Fall 2016 Potential Community Partners MONT 104D

Community Partner Time Frame Sign-Up African Community Education Monday- Thursday, 3-6pm (for one 2-hour CBL Fair (ACE) time block) Ascentria Care Alliance – Services Various days and times (Monday-Friday CBL Fair for New Americans only) Ascentria Care Alliance – Wednesday, 3:30-5p; or every other CBL Fair Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Thursday, 4-7p Program (for students in a Spanish CBL course) Marie Anne Center Monday-Thursday, 2-5p (for one 2-hour CBL Fair time block) Notre Dame Health Care Center Weekdays or weekends, 1:30p – 3:30p CBL Fair (additional times as needed) (for one 2- hour time block) Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Monday-Friday, 10a-4p (for one 2- or 3- CBL Fair Center (RIAC) hour time block) Seven Hills Family Services Monday-Thurs, 5 -8p (for one 2-hour time Office block) St. Mary Health Care Center Every day, 10a-4p (for one 1.5-2 hour time CBL Fair block) Woodland Academy Monday-Friday, 8a-2p (for one 2-hour time Office block) WPS Transition Program Monday- Friday, 9a-1p (for one 2-hour CBL Fair time block)

African Community Education http://www.acechildren.org/ 24 Chatham St. Worcester

Staff Contact: Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] 508-799-3653

Organization Description: The African Community Education Program (ACE) has a mission to assist African refugee and immigrant youth and families in achieving educational and social stability through access to academic support, leadership development, cultural expression, and community outreach in Worcester, MA. ACE focuses its attention on recent refugees and immigrants, especially those coming from countries of conflict. ACE students are English Language Learners with limited or interrupted formal education, are low-income, and adjusting to American educational culture. CBL Opportunities

After School Program Volunteer:

Our After-School program combines homework tutoring and extracurricular activities to provide students in Grades 5-12 with supportive, structured, enriched learning opportunities during out- of-school hours. The goals of the After School Program: (1) provide a structured environment for students to receive academic support and assistance to complete homework & engage in academic enrichment; (2) provide interactive extracurricular and recreational activities that enrich students’ academic, social-emotional, and physical well-being.

Volunteers commit to at least 2 hours/week for at least 1 semester to serve as academic tutors and activity assistants. Volunteers assist students with their homework assignments, projects, and academic enrichment and guide them to become independent learners. Volunteers also assist extracurricular, gym, and leadership activities to guide students to engage in learning, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and develop positive leadership skills. Volunteers must be flexible to work with one student or in a small group as needed. Volunteers may state preference for age/grade level and academic subject, which ACE tries to honor.

When: Monday- Thursday, 3:00-5:45pm. September 6, 2016 – June 8, 2017 (aligned to the Worcester Public Schools calendar)

Pre-service Requirements: Volunteer Application & Emergency Contact Form; CORI form & photocopy of photo ID; & attend a 2 Hour New Volunteer Orientation

Volunteers needed: 10-15

Ascentria Care Alliance - Services for New Americans Program http://www.ascentria.org/our-services/services-new-americans 11 Shattuck Street, Worcester MA 01605 Hours: Monday – Friday; 8:30am – 5:00pm

Staff Contact: Beth Singley, Resource Developer [email protected] Office: 774-243-3027, Cell: 508-468-7622

Organization Description: Ascentria Care Alliance is one of the largest social service organizations in New England. Ascentria serves children, youth and families; persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness & deafness; refugees, including unaccompanied refugee minors; and older adults.

The Services for New Americans program provides resettlement services for refugees of all ages fleeing conflict and oppression in their homeland. We offer client-centered assistance that includes: Case management; Education classes & tutoring; Employment assistance; Legal Assistance; Microenterprise development; and New Lands Farm for refugee & immigrant farmers.

CBL Opportunities: Ascentria hopes for a group of HC tutors (see ESOL Tutor and Computer Tutor) and will pick the time that works for most of the students’ schedules (most likely in the afternoon). If this time does not work for some students, students can serve as a Class Aide (see the Class Aide description below).

Education Class Aide: The Education department offers a variety of classes, including ESL, ESL literacy, and ESOL on a variety of levels, Math, Financial Literacy, Computer Literacy, and Health Careers. Classes are Thursdays from 12p-2p. New students are assessed for their education level and assigned to the appropriate class. Education Class Aides assist the classroom teacher once a week with either a morning or afternoon class. Aides work under the direction of the teacher to prepare classroom materials and equipment and assist students with classwork as needed.

