New office for Coming of Age/RSVP Johnson County

Shepherd's Center Central's Coming of Age/RSVP Johnson County is pleased to announce our new office location in the Carlsen Center of Johnson County Community College.  

JCCC has been a strong supporter and is a Founding Partner of the Coming of Age initiative.  Adding the RSVP program of Johnson County to Coming of Age offers many new opportunities for those 55+ volunteers and strategic community partners to work even more closely together for the benefit of the community.    

Stay tuned, the best of COA/RSVP JOCO is yet to come!  For more information, please contact  Sandra Aust, Director, Coming of Age: Kansas City:  Sandra@sccentral.org or 816-444-1121 X 109. 

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

To honor Dr. King on January 17, The Johnson County Library System and Shepherd’s Center Central’s Coming of Age/RSVP Johnson County initiative have come together.   Informing and educating ourselves, our children and grandchildren is vital to understanding the legacy and passion of this brave man who ultimately lost his life in the struggle.   In so doing, we believe that we might also be re-inspired to give more of our time and talents to our friends, neighbors and communities.  We are inviting everyone in Johnson County and beyond to join us!

Please see the following list of outstanding books and DVD’s for all ages (click continue reading).  Parents and grandparents will enjoy the selected works and those who lived through these turbulent times will personally remember much of what they read and see.  In addition, sharing the books and DVD’s created for younger children can be a perfect opportunity to also add one’s personal memories and perspective to the events of that era.  Long before the printed word, the oral history was the primary way these priceless stories were passed from one generation to another.  

Won't you join us in taking the opportunity to “Borrow a Book or DVD” to help increase knowledge, understanding and awareness of this pivotal time in our history?  Sharing one’s own perspective from one’s own life’s experience will make the learning all the more exciting.  How about a special book group?  How about preparing to truly enjoy the experiences which will be available during Black History Month in February? (see "quilters" link)

Click here www.jocolibrary.org/findagoodbook for details about how to reserve and borrow these special works AND www.comingofage.org/kansascity to learn more about the opportunities through the Johnson County Libraries and Coming of Age/RSVP Johnson County.  

JUMP IN!!!

Read more and view the book list from Johnson County Library by clicking on the link:

A New Year: Tips for Caregivers

As you make your plans for the next 12 months, keep these important tasks in mind:

• Everything in its place:  Designate a safe and secure location for your and your loved one's medications, health history and any other crucial personal information.
• When was that again? Note can't-miss dates like doctor's appointments, get-togethers with friends, and deadlines on a calendar you can easily access.
• Self-care:  Be the best caregiver possible by specifically scheduling some just-for-you time. Take a nap, see a movie, read a bestseller. Whatever you do, make sure to nurture your needs and watch out for your well-being.
• Use your resources:  Not only can you rely on the KC Caregiver Supportline for help, take advantage of kind family and friends who tell you to call when you need something. Accept their offers to pitch in and you'll both feel really good!

HomeConnect books-by-mail service of Johnson County has a new phone number.

If  you are unable to visit the Johnson County Library, staff can help you select books and deliver them in the mail through HomeConnect, a free books-by-mail delivery service.  To register for HomeConnect, ask questions or make requests regarding HomeConnect, call the phone number (913) 826-4600, ext. 64384 -- or press 3 on your phone and identify your need for HomeConnect.  Please note that we have a new phone system featuring a centralized call center.  For an online application, visit the Johnson County Library website, www.jocolibrary.org/homeconnect.  Select “Print Application Form” under “Enroll in HomeConnect”.

Is Your Organization Truly Effective?

By Pat Barber

Can you and your colleagues answer these five questions (and would you answer them the same way)?

1. What is our organization aiming to accomplish?
2. What are our strategies for making this happen?
3. What are our capabilities for doing this?
4. How will we know if we're making progress?
5. What have (and haven't) we accomplished so far?

Manager Communications and Marketing

Successfully advance the mission of Shepherd’s Center Central. Create and implement a strategic marketing and communications plan for the Center.

