VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
IN THE COMMUNITY

On a daily basis, hundreds of Bemidji residents serve as mentors for at-risk youth, work in shelters for the less fortunate, participate in long-range planning for organizations, provide arts and opportunities for children, work for a safer community, give companionship and support for senior citizens, help preserve the environment and much, much more.  The Bemidji community is enriched and strengthened by these dedicated and caring people.  If you would like to be a part of this community investment, please contact any of the agencies listed for a volunteer opportunity today!

Adult Day Services
Adult Day Services promotes healthy aging with the focus to improve and enhance overall wellness.  Through a system of supportive services in one location the program cost effectively assists people experiencing isolation due to physical and psychosocial demands, to maintain and/or increase independence, and remain an active part of family and community. Life quality is enhanced when experienced with others.      
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  Share your talents to contribute to occasional afternoon programming.  1:00 – 2:00 PM we plan recreational, social and educational activities for participants.  Music and educational presentations are a hit.   Assist with overall programming for participants.  Lead exercise program, discussion of current events and group activities.  Assist to serve meals and snacks.  One-on-one horticultural therapy exercises, Gardening, and reminiscence groups.  Temporarily assist with fundraisers.  Spring Banquet and First City River Duck Race.  Administrative assist available in numerous capacities. 

620 Carr Lake Road SE
Bemidji, MN  56601
751-1324
Director: Kathy Spies
adultday@gmail.com

ARC Headwaters

Information, support and advocacy for children and adults with disabilities and their families in northwest Minnesota.

1819 Bemidji Avenue

Bemidji, MN 56601

218-759-0097

Contact:  Randy Jurek

jurek_randy@yahoo.com
www.archeadwaters.org

Bemidji Community Food Shelf
310 4th St
Bemidji, MN  56601
218-444-6580
Contact: Carolyn Hegland
kayo@paulbunyan.net

Bemidji Senior Center
The mission of the Bemidji Senior Center is to aid, develop and promote
various activities for senior groups throughout the county and to cooperate with other state and national agencies.  The purpose is to provide a central clearinghouse of information, to inform agencies on the need of programs and to cooperate in fulfilling the needs of the community's senior population. As an integral part of the ageing network, the Senior Center serves community needs assists other agencies in serving older adults and provides opportunities for older adults to develop their potential within the context of their community.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  fundraising, public relations, income
tax preparation, gift ship, card recycling, 55 alive defensive driving course,
meal set up/clean up, computer & craft skills, board of directors and
maintenance

216 3rd St NW
Bemidji, MN  56601
218-751-8836
Volunteer Coordinator: bccoa@paulbunyan.net
www.paulbunyan.net/users/bccoa

Beltrami County Historical Society
Since 1952 the Beltrami County Historical society has been dedicated to
collecting and preserving the heritage of Beltrami County.  By combining
the past with the present, the Historical Society opened the historical
center located in the restored Great Northern Depot. Area residents now
have a state-of-the-art museum, gift shop and research library.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  gift shop, data processing, ongoing cataloging of artifacts such as photos, manuscripts, diaries and journals

PO Box 683
Bemidji, MN  56619
218-444-3376
Fax: 218-444-3377
Director: Wanda Hoyum
depot@paulbunyan.net

Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area
The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.  BGGCBA desires to see Club youth have positive self-identities, be educationally, occupationally, socially, emotionally, and culturally competent, be involved in their community, be physically healthy, and have a moral compass.   B&GCBA programs are designed to support the accomplishment of these goals.  Programs and activities are offered in the areas of Character and Leadership, Education and Career, Health and Life Skills, the Arts, and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.  A new Teen Center for high school teens will be opening in the fall of 2009.  The Teen Center will be in the existing Club but in a separate area and designated space for high school teens only.  It will have a lounge, computer/tutoring lab, media room and snack area.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  The Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area (BGCBA) offers volunteer opportunities for individuals hoping to give back to their community.  Volunteers can work directly with Club members, ages 6 through 18, after completing a back ground check and training.  Some volunteers prefer to work in the office or help with building or grounds maintenance.  Volunteers come to the Club on a schedule that they set which can be as much as daily or once a month.  Some come just once to teach a special skill.  BGCBA offers three special events each year and community volunteers help to organize these events.

