Another Templeton Work Day

Help us finish up the spring prep in the gardens at Templeton Elementary School. Thursday, April 15, from 5 - 8pm we'll spread the rest of the mulch, pull some more weeds, and plant flowers. Bring your gloves, water bottle, shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows and join us for a workout. To sign-up email lbrown@socc.org.

CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocate

Sixty children are currently waiting for a CASA volunteer! Volunteers advocate for abused and neglected children in juvenile court and are professionally trained to meet with the child/family, identify needs and services, speak for the child in court and monitor the case to ensure progress. No specific skills necessary, but must have a heart for children. CASA offers training 3 times a year. The next training is April 23 to May 25, meeting on Tues. and Fri. from 9 a.m. to noon. Application deadline is April 14th. Volunteers must be at least 21, be in Bloomington during the summer, commit to one to two years of service (preferably two) after completing training, willing to travel to surrounding counties, have a valid driver's license and transportation, and have daytime flexibility in your schedule. The average commitment is 10-15 hours a month. Criminal Background checks required. For more information go to https://volunteer.united-e-way.org/cobvn/org/opp/10287103068.html.

Work Day Results

Thanks to everyone who helped at the Templeton Work Day on Saturday, March 27. It was amazing to see the transformation of the grounds. The garden is ready for seeds, strawberries were rescued from the weeds, the dry creekbed was rebuilt, mulberry trees were removed, and waist high weeds were mowed. Shelby B. went above and beyond by digging out the drain that had filled with dirt.

Templeton Elementary School Gardens Work Day - March 27

THIS SATURDAY - JOIN US

We have agreed to update and maintain four gardens at Templeton Elementary School. A team from SOCC did extensive work on some of these areas during CareFest09 and we want to help keep them beautiful for the children and teachers to enjoy. The four gardens include vegetables (produce will be given away at the Free Friday Market when school is in session); wildflower and pond; picnic area; and perennial garden.

A work day is planned for Saturday, March 27 from 9 - noon. Bring your rakes, shovels, hoes, gloves and water bottles. If you don't have gardening tools come anyway, we'll have extra's and your two hands is all you need to pull weeds!

For more information contact Lyne Brown at lbrown@socc.org or 334-0206.

Citizen Advocacy of South Central Indiana (CASCI)

CASCI http://casciweb.org/ facilitates and supports one-on-one matches between citizens with disabilities and other members of our community for the purpose of friendship and advocacy. They currently have a few gentlemen whom they would like to match with a friend. Below is a brief description of the interests of each of these gentlemen. If you are have spare time and would like to bring light and friendship to someone please contact Lyne at SOCC, 334-0206 or lbrown@socc.org for more information.

D.M. would like to meet someone interested in shooting pool with him and going fishing. He is interested in discovering new places to eat and learning something new. He enjoys going to the movies, and going to the Farmer’s Market during nice weather. He would like a friend over 40, who would closer to his age.

D.R. is in his 60’s, enjoys watching sports and shooting pool and would enjoy doing these activities with a friend. He also enjoys going out to eat and to the Farmer’s Market. He would like to have someone who could encourage him to be more active at the YMCA. He is interested in a friend over 40 who would be closer to his age

R.W. is a young man in his mid 30’s who is looking for someone to help him be more active in the community. He wants to use his time to be productive by getting involved in a volunteer activity in the community and meet new friends. He also enjoys walking around town and would like to exercise more.

C.B. is a retired gentleman in his 70’s. He is looking for someone who enjoys high school sports, especially basketball and football. He enjoys being around young people. He would also like to go out to dinner, go to high school plays, and festivals around town. C is open to a new friend of any age as he enjoys people of all ages and backgrounds.

Monroe County Red Cross Book Drive

If you love books, consider volunteering at the Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross. They need book sorters to help process incoming donations for their annual book fair held in October. Books are coming in now so help is needed to keep the books organized. A weekly commitment of one or two hours is best, but any help is appreciated. Book donations are also being accepted now at the chapter office. For more information, please call June Taylor at 812-332-7292 at Red Cross or e-mail jtaylor@monroe-redcross.org.

Backstreet Mission Update & Needs

In 2009 Backstreet Missions was able to assist families as follows:
500 thanksgiving baskets were given out
300 christmas gifts were given out to children
45,402 meals were served at the Mission. Includes weekly, weekend, and Arbor Glen meals.
256 men stayed at the Mission
20 women stayed at Agape House

Current Volunteer Needs:
Wednesday night Chaplain (Men’s)
Monday and Friday evening Chaplain (Women’s)
Board members

Food & Paper Needs:
Powdered milk
Coffee
Cereals
Paper products
Razors
Deodorants
Foods can only be dropped off at the main Missions office at 215 S. Westplex Ave.