Volunteer Spotlight:
The Junior League of Wilmington
The Junior League of Wilmington is an organization of over 500 women who are dedicated to improving Delaware communities with volunteering and community service. Every three years, the JLW adopts a new signature project to focus on. Recently, West End Neighborhood House was thrilled to learn that the JLW has chosen to work with our Life Lines program, which helps former foster care youth adapt to adult independence after aging out of the foster care system at 18.
In May, League members helped Life Lines bring Emma’s House, their most recent renovated home, to life by purchasing new bed linens, bathroom accessories, wall art and window treatments for the home. The following Saturday, League members and their families landscaped the exteriors of four West End Neighborhood house properties with new plants, garden stones and outdoor furniture.
Throughout the duration of the JLW’s commitment, League members will assist West End in refurbishing, landscaping and maintaining these four houses to provide a comfortable, safe environment for Life Lines residents. The League will also provide a series of life-skills seminars for the houses’ residents. This work will be funded through the fundraising efforts of the JLW, with more than $90,000 projected for the project through 2011.
For more information about the Wilmington Junior League, visit them online at www.jrleaguewilm.org.
Volunteer and Employment Opportunities
No matter what your age or interests are, West End has the right volunteer opportunity for you. We welcome any time commitment you can make to our organization and its customers. Below is a list of volunteer positions we are consistently filling. If your ideal opportunity is not listed, get creative and contact us with an idea of how you would like to help.
- Tutoring/mentoring (youth up to age 21)
- Food and Clothes Closet
- Special events (such as Taste of Little Italy or Santa’s Workshop)
- Athletic coaching
- Arts & crafts
- Chaperone/leader for youth activities
- General administrative work
- House and yard work
- Marketing
- Fundraising (including group sponsored activities)
- Executive leadership and board membership
- Individual program advisory committee membership
- Loan Review Committee membership
Internships
West End continuously offers unpaid internships for students and individuals interested in learning more about social service, non-profits or one of our specific programs. We are currently seeking interns for the following positions:
- Communications and Marketing Intern
- Development and Fundraising Intern
- Financial Services and Family Management Intern
- GED Instruction Intern (reading and/or math)
For more information about volunteering or interning at West End, contact Molly Keresztury at . If you are interested in applying for an internship, please send her a cover letter stating which internship you are interested in and a copy of your resume.
Employment Opportunities
Summer Camp Counselor In Training (CIT)
West End’s CIT program is designed to provide 13 and 14 year olds with leadership training to prepare them to work as Camp Counselors. Year one applicants must be 13 years of age or must have completed grade 7. Year two applicants must have completed year one as well as be 14 years of age or have completed grade 8 by the start of the camp session.
West End will only accept 30 applications. To be considered, please return the attached form to West End with three references from individuals such as coaches, teachers, clergy and counselors. References from family members and friends will not be accepted.
Youth Program Coordinator
West End Neighborhood House seeks an evening part-time coordinator for our Youth Services program. This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with kids and make an impact in their lives. Applicants with experience silk-screening t-shirts are preferred. Please forward your resume to TCollins@westendnh.org, or fax it to 302-888-5314 ATTN: Tanny.
Become an Americorps VISTA Volunteer
West End is currently looking for energetic and creative individuals to serve as an Americorps VISTA member on-site at West End Neighborhood House. If you want to help fight poverty and participate on the Delaware Foster Youth Mentoring Program development team – which will include helping with program implementation, recruitment, screening, training and matching mentors with former foster care youth – than this is the right volunteer position for you. If you are interested in joining this worthwhile effort, please contact Hayley Schmittinger at 302-658-4171 or hschmittinger@westendnh.org.
For more information, visit the Americorps VISTA program’s website.
Case Manager for current/former foster care youth
The Life Lines program at West End is currently seeking a case manager to work with 16-21 year old current/former foster care youth. See the attached job description for more details. Please send a resume and cover letter to Hayley Schmittinger: hschmittinger@westendnh.org.