1600 Minnesota Ave
PO Box 191
Bemidji, MN  56619
218-444-4171
Contact: Andrea Ohnstad
aohnstad@paulbunyan.net

http://www.bgcbemidji.com

Civil Air Patrol

Churches United
Contact: 218-444-1380
 

Evergreen House Inc.
Administrative Support Volunteers – Evergreen’s Community Services Site, Bemidji Ave. & 15^th St., seeks an adult to help welcome visitors to our office, answer phones, and provide light administrative support for 10-15 hours a week.  Please contact Beth Warrick, ECS Program Director, 751-8223, to request more information.  Interns from area colleges and universities who have a business administration or related background are welcome to contact us as well.    Board Members/Committee Volunteers – Evergreen is seeking individuals who are interested in being part of a governing board of directors.  The board is responsible for hiring and evaluating the agency director, approving the annual budget, ensuring that the agency has funds to carry out its work, and approving agency policies.  We also seek committee members who are interested and have expertise in finance, personnel, program, and resource sustainability.  Please contact agency director, Becky Schueller, at 751-8223.  Interns – Evergreen’s three program sites – Youth Crisis Shelter, Boys Recovery House, and Evergreen Community Services – welcome contact from college students interested in pursuing an internship.  We accept interns from Psychology, Social Work, Education, Health Education, Criminal Justice, and other human-service related fields.  Contact Randy Walden, Human Resources Manager, at 751-8223.  Short-term Program Volunteers – The Evergreen Shelter regularly seeks college students and others who are interested in short-term volunteer opportunities working with youth.  Contact Jeff Korbel at 751-4332 for more information.

Evergreen House Inc. (main office)

1418 Bemidji Ave N Ste 1
PO Box 662
Bemidji, MN  56619
Contact:  information listed above

www.evergreenhouse.org

Foster Grandparents/Senior Companions
Senior Companion Program partners volunteers 55 or better in age with lonely, isolated adults who wish to remain independent and living in their own homes.  The “Companions” provide friendly visits, transportation, and advocacy. The Foster Grandparent Program provides volunteers mentoring opportunities in all kinds of educational and shelter settings. Foster Grandparents work with youth of all ages.  Volunteers in both programs receive a small tax free stipend and mileage reimbursement. 
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  Senior 55 or better in age, willing to serve 15 hours per week working with kids or lonely isolated seniors
 

PO Box 1518

Walker, MN  56484

800-563-8150

Director: Mar Kuha

mar.kuha@lssmn.org
www.seniorcorps.org

Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Land of Lakes Council
Girl Scouting is a contemporary, informal education program that gives
girls and young women ages 5-17 a chance to build character and skills
for success in the real world.  In partnership with committed adults, girls
develop qualities that will serve them all their lives like strong values,
social conscience and convictions about their own potential and self
worth.  Through the many enriching experiences provided, they grow
courageous and strong.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  troop leader, community organizer,
short term consultant advisor, council policy-making process,
fundraising, public relations, publicity recruitment or teaching

750 Paul Bunyan Dr NW
Bemidji, MN  56601
218-751-4886
Local Contact: Becky Dean
girlscts@paulbunyan.net
Executive Director: Leigh Ann Davis

Havenwood Care Center
The Eldercare-Havenwood Care Center is a skilled care nursing facility
serving to enhance each life in long term care and short term
rehabilitation, while growing to meet the changing needs of the
community.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  "special friend" visiting, serving
refreshments, assist with hair care, activities programs (crafts, parties,
etc.), shopper's cart rounds to resident rooms, gardening, feeding and
many special events

1633 Delton Ave.
Bemidji, MN  56601
218-444-1717
Contact: Kathy Fuller
kfuller@paulbunyan.net

Hope House

Hope House provides community support services to individuals with serious and persistent  mental illness so they can live in the community in the least restrictive setting, function at their best level, and reduce the need for involuntary hospitalization. Hope House provides adult rehabilitation mental health services (ARMHS) in the home and community. Hope House also provides community support services
(CSP) such as phone support, consumer outreach, social and recreational activities, after hours emergency help, community/public education, medication and wellness checks, REACH family support group, diagnostic assessments, and consumer employment .  Hope House also provides day treatment and a drop-in center for members.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  Assist with drop-in center activities, including set up and clean up. Make conversation. Keep clear boundaries. Keep other consumers involved in activity during another client’s crisis situation.  Plan and conduct fundraisers.  Serve as a board member, monthly meetings

