DePauw Community Service Programs
DePauw Community Service (DCS) strives to make a lasting impact in the community by offering opportunities for committed and passionate direct service.
Most programs require an orientation, a semester-long commitment to at least 1-hour/week of service, and attendance at a reflection gathering. See below for additional program-specific requirements.
Sign up with a DCS coordinator today!
AFTER SCHOOL AT RIDPATH
The Clay County YMCA School-Aged Child Care program at Ridpath Primary School is committed to instilling in children the core values of the YMCA: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Student volunteers are needed to assist the experienced staff in providing a safe, caring and enriching after school environment where children are helped with homework, tutored in math and reading, and engaged in activities that encourage them to make new friends, enjoy new experiences and have fun. The program runs Monday through Friday at Ridpath Primary School from 3 to 6pm. For information contact DCS Coordinators abbisolaoxley_2016@depauw.edu or amarilisroman_2016@depauw.edu or ridpathymca@depauw.edu.
*The site requires a regular weekly volunteer commitment of at least one hour/week and requires a background check
ASBURY TOWERS SENIOR FRIEND
This program serves Asbury Towers retirement home and nursing facilities. Students interact with senior citizens to gain new insights on the process of aging including raising their understanding of individuals who are adjusting to this phase of life. Students may choose to develop individual friendships or assist with group activities. Interaction with residents may include conversing, writing letters, reading aloud, playing card games, or sharing talents (especially in the performing and creative arts). For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator makelaelvy_2015@depauw.edu or seniorfriend@depauw.edu
*This program requires a TB test.*
BEST BUDDIES COLLEGES
Best Buddies is a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-on-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Best Buddies Colleges pairs people with intellectual disabilities in one-on-one friendships with DePauw student volunteers. Individuals with intellectual disabilities struggle with establishing friendships outside of their own environment. By becoming a College Buddy, volunteers offer the Peer Buddy a chance to broaden their life experiences.
For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator noahgatwood_2015@depauw.edu or bestbuddies@depauw.edu *This program prefers a commitment for the entire academic year.*
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program in which DePauw students spend time with their "Little"partners during the school day. Although it takes place at school, this mentoring program is not limited to the classroom. Some Littles do talk with their Bigs about class, or do homework, or read together, but it’s perfectly fine to shoot hoops in the gym or play on the playground. At the end of the day, the aim for the college role models is to provide friendship, guidance, and inspiration through the many challenges of adolescence. Many DCS volunteers have mentored the same child for several years. For volunteer information contact coordinator kelseybinion_2014@depauw.edu or bbbs@depauw.edu *This program prefers a commitment of one volunteer hour/week for the entire academic year, and a background check.*
DEPAUW COLLEGE MENTORS
Volunteers serve as mentors to high school students needing assistance with the college decision and application processes. The program currently serves Greencastle High School and will expand throughout Putnam County in the 2012-2013 academic year. Mentors meet monthly with an assigned mentee to explore college options, assist with college applications, review essays, assist with financial aid applications, and other needs associated with preparing for college. For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator emilyvierk_2013@depauw.edu or collegementors@depauw.edu
*This program requires a commitment of one monthly on-site visit, email/phone check-ins as needed, a background check, and attendance at monthly meetings for information acquisition and reflection*
HEAD START
Head Start is a comprehensive child and family development program. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities, receive developmental screenings, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe setting. Student volunteers play with children, assist at mealtimes, and help to maintain the facility as they gain an understanding of the challenges facing families on limited incomes. Head Start is located at the Area 30 Career Center located east of the University. For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator tinagalindo_2013@depauw.edu or dpuheadstart@depauw.edu *This program requires a background check and a TB test.*
HUMANE SOCIETY OF PUTNAM COUNTY
The Humane Society of Putnam County is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to serve animals in need in Putnam County. The shelter is temporarily closed, however, the Humane Society of Putnam County continues to operate. Volunteers are educating the public on overpopulation issues; helping the Friends of the Humane Society plan large scale fundraisers or holding independent fundraisers; and working in the entirely volunteer-run resale store, Rescued Treasures, which directly benefits the Humane Society of Putnam County. Rescued Treasures is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator casiesambo_2013@depauw.edu or dpuhumanesociety@depauw.edu.
KNOY CENTER TUTORING
The Knoy Resource Center is a non-profit program of the Cloverdale Community School Corporation. It serves all ages with supplemental educational resources. DePauw students tutor in the after school program for grades K-5, Monday -Thursday between the hours of 3 - 5pm. Placements available for any combination of days/times. For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator rachelhanebutt_2015@depauw.edu or knoycenter@depauw.edu.
