UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Civic engagement expresses a core value of the Honors Program. Examples of civic engagement include volunteering with a community service organization, registering to vote, donating blood, tutoring in an after school program, and many other things as well.

Students in the Honors Program are strongly encouraged to participate in public service in the Shoals area as well as in their home towns during the first year.

The Civic Engagement Requirement begins with successful completion of the Honors 201 Forum. Students then must submit a Statement of Purpose no later than the first week of classes in the spring of their second year in the Program. The Statement should discuss in some depth the area of service (e.g. poverty, housing, children's issues, the environment, etc.) the student will pursue and the reasoning behind the choice. The Statement should also include a plan with specifics as to how the service goal will be reached.

Each semester thereafter until graduation from the Program the student must complete no fewer than 10-15 hours of approved community service.

While the desire to serve must come from within, we believe service is an essential part of the college experience.  Below you will find contact information concerning a number of service organizations and opportunities in the Shoals.  Please consider what kind of difference you can make.

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Shoals Area Volunteer Organizations

 

Alabama Kidney Foundation

The Shoals Chapter, Alabama Kidney Foundation is a nonprofit organization that serves the Shoals in providing financial and emotional support and assistance to dialysis patients and transplant recipients and their families. Elaine Dean, (256) 766-9756, or Brenda Grigsby, (256) 766-5916.

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is seeking cosmetologists, skin-care and make-up specialists to volunteer their services in helping women undergoing cancer treatments through a program called "Look Good … Feel Better." The program is offered as a partnership of the American Cancer Society, The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association. The program teaches women hands-on techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during treatment. (256) 767-0825

The American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program needs volunteer drivers who can provide essential service to their neighbors in Shoals communities. Volunteers must own a car and possess safe driving skills. (256) 767-0825

The American Red Cross of Northwest Alabama

The American Red Cross of Northwest Alabama has volunteer opportunities available at the Florence office at 318 S. Court St. Volunteers are needed to help with answering the phone, filing and data entry. There is a need for volunteer caseworkers and volunteers qualified to take blood pressure at our free blood-pressure check stations. (256) 764-2911, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Arc of the Shoals

Arc of the Shoals, which provides services for people age 21 and older with mental retardation, needs volunteers to visit with residents, take them shopping and to community events. Donna Akins, (256) 383-1472

Big Brothers/Big Sisters

Big Brothers/Big Sisters provides an adult role model for children, ages 6-13. A professional case manager interviews each child and parent. The parent shares information about the child's personality, needs and interests and a suitable child is paired with a volunteer. The volunteer and the child decide the activities. Monica Webb Grubbs, (256) 764-0772, or fax (256) 764-0832.

 

CASA

CASA volunteers are Court-Appointed Special Advocates. They investigate cases involving abused and neglected children in court. CASA volunteers require no special background; interested individuals attend 30 hours of training and spend an average of 5-10 hours per month working on the child's behalf. After talking with everyone who touches the life of the child, the volunteer reports to the judge the acquired information and makes recommendations. CASA, P.O. Box 1313, Florence, AL 35631, or call (256) 765-0041.

Cherokee Rescue Squad

Cherokee Rescue Squad needs volunteers to assist in the community by providing ambulance transportation and search/rescue services. Training provided. Volunteers needed as first-responders, emergency medical technicians, search personnel, drivers and boat operators. Meetings are at 7 p.m. first Monday of each month at the rescue squad building, Daniel Street, Cherokee. Cherokeerescue@cherokeetel.net or Capt. Michael Smith, (256) 394-3056.

Children's Museum of the Shoals

The Children's Museum of the Shoals in Florence is seeking volunteers to help as birthday party room volunteers, field trips volunteers and with book fairs. (256) 765-0500.
 

Coast Guard Auxiliary

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is looking for members to become instructors for recreational boating safety public education and to become vessel safety examiners. No experience required. The auxiliary will provide training. (256) 767-0546.

