Friday, May 11, 2012

We need Saturday volunteers!

Greetings!

We're recruiting again for volunteers to help with teaching our Saturday morning refugee ESL class at Grace Apartments during June, July, and August! Might you have an interest? It’s such a great way to get involved and to make a difference, to join a vibrant community, and to feel like you’re living internationally even in your own backyard! 
Grace Apartments is located on the corner of 13th Avenue and Yosemite Street, on the east side of Denver, just north of Lowry (8888 E. 13th Ave.). Class is in session on Saturday mornings from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. 

We have been successfully holding classes for the past seven years, with regular attendance at around 20 women per week.  Some weeks we’ve taught all of the ladies together with one lead teacher.  An ideal week has us working with as many as four volunteers, which gives us the flexibility to separate into four smaller groups:

  • Beginning
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced (small group; will meet in the office area)
  • Children (someone mostly to quietly read with the youth)

 If you’d like to volunteer this summer, let us know:

  • specific dates you’re free;
  • which group(s) you'd be most comfortable with;
  • whether you’re comfortable leading a group on your own or if you want to partner with another volunteer who has more experience;
  • whether you have experience teaching esl (though it’s not necessary!)
  • your primary hopes for your participation;
  • whether you’d be interested in receiving training through Emily Griffith Opportunity School’s at home refugee ESL program;
  • any other info you think important to share;
  • any questions you’ve got; 
  • Your cell number and best email contact.

We are still coordinating curriculum for the summer, though are planning to cover these topics:
  • Beginning of May: Community, including bank/post
  • Mid-May: Transportation (2 weeks), incorporating some actual stuff on RTD/schedules
  • June: Describing, with the focus on descriptions of summer, clothes, weather, things to do, etc.
  • July: Recreation and Entertainment
  • August: Back to School
Please tell us your availability for the summer by next Friday, May 18, if feasible.  Also, if you’re not able to commit at this time but decide later on that you’d like to drop in and help out, we’re happy to work with you and your schedule!
Kindly send all responses to Elena at Maria_Saenz@dpsk12.org

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Looking for a change of pace in your volunteering?

Many refugee families in the Denver area live in homes that are part of Mercy Housing's community of empowerment and compassion. Grace Apartments, located at at the corner of 13th Avenue and Yosemite Street, is home to many refugee families, and as summer approaches, they could benefit from your skills.

Volunteers and interns support the mission of Mercy Housing by providing one-on-one attention to residents, offering classes and contributing to activities which enrich the lives of the people who call Mercy Housing their home.  

VOLUNTEER &  INTERN PLACEMENTS
 Grace Apartments is recruiting Summer 2012 (June-August 2012) volunteers and interns to support the following:  
  • Adult & Family Services: Classroom Assistant: Assist instructors with adult one-on-one ESL-based learning and/or childcare  
  • Newsletter Editor: Manage a multi-lingual newsletter of programming announcements and resident contributions,which promotes sharing and community engagement  
  • Computer Room Assistant/Instructor: Hold lab hours and promote technology to adult and youth population  
  • Marketplace Manager: Coordinate in-kind on-site thrift store & support Grace Dollars incentive program  
  • Gardening Assistant: Accompany DUG volunteer and community gardeners in related initiatives
  • Direct Services Assistant: Establish relationships with residents to assist with service referrals/benefits acquisition   
 Youth Services (ages 7-12):  
  • Youth Soccer Coordinator/Coach: Lead and/or support summer soccer team, ages 12 and up
  • Summer Program Activities Assistant: Assist and/or develop indoor/outdoor youth programming
  • Swimming Club Assistant: Lead youth on fieldtrips to local pool for swimming instruction and practice
  • Garden Club Assistant: Sponsor youth gardening activities and related training opportunities 
Thank you for your interest in our joining our community! Volunteer and internship placements are developed to meet the schedules and interests of each individual. Please contact Grace Apartments to schedule volunteer groups or special events.  

CONTACT: 
Sierra Hutchinson, Resident Services Coordinator II
Grace Apartments
8888 E 13th Ave #13
Denver, CO 80220
Phone: 303-320-7763
Fax: 303-399-5906 Email: shutchinson@mercyhousing.org