ESOL Tutor: Ascentria clients have varying levels of English, education, and literacy. ESOL tutors meet with clients once a week to provide one-to-one practice sessions for English language tutoring and homework help to improve the clients’ English skills.

Computer Tutor: Ascentria has a new computer lab! Under the direction of the computer teacher, tutors will provide one-to-one assistance with clients who have varying levels of computer literacy.

For all positions, volunteers will generally assist one time per week for 2-3 hours.

Pre-service Requirements: Ascentria requires commitment and confidentiality regarding our clients. All volunteers/interns must fill out the Volunteer Application form, as well as a CORI background check, and attend an Orientation/training session on Tuesday, September 20th from 4-5:30p. Ascentria staff will review applications and select volunteers based on the needs of our clients. Ability to speak other languages is a plus, but not required.

Volunteers Needed: 6-8

Ascentria Care Alliance - Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program http://www.ascentria.org/refugee-youth

Staff Contact: Kristen Penkala [email protected] 774-243-3065 (office phone) 774-437-8895 (work cell) 11 Shattuck Street, Worcester MA 01605

Organization Description: Ascentria Care Alliance is one of the largest social service organizations in New England. Ascentria serves children, youth and families; persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness and deafness; persons who are economically disadvantaged; refugees, including unaccompanied refugee minors; and older adults. Unaccompanied Refugee Minors are children under the age of 18 who are resettled alone in the United States, without a parent, relative, or other responsible adult to take care of them. The URM program is a long-term foster care program that serves youth with comprehensive services designed to assist with their resettlement and adjustment to their new culture, provide for them while they pursue educational goals, and prepare them for eventual independence. Services are tailored to the needs of refugee youth, blending their cultural identity with their new American environment.

CBL Opportunities: Afterschool Tutoring Program Meeting once a week, CBL volunteers provide homework help, English language tutoring, Spanish grammar and writing tutoring, and mentorship to the Ascentria youth. The tutoring program meets on Wednesdays from 3:30-5pm at the Ascentria office. The program needs approximately 10 tutors to work with Spanish-speaking adolescents. Volunteers must be comfortable conversing and writing in Spanish and English. Ascentria clients have varying levels of English, education, and literacy. Ascentria requires a high level of commitment and confidentiality regarding our clients. An outgoing personality will also be useful in this role in order to engage your partner effectively. An application and CORI background check are required and volunteers must attend an orientation session before beginning. Ascentria staff will review applications and select volunteers based on the needs of our clients.

One on One Mentorship Program Ascentria is seeking committed volunteers to act as mentors to individual clients. Mentors will meet with their mentees biweekly at Holy Cross (exact location TBD) to provide friendly support, assistance in completing Independent Living Skills work, English conversation, and be a positive role model. Mentors and mentees will first meet in a large group and then break off into pairs during the rest of the time. Mentors will then gather at the end of each session for a brief reflection and debrief. Student volunteers will be in close communication with the Ascentria caseworkers responsible for assigned client to communicate the needs of client. Volunteers must assume a great deal of initiative and commitment. An application, CORI background check and initial meeting are required before a volunteer is selected and matched with a client. This opportunity is open to 5-10 volunteers. Volunteers would be required to meet with client twice a month (Thursdays from 4-7p) and commit to the client for two semesters (one full school year). Competent Spanish is a requirement.

Pre-Service Requirements: Application Form, CORI, Orientation

Marie Anne Center www.marieannecenter.org St. Bernard Church, 236 Lincoln Street, Worcester

Staff Contacts: Sister Michèle Jacques, Director 508-736-6986 [email protected]

Ms. Fleurimonde Jean-Pierre, Assistant Director 508-425-9254

Organization Description: Marie Anne Center (MAC), a ministry of the Sisters of Saint Anne, is located in the lower level of St. Bernard Church on Lincoln Street in Worcester, MA. The Center addresses educational and spiritual needs of families and provides basic education and living skills for people who would otherwise not have access to them.

Special attention is given to families living within its multi-ethnic neighborhood.

