Youth Services Bureau could use your help
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, December 8, 2009
By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Not everyone can give money, but anyone can be a positive impact in a young person’s life.
It’s that easy, says Liz Tennent, program director of the Times 2 Mentoring Program. Times 2 Mentoring is just one of the many programs offered through the Rowan County Youth Services Bureau, where Karen Carpenter is its executive director.
The programs focus on making a positive and lasting difference in the lives of court-referred or at-risk young people ages 6 to 17.
Programs and activities are designed to encourage the youth to discover their skills or talents, plan and be responsible for their outcomes and achieve success in life by reaching their goals.
Not all of the children who walk through the program will become professional football players or in the NBA. But each one has the opportunity to become a teacher, a lawyer, a police officer, a mother and a father, Tennent explained.
“That’s the majority of who we are serving,” she said.
If people stop to ask how they can help, they can help a teen succeed.
“If all of us do a piece, it doesn’t fall to one group or person.
“We need to take a child into our hearts,” Tennent said.
One way to do that is volunteer.
Other than financial donations, adult and youth volunteers ranks high in the agency’s need.
Six primary programs ó Times 2 Mentoring, Teen Court, Juvenile Restitution/Community Service, Youth Train (a court-referred 12-week workforce readiness program) and Reclaiming Futures.
– Times 2 Mentoring Program serves court-involved and at-risk youth, ages 6-17, in Rowan County.
Youth engage in positive and meaningful experiences with adult volunteers and activities, whether they are matched in a one-on-one relationship or in group mentoring.
– Teen Court provides an alternative to Juvenile Court for less serious offenders, who are referred by Juvenile Court personnel.
The child and their families must agree to accept the Teen Court jury sentence.
Local students volunteer to serve as Teen Court jurors, defense and prosecuting attorneys and clerk.
Tennent said typically, a local attorney volunteers to assume the role of judge.
– Juvenile Restitution/Community Service serves as a bridge between the juvenile offender and the victim.
Program participants are referred by Juvenile Court personnel and must perform a minimum of 20 hours of community service in order to “earn” up to $200 to reimburse their victim(s) for personal or property damage.
– Youth Train is a 12-week workforce readiness program for court-referred youth that help juveniles develop, practice and master pro-social skills including interpersonal skills, problem solving, anger management, vocational development and other essential life skills.
– Juvenile Court Psychology Service provides psychological assessment and counseling to juveniles and their families who are referred by the Juvenile Justice System.
– Reclaiming Futures is an initiative of the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation, funded in N.C. by the Kate B. Reynolds Foundation, which seeks to expand and enhance substance abuse treatment for court-involved juveniles.
“As a community volunteer, my goal is to instill and reinforce that sense of hope so they will go on to find skills and talents and put them to good use,” Tennent said.
Tennent believes the possibilities are endless for the young people in the program. These possibilities “are very real.”
“It’s up to us to make it happen,” she said. “It’s easier to let someone else do it.”
The six core areas that the programs try to incorporate are: academics, life skills, career, recreation, community service and household/home.
Life is all about, “finding your purpose and sharing it abundantly with others,” Tennent said.
It is through these Youth Services Bureau programs that these teens can be challenged, seek opportunities and be successful.
The need is great for African-American males to mentor young African-American youth.
“Take a chance, step outside of your comfort zone,” Tennent said of all potential volunteers.
There are a number of adults who mentor the teens, whether in group or one-on-one. But there’s simply not enough black male role models.
From July 1 through Nov. 15, nine youths entered the program, and of those 56 percent were African American.
“The real reward is when you do decide to make a difference,” she said.
The youths in the program not only receive help and support from volunteers, but also other local organizations and churches. The teens have volunteered their time or been involved in activities at the following churches: St. John’s Lutheran, Soldiers Memorial AME, Gethsemane Missionary Baptist, St. Luke’s Episcopal and Christiana Lutheran.
The programs open doors for the teens, she said.
“It’s a period of discovery. When you’re on a path, you have a destination,” Tennent said.
