in Dalton with volunteers focusing on key areas of growth and development which align with their passions. Examples include fundraising, youth recruitment, outdoor programs and activities, community service and many others.

We are looking for individuals who live to help you to develop life long skills, leadership, teamwork, character, personal accountability and citizenship.  The mission of the Boy Scouts of America to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.  Key to this mission is positive adult association, peer youth leadership, and leadership and advancement opportunities. 

The Northwest Georgia Council is looking for community volunteers interested in working directly with youth in our community in the Scouting Program, serving boys and girls ages 5-10 and/or 11-17 in various opportunities.

Meetings are traditionally held late afternoon or evening, either weekly or bi-weekly in various locations throughout the community such as churches, parks or other public venues.  Each meeting usually lasts around one hour, and volunteers are able to assisst with as few or as many opportunities as they would like.  We also offer opportunities on weekends for groups to work on special projects or participate in outdoor programs.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to first aid, community involvement, outdoor recreation, health and fitness, art and hobbies and many others.

The Northwest Georgia Council is looking for community volunteers interested in working directly with youth in our community in the Scouting Program, serving boys and girls ages 5-10 and/or 11-17 in various opportunities.

Meetings are traditionally held late afternoon or evening, either weekly or bi-weekly in various locations throughout the community such as churches, parks or other public venues.  Each meeting usually lasts around one hour, and volunteers are able to assisst with as few or as many opportunities as they would like.  We also offer opportunities on weekends for groups to work on special projects or participate in outdoor programs.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to first aid, community involvement, outdoor recreation, health and fitness, art and hobbies and many others.

BSA offers STEM learning opportunities for youth at all age levels in Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, and career exploration (www.Exploring.org).  More information about BSA STEM can be found here: 

https://www.scouting.org/stem-nova-awards/Council/Camp/

We would welcome more opportunities for local youth to earn a STEM related merit badge, earn the STEM NOVA award, or explore related careers. We can help coordinate events, registration, budgets, etc. 

Volunteers are encouraged to contact us to brainstorm some ideas, or simply volunteer to serve as a counselor.

BSA is the original mentoring program for youth to develop character, personal fitness, good citizenship, and lifetime skills. Over 70% of our older Scouts discover their future career interest through our hobby and career interest merit badges. Check out our 140+ merit badges here:

https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/

Individuals and volunteer teams of 3-6 adults are needed to help with various clean-up, general maintenance, "Lean-Too" construction, (Adirondack-like camping shelters that replace wall tents), and other needs at our local Camp Sidney Dew. The camp has organized work weekends in the spring and fall.

https://www.facebook.com/campsidneydew/

About CSD.....Located in the northwest corner of Georgia and approximately 20 miles north of Rome, Camp Sidney Dew offers the natural beauty of the Appalachian foothills. Founded in the late 1930’s, the camp is a unique blend of old and new, with several of the early structures still in use and many new structures in place or soon to be built. Located in the “pocket area” between John’s Mountain and Horn Mountain, the camp’s 650+ acres are bordered on the north by the Chattahoochee National Forest and on the south by John’s Creek. The camp’s rolling terrain offers an abundance of deer, wild turkey, and other wildlife, including a trout stream open annually to fishing from March 1st through October 31st. Several points of interest are within a couple hours’ drive from camp. Visiting units can explore the Etowah Indian Mounds, Chickamauga Battlefield, New Echota Historic Site, Civil War Battle of Resaca, museums and historic sites of Rome and Atlanta, and more. In short, Camp Sidney Dew is the crown jewel of a council which, though small, is committed to offering the best possible program for Scouts and Scouters of all ages.

BSA would like to partner with individuals or a business to offer one or more of these important merit badges to local youth.  These merit badges are often overlooked by troops. We feel they are extremely important and not overly difficult to earn fostering self-achievement, learning, and exploration. Scouts must earn at least 21 merit badges on the trail to Eagle Scout and 11 are required. 

Scholarship - https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Scholarship.pdf

Reading - https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Reading.pdf

American Business - https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/American_Business.pdf

Personal Management - this Eagle required merit badge requires maintaining a personal finance budget, learning about mortgages, investments, etc.  https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Personal_Fitness.pdf

Each could be offered over the course of two 3-hour Saturday events from 9-12.  BSA can help with registration and promotion. 

Over 70% of Scouts discover a lifetime hobby or their future career through the Scouts BSA merit badge mentoring program. 

Each counselor, age 21 or older, must complete a no-fee BSA application for background check and complete a 45 minute Youth Protection Training module annually. 

Other opportunities to help mentor youth through our merit badge program can be found here: https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/ 

Scouts BSA in now available for both all-boy or all-girl troops ages 11-17. For more information, check out www.Scouting.org 

Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things you'll ever do.  You can help shape a child's future for the better by empoweing them to achieve.  And the best part is, it's actually a lot of fun.  You and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do.

Through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, volunteer BIGS spend time with children in the community being friends. For a few hours, a couple times a month, a volunteer can give a Little the invaluable gift of friendship. Life changes can be seen by simply changing their perspective of what the world can offer. Sometimes it is as simple as playing a video, throwing a ball, going to a museum, or just hanging out together. 

Requirements:

Being a Buddy is something that almost anyone can do. The only requirements are a willingness to make a new friend and a desire to share some fun with a young person. It may sound obvious, but sometimes the best place to help a child realize their potential is at school.

Through the Buddy Program, site/school based mentoring program, volunteer Buddies spend one hour per week with a child in the site/school setting. Although it takes place at a site/school, the Buddy Program is not limited to the classroom. Some Little Buddies talk with their Big Buddy about class, do homework, or read together; while others shoot hoops in the gym, play on the playground, or play a board game. The program starts a friendship that provides guidance and inspires the Little Buddy to reach their potential. Improvements are seen in behavior, attendance, and academics.

How can you help?