Short-term and Independent Volunteer Options
You can find information on short term location volunteer opportunities or volunteer opportunities independent of a Â鶹ÊÓƵ program through the Mankato Area United Way Get Connected website.
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A resource provided by Mankato United Way connecting volunteers with agencies in our area.
Big Partner Little Partner
Big Partner Little Partner (BPLP) is a mentorship program that pairs Â鶹ÊÓƵ students with youth from St. Peter and the surrounding communities to foster friendship and personal growth. The goal is to build stronger ties between the St. Peter Community and Â鶹ÊÓƵ by having the leaders of today mentor the leaders of tomorrow through a one-on-one relationship.
- Big Partner Little Partner pairs meet 2-4 times per month for an hour. These meeting times are determined by the schedule of the Big Partner (Gustie) and the Little Partner (youth).
- Monthly events organized by the program coordinators bring together the whole group for fun activities and social-emotional skill building.
Gustie Buddies
Gustie Buddies is a mentorship program that pairs Â鶹ÊÓƵ students and youth with developmental delays from St. Peter and the surrounding communities to provide a safe environment for youth with developmental delays to strengthen personal skills, increase self confidence and build relationships. This will happen through positive and compassionate relationships with Â鶹ÊÓƵ students who are committed to promoting growth in understanding of themselves and others through dynamic and intentional programming.
Volunteers meet four times a month with their buddy. Two of which are planned group activities and two are individual meetings.
Elders Program
Volunteers in the Elders program serve within nursing homes and assisted living apartments in the St. Peter community. Volunteers foster positive relationships with residents through bingo, crafts, and conversation during a weekly activity night. The Elders Program houses three smaller subsections. Elders meets once a week or once every other week as a group for an hour to lead an activity. Adopt-a-Grandparent meets once a week for an hour to foster a positive relationship more directly with individual residents.
Habitat for Humanity
Â鶹ÊÓƵ Habitat for Humanity works with local affiliates and chapters from around the country to build affordable housing for families in need. The Â鶹ÊÓƵ chapter provides the opportunity for alternative breaks (fall and spring), Act! Speak! Build! Week, and various local service opportunities throughout the year.
MOMENTS (Moments of Mindful Engagement Nourished Through Socialization)
MOMENTS is a student-led organization encouraging connections with adults who have various psychological disabilities to promote the continued development of fundamental social skills through creative and intentional programming. Volunteers travel to the Saint Peter Forensic Nursing Home every other week. This program may be of particular interest to majors in Psychology and all students are welcome to participate.