Tonight, a group of teens will cook and serve a meal at Rowan Helping Ministries from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Youth Services Bureau could use financial donations to support its programs/activities, supplies and transportation.
There is a need for adult volunteers for one-on-one and group mentoring.
“I feel like I’ve learned more from them,” Tennent said.
Youth Services Bureau is a Rowan County United Way partner agency.
For more information, call 704-633-5636 or visit www.rowanysb.com.
Like many other nonprofit agencies throughout the county and beyond there are needs that you can help meet.
Here is a list of agencies and their wish lists that the Post offers each year for Sharing the Season:
Abundant Living Adult Day Services
1416-A S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Volunteers are needed to help with activities, answer phones, provide extra hands and help with small group and individual time.
Also needed are household supplies, Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, Shout wipes for clothing and tissues.
Office supplies: Copy paper, legal pads, manila folders, postage stamps, 2-inch, three-ring binders with pockets.
Craft supplies: Glue sticks, scissors and wax paper.
Bingo prizes: Socks (dress or sport), ball caps, lipstick, costume jewelry, nail polish (light colors), nail polish remover, dollar store items, handkerchiefs, scarves and lotion.
Health care: Band-Aids, personal care wipes and antibiotic ointment.
Contact: 704-637-3940.
Adolescent and Family Enrichment Council of Rowan County
450 W. Jake Alexander Blvd.
Salisbury, NC 28147
Wish List: Educational toys and books for children birth to 11 years; $10 gift cards to Walmart/grocery store. Games for pre-school to family games; disposable diapers; new infant seats, bouncy seats and strollers or other baby equipment.
Contact: Rita Kotarsky, 704-630-0481, rkotarsky@afecrc.com.
E.H. Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross1930 Jake Alexander Blvd. W. Salisbury, NC 28147
Wish List: Cash contributions in any amount, copy paper and office supplies of all kinds, a laminator for volunteer ID cards, standup freezer, ice maker, hand truck, gasoline pressure washer, aluminum camper shell for pickup truck, 64 inches-by 94 inches by 3 or 4 feet.
Also, two executive-type office chairs and two trailer hitches.
Contact: Steve Simpson, executive director, 704-633-3854, steves@ehdoleredcross.org
Web site: www.ehdoleredcross.org.
The ARC/Rowan1918 W. Innes St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Originally for people with mental retardation and related disorders, The Arc provides public awareness, support groups, summer day program for a children, a week-long summer camp experience for adults, monthly dances for adults, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Program, special events, support for school services, and information for families.
Arc/Rowan places the greatest emphasis on providing assistance to people with mental retardation so each person can learn, live, work, recreate and realize their personal goals.
Needs: Volunteers, donations and money earmarked for Operation Santa campaign. Also school supplies such as book bags, paper and pencils for summer program.
Contact: Jane Jackman or Sheila Sapp at 704-637-1521.
Web site: www.thearcrowan.org
Carolina Artists Guild
Provides opportunities for local artists to be recognized within Rowan County.
Needs: Volunteers to help with art shows and community projects, sponsors, display easels, artists interested in sharing their expertise. Also art supplies and educational material.
Contact: Janie Martin, janiemartin@msn.com
Web site: www.thecarolinaartists.org.
Community Care Clinic 315 G, Mocksville Ave.
Salisbury, NC 28144
A non-profit organization that provides free medical care, dental care and prescription medications to low-income uninsured residents of Rowan County.
Needs: Monetary donations. Volunteers (medical and non-medical) for both day and evening clinics Monday-Friday. Need pharmacists and pharmacists assistants. Volunteers to make contributions to help with program operations and to buy medicines.
Contact: Connie Antosek, 704-636-4523.
Communities In Schools of Rowan County 204 E. Innes Street Suite 240
Salisbury, NC 28144
Wish list: Volunteers, funds to expand program, school uniforms, belts, locking filing cabinet.
Contact: Vicky Slusser, executive director, 704-797-0210 or cisrowan@salisbury.net
Web site: www.CISRowan.org.
Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary
P.O. Box 3097
Salisbury, NC 28145
704-633-1722
Needs: Money for the building, fencing, cages, carriers, humane traps, gentle leader dog halters, Flea products include: Advantage, Advantix, Frontline, wormer, hand sanitizer. Office supplies: computer paper, tape, post-its. Folding tables, shelving, utility carts, large bulletin boards, large dry erase boards, digital thermometers, muzzles, E-collars, Dawn dish detergent, chlorine bleach, Ziplock bags, buckets, large garbage cans (plastic with lids), paper towels, push brooms, scrub brushes, shovels.
Also: Laptop, portable radio, personal protective equipment: safety glasses, aprons, masks, gloves; a generator.
Web site: www.faithfulfriendsnc. org.
Family Crisis Council131 W. Council St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Helping victims of rape, sexual assault, incest and domestic violence take back their lives.
The Family Crisis Council is very grateful for the tremendous support we receive from our community. As a nonprofit organization, it would be very difficult to help women and children who have been victims of rape, incest, sexual assault or domestic violence rebuild their lives without this support.
Needs: Volunteers, used cell phones, glassware, dishware, silverware, mattresses, towels, pot/pan sets, bleach, Pine-Sol cleaner, diapers (sizes 3-5), alarm clocks, small hampers, pillows, twin sheets, blankets, umbrellas, toilet paper, paper towels, liquid anti-bacterial hand soap, office/copy paper, trash bags (13 gallon/30 gallon), bathroom cleaner, ethnic hair products.
Wish List: Laptop computer.
Contact: Jeanne Preisler, executive director, 704-636-4718.
Call: 24-hour crisis line 704-636-4718.
Web site: www.familycrisiscouncil.org.
Godstock P.O. Box 661
China Grove, NC 28023
Assists families of chronically ill children with equipment or money to maintain the household. The Christian-based organization was established to help families from any background and religion. Various fundraisers are held throughout the year to provide funding for the Community Assistance Fund.
Needs: Donations. Volunteers to promote events. Groups interested in seeing a DVD about Godstock.
Contact: John Bouk, 704-857-7011 or johnbouk@hotmail.com.
Good Shepherd Clinic
120 N. Jackson St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Provides outpatient primary care for the indigent adults on a first-come, first-served basis. Volunteer health-care professionals staff the clinic on Thursdays.
Needs: Volunteer physicians, nurses, medical educators and pharmacists, social workers, other human service specialists and someone to provide strong spiritual support. Money for operating costs and Hispanic Bibles are needed. Volunteers to act as host, greeter and registrar during clinic.
Items: Paper products (paper towels, toilet paper, tissues), copier paper, cleaning supplies, books for children waiting with parents.
Contact: Kathy Eagle, 704-636-7200.
Guardian Ad Litem 310 N. Main St.
P.O. Box 4599
Salisbury, NC 28145
Court-appointed, trained community volunteers are paired with an attorney as child advocates to represent the best interest of abused or neglected children in the court system.
Needs: Volunteers to be trained as guardians. Folding chairs to use around conference table.
Contact: Amy Collins or Lissa Pence, 704-639-7517 or rowanguardian@yahoo.com for a volunteer application. Additional information is available at www.rowanguardian.org.
Habitat for Humanity of Rowan
PO Box 3356
Salisbury, NC 28145-3356
Needs: Volunteers to help build houses with families, to help in the Habitat ReStore and to help with semi-annual barbecue chicken dinners. Donations of money and land are appreciated.
Families interested in applying for a Habitat home are invited to pick up an application packet from the ReStore at 125 E. Innes St.
Contact: 704-642-6292, habitatvol@covad.net
Historic Salisbury Foundation P.O. Box 4221
Salisbury, NC 28144
Established in 1972, Historic Salisbury Foundation is dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the historic character of Salisbury and Rowan County. Operates the Josephus W. Hall House Museum and the Historic Salisbury Station Special Events Center, as well as a Neighborhood Revitalization Program.
