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“(Volunteering) gives a sense of togetherness between different groups of people in the community.
STUDENT LIFE
Echo Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Ellie Kent, junior
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Photo Beck Bergland
Sock sorting: STEP volunteers Bekah Engstrand and Dannica Olsen sort socks for a local clothing drive. STEP works to respond, care and serve to St. Louis Park families who are in need. For available shifts interested students should contact staff at (952) 925-4899 ext. 16. Because of shift limitations volunteers are required to RSVP.
Volunteering brings unity to community Five places to find a calling, make an impact Katie Hardie & Mimi Fhima katiehardie@slpecho.com mimifhima@slpecho.com
STEP
www.stepslp.org
The St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) runs an organized program while volunteering. STEP works to identify, respond, and serve the critical needs of St. Louis Park residents. Among other things, volunteers usually help out by assisting with clothing drives or sorting food that has recently arrived to the facility. The staff members give volunteer opportunities to city members who want to make a difference.
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6812 W Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55426
Jeremiah Program
1510 Laurel Ave W, Minneapolis, MN 55403
www.jeremiahprogram.org
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The Jeremiah Program offers opportunities for volunteers to assist single mothers in raising their children and improving their lives. The program’s headquarters are in Minneapolis with branches also expanding to other areas of the country. Through five core pillars, the program for mothers offers both childcare and food options while they are counseled in topics such as career paths and finances. The pillars include the importance of accessibility to education the collegiate level as well as early childhood education.
Sholom Home
www.sholom.com
The Sholom Home provides assistance and care to those living and working on the premise. The building administers an open setting while still reserving room for residents who may want privacy. The staff is responsible for residents’ well being, as well as conforting residents. Sholom Home supplies many opportunities and tasks for community members who chose to volunteer, such as hospice care, creating activities for residents and even pet therapy.
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3620 Phillips Pkwy., Minneapolis, MN 55426
Children’s Minnesota
2525 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
www.childrensmn.org
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Being the biggest pediatric hospital in the Twin Cities, Children’s Minnesota varies in activity throughout the week. Those who volunteer may be needed more frequently for some jobs than others. Staff members help volunteers with duties such as distributing books to patients. Children’s Minnesota aims to comfort and help children around the nation and offers a variety of volunteering opportunities for those interested.
Loaves and Fishes
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721 Kasota Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
www.loavesandfishesmn.org
Affiliated with several churches in the metro area, Loaves and Fishes has several locations across the state. This organization is a non-profit meal relief program for families and groups in Minnesota. It operates out of church buildings and mobile trucks while serving the community hot, nutritious meals. Visitors come in groups while working alongside this organization’s volunteer program. Loaves and Fishes aims to steer individuals in the direction of self-sufficiency and independence in terms of nutrition.