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During each year, PJCLP students have the opportunity to serve in numerous capacities on campus and in the community. To date, the PJCLP students have served for more than 7,900 hours alongside numerous GSW campus and community partners at events such as the Plains Food Distribution, GSW’s annual Days of Giving and Service, the annual Night to Shine event organized by the Tim Tebow Foundation, GSW campus events, spending time with residents at Magnolia Manor, the local nonprofit senior living facility, helping with upkeep at the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, local hospitals, building houses with the Fuller Center for Housing and Habitat for Humanity, and serving at the local Humane Society.
Each year, the first-year leadership students have the opportunity to organize a Toy Drive in partnership with SOWEGA CASA. In November of 2022, the students were able to successfully serve nearly 500 children in need in the surrounding area by gathering toys and other items on their wish lists and raising more than $2,000.
Also, during each year, the second-year leadership students have the opportunity to plan and serve in a study away trip. In March of 2023, a group of second-year students had the opportunity to travel to Mayfield, Kentucky, during Spring Break to assist with the rebuilding of homes lost in their community during the tornadoes of December 2021 through the clean-up of tornado debris, siding of a garage, shingling of a roof, demolition work, and concrete pouring among other things.
Location:
496 Cemetery Road
Andersonville, GA 31711
Contact:
Jennifer Hopkins
229-924-0343 ext. 201
Jennifer_hopkins@nps.gov
Program Information
Andersonville NHS includes the Civil War site of Camp Sumter military prison, Andersonville National Cemetery, and the National Prisoner of War Museum. Our mission is to preserve the resources and stories that illustrate the experiences of American prisoners of war throughout U.S. history and to educate the public about the deadliest ground of the Civil War.
Job Description
Volunteer opportunities include:
Requirements:
Hours:
Museum: 9 am-4:30 pm daily
Cemetery: 8 am-5 pm daily
Other tentative dates and times:
Location:
307 East Lamar St
Americus, GA 3170
Contact:
Candy Riccardi
229-938-1946
riccardil@bellsouth.net
Program Information
Books for Sumter Children is associated with Ferst Readers. Our organization offers free books to children from birth to 5 years of age in hopes of improving literacy in Sumter County.
Job Description
Students can assist with registration of children living in Sumter County 0-5 years of age. Also, students can work with our registrar, Anne Isbell, director of Lake Blackshear Regional Library, helping to sort through registration forms, entering data into the computer, verifying addresses and other information, etc.
Most work will take place at the Lake Blackshear Regional Library, 307 E. Lamar Street.
Requirements
Little training is involved. Students should be friendly and outgoing.
Hours
During the hours for the Lake Blackshear Regional Library and for special events.Contact Anne Isbell at 229-924-8091.
The library is open as follows:
Monday & Wednesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 AM -8:00PM
Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00PM
Location:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany
Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Unit
401 Waymon Street
Plains, Georgia 31780
Contact:
Terri Wooden, Unit Director
229-824-5357
twooden@bgcalbany.org
Program Information
MISSION
To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
GOALS
We have three priority outcomes…
ACTIVITIES
In addition to Power Hour (homework time), GA Shape (30 minutes of physical activity everyday), visual arts, culinary arts, lyricism, and STEAM, we also offer gardening, computer lab, games room, anti-bullying, and more!
Job Description
OVERVIEW
Implement curriculum that exposes members to a broad range of interesting, developmentally appropriate areas such as the arts, education, technology, sports, life skills and leadership.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Requirements
Minimum of 18 years of age.
Hours
Children in Need of Services (CHINS)
Southwest Georgia Children Alliance
800 Georgia Southwestern State University Drive
Americus, Georgia 31709
Contact:
LaToya Ross
229-931-4488
latoya@sowegachildren.org
Program Information
Goals:
Mission: Together, we can create healthy lives for our children. We are the prominent regional community resource for children and families through nurturing, education, mentoring, advocacy, empowerment and child-abuse prevention.
Local activities: Community Resource Fairs, CASA activities (e.g., assist with pinwheels)
Job Description
Requirements
Hours
Monday - Friday hours are flexible. We will work with student according to their school schedule.