Needs: Contributions to the repairing of the Salisbury Station roof; volunteers to be docents and guides at the Josephus W. Hall House on weekends and special events; donation of time from experts in marketing and publicity to implement marketing plan; 50 new memberships before the end of the year at any level; individuals and groups to rent the Salisbury Station for parties, receptions, etc, in January, February and March 2010
Contact: Contact Bunny Howell, 704-636-0103
Web site: www.historicsalisbury.org.
Horse Protection Societyof North Carolina
2135 Miller Road
China Grove, NC 28023
Provides a sanctuary of last resort for unwanted, neglected and abused horses.
Needs: Homes for horses, used tack of any kind, cedar bedding and donations.
Contact: Joanie Benson, 704-856-0790.
Web site: www.horseprotection.org.
Humane Society of Rowan CountyPO Box 295
Salisbury, NC 28145-0295
Needs:- Volunteers to be foster caregivers for animals awaiting permanent homes, to participate in the rescue of sick and injured stray and abandoned animals and to participate in fundraising and other events.
– Pet food for foster care homes and for families in need of assistance and new or used doghouses in good condition are needed.
– Monetary donations are tax deductible and may be specified for the medical care of stray and abandoned animals, spay/neuter assistance or other outreach services of the organization.
Contact: 704-636-5700, humanesocietyofrowancounty@windstream.net.
Lutheran Home
820 Klumac Road
Salisbury, NC 28144
Needs: Someone to play the piano for 30 minutes or so a week for dementia group, appointments can be set up for different days of the week.
For Christmas stockings: Approximately 150 of the following: body lotion, tissues, white socks ó in bulk from one source or bottle by bottle, box by box.
Other items: Costume jewelry, after shave, stick deodorant, oral care products (toothpaste, Efferdent, mouthwash, Poligrip), postage stamps, body sprays and body wash, word search puzzle books, suncatchers for windows.
Full-size gift items: Sweatsuits, sweatshirts and sweatpants in all sizes; bedroom slippers (closed back and washable), all sizes and both genders. Donors should keep in mind that all items must be new and unopened.
Volunteers: We are in constant need of volunteers for a variety of tasks. I will be glad to speak with any community group or individual looking for an opportunity to serve in such a capacity.
Contact: Brenda Zimmerman, 704-637-3784.
Meals on Wheels of Rowan 1918 W. Innes St
Salisbury, NC 28144
Needs: Volunteers to run route and to substitute
Call: 704-633-0352
Web site: www.mealsonwheels rowannc.org.
Nazareth Children’s Home 725 Crescent Road
P.O. Box 1438
Rockwell, NC 28138
Needs: Financial contributions; seven- or 12-passenger vans; gift cards from Wal-mart, Old Navy, Marshall’s, Food Lion; more financial donations.
Also: Quality Oil gas cards, kitchen supplies pots and pans, utensils, board games, game console systems, bedding for twin sized beds.
Contact: Cheri Peterson, 1-888-207-0250, ext. 117, or cpeterson@nazch.com.
N.C. Transportation Museum
411 S. Salisbury Ave.
Spencer, 28159
Located on the 57-acre site of Spencer Shops, the former repair facility for Southern Railway’s steam locomotives. The Museum preserves and interprets the history of transportation in North Carolina and operates an on-site train ride.
Needs: Volunteers to serve as tour guides, help with special events, help care for automobile collection, or restore and maintain rail equipment and serve as train crew. Training and certification provided for rail operation volunteers ó no experience necessary.
Also: Financial contributions and in-kind contributions of craft supplies for children’s programs (paper, scissors, glue, glitter, crayons, etc.), holiday decorations, bottled water for volunteers working events, lumber and carpentry supplies, assorted wrenches and screwdrivers, credenza, oil absorbent pads for automobiles, white flat sheets to cover vehicles in storage, 4 1/2 inch angle grinder, gas powered pole saw for pruning upper level of trees and a VCR.