Colbert Caring Center

Colbert Caring Center in Tuscumbia provides partial payment of utilities, as well as vouchers for emergency food and prescriptions. The Caring Center is supported by churches, individuals and organizations. Office hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. (256) 381-8464

Colbert County Homeland Security

The Colbert County Homeland Security RSVP needs volunteers, age 55 and older, who reside in Colbert Country. Volunteers help distribute emergency literature on disaster preparedness and provide park patrol at Spring Park. Accident, accidental death, excess auto liability and personal liability insurance provided. (256) 386-8578, fax (256) 386-8548; or e-mail colbertcorsvp@aol.com.
 

The Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama

The Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama needs individuals or groups to deliver meals to homebound individuals in the Shoals area. (256) 766-4330

Cramer Children's Center

The Cramer Children's Center is a nonprofit organization that needs volunteers who could help by monitoring court-ordered visitations and/or answering phones, light filing, greeting clients when they have appointments and playing with children while their parents speak to a therapist. The center is a nonprofit 5013c agency. Ashley Whitehead, (256) 760-1140, nwacac.org
 

ECM Hospital

Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital (256) 768-8491 is seeking volunteers for the following:

Transporter - This person will help transport patients to their vehicle after their stay in the hospital. It requires a lot of walking and some interaction with patients.

Cath lab, ICU and CCU waiting areas - This person greets families to the waiting area and is available for questions from family members.

Patient information - This person serves as a greeter to those who enter the hospital, searches for patient information on the computer and relays it to the visitor on the telephone or in the hospital.
 

Father’s Harvest

Father's Harvest, a nonprofit organization that provides free hot meals for those who are less fortunate, needs volunteers to serve in various capacities, including: preparing meals, cleanup, delivery and other ministry tasks. The outreach is 301 E. 2nd St., Sheffield. Meals are served at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. Saturdays (256) 366-1005 or e-mail Amanda@fathersharvestministries.com

Florence Jaycees

Florence Jaycees is looking for men and women, ages 18-40, who want to make a difference in the community while developing leadership skills, networking, and having fun. The organization meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays at the Florence Jaycee Building, 1121 N. Wood Ave., Florence. Mechel Green, (256) 764-3587; Melinda Hargett, (256) 760-0124; or florencejaycees.org.


 Florence-Lauderdale County Emergency Management Agency's Search and Rescue Team

Florence-Lauderdale County Emergency Management Agency's Search and Rescue Team is looking for volunteers to assist with water safety, storm spotting, community activities, searching for missing people and response and recovery during times of disaster. Applications are available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, EMA office, basement of Florence City Hall. (256) 760-6363.

Florence Main Street

A non-profit organization dedicated to the economic and cultural revitalization of downtown Florence. Contact Executive Director Teryl Shields at tshields@florencemainstreet.org

Florence Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Contact:  Shelaine, Activity Director, at (256) 766-5771.  They are currently looking for individual and group volunteers to sing, play instruments, dance, craft, act, or just visit.  Located on Coyd Boulevard near Regency Square Mall.

Food Bank of North West Alabama

Contact:  Helen Walker, Director at (256) 383-3223.    Students would work with annual food drives that they sponsor along with Channel 48 (and maybe a couple of other news agencies).  The main one is in December at Regency Square Mall with Channel 48.  People bring their cans by and the students will be responsible for counting the cans.  The Food Bank has individuals who load the truck.  They will have a food drive for the letter carriers at the Florence Post Office each May.

Girl Scouts of North Alabama

Girl Scouts of North Alabama is a nonprofit organization dedicated solely to girls. It helps cultivate values, social conscience and self-esteem in young girls, while teaching critical life skills that will enable them to succeed as adults. Girl Scouts of North Alabama is looking for adult volunteers. Nicole Fults, Kim Knight or Jeanene Welch, (256) 764-0331, (256) 764-0331 or (800) 410-8338

Habitat for Humanity

Contact:  Cynthia Burkhead at (256) 765-4790, caburkhead@una.edu. The local Habitat for Humanity affiliate will begin construction on a new house this fall.  The students need nothing more than their bodies and willingness to learn various skills.  People with no experience are usually paired with experienced volunteers on Habitat builds.   

