What's New

WHEN HELPING HURTS PRESENTATION

GOOD SAM PHOTO GALLERY

NEWSLETTERS

ANNUAL REPORT

STUDY CONFIRMS POWERFUL IMPACT OF MENTORING ON FAMILIES

"Thank you for your time, money and effort in helping families like mine." --Quincy, housing graduate & guest speaker at this year's Golf Classic.

"My experience at Good Samaritan has been an eye opener for me to know people are different than I am. I've learned how important it is to value those who are different than you. I've also learned how many resources there are for people who are in need . . . it's a good thing there's an agency like Good Sam that can help point people in the right direction."
--Jessica, Clearinghouse Volunteer, April 2009

Volunteer

Current Volunteer Opportunities
Updated  7-15-10

Clearinghouse Specialist

Description: Respond to emergency requests through a network of more than 80 churches. Typical needs include transportation, child care, home repair, financial needs and medical services. Volunteers screen and refer clients to existing community resources or local churches.
Hours: Weekly commitment - 4 hour shift.
Training: 3-4 hours of initial training by GSM staff.
Age: 18 and up.

Driver - Rides Ministry

Description: Provide rides (& friendship) to individuals who don’t have their own transportation or are unable to drive. Drivers provide transportation to medical appointments, court appointments & support groups. Requests are screened and scheduled in advance. Service area is Holland/Zeeland.

Hours: 1 –2 rides per week; hours as needed.

Training: Phone orientation provided to driver regarding rides coordination.
Age: 18 and up.

Employment Assistance Specialist

Description: Caring volunteers are needed to help with resume writing assistance and talent bank searches through our new Michigan Works! SHARE Access site.
Hours: Weekly commitment (half day shift); Monday or Wednesday morning; prefer six month commitment.
Training: Training provided by GSM staff.
Age: 18 and up.

Housing Search Assistant - Affordable Housing Connections

Description: Assist individuals or families at risk of losing their homes with an effective housing search in order to secure affordable housing as quickly as possible.  After training through Good Samaritan Ministries, this volunteer will work directly with families to establish a caring relationship, provide practical tips on how to conduct an effective housing search, and help implement a search plan.
Hours: 2-3 hours weekly.  Volunteers are asked to commit for at least 3 months.
Training: 2-hours of initial training by GSM Staff. 
Age: 18 and up

Mentor - Faith in Youth Partnership

Description: Tutor, mentor and become a role model for middle school students at locations throughout Holland and Zeeland. Faith In Youth Partnership sites include Calvary Reformed, Good Samaritan Ministries, Maple Avenue Ministries, Neighbors Plus, Urban Youth Ministries, Rose Park Reformed, The Bridge Youth Ministry Center.
Hours: 6 – 8 hours weekly.
Training: Provided by site supervisor.
Age: 18 and up

Mentoring Team - Community Housing Partnership

Description: Provide emotional and spiritual support to homeless families. Provide encouragement to families as they work to overcome barriers to securing and maintaining permanent housing.
Hours: Church volunteer support will vary depending on the needs of the family. Case Management, Financial Counseling & Life Skills Training are offered by CHP staff.
Training: 3-4 hours of initial training by GSM staff.
Age: All ages.

Receptionist

Description: Operate a multi-line telephone system and greet visitors and clients in a courteous and professional manner.
Hours: 4 hours per week
Training: 3-4 hours initial training by GSM staff.
Age:  17 or older

Interested in these volunteer opportunities? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator or call 616.392.7159