Call: 704-636-2889 (ext. 228 for donations or ext. 258 for volunteering)
PPT is a nonprofit theater in its 49th production year presenting five main stage productions and two youth shows each season at the historic Meroney Theater. PPT purchased a building on Fisher Street that is being converted into a second theater. This facility, projected to open in 2010, will be used mainly for youth productions, programs and education.
Needs:
12 wireless headsets
11 Source Four lights
10 audio speakers
9 wireless mics
8 lobby toilets
7 Dewalt screw guns
6 LED stage lights
5 show producers
4 Green Room couches
3 TV monitors
2 follow spots
And a marquee for the Fisher Street Theater.
Call: 704-633-5471
Web site: www.piedmontplayers.com.
Rowan Arts Council
413 N. Lee Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
P.O. Box 4234
Salisbury, NC 28145
Provides opportunities that promote arts and culture in Rowan County. We are seeking members, volunteers, and donations.
Needs: Letterhead paper, display easel, table lamps, good quality copier paper, 12-15 matching conference chairs w/o arms.
Wish List: pickup truck, new laptop.
Contact: Anne Cave, 704-638-9887 or rac@rowanarts.org.
Web site: www.rowanarts.org.
Rowan Blues and Jazz Society
P.O. Box 176
Salisbury, NC 28145-0176
A nonprofit 501(C) (3) tax exempt community organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion and presenting of Blues and Jazz music. The RBJS has presented Annual Blues and Jazz Festival for the past eleven years. Youth music workshops are also facilitated by professional musicians on a regular basis. The goal is to continue to present this signature festival that attracts a diverse audience every year.
Needs: Major sponsors are needed to fund a Program Director and future free festivals. Festival committee members, fundraiser office supplies, donated office space, a van, musical instruments for youth and festival backline, volunteer musicians to assist with the youth music workshops, volunteers to join Board of Directors and to assist with set-ups at festivals and other events.
Contact: Eleanor Qadirah, 704-636-2811 or rbjs @carolina.rr.com.
Web site: www.rowanbluesandjazz.com.
Rowan County Department of Social Services1236 W Innes St
Salisbury, NC 28144
Provides services that include Food and Nutrition Services (formerly food stamps), Medicaid, Work First, Child Day Care subsidy payments, Adult Day Care, Adult Guardianship, In-Home Aide, Adult Protective Services, Adult Long-term Care Placement, Foster Care for Children, Foster Home Licensure, Adoption, Child Protective Services, Child Support Enforcement.
Needs: Donations of canned food and donations to the Christmas Happiness Fund.
Last year, 3,576 children received help through Christmas Happiness. For qualified families, a voucher will be issued for $25 for each child in the family, up to a family maximum of $100.
The average number of families served last year for the Foods and Nutrition Services was 6,852, with 16,169 individual recipients. While they are waiting for their Foods and Nutrition Services benefits, people may run out of food. DSS keeps a small food pantry at the main office to give the family a bag of groceries to help them until their benefits are approved.
Call: 704-216-8330
Rowan County Literacy Council
P. O. Box 95
201 W. Fisher Street
Salisbury, NC 28145-0095
Needs: Monetary donations to be used for program materials. Also volunteers for teaching, no teaching experience necessary.
Contact: Phyllis Martin, director, 704-216-8266.
Web site: www.rowancountyliteracycouncil.org.
Rowan County Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 61
Salisbury, NC 28145
Needs: Donations during annual portrait sale in January. Volunteers who are eager to learn rescue and EMS services.
Contact: Eddie Cress, director, 704 633 5405.
Web site: www.rowanrescue.org
Rowan Helping Ministries
226 N. Long St.
P.O. Box 4026
Salisbury, NC 28145
Rowan Helping Ministries’ mission is to meet the basic human needs of those in crisis through cooperative community outreach. The agency’s programs are Crisis Assistance Network, Reception Area, Food Pantry, Clothing Center, Soup Kitchen and Overnight Shelter.
Needs: Non-perishable food donations to stock the food pantry. Seasonal clothing for the clothing center. Monetary donations.