NON-FOOD PANTRY
The Non-Food Pantry provides non-food necessities to needy families in Putnam County. These are items not purchasable with food stamps, such as toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper, baby/toddler products, and feminine hygiene products. The program is sponsored by organizations and churches throughout Putnam County and is hosted by St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Volunteers are needed once or twice a month, either at St. Andrew’s filling the supply bags and working the monthly distribution, or managing drives to collect donated nonfood items. For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator sharonmaes_2015@depauw.edu or nonfoodpantry@depauw.edu
PUTNAM COUNTY MUSEUM
Community volunteers have been instrumental in founding, developing, and running the Putnam County Museum. Student volunteers have a number of avenues for contributing their time and talents. They may commit to regular service as docents during open hours where they greet visitors, answer questions, and lead tours of the exhibition or if needing a volunteer position that allows for more time-flexibility, students may volunteer to do research and create exhibits, maintain collections, assist with membership drives, help with fundraising events, contribute to grant applications, and coordinate educational programs. For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator elizabethbjordal_2013@depauw.edu or putnamcountymuseum@depauw.edu*If serving as a docent this program prefers a regular weekly commitment.*
READING IMPROVEMENT CENTER
The Reading Improvement Center serves children needing extra help with reading and mathematics at both Gobin Church and in the Greencastle school system. Volunteers work with the Center director and teachers to plan appropriate curriculum for sessions, tutor one-on-one, lead games and activities - ultimately serving as a mentor for many children. For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator kenishawhite_2014@depauw.edu or readingimprovement@depauw.edu *This program requires a background check.*
ROBERT G. BOTTOMS COMMUNITY CENTER TUTORING
This reading tutoring program for first graders offers DePauw students the opportunity to work with the same child for the course of a semester. In just that short period most of the served make the needed improvements. This is a great opportunity for students aspiring to positions in education or public policy. For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator taylorcrompton_2012@depauw.edu or communitycentertutor@depauw.edu. *This program requires a T/Th commitment from 3 - 4:15 pm.*
SPANISH ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
The long-running program exposes 3rd-5th graders to basic Spanish comprehension. It is hosted by Tzouanakis Elementary School once a week during after school hours. Volunteers work with groups of 3-6 six students either independently or with a partner. For volunteer information contact DCS co-coordinators brianaanderson_2013@depauw.edu or marycruzbaylon_2013@depauw.edu or spanishenrichment@depauw.edu
STUDENT FRIEND
The Student Friend Program serves primary through middle school students with an assortment of mild disabilities. Volunteers spend time with a counselor-selected student at the school during school hours engaging in such activities as playing board games, helping with homework, practicing appropriate social skills, and reading. DePauw’s Student Friend program serves four area schools. For information on a particular school program contact the DCS coordinator.*This program requires a background check and prefers a full academic year commitment.*
Central Elementary School DCS coordinator: ssfcentral@depauw.edu or taylorrichison_2014@depauw.edu
Deer Meadow Primary School: DCS coordinator: ssfdeermeado@depauw.edu or juliasobek_2015@depauw.edu
Greencastle Middle School DCS coordinator: ssfgms@depauw.edu or jahswayrobinson_2015@depauw.edu
Ridpath Primary School contact DCS coordinator: ssfridpath@depauw.edu or weitao_2014@depauw.edu
SPORTS NIGHT
In its 20th season, Sports Night provides the youth of Putnam County the opportunity to participate in sports-related activities while building relationships with DePauw students. The program aims to enhance the lives of the children who participate by offering a fun environment for teaching the skills and value of being a team player. Sports Night is a free program open to all Putnam County 1st through 5th graders and is offered once a month while DePauw classes are in session. For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator derekdavis_2013@depauw.edu or sportsnight@depauw.edu *This program prefers a commitment to the eight monthly Sports Nights for the entire academic year.*
TALKS MENTORING
The TALKS Mentoring Program is conducted in partnership with Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church. The goal of TALKS is to provide local middle school students with a mentor that will help them make personal commitments to integrity and excellence in the pursuit of life paths. DePauw student mentors are paired with 1-3 mentees in weekly 30 minute meetings at Greencastle Middle School and follow a proven program that addresses self-esteem, peer/family relationships, and life skills. Through association with the TALKS program, DePauw student volunteers can expect to acquire experience and knowledge useful to a lifetime of helping others grow. For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator feliciasantiago_2014@depauw.edu or TALKS@depauw.edu *Mentors are expected to commit to serving a full academic year and attending monthly team building meetings.
TOTS TIME
The Tots Time program is held at Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church and is run in conjunction with Putnam County Family Support Services. Volunteers are needed every Tuesday morning from 9am to noon to engage children newborn to 5 years old. DCS volunteers participate in free play, crafts, reading, snacks, and other activities. Everyone knows how much attention pre-school children require. The purpose of this long-standing free community program is to support parenting by offering time off to run errands, job seek, clean, or simply relax. For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator kaleighsolley_2013@depauw.edu or totstime@depauw.edu *This program requires a commitment to a regular time period (from 1-3 hours) on Tuesdays and a background check*
OTHER PROGRAMS/OPPORTUNITIES
Requests come in frequently for student volunteers from a myriad of social, governmental, artistic, and educational organizations, agencies and programs throughout Putnam County. If you would like to pursue a specific service interest that isn't listed here or if you have an idea for a DCS program, please contact gfenlon@depauw.edu.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Students who are 21 may borrow University vehicles to get to service opportunities. Access Hartman Vehicle Reservations for information.
For general information regarding the program contact Gigi Jennewein, Coordinator of Community Service and Outreach, at gfenlon@depauw.edu or 765-658-4870.
Service programs are housed in the office of Civic, Global and Professional Opportunities.