Agency: Willow Domestic Violence Center

Contact: Becca Burns at 331-2034, extension 104, or bburns@willowdvcenter.org

The Willow Domestic Violence Center works toward the elimination of violence in our communities. The Willow has an immediate need for two advocates to commit to serving Jefferson County once a month by travelling to Jefferson County to inform the community of Willow services.

This will entail posting fliers and general information in public locations such as gas stations, grocery stores, community meeting halls, libraries, etc. The Willow will also be offering its spring training for direct and non-direct service volunteers starting April 2. Non-direct service work includes administrative office assistance, community education, marketing and publicity, and special events and projects, requiring approximately 6 hours of volunteer training.

Direct service work includes shelter advocacy, community-based advocacy, court advocacy, and child activities assistance, requiring 40 hours of training. For more information, contact Becca Burns at 331-2034, extension 104 or email bburns@willowdvcenter.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County provides one-to-one relationships for children facing adversity. BBBS is looking for volunteers to assist with its fund raising event, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, on April 11 and 12, at Royal Crest Lanes, 933 Iowa St. Volunteers are needed to assist bowlers during the bowling sessions by collecting T-shirts for the team members. A few greeters are needed as well. Sessions will run on April 11 and April 12, at 4-5:30 p.m., 6 – 7:30 p.m. and 8- 9:30 p.m. Contact Stacie Salverson-Schroeder at 843-7359, extension 112, or email sschroeder@ksbbbs.org to volunteer.

Hidden Valley Camp is a 40-acre semi-primitive urban wilderness camp in the heart of Lawrence. On April 12, (rain date of April 13), Friends of Hidden Valley will sponsor a workday at the camp. Volunteers of all ages are invited to help in spring maintenance tasks to prepare the camp for another year of use by local Girl Scouts and other youth groups. Tasks include prairie and garden maintenance, campsite cleanup and renovations, litter pickup, clearing encroaching growth and many other projects. Sign in at the main parking lot. Tools and gloves provided, as well as ice water and refreshments. No special skills are needed (unless you are bringing a chainsaw), and there will be projects for all ages. Volunteers should dress in layers for the outdoors, and must wear durable, totally enclosed shoes. Insect repellent and sunscreen are advised. Please bring a water bottle or cup. Parking is limited, so please carpool if you can. All participants must sign a Hold Harmless Waiver. No unaccompanied minors please. (Exception: teens 15 years and above may make prior arrangements to request a waiver by email to be signed by their parent/guardians and brought to the event.) For more information, contact Durand Reiber at 865-4657 or email durandi@sunfower.com.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County provides one-to-one relationships for children facing adversity. Are you looking to make a difference in the life of a young boy in our community? For a few hours, a couple times a month, you can give a “little” the invaluable gift of your friendship. Big Brothers is looking for a dependable and responsible male 18 or older who will enjoy spending time with a 13-year-old boy who likes to read, play the oboe and play football. He is a good listener and a very thoughtful young person. To make a difference in the life of this young man, please contact Stacie Salverson-Schroeder at 843-7359, extension 112, or email sschroeder@ksbbbs.org.

For more volunteer opportunities, contact Shelly Hornbaker at the United Way Roger Hill Volunteer Center at 865-5030 or at volunteer@rhvc.org or go to www.volunteerdouglascounty.org.