Also: Small packs of tissues; socks, underwear in all sizes; one-size-fits-all cotton gloves; toilet paper, paper towels; disposable diapers sizes three, four and five. Also liquid dishwashing detergent.
Contact: Dianne Scott, executive director, 704-637-6838.
Web site: www.rowanhelpingministries. org.
Rowan Museum Inc.
202 N. Main St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Formed in 1953 to collect and preserve historical materials connected to the history of Rowan County. Operates three historic properties: the Utzman-Chambers House (1815 on South Jackson St.), the Old Stone House (1766 in Granite Quarry), and the museum in the old 1854 courthouse on Main Street.
Needs: Volunteers to work as docents/guides at historic sites, volunteers for special events such as the Old Christmas Celebration at the Old Stone House, volunteers for the Summer History Day Camp, for special projects, for the annual Antiques Show planning and implementation, and for fundraising.
Also: Volunteers, financial contributions and any items related to the history of Rowan County, its communities and the Piedmont. A leaf blower and a wet/dry shop vacuum.
Contact: Kaye Brown Hirst, executive director, 704-633-5946.
Web site: www.rowanmuseum.org.
Rowan Partners for Education
RPE is an independent partnership created by the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and the community that advocates for public school excellence.
Wish List: Monetary donations. Items for Educators’ Express (our FREE store for teachers), volunteers and monetary support for the organization. Also, dry erase markers, science board materials, construction paper, glue sticks, adult scissors, books for children, copy paper, gallon and quart size storage bags, etc. Complete listing at educaterowan.org/eduexpress. aspx
Help greet teachers, supply drives, write thank you notes, pick up donations and coordinate volunteers.
Contact: Louise Wooten, executive director, lwooten@educaterowan.org, 704-642-0700.
Web site: www.educaterowan.org.
Rowan Public Library
201 W. Fisher St.
P.O. Box 4039
Salisbury, NC 28145
Rowan County’s public library, headquartered in Salisbury, with branches in China Grove and Rockwell.
Needs: With your gift, we will purchase materials for the library’s collection and place a gift plate in them to commemorate your gift. The book plate will note your name and the name of the person in whose honor or memory the item is given. The gifts will be recognized in the library’s catalog as well as our monthly newsletter. An acknowledgement card will be sent to you and to the person you honor, or a family member of the person memorialized. Contributions can be made by individuals, families, businesses or groups.
Contact: 704-216-8231.
Rowan-Salisbury Schools
P.O. Box 2349
Salisbury, NC 28145-2349
Needs: Employers allow time for employees or themselves to mentor or tutor a student; read in the classroom, donate supplies, financial resources, apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing experiences, classroom speaker, mentor for the high school graduation project, in-kind donations, sponsorships of events, expertise in skilled areas (such as HVAC and electrical) and others.
Contact: Rita K. Foil, public information officer, foilrk@rss.k12.nc.us, 704-630-6103.
Rufty-Holmes Senior Center 1120 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Wish list: Contributions for cost of operating center.
Contact: Rick Eldridge, executive director, 704-216-7714.
Web site: www.ruftyholmes.org
Salisbury-Rowan Symphony Society
P.O. Box 4264
Salisbury, NC 28145
Annually presents eight concerts: a series of five concerts including four performances of the Salisbury Symphony and one of the North Carolina Symphony, two performances of the Nutcracker, and one of the Pops at the Post with funds raised by a separate board. Also provides teachers for after-school string program and annual orchestra concert for all 5th graders and string trio/quartet concert for younger students in all schools.
Needs: In order of priority
At Catawba: New Orchestra Shell, Pit Renovation to original plans (requiring new storage area for Theater Department)
At Livingstone: Stage enlargement or reworking of entire performance space.
Equipment Needed for All. Concerts: New musicians’ chairs, Additional music stands, New music stand lights, Real harpsichord, Real celeste.
In the community: Orchestra Program in all middle and high schools.
