For information on volunteering for any programs contact: Lori Saylor: 704 336-5478 or lori.saylor@mecklenburgcountync.gov. NOTE: Volunteers younger than age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers for Therapeutic Recreation (TR) must be at least 18. Join the fun. Volunteer for any of the following:

 1.  Therapeutic Enrichment Program
Location: Marion Diehl Center 2219 Tyvola Rd
Dates: Monday through Fridays following the CMS Schedule
Hours: 3:30 pm- 5:30 pm
Description: TREP is an afterschool program for teens, 13-21 with disabilities.  The program’s activities consist of games, gardening, sports, music, crafts, as well as enhancing life skills and socialization.
Qualifications: Volunteer must be at least 18 years old and able to lift at least 25 pounds, stand, and bend
Description of Volunteer Job: Volunteer will assist with set-up & break-down, participant supervision, and facilitating activities.

2. Therapeutic Recreation Division Adult Softball
Location: Clanton Park, 1520 Clanton Rd
Dates: Saturdays; September through October
Hours: 10 am – 2 pm
Description of Program: softball for adults with disabilities
Qualifications needed by volunteer: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, have patience, flexibility, physically able to run, bend, lift, etc.
Description of Volunteer Job: Volunteers will be either coaches or buddies.  Coaches will instruct the players on the game of softball by showing them how to hit, catch, run, and field balls.  Buddies will assist the players with remaining attentive, running bases, hitting, catching, and encouraging.
 
3. Kitchen Magic Cooking Classes
Location: Marion Diehl Center 2219 Tyvola Rd
Dates: Saturdays October 17 – November 14
Hours: 9 am – 11 am
Description: This is a hands-on cooking class for adults and seniors with disabilities. We’ll cook favorites, along with some not-so-traditional breakfast foods, while learning about kitchen safety and hygiene; making healthy food choices; and proper food handling and storage practices.
Qualifications: Experience working with people with disabilities is preferred, but not required. Enthusiasm is a must!
Brief Description of Volunteer Job: Volunteers will assist participants and staff with daily activities, and with set-up and/or clean-up of materials, equipment and program areas.

4. Holiday Kitchen Magic Cooking Classes
Location: Marion Diehl Center 2219 Tyvola Rd
Dates: Saturdays November 14 – December 19
Hours: 9 am – 1 pm
Brief Description of Program: This is a holiday-themed cooking and craft program, for children with disabilities and their families – siblings and other family members may participate. 
Qualifications needed by volunteer:  Experience working with people with disabilities is preferred, but not required. Enthusiasm is a must!
Brief Description of Volunteer Job: Volunteers will assist participants and staff with daily activities, and with set-up and/or clean-up of materials, equipment and program areas.

5. Name of Program/Project: TRACES Program
(Therapeutic Recreation Adult Community Enrichment Services)
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center
Dates of Program: *September 21 – November 20 (9 weeks)
*Mini-Session: November 30 – December 11 (2 weeks)
*Winter: January 11 – March 12, 2010 (9 weeks)
Hours: Fall and Winter sessions:
Mon-Tues-Wed – 10 am – 2 pm; Thursday – 12:30-2 pm; Fri – 10 am -Noon
Mini-Session: Mon-Fri, 9:30am – Noon
Brief Description of Program: This is a day program for adults with disabilities. A variety of classes are offered on different days of the week: Cooking, Mon 10am-12; Gardening, Wed & Fri, 10am-12; Creative Arts, Mon/Wed 12:45-1:45pm; Dance & Fitness, Mon/Wed 1:45-2:45pm; Music, Tues/Thursday 12:45-1:45pm
Qualifications: Experience working with people with disabilities is preferred, but not required. Enthusiasm is a must!
Brief Description of Volunteer Job (include work schedule if appropriate):
Volunteers will assist participants with all activities – may include food preparation or gardening skills; art, craft and pottery projects; dance and fitness activities; musical activities. Responsibilities may also include assisting the program leader with set-up and/or clean-up of equipment and program areas. Special clothing volunteers are requested to have: Please wear sneakers with socks each day. Dress for the weather if assisting with Gardening; comfortable or athletic attire is suggested. if assisting with Dance, Fitness or Music wear something that let’s you move.