Local Community Organizations

There are many agencies in South Bend with whom the Center for Social Concerns collaborates. Below please find a partial listing of these agencies. Listing these sites does not indicate that the Center for Social Concerns necessarily endorses or agrees with each individual agencies' missions. We simply want to provide access to the information and resources available.

AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist   

Care coordination for persons living with HIV and community-based HIV testing. Volunteers provide a range of supportive services to both clients and staff.  Contact: Debra Stanley at 574-288-2887 or email at wuzuwuzu@aol.com.

Alzheimer's Services of Northern Indiana/Milton Adult Day Services*

Work with participants at Day Center in activities such as board games, crafts, pool, woodworking (with volunteer supervision), assist with serving meals and snacks, and general support in keeping participants actively involved.  Contact: Norma Napoli at 574-232-2666 or email at Norma_Napoli@sbcglobal.net.

American Red Cross (St. Joseph County Chapter)

To provide relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.  Volunteer positions include giving disaster preparedness presentations in schools and the community, working with refugee clients, instructing CPR/First Aid classes, and working on various projects throughout the chapter. Contact: Mark Druyos at 574-234-0191or email at druyos@stjoe-redcross.org.

Ark Angels, Inc.
Youth intervention and positive discovery.  Positive Peer Team creation, developmental strategies through teaching and mentoring of all ages with primary target being youth with little to no home support structure. Contact: Ron King at 574-904-1707 or email at kingronnie@sbcglobal.net.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Joseph County       

One-to-one child mentoring for school-age children in St. Joseph County.  Spend time with a child weekly to bi-monthly off-campus. Contact: Deborah Burrow at 574-232-9958 or email at bbbsstjoe@sbcglobal.net .

Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County    

Provide youth development programs for school-aged youth in an after-school environment.  Serve as mentors, group leaders, and coaches to the kids.  Specialized service projects available in development office. Contact: Jim Cramer at 574-232-2048 ext. 2103 or email at jcramer@bgcsjc.org.

Broadway Christian Parish  

A Christian community commitment to serving our neighbors regardless of economic and or social status.  Food pantry, distribute toiletries, computer lab, hospitality drop-in center, Sunday community dinner.  Contact: Rev. Nancy Nichols at 574-289-0333 or email at broadwayum@sbcglobal.net.

Cardinal Nursing and Rehabilitation Center*

Volunteers are needed to visit clients on a one-to-one basis and organize evenings of bingo.  Contact:  Beverly Shamberg at 574-287-6501.

Casa Program of St. Joseph County

To recruit, screen, train, supervise, and support volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children.  Volunteers are screened and trained by the CASA program, they are appointed by the court to advocate for children who come into the court system primarily as a result of alleged physical, sexual, emotional abuse and/or neglect.  Volunteers must meet with the child regularly, interview all parties to the case, complete court reports under specified time limits, work professionally with the Department of Child Services, CASA Program and others involved in the case.  Contact Brenda Matuszkiewicz at 574-235-5375 or email at bmat@jjconline.org.

CASIE Center*

CASIE Center provides a multidisciplinary approach to the investigation of child abuse by coordinating efforts of Department of Child Services (DCS), law enforcement and the Prosecutor's Office.  The CASIE Center also houses Family Support Services and Elementary School Truancy Prevention Programs.  Volunteers assist staff with routine duties and special projects that benefit the children and their families.  Organized drives are also needed for snacks, toys, toiletry items, blank video tapes and miscellaneous items.  Contact Caron Marnocha at 574-282-1414 or email at casie@michiana.com.

Catholic Charities

Families.  Assist in food pantry, help with filing, and other office duties as they are needed.  Contact Jo Fisher 574-234-3111 or email at jfisher@ccfwsb.org.

Catholic Worker House

To offer hospitality to people in need.  Help prepare evening meal, talk with guests, collect food from farmer's market, manual labor at drop-in center downtown, pick up furniture donations. Contact:  Margaret Pfeil  574- 631-9378 or email at mpfeil1@nd.edu.

Center for Basic Learning Skills*

Volunteers tutor adults working toward their GED for two hours a week.  Hours: 8am-12pm M-F.  Contact:  Sister Marita Stoffel at 574-259-5427 (between 4-9 p.m.)

Center for the Homeless        

To provide education, training, rehabilitation, housing placement, and job placement programs and services to in-residence guests.  Tutor adults seeking GED, improved literacy and maths, assist in job retention programs, help at front desk and exercise room, read to, play with, and mentor children.  Contact: Dr. Peter Lombardo, PhD at 574-282-8700 ext. 344 or email at plombardo@cfh.net.

