PROVO -- Tri-Connections, a nonprofit organization that supports people with disabilities, has an immediate need for four tutors to teach basic reading and computer skills.
The purpose of Tri-Connections is to work with individuals with mental and developmental disabilities, their families and the community to provide a learning environment for growth and self-determination.Tri-Connections has recently developed a new center which offers life skills and educational and mental health services to children and adults with disabilities. They offer courses which teach basic reading and computer skills over a period of several weeks.
Volunteer tutors are needed to take part in classes that start the middle of May. Volunteers should have a general understanding of computer skills but will simply be teaching the basics and do not need formal training or knowledge.
"It is a rewarding experience to influence a person's life through sharing time and talents" said Nona Gallacher, Tri-Center director at Tri-Connections. "This type of one-on-one volunteering builds relationships and connections to the community."
Although some volunteers have already agreed to help, there are still opportunities for four individuals who would like to assist with the May courses.
Other volunteer opportunities are available throughout Utah County. Some of these are listed below.
Participate in the Orem Blitz. Volunteers are needed to help with the revitalization of an Orem neighborhood during the week of May 10-15. The Blitz is an intensive community and neighborhood revitalization project dedicated to preserving and improving Orem's neighborhoods. Volunteers will complete landscaping work, paint and beautify homes, improve city signs, distribute information packets, etc. Volunteers will receive a T-shirt and are invited to a picnic lunch and celebration at noon on Saturday, May 15.
Serve as a role model for teenage youth. Slate Canyon Youth Center needs volunteer mentors who can help teach youth arts and crafts, music lessons, photography, drama, dance and various sports. Volunteers are also needed to serve as tutors, to work with the Explorer and Scout troops and to work with the athletic activity leagues for the youth. Volunteers need to be at least 19 years of age and be able to serve as positive role models for teenage youth.
Assist new parents. The Utah County Success by Six program needs volunteers preferably experienced parents, grandparents or care givers to visit new parents, either at home or in the hospital. Volunteers would discuss community resources available for new children and assist parents in establishing a support network. Training for these volunteers begins in May, so volunteers should contact the United Way Volunteer Center immediately to get involved.
Donate food to Utah Valley's Regional Food Bank. On May 8, the annual Letter Carriers Food Drive will be held. Residents who desire to participate in the food drive are asked to leave their food in bags by their mailboxes. Letter carriers will collect the bags on their normal routes and the food will then be donated to Utah Valley's Regional Food Bank for community use.
For more information about these and other volunteer opportunities in Utah County, contact the United Way Volunteer Center weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 374-8108. Contact can also be made by e-mail (volunteer@unitedwayuc.org) or by visiting the searchable database on the United Way of Utah County Web site www.unitedwayuc.org.