- East Dallas YMCA Teen Programs
The YMCA, 6220 Worth, provides two teen programs for J.L. Long Middle School students and Woodrow Wilson High School students. They meet one night weekly and some weekends for special events. Volunteers can assist with recreational activities, tutoring, college advisement and emotional support for the teenagers. Requires only a few hours a week.
The program also needs donations. The position overseeing the program was cut from full-time to part-time because of a lack of funding. Call the YMCA at 824-8139.
- Super Kids
The Girl Scout Tejas Council provides the after-school program Super Kids at Ignacio Zaragoza Elementary, 4550 Worth at Carroll. The program already operates at capacity with 130 children, but some children are going unserved because of a lack of staffing.
The program is free and provides children with a snack, recreation, tutoring and art and science activities from 3-6 p.m. weekdays. It serves Zaragoza students and children from area homeless shelters. Volunteers are needed for all areas of the program, especially for enrichment courses – dance, karate, music. For information, call program coordinator Georgia McCarther at 670-7867 or the school at 841-5260.
- Communities in School
Lipscomb Elementary needs volunteers for its Communities in School Program. The program works with at-risk children and their families to provide social services and to help get the children through school. The program needs tutors, mentors, public speakers and assistance with planning special events. The program runs throughout the school day and summer. It requires one hour a week. For information, call 827-0955.
- At the Storefront
Dallas Police Department East Dallas Storefront offers several programs benefiting the community. Officers at the storefront have an Explorer Post and coach baseball and basketball teams. There also are Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops organized by officers, but led by civilian volunteers. Tutoring is also provided at the storefront. For information, call Officer Paul Thai at 670-5514.
- District Efforts
DISD has many volunteer opportunities, from public speaking to tutoring to mentoring. The school district asks for a one-hour commitment a week during school hours. You can be matched with a school that is close to work so you can volunteer during your lunch break. The next training will be Nov. 8 at DISD’s main office, 3700 Ross. Volunteer alone or with a group of friends and “adopt” a school or class. For information, call Rosemary Morice at 824-1620, ext. 285.