Court (approximately 4-5 hours)
Groups (e.g., Pillow Talk) (1 hour)
Office related work (e.g., filing, making copies, creating parenting education book, sending parenting education letters) (4 hours)
The Fuller Center for Housing
701 S Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd
Americus, GA 31719
Contact:
David Snell
229-942-2861
dsnell@fullercenter.org
Program Information
The Fuller Center for Housing is an ecumenical Christian nonprofit that provides homeownership opportunities to those of limited means who have no other access to the resources to own their home. The Fuller Center has partner organizations in 80 U.S. cities and 20 other countries. The work of these groups is to build and renovate houses in partnership with families in need. Our local work is directed by the Americus/Sumter Fuller Center for Housing, with whom you are currently discussing partnership opportunities.
Beyond our work in Americus we have projects across the country and around the world that invite volunteers. Our Global Builders program offers horizon-expanding experiences in purposeful international travel. Work teams spend seven to ten days at one of our projects in Peru, Haiti, Nepal and a number of other sites working with local folks building and repairing homes. A number of teams from GSW have participated in this program over the years.
Stateside we have a number of projects, some in Georgia (Albany, Macon, Lumpkin, Henry County, Cordele) that are easily accessible. We also have a number of projects in the Mississippi Delta region, one of the poorest areas in the country. The sites accept volunteers as well.
Job Description
All of the projects described above rely heavily on volunteer labor. The tasks range from simple clean-up to carpentry, painting and landscaping. All of the sites have project managers who oversee the work, provide job training, assure the quality of the work, and promote safety. Any of these sites expose the volunteers to the challenges facing America’s poor. The Mississippi Delta work is especially eye-opening.
Additionally, unpaid internships are available in a number of area—supporting our Bicycle Adventure team, social networking, public relations and photography/videography.
Requirements
None of these projects require skilled workers and all have construction leaders who instruct the volunteers in the tasks they are assigned to. Federal regulations limit the work that volunteers under the age of 18 can do, such things as operating power tools and working on roofs or ladders. There are no limitations on the jobs those over 18 can do. As these are work sites volunteers should dress accordingly in clothes that could get damaged or dirty. We ask that closed-toed shoes be worn for protection. Otherwise all are welcome. Accommodation can be made for students with disabilities.
Hours
Days and hours will be arranged with the hosting Fuller Center partner organization.
Hands of Hope Pregnancy & Resources Center
111 Habitat St.
Building C
Americus, 31709
Contact
Amanda Anderson, Center Director
Jessica Woosley, Client Program Director
229.928.5027
Program Information
We are a non-profit Pregnancy Resources Center that helps those in a crisis or unplanned pregnancy. Our mission and goal is to educate her (& those she would like to bring) about her options. We educate about abortion, parenting, and adoption so she can make an informed decision about her pregnancy and knows of the community resources & referrals that are available to her. We are a non-judgmental center that is there to help her through each step of the way, not just for the moment, the pregnancy, but also for years to come.
Job Description
Many different ways to help at the Pregnancy & Resources Center, from client advocates to office help, organizers of baby boutique, event planning and much more.
Requirements
18 years old or older. Training is available, (call 229.928.5027 to register), business casual dress. Applications are available for pick up. References and background check are required.
Hours
Monday 12-5
Wednesday 12-4
Volunteer hours are more flexible based upon the position/job that an individual is responsible for.
Harvest of Hope Food Pantry, Inc.
606 McGarrah Street
PO Box 6111
Americus, GA 31709-6111
Contact
Sonny and Ginger Pinckard
229-873-2090
pinckard@sonnysandgingersnaturestudies.com
Program Information
Responding to the call of Jesus Christ, the Harvest of Hope Food Pantry feeds the hungry, promotes physical and spiritual health, and brings people together in a community of love.
HHFP provides food monthly for Sumter County residents who qualify based on USDA guidelines. Open the first four Tuesdays of each month.
Job Description
Leadership Program students can help by
Requirements
Requirements
(Most work will be in the warehouse area and temperature will be fairly hot.)