The Healing Place

The Healing Place provides ongoing grief support for children (ages 3-19) and adults who have suffered the loss of a loved one by death because of an accident, illness, suicide or homicide. Support also is available for children whose loved one is seriously ill. There is no charge for the service. Volunteers are needed to assist with the children's groups. The minimum commitment is two hours quarterly. Training available. (256) 383-7133 or thehealingplaceinfo.org

Helen Keller Hospital’s Department of Volunteer Services


Helen Keller Hospital's Department of Volunteer Services in Sheffield is seeking volunteers in several areas including:

Outpatient Desk - Duties include answering and directing phone calls, assisting admitting personnel, directing visitors and patients, etc. Computers and phones are used. Training available.

Dial-A-Volunteer - Duties include running errands, transporting patients, etc. Must be able to push wheelchairs and carts.

Greeters - Duties include greeting visitors at the main entrance.

ER waiting area - Duties include greeting and assisting patients in the emergency room waiting area, helping admitting, running errands, etc.

Day-patient waiting area - Duties include acting as a liaison between the families and staff of the Day Patient Center. For details, call Christa Martin, volunteer coordinator at Helen Keller Hospital, at (256) 386-4153.


The Help Center

Contact:  George Megar (M), Kay Elder (W), or Ray Curry (F) at (256) 766-7663.  The Help Center needs volunteers to organize donated materials in receiving, work in the food area, sort clothes, assist clients, and staff the office.  They are open on MWF from 8:30 A.M. - 12:00 noon.

Helping Hands Animal Rescue

Volunteers needed. The Shoals first no-kill shelter.

(256) 381-2255

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/helpinghands.html

Heritage Preservation Inc.

A non-profit organization devoted to historical preservation in the Florence and Lauderdale County Alabama area. Contact Board President Billy Warren at bwarren@fcs.k12.al.us

Hospice of the Shoals

Hospice of the Shoals is a nonprofit organization caring for terminally ill patients in their homes in Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale counties. Volunteers are needed to do errands, light housework and provide companionship to patients and their families. (256) 767-6699

Mama’s Educational Turtle Haven and Rescue

Mama's Educational Turtle Haven and Rescue, a chartered and not-for-profit program, needs volunteers to bathe and oil large 200-pound tortoises, clean stalls in tortoise house, put down new bedding, weedeat and clean water and food dishes. The haven accepts all turtles, well or sick. There is a drop bucket at the haven at 157 E. Lee Ave., Florence. Debbie Marsh, (256) 764-5369.

Montreat

Montreat, a nonprofit organization and affordable housing community for people ages 62 or older who need an handicapped-accessible unit, needs volunteers to drive their handicapped-accessible van to recreational outings with the residents. Will work around volunteers' schedule. Mary Alice Brackin, (256) 767-2211, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments (NACOLG)

The Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments seeks volunteers for the State Health Insurance Program. The SHIP program utilizes volunteer counselors to provide senior citizens with information regarding health-insurance options. Volunteers are trained to provide materials and policy comparisons for individuals needing supplemental insurance, provide one-on-one counseling with individuals via phone or site visits and help promote this free service. (256) 389-0530.

The NACOLG SeniorRx Prescription Program assists low-income elderly complete necessary paperwork to qualify for free or low-cost life-sustaining medication. Volunteers needed to copy, file, do data entry and answer phones in the Florence, Phil-Campbell and Haleyville offices. (800) 243-5463 or (256) 389-0532.

 

Neighborhood Christian Center (Decatur)

Similar to the Help Center in Florence - food and other forms of assistance along with classes and training for clients. Tim & Pamela Bolding e-mail: boldingt@bellsouth.net. Phone: (256) 351-7633

 

Northwest Alabama Reading Aides

Northwest Alabama Reading Aides is a nonprofit United Way agency in need of volunteers to teach adults how to read. After completing a three-day training workshop to become familiar with the teaching material, volunteers are matched with an individual student at a convenient time to them both. They will meet twice a week for about 1 1/2 hours each session. Anne Jackson, (256) 766-5709

Northwest-Shoals Community College's Adult Education Program

Northwest-Shoals Community College's Adult Education Program is seeking volunteers to help adult learners, prepare for the GED, learn/strengthen reading skills, improve academic skills and study English as a second language. Volunteers are needed in both day and night classes. (256) 331-5440

Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS)

