Why should I Volunteer?
Youth who volunteer are more likely to do well in school, graduate and vote

Youth say the benefits of volunteering are:

• Learning to respect others
• Learning to understand people who are different from them
• Learning leadership and job skills
• Learning what it means to be a good citizen

• Call Mesquite Youth Services, Inc.: 972-329-8346. Youth Services is a free resource that can help you find the appropriate volunteer placement.
• Take some time to decide on the placement that is right for you. Be flexible, keep an open mind, you will discover new things all around you.
• Once you have decided on an agency you would like to volunteer for, be persistent. Volunteer coordinators may be busy, some only work part-time. Don't assume they don't want you. Keep calling!
• Once you have made a match with an agency, attend the orientation meeting. Informed volunteers are the best volunteers!
• Be responsible. Show up on time and follow through with the assignment you have been given.
• Attend training sessions if they are offered. It will make you feel good that you are always prepared.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you're not sure of how to do something it is better to ask and clarify before completing a task incorrectly.
• Prove your worth. Don't expect to start out doing the most interesting work until you have earned the right.
• Start your own project if you cannot find an opportunity that suits you.
• Have fun! Enjoy the new people you are meeting and the skills you are learning! Expect plenty of personal enjoyment and satisfaction for your volunteer experience.

So what are you waiting for?

Choose a project and get started! No matter how big or small, whatever volunteer opportunities you choose, you can make a difference in your community.

American Red Cross

• Web Site: www.redcross.org
• Contact: Marcus Mason 214-678-4514
• Numerous volunteer opportunities
  • Youths as young as 10
  • Office work in both home and branch offices
  • Older youth may help in education programs and water safety classes
  • Volunteers are encouraged to use Hotline (214-678-4385) or Web site
  • www.redcrossdallas.org to find opportunities

Christian Care Center

• Contact: Adel Munoz 972-686-3097
• Accept ages 15 and up and have many openings
• Opportunities in many areas some involving direct care to elderly residents
• Some evenings and weekend work available
• “Buddy System” (new program—soon to be implemented)
  • Each volunteer is assigned to one resident for an extended period
  • Designed for elderly who do not have families
  • Volunteers are asked to spend time with residents talking, reading, and generally providing companionship
  • Requires approximately one-half day training

Churches

• Contact: Pastors, youth directors of individual churches
• Most churches have some sort of outreach or social services program

Crossroads Church of Mesquite

• Contact: Christian 972-329-0001
• Address: 1515 E. Kearney, Suite 500, Mesquite, TX
• Age of Youth: Middle and High School
• Type of Work: There is always a job that needs to be done, from painting to hedge clipping.
• Hours Involved: From 3 hours for some projects up to 44 hours for others.
• Dress Code: Use sunscreen. Dress modest; but, something that might get dirty/stained.

Dr. Graveyard - Franklin Grave Yard Preservation

• Contact: Deborah Franklin 972-754-4990
• Application made through Volunteer Services Office, contact at
  972-329-8331
• Accept youth from age 15 up
• Limited number (6) of opportunities available
• Will train and instruct volunteers in graveyard preservation
• Excellent opportunity for youth interested in fields of anthropology, mapping, history, etc.

Divine Mercy of Our Lord

• Contact: Carmen Lugo or Jean Fernandez 972-289-7400
• Location: 1819 N. Galloway, Mesquite, TX
• Ages: 9 to 17
• 2 or 3 a day
• Minimum of 5 hours per day 5 days a week Monday thru Friday
• Time: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Work: office, janitorial, various duties
• Dress code: casual, not acceptable are baggy pants to the knees

Family Cathedral of Praise    www.uturnmesquite.com

• Contact: Andy McDaniel, Youth Pastor 972-329-1660 Ext. 17
• Address: 790 Windbell Circle, Mesquite, TX 75149

Heritage Place Nursing Home

• Contact: Christie Fielder 972-288-7668
• Accept youth 15 and up
• Six- to eight-hour orientation required (does not count as volunteer hours)
• Limited amount of work available evenings and weekends
• Opportunities
  • Assist with Saturday Bingo (2 - 3 p.m.)
  • Companionship for residents (dependant on maturity levels)
  • Various activities / Crafts

Historic Mesquite, Inc.