Hours
Mondays: 7:15 – about 9:00 AM
Tuesdays: 7:00 – 11:00 AM
Jackson Street After-School Program (at First Baptist Church)
First Baptist Church
221 S. Lee Street
Americus, GA 31709
Contact
Pat Turner
(229)942-5283
pattamericus@bellsouth.net
Program Information
Provide academic support, building positive relationships
Job Description
Work with students who need academic support
Requirements
Hours
Tuesday & Thursday during the public school year 3:15 – 5:00 pm
Jimmy Carter National Historic Site
300 N Bond Street
Plains, GA 31780
Contact:
Beth Wright
229-824-4104 ext. 200
Beth_Wright@nps.gov
Program Information
Jimmy Carter NHS preserves resources and shares stories associated with the Carters and community of Plains. Visitors can explore three sites: Plains High School, Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm, and Plains Depot. The site participates in community events and provides curriculum-based education program to area students.
Job Description
Requirements
Hours
Daily minimum commitment - 2 hours
Hours/days can vary depending on interest and staff availability.
307 East Lamar Street
Americus, GA 31709
Contact Person
Beth Tanner
229-924-9010
btanner@lbrls.org
Program Information
Lake Blackshear Regional Library in Americus serves as the hub for libraries in five counties in this area of the State. It provides numerous services to residents, including summer reading programs, computer access, homework help, as well as typical public library resources.
Job Description
The Leadership Program student will work with the library staff to gain an understanding of the inner workings of a public library, how a library affects its community, and how the library can benefit the Leadership program student.
Volunteers will learn the library’s layout and the way we assist patrons.
Duties may include:
Requirements
Hours
Monday & Wednesday: 9:00am-6:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 9:00am-4:00pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00am-8:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Lillian Carter Health and Rehabilitation
225 Hospital Street
Plains, GA 31780
Contact Person
Nikki Ball
229-824-7796 ext. 233
hball@ethicahealth.org
Program Information
We are a 100 bed facility that offers the following services:
Job Description
Requirements
Hours
We are open 7 days a week 365 days a year.
Volunteers Opportunities are available from 8 am - 8pm each day.
The Methodist Home for Children and Youth
100 Mill Creek Road
Americus Ga 31709
Contact
Ella Jordan
229-924-9550
ella.jordan@themethodisthome.org
Program Information
The Methodist Home provides multi-faceted residential care in South Georgia to address the needs of abused, neglected and abandoned children across the state. We serve children ages 8 to 18(+) and we accept referrals from Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), Multi-Agency Alliance for Children (MAAC), and parental custody in special circumstances. We have campuses in Macon, Americus, Valdosta, Columbus and St. Marys.
Job Description
At the Methodist Home our volunteers help with an array of activities including tutoring, working events, administrative services, and general groups with the girls (i.e., arts and crafts, games, bible study, etc).
Requirements
Individuals must be 21 years or older to volunteer. We can only accept volunteers under the age of 21 under special circumstances.
Hours
The hours/days/times for volunteers vary. Volunteers must meet with Program Manager and Residential Director to schedule dates and times for activities.
Partners in the Early Education of Children with Handicaps (PEECH) Program
3003 Cherokee Street
Americus, GA 31709
Contact
Dana Hernandez
dana.hernandez@gsw.edu
229-924-3031
Program Information
We serve/teach children aged 3-5 with disabilities.
Job Description
We have preschool special education classes in which we serve, teach, and love our students. Volunteers will be encouraged to play and interact with our students as well as assist the teacher.
Requirements
Hours
Monday-Thursday 9:00-12:00
Restoration Church of Americus
Community Based Free Restoration Reading & Tutorial Program
1213 Douglas Circle
Americus, Georgia
Contact
Corliss Taylor and Pamela Williams
229-389-8385 (Time 5 pm – 8 pm) / 229-944-0279
burns879@bellsouth.net / pamela.williams0210@gamil.com
Program Information
To aid in positively impacting the future of children in our community
Job Description
The leadership program students may aid the children by reading with them individually or in groups of two or three. Also, assist small group leaders in the educational based games and activities designed to increase necessary skills in reading, writing, and math.