Charles Martin Youth Center*

Volunteers needed for after school programs, computer skills for kids, tutoring in math and reading, helping with various art classes, conflict resolution programs, and to help clean-up grounds and inside of building.  Contact:  Gladys Muhammad at 574-280-7092.

Chiara Home, Inc.   

To provide out-of-home respite care for individuals with special needs.  Help with meals, play games, and go for walks with residents.  Redesign and update web page.  Contact:  Sister Gretchen Clark, SSJ-TOSF at 574-287-5435 or email at chiarahome@att.net

Children's Dispensary "A Place To Be Me"

To enhance the learning of people with special needs.  Mentor children with social and cognitive impairments, assist the children in various social and recreation activities.  Contact:  April Kwiatkowski at 574-234-1169 or email at cdaplacetobeme@sbcglobal.net.

Circle of Mercy*

Circle of Mercy works through Catholic Charities to serve families with parents who work or are in school to provide quality child care.  Volunteers work with children in the classroom setting to enhance educational experiences.  Any skills or special interest volunteers possess that would benefit children's development are greatly appreciated.  Assistance in cleaning or refurbishing the facility is appreciated.  Contact:  Rhonda Cartwright at 574-287-0500 or email at rcartwright@ccfwsb.org.

College Football Hall of Fame*

Volunteer work is available at a staff integrated model at a world class museum.  Many positions are available.  Please view the website or call for more information.  Contact:  Jim Baumgartner at 574-235-5709 or email at jim.baumgartner@collegefootball.org.

Corvilla, Inc.   

To provide homes and care for people with developmental disabilities.  Help with social outings, bingo parties, bowling outings, zoo trips, Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas parties.  Help organize several unique fund raising activities that students might like to help with as a volunteer.  Snowball Softball, Dodgeball Tournament, Glow in the Dark Volleyball and Notre Dame football parking. Contact: Diana M. Dolde at 574-289-9779 or e-mail at ddolde@corvilla.org.

Dismas of Michiana (Dismas House)

Faith-based re-entry program that provides housing and services to adults returning from incarceration so they can successfully adjust to society.  The former offenders share the house with local college students and together, they create a positive living environment.  Student residency, prepare evening meal and dine with the residents, mentoring and GED tutoring, help with house repairs, assist with special events.  Update website and donor database.   Contact: Maria Kaczmarek at 574-233-8522 or email at michianadismas@sbcglobal.net.

El Campito Day, Inc. Child Development Center

To promote the educational, social, and economic success of culturally diverse children and their families, by providing quality programs and services to those most in need.  Provide homework assistance for the after-school program; provide Spanish translation for written materials, child care assistance for evening meetings, and assistance for fund raising activities. Contact: Rosa Rickman at 574-232-0220 or email at elcampito@sbcglobal.net.

Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County

To offer options to victims of domestic and sexual violence to help them and their children break free from the cycle of violence.  Offer resources for victims of domestic violence, play with children, answer phones, and/or welcome guests.  Contact: Pete Morgan at 574-234-6900 or email at pmorgan@fjcsjc.org.

Family and Children's Center*

Join the family Partners Program to take a child to your place of worship or become a sponsor if you can give 3-4 hours per month sharing activities with a child.  Contact Doug Brown at 574-259-5666 ext. 256.  For intern opportunities in marketing and resource development contact:  Kregg Van Meter at 574-259-5666 ext. 241 or email at kvanmeter@sbcorg.

Food Bank of Northern Indiana

To feed hungry people and advocate on their behalf.  Service could include sorting donated food product; helping with phones, filing and data entry; or developing marketing pieces (web and brochure).  We on occasion need help with staffing our food pantry, registering families for food stamps (on-line), assist with delivery of food to seniors and migrant workers, and provide assistance at events off site.  Contact: Lisa Jaworski at 574-232-9986 or mail at ljaworski@secondharest.org.

Freedom 22 Foundation

To support families, connect volunteers, and build community in Michiana.  Coach middle school students in language arts competition.  Contact Barbara Asher at 574-532-6657 or email at barb@freedom22.org.

Hannah's House

To provide shelter, programming and staff support for the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of pregnant young women.  Light administrative work, cleaning, yard work, light cooking, childcare.  Contact: Karen DeLucenay at 574-254-5309 or email at karen@hannahshousemichiana.com.