2014 7th St SE

PO Box 1097

Bemidji, MN  56619

444-6748

Director: Robin Wold or Barb Fisher

rwold@paulbunyan.net

Kinship North
Kinship North is a formal one-on-one mentoring program that focuses on matching at-risk youth, ages 5 to 15, with caring adult volunteer mentors.  Kinship mentors are trained to involved their Kinship Kids in everyday activities that will model positive attitudes and behaviors, as well as provide opportunities in which their Kinship Kids can be successful and have fun. 
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  Kinship North is the Greater Bemidji area’s only formal mentoring program.  It pairs adult mentors with children ages 5-15.  We ask that mentors spend 1-2 hours a week with a child.  We currently have 20+ children waiting for mentors.  The program helps support a variety of mentoring activities that take place in public places such as the Boys and Girls Club, the Science Center, Community Education classes, and more. 

1418 Bemidji Ave N Ste 1
PO Box 662
Bemidji, MN  56619
Contact: Mike Garry, 218-751-8223  ext 125
mgarry@evergreenhouse.org
www.evergreenhouse.org

Neilson Place
The purpose of the North Country Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is to
provide rehabilitation and long term care service to the adult population.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  gift shop, special entertainment,
special events, one-to-one visits, outings and activity programs

1000 Anne St.
Bemidji, MN  56601
218-333-6290
Contact: Sandy Hennum
shennum@nchs.com

Northern Dental Access Center
Provides dental care and other family service referrals to low income families enrolled in Medical Assistance or Minnesota Care in the Bemidji and surrounding areas.  We provide dental exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, and dentures on site; and provide referrals for specialty care needs to a variety of providers throughout the state.  With Beltrami County Health and Human Services on site, child and teen exams, immunizations and other family service referrals are available. 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  Dentists (must be licensed in MN and credentialed with the Dental Access Center's MN Health Care Plan administrators), Hygienists, Dental Assistants and Child Care
 
1405 Anne Street NW
Bemidji, MN  56601
218-444-9646
Contact: Jeanne Edevold Larson
Jeanne.Larson@northerndentalaccess.org
www.northerndentalaccess.org

Northwoods Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers
Northwoods Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers provide isolated seniors and
others with special needs with a coordinated system of volunteer and
professional support services.  These services enable continued
independent living for care recipients.  A secondary purpose is to assist
congregations of all faiths in a collaborative approach to an effective care
giving ministry.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  friendly visiting, handy person,
shopping assistant, transportation, respite care

616 America Ave N #170
Bemidji, MN  56601
218-333-8264 or 888-534-4432
Director: Cindi Lee Jernigan
E-mail: nice@paulbunyan.net
www.northwoodsnice.org

North Country Home Care and Hospice
North Country Home Care and Hospice was created to provide physical,
psychosocial, emotional and spiritual care to patients and families of
patients who are terminally ill.  an interdisciplinary team is comprised of
a physician, registered nurse, home health aid, social worker, clergy and
volunteers to deliver individualized services to the patient and family with
an emphasis on quality of life.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  friendly visitation, assisting with meals, laundry, yard and garden help, transportation, relieving the caregiver, reading to the patient, playing music., office support, fundraising, speaking bureau, organizing family albums, or other helpful supporting activities.

3525 Pine Ridge Ave
Bemidji, MN  56601
218-333-5665
Contact: Jesica Conrad
jconrad@nchs.com

North Country Regional Hospital
The purpose of the North Country Regional Hospital is to provide the best
possible health care to people in this region. 
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  hospitality services, clerical,
fundraising, miscellaneous tasks, coffee cart, gift shop, baby pictures,
information desk, computer entry, hosting, assisting with educational
opportunities and clinics, menu pick up and mail delivery

1300 Anne St
Bemidji, MN  56601
218-333-5654
Volunteer Coordinator: Kari Knudson
kknudson@nchs.com

Ours to Serve House of Hospitality
Provides temporary emergency shelter for families with dependent children and single pregnant women experiencing homelessness.  Services include a private family room, three nutritionally balanced meals each day, and supportive services that assist guests in achieving and maintaining housing stability.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Vary from week to week.  Please call to inquire about current volunteer opportunities.