Requirements
Casual and comfortable is the dress code. Additionally, we are requesting participants who are at least 18 years of age and willing to serve children from socioeconomically disadvantaged homes. Volunteer training is August 24th at 11:00; training can be arranged at a time mutually convenient with the student and the program coordinators.
Hours
Thursday beginning at 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm. Program begins September the 5th.
Rylander Theatre
310 W. Lamar Street
Americus GA 31709
Contact
Heather Stanley
229-931-0001 ext 11
director@rylander.org
Program Information
The Rylander Theatre is an historic live performance theatre in Downtown Americus Georgia that plays host to national and international professional touring artists, community theatre productions, and rentals ranging from local dance recitals to civic meetings/conferences. There are opportunities for applicable experience in marketing, customer service/patron experience, technical theatre (lights, sound, backstage rigging, etc.), and artist hospitality.
Job Description
Leadership Program students will be asked to assist in various capacities for marketing, customer service/patron experience, Box Office sales, artist hospitality, and technical theatre. These assignments will be determined by the Leadership Program student's capabilities, interests, and previous experience.
Requirements
Casual but professional dress is suggested as the Leadership Program student may be required to go out into the community as a representative of the Rylander Theatre to place promotional posters in Downtown businesses or conduct business with other City of Americus Department Heads on behalf of the Rylander staff. Any students with previous experience in theatre/live performance/church lighting and sound are a bonus.
Hours
The Rylander Theatre business hours are Tuesday--Friday, 11am-4pm, with many events taking place on nights and weekends.
The Salvation Army
204 North Prince St.
Americus, GA 31709
Contact Person
Misty Belcher
229-924-5154
misty.belcher@uss.salvationarmy.org
Our Mission Statement:
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. We assist locally with rent, utilities, food, clothing, and furniture.
Job Description
Requirements
Hours
Any time Monday-Saturday 9:00-5:30
Important
If you would like to volunteer at The Salvation Army, please pick up the additional form from the PCLP director in her office. You do not need to complete this form if you are volunteering to stand by a Salvation Army kettle during the Christmas holiday season.
SOWEGA CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)
800 GSW University Drive
P.O. Box 732
Americus, Georgia 31709
Contact
Karan Albritton
229-931-4488
karan@sowegachildren.org
Program Information
The Mission of Southwest Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates (SOWEGA CASA) is to recruit, screen, train and supervise volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children throughout Southwest Georgia.
Goal: CASA volunteers provide a voice for children in court by making sure their best interests are considered by the courts, social service system, and community service providers; thus, assuring the child’s right to an appropriate placement and permanent home.
Local Activities: We participate in events at GSW, First Friday, local events in the 12 counties we serve to bring awareness to our program, etc.
Job Description
Requirements
Hours
Monday - Friday and hours are flexible. We will work with students according to their school schedules.
Sumter Chapel
193 Southland Road
Americus, GA 31709
Contact
Drew Anderson
229-322-5056
drew@sumterchapel.com
Program Information
Providing spiritual growth for adults, teens, and kids. Serving those in need in our community.
Job Description
We are in the process of doing some minor renovations to our property (mostly painting) to prepare it for the people & families we will serve. We are also looking for volunteers with our music, teens, kids, & more.
Requirements
18 is the minimum age. We will provide training and perform our own background checks if necessary. References only needed as requested. Dress is “work clothes” for renovation tasks & casual for other activities.
Hours
Any day & time students would like to help with the renovations.
Mostly Sundays between 9:30 am and Noon are the other activities.
Sumter County Parks & Recreation Department
408 Rucker Street
Americus, GA. 31719
Contact Person
Tim Estes
229-924-4878
Tim.estes@sumtercountyga.us
Program Information
Provide organized youth sports activities for children ages 5 – 12 as well as a year round gymnastics program for children 18 months and up. We also provide parks and rental facilities as well as public swimming pools and a splash pad.
