Manageable Opportunities

Clearinghouse/Office

Volunteer for one or more 2-4 hour shifts per week to:

• Do telephone assessment interviews with those requesting assistance (script provided)

Work with triage team to prayerfully resource needs through churches/community agencies

• Be on call to meet immediate needs (transportation, donation delivery)
• Make home visits (with 1-2 others) to better assess situations, offer prayer/support, extend friendship
• Assist with various office tasks or projects or with volunteer coordination

The Love Seat Furniture Bank and Resale Store

• Pick up and deliver donated furniture (once per month or quarter, individually or with group)
• Volunteer in the resale store or help with periodic warehouse sales
• Build simple high demand furniture items (bunk bed frames, shelves)
• Repair or clean donated items (furniture, bicycles, appliances)
• Join development team to expand job training and transitional employment

Living Large for Real Life Skills/Spiritual Development Classes (Thursday evenings at Calvary Baptist)

• Teach one class or a short series (wide range of topics - your hobbies, skills, knowledge)
• Provide childcare one or more weeks or provide activity materials or treats
• Provide transportation for participants one or more weeks (church vans available or use own vehicle)

Budgeting and Parenting Support (at Love INC office, Living Large or setting of choice)

• Teach a class or series using materials available through Love INC
• Meet one on one with someone requesting help (materials provided)

Extra Mile Mentoring Program

• Meet weekly with one or more individuals to provide goal setting and financial management mentoring
• Applicants are well-screened and have demonstrated that they are serious about wanting  to move forward
• Curriculum including point system and clear guidelines for continuing in the program provided
• Team support from Love INC staff and experienced volunteers

Employment Search Support

• Join our team of job search instructors who teach one or more classes each semester at Living Large for Real (curriculum available).
• Provide individualized encouragement to one or more job seekers (help filling out applications, developing resumes, finding job leads and networking.
• Form a team to start a job club at your church (training material provided).

GED Tutoring and Education Advancement Support

• Tutor one or more students in one or more subjects (materials and training provided, can be offered at our office, Living Large or setting of choice.
• Assist one or more individuals with career exploration, applying to college

Love a Family or Neighborhood

• Training and support is available to create a one-time experience or an ongoing relationship - great opportunity for your family or small group

Join a Coalition to Assist a Special Population

• Columbia Christian Reentry Coalition (helping ex-offenders transitions back to the community, monthly meeting, individual mentoring opportunities)
• uMOja Refugee Support Network (internet connected volunteers offering help in a variety of ways)
• Health Care (emerging coalition to provide a strategic and coordinated response to unmet needs)

Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Board member (monthly meeting, involvement in one service area)
• Church liaison (serve as communication link to your church)

Start or Support a Church Gap Ministry

• Ask for our list of identified unmet needs or share with us your idea.  We may be able to connect you with others who have a similar interest.
• Ask for our list of churches that have ministries that could use donations or volunteers.

Communication and Events

• Help with communication with partner churches and the community (writing, photography, video) to tell "love stories" of lives touched and raise community awareness about local poverty/unmet needs
• Assist with one or more events (volunteer appreciation, youth pastor gatherings, citywide conference on poverty, fundraisers).

Group Projects

• Many of the manageable opportunities listed above can be done as a group.  We would love to match your group with a person in need or a beneficial project.  We could also suggest some awareness raising ideas like taking your group on a bus ride or provide you with a guest speaker who can share their experience.

Drives and Distribution

• Host a drive for The Love Seat:  furniture, housewares, decorative items, books, bicycles, baby items, appliances, clothing and any items that can be resold to provide funds for the ministry.
• Collect specific items that can be distributed through The Love Seat or by your church or group:  kitchen or bathroom items, items not covered by food stamps (hygiene and cleaning supplies, diapers and wipes, paper good).  Create a "closet" at your church that Love INC can send screened individuals with vouchers to or receive names for delivery.
• Collect or make items to give to Living Large or Extra Mile participants (store coupons, planners, warm winter accessories, Bibles or inspirational material - use your imagination).
• Collect items for holiday food baskets or birthday party boxes to give to families who cannot afford such extras.

We want to find the perfect match with your interests, talents and time.  Contact us at 573.256.7662 Ext 21 or office@columbialoveinc.org or learn more at www.columbialoveinc.org.  References are required and volunteer training is available for all positions.