Harbor Light Hospice            

To promote dignity and emphasize quality of life for those during the final stages of terminal illness.  One-to-one visits to patients in nursing homes, provide respite visits for patients living at home, office work, and help with marketing programs.  Contact: Judy Comeno at 1-800-662-8889 or email at judy@hlhin.com.

Healthwin Specialized Care  

Healthcare for the geriatric, head injured, dementia, and Alzheimer populations   Entertain and share life experiences; play cards, board games and computer games with residents; help residents with scrap booking; keep bulletin boards updated; help with special events; decorate for holidays; entertain residents with music; help with ND Tailgate parties. Contact: Karen Martindale at 574-272-0100, ext. 288 or email at kmartindale@healthwin.org.

Home Management Resources, Inc.*

Volunteer positions exist in child care, clerical/receptionist work, and computer technology.  Occasional help is needed for mailings.  Other positions vary from weekly positions to 4-10 once a week commitments twice during the year (on a semester basis).  Contact Elena Flynn at 574-233-3486 or email at info@hmresources.org.

Hope Rescue Ministries             

A faith-based homeless shelter for men, women, and families.  Adult education tutor, early childhood education assistant, front desk receptionist, case manager assistant, development/PR assistance with the annual Street Count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless men, women and children in the community. Contact: Meg Place at 574-235-4150 or email at mplace@hopesb.org.

Indiana Legal Services (ILS)

Indiana Legal Services is a poverty law clinic funded to help low-income people in certain civil case.  Conduct initial interviews with potential clients and summarize the case into written narratives for attorney review. Contact: Heather Mezosi at 574-234-8121 ext. 3228 or email at heather.mezosi@ilsi.net.

La Casa De Amistad, Inc.       

La Casa is a youth and community center serving the Latino population.  After-school program, food pantry, tutoring ESL students, preparing newsletter, website updates, data entry. Contact: Rebecca Ruvalcaba at 574-233-2120 or email at beccaruval@yahoo.com.

LaSalle Council, Boys Scouts of America

A youth development agency committed to strengthening the lives of kids.  Work on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule with the Scouts from various groups around the South Bend area.  Contact: Arne Landsverk at 574-289-0337 ext. 315 or email at alandsverk@lasallecouncilbsa.org.

Life Treatment Centers
To provide professional treatment services to adults addicted to alcohol and drugs.  Front desk coordinator answer phones, detoxification monitor clients, landscaping taking care of the lawn, special projects coordinator work with development. Contact: Julia Shapiro 574-233-5433 ext. 235 or email at julias@lifetreatmentcenters.org.

Literacy Council of St. Joseph County

To elevate the quality of life in our community by promoting and improving functional literacy.  One-to-one tutoring of adults, success by six early childhood instruction for adults, and Spanish literacy.  Contact:  Kaye Warren at 574-235-6113 or email at tutoring@stjoereads.org.

Logan Community Resources, Inc.              

To support people with disabilities in achieving their desired quality of life.  Assist with social skills classes, tutoring, and a teen social group at the Autism center; offer classes in art, nature, music, drama, or fitness with Adult Day services. Contact: Nichole Maguire at 574-289-4831 ext. 1043 or email at nmaguire@hotmail.com. 

Memorial Hospital of South Bend

Full service hospital.  Pushing patients in wheelchairs, staffing information desks, and assisting on floors. Contact: Jeanne Blad at 574-647-6496 or email at volunteerservices@memorialsb.org.

Milton Adult Day Services

A therapeutic activities-based program that serves adults who need supervision during the day.  Many participants have Alzheimer's disease or dementia.  Assist with activities and work one-on-one with clients of small groups of clients for mental or physical exercises. Contact: Norma Napoli at 574-232-2666 or email at norma_napoli@sbcglobal.net.

Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc.

An organization of citizens dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of the neighborhood.  Assist in research and development of programming, including creating policy and guidelines.  Development of marketing materials to revitalize the neighborhood by promoting home ownership.  Contact: Karen Ainsley at 574-232-9182 or email at nnndirector@kconline.com.

Northern Indiana Center for History*

Contact Deb Neumann at 574-235-9664 or email at volunteer@centerforhistory.org.

OASIS*

The OASIS Older Adult Safe House provides a Safe House for senior citizens who have been neglected/abused  Volunteers provide for the security, safety and comfort of residents.  Contact:  Mary Czarnecki at 574-246-0144.

Portage Manor*

Volunteers needed to pay regular visits to individual residents who have no family.  There are also opportunities for students who do needle work.  Group volunteer opportunities are also available.  Contact:  Toni Grisham at 574-272-9100.