Opened in April 2001, the Marie Anne Center offers a variety of activities, including after-school tutoring, a computer lab with Internet access, English as a Second Language classes, sewing classes, yoga classes, art and music classes, Teen Talk, and a police/clergy mentoring program.

The work of the Center is carried out primarily by the Sisters of St. Anne and associates, as well as others from the region, under the direction of Sister Michèle Jacques, a Sister of Saint Anne.

The Marie Anne Center hosts a variety of programs and classes for children/youth, teenagers, and adults in the Worcester area. In particular, the Center caters to the needs of families and individuals living in surrounding multi-ethnic neighborhoods.

CBL Opportunities: After-school Program On Mondays through Thursdays from 2:30 to 5:30 pm, students from the neighborhood receive individual tutoring by Marie Anne Center staff, high school and college students and other dedicated volunteers. Volunteers are needed once per week for a 2-3 hour time slot. Volunteers are invited to tutor, and/or teach/assist with art, music, and dance classes.

Pre-Service Requirements: CORI, Safe Environment Training

Volunteers Needed: 6-8 (2 per day)

Notre Dame Health Care Center http://www.notredamehealthcare.org/ 559 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605

Site Contacts: Linda Corby, Volunteer Coordinator (contact for Hospice program) [email protected] 508-852-5505

Organization Description: The Notre Dame Long Term Care Center (NDLTCC) provides nursing facility services to approximately 85 lay people and 37 retired religious Sisters of Notre Dame. It offers dementia specialty care to 41 individuals who receive additional sensory and tactile-based activity programming to help address their unique needs. The ages of our residents range from 65 to 100, with the average age being in their mid-eighties.

Any student who may be willing to offer one-to-one visits, share their special musical or artistic talents, or work with a group of elders are invited to consider Notre Dame as a place in which to give to others. Any amount of time given by a student is appreciated, as it enriches the lives of elderly residents who live here.

CBL Opportunities:

Friendly Visitor: This position includes offering one to one visits to elders in need of companionship. Offer an opportunity to share memories, and /or review current events, play chess, checkers, cards or cribbage.

Art Volunteer: If you have a special artistic talent, or would like to help an elder explore their own hidden artistic talent, volunteer opportunities are available. There are a number of residents who would like to improve or even learn new skills, regardless of their age.

Music Volunteer: Do you play a musical instrument or are you a member of a musical group? Share your talents by entertaining a group of residents who will treasure the opportunity to awaken their senses.

Namaste group assistant: This position includes 1:1 visits with residents who are not able to participate in group activities due to advanced stage of disease (end of life) and would benefit from 1:1 sensory stimulation like: hand massage, simple conversation, aroma therapy, spending time outdoors (weather permitting), and relaxing music.

The best times to volunteer are between 1:30p-3:30p on weekdays and weekends for 1.5 hours minimum. In some cases, students may be able to schedule one-to-one visits in the morning.

Pre-service Requirements: CORI form, Volunteer application, Orientation, TB or PPD test (two times), Flu shot (once the shot becomes available; volunteers can choose to wear a surgical mask during each visit if flu shot documentation cannot be found)

Number of Volunteers Needed: 4-5

Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC) http://www.riacboston.org/ 340 Main St, Suite 802, Worcester, MA 01608

Staff Contact: Ahmed Al Rubaye, Office Manager [email protected] 508-756-7557/ 508-926-8969

Organization Description: RIAC is a non-profit human service agency that provides comprehensive services to refugees and immigrants, including resettlement, counseling, cultural assimilation, job counseling, and social services. The Worcester Office has an employment program that introduces clients to industries with job opportunities in Worcester, helps them to develop job-related skills and language capabilities, and guides clients through the job search process.

CBL Opportunities: The Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center is looking for students to assist with the many services they offer to refugees through the U.S. Refugee Program (USRP). Depending on students' interest and availability, there are opportunities to providing ESL tutoring, teaching basis computer skills, engaging with refugee families on issues related to their orientation to life in the United States, assisting case managers as needed. Our student volunteers are encouraged to enrich our refugees by sharing any special talent such as art, music, or sewing. Some knowledge of French will be useful, but is not required. The Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center is looking for students who can commit to a regular 2-3 hour shift each week. Hours are flexible, but should fall on a weekday between 10:00 and 4:00. The best times to volunteer are between 10a and 2p. If students can volunteer for a 4-hour shift every other week, that is preferred (this must be cleared by the student’s professor, as well).