• Contact: Charlene Orr 214-616-6468
• Opportunities to be docents
• Currently at Florence House
  • Tentatively in the Spring 2008, Opal Lawrence House will be open
  • Can volunteer as young as 15 (depending on maturity level)
• Application made through Volunteer Services Office, contact at
  972-329-8331
• Available only when open (limited hours)
• Requires some training in museum work and handling of artifacts

Mesquite Church of Christ

• Contact: Harold Hervey 972-288-7637
• Location: 400 W. Davis Street, Mesquite, TX 75149
• Web Site: www.mesquitecofc.org
• Food Pantry
• Days to Volunteer: Tuesday - Thursday, 10 a.m to 2 p.m, will work with age 15 and up.

City of Mesquite     www.cityofmesquite.com

• Contact for Volunteer Services: Jami Russell 972-329-8331
• Ages 18 and up
• Keep Mesquite Beautiful
  • Student Advisory Board
  • Rodeo Parade Trash-Off
• Library
  • Shelve books
  • Book checkout
  • Summer reading program
  • Special projects
• Mesquite Youth Services
  • Contact: Patricia Musgrove 972-329-8347
  • MYS Junior and Senior Youth Advisory Council
  • Special Events
• Parks and Recreation
  • Contacts: John Frame or Oscar Martinez at 972-216-6260
  • Christmas in the Park
  • Counselor-in-training at Day Camp
  • Many one time projects
  • Eagle Scout projects
  • “Rock pick-up” contests at athletic fields

Women's Hospital

• Contact: Sue Northcutt 972-698-2583
• Teen Volunteer Program for ages 14-17
  • Requires application
  • Ages 17 and above requires a background check
  • Jobs throughout hospital
• Limited opportunities during school year but large program during summer using 30-40 volunteers
• Requires one day orientation which is only given at specified times concerning hospital policy, HIPPA, etc. (mandated by Joint Commission)
• Summer volunteers must commit to 200 hours of service
• Volunteers working 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. are given free lunch
• Summer program is very selective with applications generally closed by mid-April. (there is no shortage of applications and many are turned away)

Mesquite Clothes Closet

• Contact: June Spann or Kari Blocher 972-882-8732
• Accept middle school and high school age youth
• Opportunities involve sorting, cataloging, and filling orders for clothes
• Times are Tuesday 6 - 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 12 Noon
• Opportunities are also available to groups through student organizations
• Part of Council of PTA’s

Mesquite Social Services

• Contact: Trisha Cards 972-285-3000
• Opportunities during office hours (Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
  • Food pantry
  • Special events (they sometimes occur on weekends)
• Age limit is 16-18
• Ages 12 thru 15 if accompanied by a parent or guardian
• Needs are greatest during holiday seasons

Mission East Dallas

• Contact: Jenny Williams, RN Executive Director 972-682-8917
• Address: 2914 Oates Drive, Dallas, TX 75228
• Ages: 16 and above
• Office work
• Hours: Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Dress Code: nice, casual dress like you would wear to the doctor’s office or dentist, this facility is a clinic

Salvation Army

• Contact: None, Web page only address www.salvationarmy.org/friends
  • Online application for volunteers
  • No telephone contacts available
• Youth Advisory Council
• Assists with Salvation Army Projects
• Accepts youth as young as 12

Sharing Life Community Outreach - Mesquite

• Contact: Suzy Wood 972-285-5819
• Location: 2414 US Hwy 80 E. Suite 403, Mesquite, TX 75149
• Youth as young as 10 have been volunteers
• Office Hours:
  • Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Thursday evening 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday 9 a.m to 2:30 p.m. - Senior Citizens Only
• Opportunities
  • Food pantry
  • Office work
  • Clothing
  • Landscaping
  • Six Flags Project
    • Youth must be accompanied by an adult volunteer (age 18 or older); both the adult and youth volunteer work at Six Flags for 4 to 6 hours; in exchange the Youth gets a ticket to Six Flags that can be used on another day and Six Flags donates money to Sharing Life to pay their summer light bill

Shoes for Orphan Souls

• Contact: Eushunda Kennedy 214-367-8080 Ext.1009
• Location: 7910 Samuell Blvd. (on the campus of Buckner Children and Family Services campus)
• Website: www.shoesfororphansouls.org
• Must be accompanied by parent if under the age of 14

Solid Rock Apostolic Church

• Contact: Mary Rushing 972-287-9066
• Location: 412 W. Malloy Bridge Road, Seagoville, TX 75159
• Project
  • Time of Project: 9 a.m. on any Saturday until around 5 p.m.
  • One day a week possibly more
  • Mowing, cleaning yard, gofer
  • Dress Code: No tank tops or short