Responsibilites:

• Create, write and edit a variety of Center publications including newsletters, brochures, flyers, an annual report, and press releases.
• Maintain all aspects of digital media including websites, social media and e-newsletters.
• Assist media relations efforts by keeping an updated list of media contacts and establish relationships with local media.
• Maintain easy access to current photos and video of all programs and services of the Center
• Coordinate with Center program staff to strengthen marketing and communications strategy.

Full-time, Paid holidays, Paid vacation, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contribution by employer, 401-K contribution by employer.

Please email cover letter and resume to jwurth@sccentral.org.

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Volunteer for Literacy Kansas City

Literacy Kansas City has an immediate NEED for caring adults who want to CHANGE someone’s life!  Join our dynamic corps of VOLUNTEERS who deliver free, one-on-one and small group reading instruction to adults and teens.  VOLUNTEER Orientations are scheduled regularly. 

For more information, contact our volunteer coordinator Beth Seberger at 816-333-9332 or visit our website: www.literacykc.org.

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Coming of Age/RSVP Coordinator for Johnson County, KS

Coordinator will work with the Coming of Age team to strategically plan and manage all program operations of Coming of Age/RSVP Johnson County.

This is a full time, salaried position with benefits.

Coming of Age/RSVP Johnson County is a dynamic new initiative of Shepherd's Center Central and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

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ONE to ONE Challenge - Fall/Spring 2010 - 2011

Read one on one with 1st - 3rd graders from the Kansas City, MO School District as part of the Upper Room/Swope Corridor Renaissance After School Program.  

ONE to ONE Challenge: Give 1 hour, 1 day a week, tutoring a child one on one

Dates: January 10, 2011 - May 20, 2011

When: Monday - Thursday, 4:15 - 5:15 (varies by site)

Location: Swope Corridor Renaissance/Upper Room, Inc. 

Ages: Adults and Children ages 12 and up are welcome to participate!

Requirements: A background check is required for all participants 18 and up.  Complete form and send to Colleen McEvoy Schorgl at least 3 days before the day you tutor.  Fax: 816-926-9724 or Scan/Email: mcevoy.colleen@gmail.com.  

To view the website, click here. 

Signing up Multiple People: You can sign-up additional people by selecting the "Sign-up another person" button on the last page, before you "finalize and confirm." 

Program: Approximately 2,500 children attend the Upper Room's After School Program at no cost, as a way to meet and exceed their academic requirements during the school year.  The program uses Accelerated Reader books and relies on both certified teachers, youth counselors, and volunteer tutors.  The curriculum has been proven to raise reading levels by one full grade and is recognized by John Hopkins as one of the best programs in the nation.  Be a part of giving a hand up to these deserving kids!

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Shepherd's Center Central - Manager of Volunteers

Shepherd's Center Central is seeking a Manager of Volunteers to provide overall management of all volunteers associated with their programs and services.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Volunteer recruitment, training, orientation, coordination and recognition
• Follow through on volunteer security checks and maintain volunteer database
• Identify and network with possible sources of volunteers (neighborhood groups, service clubs, youth organizations and business groups).
• Attend and speak at appropriate group gatherings regarding volunteer opportunities
• Primary coordinator of MOW program on day to day basis – support volunteer team leaders
• Shared responsibility for Adventures in Learn- working directly with volunteers
• Support Volunteer manager of Wheels that Care program
• Responsible for Volunteer Manual – Policies and Procedures/Volunteer Application
• Develop and maintain volunteer job descriptions

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree and three or more years experience managing and working with volunteers
• Strong administrative and problem solving skills
• Overall knowledge and understanding of volunteer supervision and volunteerism
• Ability and desire to work as part of a team. 

Full-time, Paid holidays, Paid vacation, Flexible Spending Account(FSA) contribution by employer, 401-K contribution by employer.

Please email cover letter and resume to jwurth@sccentral.org.

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Road to Recovery Volunteer Driver

The American Cancer Society is currently seeking volunteer drivers for their Road to Recovery program. The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program provides transportation for cancer patients to and from related medical/treatment appointments. Rides are provided by volunteer drivers who donate their time and the use of their personal vehicle.

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American Cancer Society needs administrative volunteers!