16 Irvine Ave NW

Bemidji, MN 56601

751-0722

Contact: Amanda Golden
houseofhospitality@gmail.com

PATH

PATH’s mission is to deliver the best, culturally competent family and
home-based treatment and transition opportunities to children and
families, reflecting the diverse identities of client populations across
PATH. This means that at PATH, we work to provide highly effective
leadership as an educational, advocacy and support resource, preparing
parents and families to best nurture children. Our goal is to lead the child
welfare field in the use of family as the core therapeutic environment,
while also anticipating community needs for services to children and
families by creating innovative and collaborative family-based solutions. In
short, PATH’s mission is to remain the organization of choice for foster
and adoptive parents, community partners and employees
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Development Sub-Committee -
Individual Giving Volunteer, Community Outreach Regional Office
Volunteer, Speaker’s Bureau Volunteer, Community Outreach Volunteer,
Office Help, Bridge Builders Mentor

Contact: Regional Director
1510 Bemidji Avenue N
Phone: 218-751-7515
www.pathinc.org

Paul Bunyan Senior Activity Center
The Paul Bunyan Senior Activity Center ensures that seniors who need assistance, information and referral are assisted.  The Center’s programming teaches seniors to advocate for themselves, provide opportunities for continuing education of interest to seniors, social interaction to decrease isolation, and volunteer opportunities to maintain vitality and a sense of meaning in their lives.  The Center houses the Senior Creations Craft Shop, Volunteer Income Tax Preparation, AARP Driver Safety Program, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and America Reads Program, all of which give seniors volunteer opportunities as well as much needed services.  The Center also houses the LSS Nutrition Project, serving five nutritious meals each week, and the Meals On Wheels Program that reaches out to seniors unable to come to the Center.   There is no age limit for becoming a member or to participate.  A person does not have to be a member to enjoy our services but membership does have benefits. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  visit www.paulbunyan.net/users/bccoa/howtojoin.htm
 

216 3rd Street NW
Bemidji, MN  56601
218-751-8836
Contact:  Diane Engel
bccoa@paulbunyan.net


Paul Bunyan Transit
Paul Bunyan Transit is a third party provider of public transportation to
the city of Bemidji and Beltrami County, operating within a 10 mile radius
of Bemidji.  The system operates a number of buses Monday through
Sunday.  The routes are composed of deviated routes and dial-a-ride
services.  All buses are handicapped accessible. 
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  volunteer drivers to transport clients in
their private vehicles for those who are unable to utilize the bus
 

706 Railroad St. SE
Bemidji, MN  56601
218-751-8765
Volunteer Driver Coordinator: Janet Johnson
pbtrans@paulbunyan.net
janetj@paulbunyan.net

RSVP- Getting Things Done
Horizon Health RSVP, which is a national program with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), encourages seniors to continue an active lifestyle by providing meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunities within their communities.  This gives seniors the chance to provide a valuable “service” that enhances not only their own quality of life, but the quality of life for others in their communities. RSVP is getting things done by involving volunteers in community organizations and programs that need the assistance of skilled, knowledgeable, and dedicated people to develop our communities into better places to live.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  The Horizon Health RSVP program is excited to offer an exercise program called Bone Builders here in Bemidji. This program relies upon weight training to protect against fractures caused by osteoporosis by increasing muscular strength and bone density. Bone Builders is designed to help prevent and reverse osteoporosis, improve balance, enhance energy and well-being, increase socialization and provide related health information. RSVP has implemented this successful program in 4 counties with 15 different class sites and has been going strong for the past 3 ½ years.  Many of the Bone Builders participants have seen an improvement in their bone density; reduction in pain caused from ailments like Bursitis; increased energy  The key to success is regular participation, a commitment to attend classes twice weekly for a minimum of six months and the desire to have fun.  We are currently seeking volunteers interested in training to be Bone Builders Leaders in your community.  Please contact Tammy Jopp @ 800-224-6451 or tjopp@horizonhealthservices.com

RSVP Director

320-468-6451

Director: Tammy Jopp

tjopp@horizonhealthservices.com
 

RSVP/America Reads Program Coordinator

Ardis Lucken

751-8836

rsvpread@yahoo.com

Rural Aids Action Network (RAAN)
The Rural AIDS Action Network (RAAN) assists persons living with, affected by and at risk for HIV/AIDS in rural Minnesota. We do this through the following programs: medical case management; HIV counseling, testing and referral; health education/risk reduction; medical transportation reimbursement, support groups and education and training.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  Outreach and education: assist with staffing RAAN information booth at outreach events such as health fairs and community events.  Training on HIV and RAAN services required.  Light office work: putting together outreach supplies etc.  Transporting RAAN clients: On occasion RAAN clients may need a volunteer driver to take them to and from medical appointments.  Training and background check required.