Pre-service requirements: Confidentiality agreement, Resume Submission, copy of photo ID

Volunteers needed: 5 -10

Seven Hills Family Services www.sevenhills.org

Staff Contact: Jennifer Bergstrom, Therapeutic Recreation Director [email protected] 508-796-1861 799 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

ASPiRE-150 Goddard Memorial Drive Worcester, MA

Organization Description: Seven Hills Family Service provides a continuum of support to families who face significant challenges when caring for loved ones with disabilities. Seven Hills offers regular opportunities for individuals and their families to participate in organized activities outside of the home and learn skills to further enrich their lives and foster their independence. The social interaction they experience plays an important role in the individual’s recognition of others’ needs, sharing, friendship and acceptance.

CBL Opportunities: Students will have an opportunity to participate in one of the Recreation Department Happenings. Programs are designed for members of the Seven Hills community and their caregivers to attend together, so only 2-3 students are needed for each program. The schedule has not been released for the programs yet, but expect to serve for a 1.5 to 2-hour block on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evening, or weekends. Times for classes are usually between 6 and 8p. It is preferred that the student assist with set up and clean up as needed for each class.

Examples of past programming are:

Healthy Hills Program: A nutrition, health and cooking program for adults with disabilities and their caretakers. Topics will include healthy eating habits, portion control, cooking demonstrations, the importance of physical activity along with nutrition and exercise games.

Music Therapy: Class uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages, making use of improvisation, receptive listening, song writing, or lyric discussion depending on the assessed needs of the students.

Arts Enrichment: Using a wide variety of media(fabrics, beads, wood, glass, papier-mache, clay etc.) design and craft items that are undeniable YOU! No experience? No problem! Bring your enthusiasm and an apron to class and get creative while making new friends.

Creative Art on Canvas: You will learn and/or improve your skills in a variety of mediums including acrylics, watercolor, pastels, mosaic, decoupage etc., all on canvas, perfect for framing, mounting or gifting. Step by Step instruction will lead you to a masterpiece. Creative Art is for artists of all abilities.

Fitness Fun is easy to follow and consists of sports and athletic drills for agility and cardiovascular training as well as dance moves for pure fun! Although each class will be a bit different there will be, 1 min timed drills, stations and the use of chairs and bands. Class will end on the mat with some Pilates/Yoga poses for relaxation and core (Abs/Back) work each class. Don’t forget to bring a yoga mat and to wear aerobics style clothing (no jeans please).

Splash Time (Sundays): Family swim time for kids with disabilities and their siblings ages 4- 12. Swimmers have the option to learn basic swimming skills and have free time. Classes are held at the Greendale YMCA’s main pool.

Workshops-various one time workshops throughout the year. Woodshop, cake/cupcake decorating, legos, flower arranging, coloring etc Zumba: Ages 7-12 Zumba® Kids classes feature kid-friendly routines based on original Zumba® choreography. We break down the steps, add games, activities and cultural exploration elements into the class structure. Zumba® Kids helps develop a healthy lifestyle and incorporate fitness as a natural part of children's lives by making fitness fun. Classes incorporate key childhood development elements like leadership, respect, team work, confidence, self-esteem, memory, creativity, coordination, cultural awareness Ages 13-18 6 Zumba® is perfect for everybody and every body. Class is designed to bring people together to sweat it on. We take the "work" out of workout, by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party. Once the Latin and World rhythms take over, you'll see why Zumba® Fitness classes are often called exercise in disguise. Super effective? Check. Super fun? Check and check. A total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, boosted energy and a serious dose of awesome each time you leave class. Pre-Service Requirements: CORI Form and Volunteer Application

Volunteers Needed: 2-4

St. Mary Health Care Center http://stmaryhc.com/ 39 Queen St. Worcester

Staff Contact: Sandra (Sandy) Geller, Activities Director [email protected] [email protected] Work: 508-753-4791 Cell: 508-259-6850

Organization Description: St. Mary Health Care Center, a Catholic rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility, was established as a continuing expression of the vision of St. Marguerite d'Youville, foundress of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, the "Grey Nuns." In the spirit of Marguerite, whose legacy we share, we seek to "‘bring the miracle of LOVE to all’” through compassionate care.

