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 or contact dcs@depauw.edu for more information.

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 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 perspective on the process of aging. 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 offers 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 coordinators cassidymelendez_2016@depauw.edu or laurenschultz_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 national mentoring program.  DePauw students spend time with their "Little" partners both during and outside of school hours. Littles and Bigs spend time together in activities such as talking about school, doing homework, reading together, shooting hoops in the gym, or playing on the playground.  Bigs can also take their Littles off campus to enjoy activities such as bowling, laser tag, basketaball games, walking in the Nature Park, or simply handing out on DePauw's campus. At the end of the day, the goal of the program is for the college role models to provide friendship, guidance, and inspiration for 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.  Currently, the program serves Greencastle High School  and will hopefully expand to other schools in Putnam County in the coming years. DePauw students act as college application counselors, assisting in areas such as filling out the Common Application and the FAFSA, writing essays, registering for the SAT/ACT, and applying for scholarships. The mentor will meet his/her student bi-weekly to counsel and support the mentee throughout the entire college application process. For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator juliaroell_2016@depauw.edu or collegementors@depauw.edu
*This program requires a commitment of two monthly on-site visits, 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 fabianherrera_2016@depauw.edu or dpuheadstart@depauw.edu *This program requires a background check and a TB test.*

hub helpings

Hub Helpings is a non-profit program serving the Greencastle community in collaboration with the Cornerstone Baptist Church food pantry. The project aims to take DePauw cafeteria food that would otherwise be discarded and freeze it for safety and transportation to Cornerstone Baptist Church, where it can weekly provide assistance for members of the local community who are in need. By launching a local food pantry, we hope to create unison and trust between DePauw University and the Greencastle community in which we both strive to communicate effectually.  For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator michaelchavez_2016@depauw.edu.  

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 work to educate the community on overpopulation problems, plan and assist with the running of large-scale fundraisers,  and assist with the operation of Rescued Treasures, a volunteer-run resale store. All revenue from the store assists the Humane Society of Putnam County in its plan to reopen and sustainably run the Putnam County shelter.  Rescued Treasures is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator kgozdecki_2016@depauw.edu or dpuhumanesociety@depauw.edu.

JUMPSTart

JumpstART is a free program that aims to connect Putnam County youth grades K-5 to different types of art movements, styles and artists in a fun and engaging way. We do so through a brief lesson followed by an art activity. We meet on the  first Saturday of every month for two hours. Student volunteers assist with set-up and breakdown of supplies, as well as aid children during the activity period. Volunteers work with the children to ensure a positive and engaging program that teaches Putnam County youth about art, but also provides them a fun outlet. For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator chelseanaylor_2014@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 are available for any combination of days/times.  For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator rachelmassoud_2015@depauw.edu or knoycenter@depauw.edu.  

NON-FOOD PANTRY

READING IMPROVEMENT CENTER

The Reading Improvement Center serves children needing extra help with reading and mathematics.  Volunteers can participate in programs at the Greencastle school system or in the  Tutoring at Gobin program located at Gobin Memorial Methodist Church. Tutors work with the Center director and teachers to plan appropriate curriculum for sessions, tutor one-on-one, and lead games and activities - ultimately also serving as mentors. For volunteer information contact DCS coordinator erinmann_2016@depauw.edu or readingimprovement@depauw.edu *This program requires a background check.*

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.  Weekly lesson plans are split between tutoring and helping the kids practice their Spanish knowledge in various fun activities.  Activities may include drawing, "Simon Says," "Mata mosca," and more.  For volunteer information contact DCS co-coordinator thomashenning_2014@depauw.edu or abigailbaylon_2015@depauw.edu or spanishenrichment@depauw.edu

STUDENT FRIEND

The Student Friend Program serves primary through middle school students struggling with an assortment of mild disabilities or social challenges. 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 six 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: ssfdeermeadow@depauw.edu 

Greencastle Middle School DCS coordinator: ssfgms@depauw.edu or radhikadayal_2015@depauw.edu

Filmore Elementary School DCS coordinator: ccazee_2016@depauw.edu 

Ridpath Primary School DCS coordinator: ssfridpath@depauw.edu or laurenevanoff_2016@depauw.edu

Tzouanakis Intermediate School DCS coordinator: ssftzouanakis@depauw.edu

SPORTS NIGHT

Sports Night patrons:  Click to access registration application and Sports Night dates/updates 

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 reillywilson_2015@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 oliviamuller_2016@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.

Any volunteer who needs transportation to or from a DePauw Community Service Program can contact communityride@depauw.edu.

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 Center for Student Engagement.