PAWS (Pets are Worth Saving) is dedicated to providing assistance to abandoned and abused pets in northwest Alabama. Through collaboration with other animal welfare organizations and shelters, PAWS seeks to implement innovative programs that will provide foster homes and promote adoptions. The organization also supports spay/neuter and other educational programs designed to teach citizens how to humanely care for their pets. PAWS' foster-care network needs volunteers to provide short-term, in-home care for friendly dogs and cats until they are adopted. All veterinary care is paid. shoalspaws.com or (256) 383-0690


Rape Response

Rape Response is a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping victims of sexual assault in Colbert, Lauderdale, Franklin, Marion and Lawrence counties. Volunteers are needed to answer 24 hour crisis line, assist with prevention programs and general office duties. Volunteer nurses are needed for examinations. Volunteers receive extensive training. (256) 765-0025

Rolling Riders


Rolling Riders is a therapeutic horseback-riding program for children and young adults with disabilities. Each rider needs three volunteers to assist during the weekly session. Volunteers require only a sense of safety and desire to work with children with special needs. Nancy Squires or Dee Musselman, (256) 740-8296

Safeplace Inc.

Safeplace Inc. provides services for victims of domestic violence in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties. Volunteers are needed in various capacities, including: answering the crisis line; child care and activities with children; tutoring; yard work and maintenance; secretarial, office work and bulk mailing; language interpretation; prevention programs; pick up and delivery of donations; court advocacy; speaking engagements; special event coordination; and other activities.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army needs volunteers to sort and size clothing, refinish and refurbish furniture and appliances, stock items and collect donations. Also needed: office receptionists, people to prepare food and grocery baskets and do maintenance work. (256) 764-4432

SHINE


Sheffield's improvement group, SHINE, promotes family-friendly events in Sheffield. SHINE has its monthly meetings at Sheffield City Hall and needs volunteers to help with events. Amy Holcomb, 314-1911

The Shoals Chapter Alabama Kidney Foundation

Contact:  Larry Newkirk at (256) 767-1391 or Lea Behel at (256) 757-7817.  A nonprofit organization that serves the Shoals in providing financial and emotional support and assistance to dialysis patients and transplant recipients and their families.

Shoals Area Tri-County Adult Program

Shoals Area Tri-County Adult Program trains volunteers to teach adults to read and assist with other skills, including letter-writing, job application, resume-writing and parenting skills. Donnie Sweeney or Sandy Mitchell, (256) 331-5438 or (256) 331-5440

St. Vincent  DePaul Thrift Store

St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store is a non-profit organization that sells donated items at a reasonable price. Surplus funds from the store are used to subsidize the utility and rent program administered by the St. Vincent DePaul Society. The society helps anyone in need regardless of race or religion. The store is at 659 S. Poplar St., Florence, off Veterans Drive, behind Jenkins Brick. Volunteers needed for pick up and deliveries. (256) 718-0901. For assistance with rent, utility bills and/or food, call (256) 718-0921.

Therapy Dog Inc.

Therapy Dog Inc. needs volunteer dog owners to visit area nursing homes and assisted-living facilities each first and second Tuesday. Dogs must pass temperament test and be at least one year old. (256) 760-1777
 

The Underwood Petersville Community Center

The Underwood Petersville Community Center needs volunteers to help with maintenance and upkeep of the building; help organize and serve at banquets catered at the center; assist with the center's monthly fundraising project, an all-you-can-eat breakfast the first Saturday of each month; and serve on the board of directors. (256) 764-1388

United Way

The United Way needs volunteers for activities throughout the year, especially for raising money and doing projects for needy individuals. (256) 740-0324

Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL)

VOCAL (Victims of Crime and Leniency) is a non-profit organization established for the purpose of improving the quality of justice for victims of crime. Volunteers are needed for victims' assistance, victims' advocacy and education and public awareness programs. Anyone who is a victim, a family member of a victim or an interested party of a victim is invited to attend VOCAL meetings. (256) 757-6149, evenings.
 

Wayne County 4-H

The Wayne County, Tenn., 4-H program is seeking volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of children. Volunteers are needed to meet with fourth- and fifth-grade 4-H clubs in Clifton, Collinwood and Waynesboro. Applicants will be screened. Training provided. Shaun Jackson, (931) 722-3229.