Potawatomi Zoo*

The zoo in South Bend has many opportunities in all facets of zoo operation for students to volunteer or be interns.  Located just 10 minutes from campus.  Call 574-288-4639 for more information.

REAL Services, Inc.

Working with the elderly and disabled.  Assist clients with lawn care, grocery shopping, light housekeeping and friendly visiting, deliver meals at noon to homebound, advocacy for Guardianship and Ombudsman program.  Contact: Dee Pasternak at 574-284-2691 or email at dpasternak@realservicesinc.com.  

Reins of Life, Inc.

Therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities.  Assist riders with grooming, tacking and executing skills during therapeutic riding lessons; perform as horse leaders, side walkers, safety monitors, instructors' aides and cheerleaders; assist with fund raising events and special projects; feed horses.  Contact: Christine Flowers at 574-232-0853 or email at ourvolsrock@yahoo.com.

Robinson Community Learning Center      

To welcome community and Notre Dame partners that strengthen the Northeast Neighborhood of South Bend through relationship-building and educational opportunities.  Tutoring, GED preparation, computer classes, art classes, exercise classes, and more.  Contact:  Jay Caponigro at 574-631-9423 or email at caponigro.2@nd.edu.

Ronald McDonald Family Room at Memorial Hospital

To provide respite for families of hospitalized children.  Work shifts of three hours, one day a month, to help with mailings and special events.  Contact Shelley Lesniewicz at 574-647-3020 or email at rmfrdirector@memorialsb.org.

Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center

Full line acute care hospital.  Volunteer advocate in emergency department (pre-med only); read to children in waiting room of Family Clinic as part of Reach Out and Read program, other opportunities in outpatient pediatric therapy and in the pharmacy. Contact: Denise Kapsa at 574-237-7242 or kapsad@sjrmc.com.

Sisters of the Holy Cross

To provide a strong network of volunteer visitation working one-on-one with sisters assisting with reading, computer e-mail, letter writing, trivia and other social programs.  Table game players, readers, musicians (especially piano players), activity cart, garden walks, group workshop leaders, decorating and helping with special events and many other fun activities too numerous to list.  Contact:  Lee Ann Moore at 574-284-5678 or email at lmoore@cscsisters.org.

SJRMC Outreach Services

To provide health care to the underserved population in South Bend and Mishawaka.  Supplement staff by accessing patients, preparing charts, assisting and following physicians, filing, etc.   Contact: Michelle Peters at 574-239-5299 or at petermic@sjrmc.com.

South Bend Community School Corporation Adult Education*

Tutor adults who need to improve basic skills,  prepare for the GED Exam, and/or learn English as a second language.  Tutors also help in our Computer Labs to help students learn basic computer skills or work on the Rosetta Stone program.    Tutors also may be asked to help with various paperwork & attendance requirements.  Contact: Gayle Silver at 574-283-7563 or email at gsilver@sbcsc.k12.in.us.

South Bend Heritage Foundation*

Volunteers are able to work in all facets of neighborhood revitalization.  Also available are internships and course-based work in community development.  Contact:  Gladys Muhammad at 574-289-1066.

South Bend Community School Corporation Bilingual Services

To promote and develop English proficiency, intellectual growth, self-concept and cultural sensitivity in Limited English Proficient (LEP), and Language Minority (LM) students.  Tutoring services and after-school programs to elementary and middle school students.  Spanish speaking is not necessary.  Contact:  Bill Barna at 574-283-8150 or email at wbarna@sbcsc.k12.in.us.

South Bend Community School Corporation Partner Up /Read to a Child

Reading program.  To read for thirty minutes a week to a child from Kindergarten to grade four.  Contact: Connie Moore at 574-283-8182 or email at cmoore4@sbcsc.k12.in.us.

South Bend Juvenile Correctional Facility

A medium to very-high security juvenile correctional facility for males between the ages of twelve and eighteen.  Tutor and mentor boys, offer religious services and programs. Contact: Beverly Williams at 574-232-8808 ext. 350 or email at bewilliams@doc.in.gov.

S-O-S of Madison Center      

Rape crisis intervention and counseling for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, as well as their significant others.  Provide support and crisis intervention to victims at hospitals and on the phone crisis line,  Contact: Annie Envall at 574-283-1308 or email at anniee@madison.org.

St. Adalbert- St. Casimir Parish Adult Education Program*

Student volunteers will aid in teaching adult ESL classes, Plazas comunitarias, and helping to provide childcare during the classes.  Contact: Astrid Carmona at 574-288-5708  ext. 210 or email at astridcarmona@mac.com.

