October 2005
SHALOM READERS,
20th and Avenue T, is a ministry in central Lubbock that helps
inner-city children to be better educated. Shalom is Hebrew for peace,
but the program is a ministry at Asbury United Methodist Church, 2005
Ave. T. Of course, volunteers and children of any faith are welcome. The
original idea for the program was developed in Los Angeles in hopes of
preventing a climate that makes a neighborhood ripe for crime. Churches
in the “Shalom Zone” worked with individuals, other institutions and
agencies within the community to see how they could address the needs of
that community. When the Asbury church membership began declining, the
congregation chose to use their resources to reach out to the
neighborhood with the Shalom ministry.
The church
building is situated directly across the street from Dupre Elementary
school. On Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, many Dupre youngsters
cross the street to find a program that offers a safe place where they
can have fun and supervision while learning to relate to each other and
to adults. Shalom Readers offers snacks, supper and individual attention
with a big emphasis on reading. For many children, the inability to read
may lead to their dropping out of school before getting educated.
Reading opens up a world of information that will help these youngsters
overcome educational gaps and provide values that will enlarge their
vision for what they are capable of doing in life. The work of Shalom
Readers is a critical need in the community the program serves.
Students are in
grades first through sixth and are grouped accordingly. In addition to
reading, students also enjoy puzzles, games, crafts and occasional field
trips. If you can teach a craft such as knitting or crocheting,
painting, or games such as dominoes, your expertise could be passed on
to willing learners. Currently, there are sixty students enrolled in the
Shalom Readers and there is a waiting list. This program depends on
volunteers to make it work. You would be needed Tuesday and/or Thursday
from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. or according to your availability. Why not share
your time and talents to touch a young life today!
OTHER VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES:
LOUISE
UNDERWOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 511 Avenue K, would really appreciate
receptionists to sit at the front desk and greet people, provide
information, help with mailings, and answer the phone. Volunteers are
needed mornings from 9:00 a.m. until noon, any day of the week. The
Center is close to the downtown post office. This is a growing
organization with lots of interesting things going on. Several cultural
offices are located in the building and you can discover the newest
activities in the art world here!
SALVATION ARMY,
1111 16th Street, is already gearing up to assist families for the
Christmas season. Volunteers are needed to interview clients and take
information in 3-hour shifts from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays
and Fridays, October 20, 21, 27, 28 and November 3, 4, 20, 11, 17, and
18. You are asked to come in about 15 minutes before your shift starts
for a short training session. You decide when you want to work. Don’t
forget we have people in need right here in Lubbock.
To
volunteer, or for more information about these or other volunteer positions, please call the RSVP office at 742-2423.
HOW do I join RSVP?
Becoming a member of RSVP is simple as long as you are at least 55 and have some time to volunteer. Just call the office at 742-2423 and chat with Ronda Casey or Bonne Phillips about your interests. If you are not certain what you would like to do, we can mention several current volunteer opportunities and send you a list of the sort of jobs which RSVP members are presently doing to whet your appetite. If you have a special skill or talent that you would like to utilize, we will search to find just the right job for you. Just mail in the
enrollment form
(requires Adobe Reader) and we will call you!
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