Job Description
Requirements
Hours
Office Hours are 8:30AM – 5:30 PM with activities and programs during the evening hours (usually 5:00 – 9:00 PM)
Sumter County Schools ASTEP Program
100 Learning Lane
Americus, Georgia 31719
Contact
Mrs. Natacha A. Merritt, Director of Finance
229-931-8500 or 229-942-0992 (workcell)
nmerritt@sumterschools.org
Program Information
ASTEP is designed to provide an environment to promote social development,anopportunitytodeveloprelationshipswithlike-minded students and the perfect place to explore, play and becreative.
Job Description
There will be need for a student leader to help with homework assistance, monitoring of students during routine play, group leader for fun while learningactivities,servingofsnacksduringthegroupbreakandmonitoring in the hallway when students are taking a restroombreak.
Requirements
Hours
The program times are Mondays through Fridays beginning as early as 2:15p.m.until6:15p.m.Onearlyreleasedays,thework scheduleis 11:00a.m. until 6:15 p.m. We are not open on school holidays or breaks.
SUMTER FAITH CLINIC
127 S Jackson Street
Americus, GA 31709
Contact Person
Jeremy Wicker
229-924-4849
Program Information
The Sumter Faith Clinic is a volunteer medical ministry that seeks to serve our community by addressing both physical and spiritual needs. Our mission is to promote the health and well-being of Sumter County's uninsured and underserved by providing them with compassionate medical care at no cost. Our prayer is that through our efforts to help them, they will find healing and hope in Jesus Christ.
The Sumter Faith Clinic serves patients who live in Sumter County who do not have any form of Medical Insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid, and whose yearly household income is less than twice the federally designated poverty level.
Job Description
The Sumter Faith Clinic is staffed by volunteers who serve one or two shifts a month. Volunteers sign up to help in one position based upon their gifts and skill sets. Volunteer positions include the Front Desk, Nurse, Medical Provider, and Prayer. We also have families and small groups that volunteer to come in and clean the clinic once a quarter.
Requirements
Most volunteers come and serve with us one afternoon or evening and then decide if they would like to continue serving and we give them an application to fill out, including references. We do not have age requirements, in that all volunteers work on a team and are never alone with another adult. We train new volunteers by providing them verbal and written instructions for the position. Our volunteers are asked to dress modestly and comfortably.
Hours
Mondays 5:45 – 9:15 PM
Thursdays 12:45-5:15 PM
Some shifts are shorter than others depending on how many patients come through. We normally do not stay this long for either shift, but on occasion we do. Some volunteers also are only able to work a couple of hours at a time and we work with them to make it possible for them to serve.
If a small group of students wants to come together for a couple of hours to clean the building, we can set that up for almost any time that they are available.
Sumter Humane Society
108 Industrial Blvd
AmericusGA 31719
Contact Person
Ruth Olson
229-924-0268
ruth@sumterhumanesociety.org
Program Information
Our Mission: To save the lives and reduce suffering of the homeless and abandoned cats and dogs in Americus and Sumter County.
Job Description
Requirements
Hours
We accept volunteers anytime we are at the shelterexcept Sunday. We start cleaning at 8:00am and are here until 5:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, until noon on Wednesday, and until 2:00pm on Saturday.
UGA Extension / Sumter County 4-H
127 William Bowen Pointe
Americus, GA 31719
Contact Person
Crystal Perry
229-924-4476
crperry@uga.edu
Program Information
The mission of Georgia 4-H is to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills, and forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society.
This mission is accomplished, through "hands on" learning experiences, focused on agricultural and environmental issues, agriculture awareness, leadership, communication skills, foods and nutrition, health, energy conservation, and citizenship.
Job Description
Objectives:
Responsibilities could/may include:
Responsible to:
Requirements
Qualifications:
Hours
Varies, depending on the activity/event. Contact Extension staff for specifics regarding activity/event.
“My favorite memory during my time as a PJCLP student would have to be the trip my classmates and I took the Clarksdale, Mississippi during our Spring Break in 2021 with the Fuller Center of Housing.”