800-966-9735
Contact: Roger Ernst, Outreach and Education Coordinator
roger@raan.org
www.raan.org
 

Sexual Assault Program of Beltrami, Cass and Hubbard Counties

Since 1977, the Sexual Assault Program of Beltrami, Cass & Hubbard Counties has been providing advocacy and supportive services to sexual violence survivors and their families.  Support and information are offered 24 hours a day via our Crisis Line. In addition, trained staff often accompany survivors during a medical/forensic exam and through the criminal justice process.  Services are confidential and free of charge to survivors of all forms of sexual violence. Sexual Assault Program staff also provide educational presentations and seminars on a variety of sexual violence issues, ranging from prevalence to prevention.  24 Crisis number: 444-9522

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  The Sexual Assault Program of Beltrami, Cass & Hubbard Counties has many volunteer opportunities available. Both men and women are welcome for ALL positions.  OFFICE HELP: Office Reception, clerical duties (knowledge of computers is helpful but not necessary)  grant research/writing.  COMMUNITY EDUCATION:   Informational Booths at Health Fairs, County Fairs, Schools, and Conferences; Speakers Bureau:  present survivor stories and/or prevention/education trainings to community groups, schools, businesses, etc.  ADVOCATES: Answer calls that come in to our 24 hour hotline, go to the Emergency Room and/or Law Enforcement, and meet with victims. All advocates are required to go through a 40 hour training program which is provided free of charge. VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIPS: Various internships available.  FUNDRAISING: Help with fundraising projects.  Many other possibilities: Let us know your talents and we may find a way to utilize them.  Flexible Day, Evening & weekend hours available. 

1819 Bemidji Ave. Suite #3

PO Box 1472

Bemidji, MN  56619

444-9524

Volunteer Coordinator: Kim Zimmerman,sap_kimzim@hotmail.com

PO Box 1472
Bemidji, MN  56619
218-444-9524
Contact: Kim Zimmerman
sap_kimzim@hotmail.com

Senior Companion Program/Foster Grandparent Program
PO Box 1518
Walker, MN  56484
218-4626
Contact: Mar Kuha
mkuha@lssmn.org

Timber Bay
For 36 years, Bemidji Area Timber Bay, a non-profit organization, has provided hundreds of at risk children and their families with strong Christian mentors who assist them in successfully reaching adulthood and beyond.  As a Christian referral agency, we work directly with others to provide assistance both during crisis and long term.  We own and operate Timber Bay Camp, “the camp that comes home with the kids”, year around.  We have a local Timber Bay House where children experience a “healthy home”, both during the day and after school.  Our goal is to have a caring adult in the life of every child who would benefit from another adult advocating, affirming, encouraging and supporting them. 
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  Primarily, Timber Bay needs volunteers/mentors who will be screened and trained to befriend, under supervision, elementary school aged children through high school students and their families.  Now, with our new Timber Bay House, we have many serving needs related to having a home (non-residential) for the children to come to.  Volunteers are needed to assist in all that it takes to maintain a healthy home regarding upkeep of a yard and house, including food prep and cleaning of the house.

234 Gerald Lane NW
PO Box 371
Bemidji, MN  56601
766-9997

Regional Director: Steve Hanson 

hanson@timberbay.org
www.timberbay.org

United Methodist Church
The mission of the Bemidji United Methodist Church is to be a faithful
servant community of Jesus Christ through teaching and practicing
gratitude and devotion, witness and service, celebration, and discipleship.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  Opportunities for members or non-members include Sunday school, choir, adult studies, and more.  United Methodist also supports many community organizations through both volunteers and facilities such as the soup kitchen, food shelf, Meals on Wheels and community holiday meals.

PO Box 607
Bemidji, MN  56619
218-751-3503
 

Voyageurs Area Boy Scouts Council
The Boy Scouts of America, Voyageurs Area Council youth programs are volunteer led.  Volunteer opportunities exist at the individual Scouting unit for adults that will serve as positive role models for the young people we serve.  The Boy Scouts are looking for adults that will also serve as advisors to the adult leaders from each of the Scouting units in the Greater Bemidji area.

Contact: Robert Woodke, District Chairman
218-759-1673
bwmlaw@paulbunyan.net