Contact: Linda Jones, executive director, 704-637-4314.
Web site: www.salisburysymphony.org.
Salvation Army
P.O. Box 625
620 Bringle Ferry Road
Salisbury, NC 28145
Provides a wide variety of services to families in need.
Needs: Food and money to provide Christmas meals for hundreds of families. Angel Tree gifts for hundreds more children. (Wish gifts and shoe and clothing sizes are included on Angel Trees at several locations around town, including Wal-mart.)
Also: Volunteers to help pack food bags on Dec. 14 and 15 also with food and gift distribution on Dec. 16.
Contact: Capt. Jason Smith, Corps Officer, 704-636-6491.
Web site:www.salvationarmycarolinas. org/salisbury.
United WayP.O. Box 5065
Salisbury, NC 28144
Raises funds for human services, helps sponsor local agencies (including many listed here), plans for community-based needs.
Needs: Donations of equipment and supplies to Matchmaker program. United Way matches items with agency that needs it. Call United Way to learn where to donate goods. Donations are welcome.
Call: 704-633-1802
VA Volunteer Services
1601 Brenner Ave.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Supplements health care for veterans in the Hefner VA Medical Center with recreational activities and visitation.
Needs: Calling cards and $20-$25 gift cards for our new veterans from OEF/OIG; large cans of coffee for our various waiting areas and long term care.
Also: volunteers that may be interested in visiting patients in long-term care and hospice; Forever stamps for postage for veterans to send out cards.
Items: Hand and body lotion, make-up kits, combs/brushes, wheelchair bags, shampoo, all occasion cards.Waterworks Visual Arts Center
123 E. Liberty St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Waterworks Visual Arts Center is dedicated to providing exciting, enriching and diverse opportunities in the arts for adults and children through exhibitions, education, and outreach programs. In addition to rotating, professional exhibits of contemporary art, it also offers studio classes in drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and pottery and outreach programs. Need-based scholarships available. Admission free; donations appreciated.
Needs: Members, donors, sponsors, and volunteers (clerical tasks, training to be docents, studio assistants); part-time artist instructors for classes and workshops, fall/winter, spring, and summer.
Contact: Anne Scott Clement, executive director, 704-636-1882.
Web site: www.waterworks.org.
YMCA of Rowan County
215 Guffy St.
Salisbury NC 28147
All branches: Christian organization offering recreation, fitness, after-school care, summer day camp, youth sports and aquatic while being committed to serving God and neighbor. Branches are in South Rowan, 704-857-7011; East Rowan, 704-279-1742; West Rowan (non-facility) and Salisbury, 704-636-0111.
Needs: Invest In Youth Campaign donations:
$50 gives a child the opportunity to experience teamwork in a youth sports program
$100 provides a child with one week of Summer Day Camp
$250 sponsors a YMCA “Splash” learn-to-swim class for four children
$500 provides three teens seeking a safe, fun place to hang out after school an annual membership
$1,000 provides after school care for seven children for one month
$5,000 provides seven families with time and activities enjoyed together through a YMCA membership
Other needs: Strong program volunteers in sports leagues who can be role models for youth, displaying and upholding the Y mission and character traits. The YMCA never turns anyone away for the inability to pay. Please give to our annual Invest in Youth program. Join the Y and enjoy the facilities and programs this county has to offer.
Contact: Laurie Ward, 704-216-9622 or lward@rowanymca.com or contact your local branch.
Web site: www.rowanymca.org
Hurley Family YMCA Salisbury Branch
828 Jake Alexander Blvd.
Salisbury, NC 28147
Contact: Sandy Flowers, 704-636-0111.
Saleeby-Fisher YMCAEast Rowan Branch
P.O. Box 640
790 Crescent Road
Rockwell, NC 28138
Contact: Linda Bost, lbost@ rowanymca.com, 704-279-1742.
J. Fred Corriher Jr. YMCASouth Rowan Branch
950 Kimball Road
China Grove, NC 28023
Contact: Alan Lambert, 704-857-7011.