Cleveland State Community College would like to invite the community to participate in the first community, health, and safety volunteer expo on Thursday from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. co-sponsored by CSCC’s Department of Service-Learning and TENNder CARE.
“While serving as the AmeriCorps VISTA for CSCC, I saw the success of the annual career fair and thought it might be fun to have a volunteer fair,” said Brandy Ball. “While I was still learning about the infrastructure of the CSCC service-learning program, my supervisor/mentor Susan Webb-Curtis, (Director of the CSCC Service-Learning Program) sent me to various agency meetings to acquaint myself with local agencies. After a few meetings, Gail Benton with TENNder Care invited me to participate in some of the Health and Safety Expos in the CSCC service area. I was amazed by the hard work and organizational skills of Gail Benton. I decided if anyone could help us pull off such a wonderful event, it would be Gail. After the preliminary details were in place, CSCC and TENNder Care partnered to implement our first volunteer expo.”
The theme of this event, “Make a Difference Now,” centers around Cleveland State’s desire to give students the opportunity to become engaged in their community by learning more about various agencies in the surrounding areas and finding out how they can become involved. This expo allows students, faculty and community participants to browse and interact with community agencies on an informal basis.
“This expo will give people a chance to see the true heart of our community,” said Ms. Ball. “Some of the most amazing people I have ever met work in our local non-profit agencies. I have found that when a person volunteers, he/she gains a deeper sense of community that everyone looks for, but never seems to find on their own. This event is open to the public, and it doesn’t cost a thing. I would encourage everyone to come and take a moment to talk to the representatives of the various agencies, learn about your community, and meet your neighbors.”
“We are going to have representatives from approximately 50 local organizations,” said Ms. Webb-Curtis. "This is an excellent opportunity for people to find out how they can get involved in a cause that will benefit our community. With so many needs in the world, we are all finding that if everyone will pitch in to help with a cause that we feel passionate about, we can make a difference. We hope this expo will give those that are thinking of volunteering a place to come and find out more about the many agencies that serve our community.”
Ms. Ball said, “Volunteering can help the unemployed find a new career. Not only do they get to rub elbows with some people who can provide job leads, but the experience is invaluable. With so many people not having jobs right now, they are looking for things to do. Volunteering is a good filler of time and a good way to fill your resume at the same time.”
For more information about the “Make a Difference Now” Expo, contact Brandy Ball at 472-7141, ext. 385 or email americorp@clevelandstatecc.edu. For more information on the Department of Service-Learning at CSCC, visit the website at www.clevelandstatecc.edu/service_learning/.