Agency: Independence Inc.

Address: 2001 Haskell Avenue

Contact: Susan Mikesic, 842-0333

Independence Inc., the independent living resource center, seeks volunteers for two unique programs: Volunteer readers for people who are blind, and volunteer peer counselors are people with disabilities who offer their assistance to others with disabilities. Volunteers provide advocacy, information, training, emotional support and serve as role models for others. Volunteer readers are matched to a person with vision impairment for a weekly visit to read mail and other documents for them.

Immediate volunteer needs

• Douglas County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) has announced upcoming training classes for new volunteers. CASA volunteers are trained to advocate for children who have been abused or neglected and are under protection of the juvenile court. The advocates are appointed by the judge to meet regularly with the child, review records and talk to everyone involved in the child’s case. The advocates monitor the situation so the child remains safe until a permanent resolution is reached and make recommendations to the judge to promote the child’s best interests. Training for new volunteers will begin Feb. 15 and will entail eight sessions lasting three hours each. Prospective volunteers should contact the office for an application by Feb. 1. Please call 832-5172 or e-mail casa@douglas-county.com for more information.
• Van Go Mobile Arts is beginning a new art project, and adult volunteers who can sew are needed. This project will run from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. today through Thursday at the Van Go facility at 715 N.J. Volunteers may help as little as one afternoon of this project. Volunteers who can bring sewing machines also are needed. In February, volunteers with artistic painting skills will be needed to work with youths on a mural project. For more information, call Mandy at Van Go, 842-3797.
• Lawrence Transit needs volunteers for the “T” Ambassadors program. “T” Ambassadors help to make Lawrence a more accessible community by assisting riders in the “T” Time travel training program and teaching them how to use the transit system and navigate routes. Volunteers may commit to just a few hours for the program. Volunteers must be at least age 16, enjoy being with people and support public transportation. For more information, call Rachel Cornish at the Lawrence Transit System, 832-3471.