In partnership with others committed to providing holistic and inclusive care for all, we develop innovative and creative means to enhance the physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being of those we serve.

CBL opportunities: CBL students will have an opportunity to be matched with a St. Mary's resident, to help run an activity such as art, music, games, etc. Students will visit St. Mary's once per week to have conversations, play games, or participate in an activity, based on both individuals' interests. The schedule is flexible (approximately 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, including weekends, but not during the 11:30a-12:30p lunch hour), based on students' availability. Most volunteers should expect to serve 1.5 hours per week minimum (including travel and settling in time).

Pre-service Requirement: CORI form, Volunteer application, TB or PPD test, Flu shot, Orientation (1-hour orientations will take place on Sunday, 9/11 between 9a and 1p; Monday, 9/12 between 1p and 4p; and Saturday, 9/24 between 9a and 2p)

Woodland Academy http://woodland.worcesterschools.org/

Staff Contact: Sarah Belisea Wraparound Coordinator [email protected] Organization Description: Woodland Academy is a preschool through grade six, public elementary school in the Main South neighborhood of Worcester. The school currently serves a community of learners who are classified as 92.7% minority. Our community includes: • 73% Latino • 10% Asian • 9% African American • 8% White • 57% English Language Learners • 15% Special Education • 97% Free or Reduced Lunch

Our vision is that students and teachers of Woodland Academy will engage in focused, Common Core teaching and learning with the critical goal of increasing student achievement. This effort is supported by a professional learning community, which fosters collaborative learning among and between teacher teams. Our school wide focus is to ensure students are able to read grade level texts with joy, understanding, and engagement across all areas of the curriculum. A systematic approach to time on learning driven by research based instruction will enable students who require additional supports and interventions to achieve success. We are committed to providing all students and families with a challenging educational experience in order to maximize individual learning and growth and promote the development of critical thinking skills.

CBL Opportunities: Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday, throughout the school day 8:00am - 2:13pm (except for Wednesdays after 12p), to support classroom instruction and provide additional support for students who may benefit from one-to-one academically based interaction. In addition, there may be opportunities for volunteers to support various after-school programs currently underway. No academic expertise is required; only enthusiasm and a commitment to working with young people in a friendly, respectful, and supportive environment. Pre-service Requirements: CORI form

Number of Volunteers Needed: 5-10

Worcester Public School: Transition Program

Staff Contact: Judy Freedman Fask, WPS Transition Rehabilitation Specialist [email protected], [email protected] School: 508 922-3450, Cell: 508 335-3903 Sites TBD

Organization Description: The Worcester Public Schools (WPS) Transition program provides necessary training to 18-22 year old students with a wide range of challenges (including but not limited to: Autism spectrum, developmental delays, intellectual challenges, behavior and emotional challenges, cognitive challenges, medical challenges, etc). The goal of the program is to encourage and promote the empowerment of people with significant challenges so that each may pursue their highest possible degree of personal well-being and independence. Programs encourage and prepare students to be life-long learners, promote self- sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, and enhance personal choice. Goals also include preparation for employment in the community.

CBL Opportunities: This is an opportunity for college students to work with a population of individuals in a unique way. We welcome YOUR expertise to create a unique and inclusive project in our program! We also have opportunities for students who are skilled in other languages (Spanish, ASL, etc) to communicate with our population in their native languages. College students will be involved in developing specific projects/tasks that address target areas for the WPS students and have a direct connection with the content of their CBL course. Examples: College students might serve as a mentor, provide career development assistance, tutor, develop and teach modules that address specific goals in areas of academics, daily living skills, independence, health, nutrition and exercise, social skills, job readiness, identifying & accessing community resources. If College students have a particular skill that they would like to share, they can design swim lessons, hip-hop classes, theater groups, music instruction, tennis etc. for individuals who may otherwise not have access to these activities.

Check out “Tap into your Potential” ( www. youtube .com/watch?v=O9UfrKR8CZQ).

Young Adults in the WPS Transition program follow a typical school day calendar: Monday- Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at a location to be determined depending on the specific involvement. Sites can be in the community or at HC College. College students can also arrange a CBL to accompany the WPS Transition youth in the afternoons or evening for a program in the community (ie: theatre, recreational, etc)

Pre-Service Requirements: CORI Form, meeting with Judy Fask