St. Joseph County Literacy Council*

Adult students meet with volunteer tutors 90 minutes each week to improve their English reading, writing and speaking.  Many times students need more than just simply to read or write better. The volunteer tutors are trained to not only offer reading, writing, and speaking assistance, but also to help the students improve their self-esteem and confidence.  Contact: Sandy Chambers at 574-235-6113 or email at sandy@stjoereads.org.

Southern Care Hospice*

Volunteers needed to do everything from patient sitting while a care-giver gets out for a short while for a much-needed break, to bringing a rented movie and a bag of popcorn to share with a lonely elderly person in a nursing facility.  They can work in the office filing, packets, shredding.  Call Loretta Bingham at 574-259-0895.

St. Margaret's House             

A day-center for women and their children who live in poverty.  Help with meal preparation, front desk duties, resume preparation, clerical help, and more.  Contact: Patricia Marvel at 574-234-7795 or email at patsmh@sbcglobal.net.  

St. Vincent DePaul  Society of St. Joseph County, Inc.    

To provide food, clothing, furniture, and other basic necessities to families in need.  Work in thrift store, office, or pantry.  Visit the poor in their homes.  Contact: Denise Blanche at 574-251-4903 or email at confdirector@saintvincent-in.org.

Sunshine Clubhouse*

Tutoring, driving vehicles and have the a valid drivers license and be able to pass a public passengers chauffeurs license and a drivers test. Computer skills also a plus.  Contact: Paul Curry at 574-283-2325 or email at paulc@sunshineclubhouse.com.

Take Ten

A conflict resolution education curriculum that teaches youth to respond to conflict non-violently.  Student volunteers are trained to work in teams to go to local schools once per week and implement our curriculum.  Students plan and teach the lessons to all grades of children.   Contact: Ellen Kyes at 574-631-9424 or email at kyes.1@nd.edu.

The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.

To improve the quality of living for patients facing the end of their lives.  Provide respite and companionship to patients and families on a weekly basis, or assist with light housekeeping, errands and some personal care.  Contact: Jackie Boynton at 574-243-3100 or email at boyntonj@centerforhospice.org.

The Salvation Army

To meet human need in Jesus Christ's name without discrimination.  Take applications, prepare food boxes, clerical work, distribute toys.   Contact Liz Fallon at 574-233-9471 or email at liz.fallon@usc.salvationarmy.org.

Twenty-first Century Scholars*

Volunteers assist with enrollment, mentoring, campus visits, service learning projects, clerical assistance, parental support and chaperoning activities.  We can build a volunteer position to meet your schedule and interests.  Contact:  Anthony Byrd at 1-888-603-5981 ext. 235 or email at abyrd@niwib.com.

United Religious Community

To encourage religious cooperation and understanding, effect constructive changes in society, and advocate for those seeking help to meet life's basic needs.  Work to help those with basic needs issues, provide administrative assistance. Contact: Rev. William J. Wassner at 574-282-2397 or email at urc@urcsjc.org.

West Side Neighborhood Partnership Center*

Volunteers work directly with youth tutoring, reading programs, sports and recreation, Conversational Spanish interactive/play learning programs, and with administrative support  contact:  Juanetta Hill at 574-235-5800 or email at wsnpc@michiana.org.

Women’s Care Center*

Volunteers help welcome pregnant women and couples by helping them gather the resources that they need. Volunteers also needed for counseling and child-care assistance for clients and help with the crib club and baby items store. Contact: Deborah Allen at 574-234-0363 or email at deborahwcc1@hotmail.com.

Youth Services Bureau of St. Joseph County, Inc.

To provide a strong safety net for marginalized youth, aiding them along with their families to move from surviving to thriving.  Provide tutoring and recreation assistance at the runaway shelter; grant research and fundraising tasks.  Contact Bonnie Stryker at 574235-9231 or email at bstryker@sbcglobal.net for information or to volunteer.

YWCA of St. Joseph County            

To provide programming and services for women and their children who seek programming for domestic violence, chemical dependency issues, sexual assault and transitional and permanent housing.  Monitor the Protective Order Court hearings through the Court Watch Program; gather data or attend court hearings for domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault; assist with child care for the children residing in the shelter; assist with client crisis calls, intakes and attending to the women's needs. Contact: Laura Kobek at 574-233-9491 or email lkrobek@ywcasjc.org.

* (Updated June 2007)

Updated October 22, 2008