Seniors, you've got a lot to give out in your communities

The opportunity to share your life's experiences with others can be very rewarding -- not only for yourself but also for those you're helping.

Today, more than ever, retirees have become a marvelous asset to organizations seeking volunteers.

Whatever your skills or desires to share during your golden years, you will be welcomed and appreciated.

A good way to find your volunteer match would be to explore the many opportunities at non-profit organizations right here in DuPage County.

Let's start with the York Community Resource Center where you can volunteer for the after-school program from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard. This program offers children in kindergarten through high school much needed help with their homework, especially math, reading and spelling.

As noted by Mariela Soejarto, director of the Resource Center, many children count on the volunteers because their parents just can't help. In most cases, either their parents are not home after school or not able to help with particular assignments. This means that on a typical day, anywhere from 20 to 35 children seek assistance.

"Anyone is welcome to help," Soejarto said. "To do something for someone else, especially for the children is important."

This program continues in the summer as well, with volunteers helping the children continue their math, reading and spelling skills. Volunteers do not need any special training, only a desire to work with the children.

For more information, visit www.dupageco.org/humanservices or call Soejarto at (630) 705-1680 or (630) 407-6325.

Helping our four-legged friends is another option with many opportunities at DuPage County Animal Control, 120 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton.

"It's a lot of fun and fills a need," said Becky Wyatt, rescue and volunteer coordinator.

Volunteers help with walking the dogs as well as socializing and playing with the cats. Some volunteers even escort the animals to the nearby DuPage Convalescent Center for Pet Therapy, a program where the animals visit the residents.

Wyatt pointed out that volunteers walking the dogs benefit as much as the animals. It's a great time for exercise and socialization for both. She added that retirees are especially needed at the shelter on weekdays when other volunteers are not able to come in.

Other volunteers help with facility tours, adoptions and public and off-site events at locations such as PetSmart. Filing, data entry and other office help also are needed. There is something for most everyone to do.

Another option is home foster care for kittens that are too young or older animals that need socialization in order to be available for adoption.

According to Wyatt, whatever you choose to do -- the most rewarding aspect is that in some way you have helped wonderful animals find their "forever home."

There is orientation and training for all volunteers who are expected to commit a minimum of four hours per month for a period of six months.

The shelter is open at 8 a.m. weekdays until 7:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday, and 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit www.dupageco.org/animalcontrol or call Wyatt at (630) 407-2800, ext. 2803.

According to Laurie Bullock, executive director of the Safe Harbor Children's Waiting Room, there is a great need for volunteers to assist staff in caring for children age six months through 12 years old while their parents tend to court business. The Safe Harbor program is available to families at no charge in the County Courthouse, 505 County Farm Road, Wheaton.

"A courtroom is no place for a child," Bullock said. "It (the Safe Harbor program) protects the children from hearing what is going on in court," adding that this is especially important during divorce or criminal proceedings.

Volunteer responsibilities are to play and entertain the children three to four hours a week either one morning or afternoon, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

"They don't need any special training -- just a love for children," Bullock said.

All volunteers must pass a background check.

For more information, visit www.co.dupage.il.us/courts or call Bullock at (630) 407-8791.

The DuPage County Health Department welcomes volunteers willing to work with clients who face mental illness, either in a group setting or as a 1:1 mentor.

According to Wendy Lashman, volunteer coordinator, volunteers don't need to have a background in mental health services. However, they need to be at least 18 years old and be able to make a six-month commitment with a minimum of two hours per week. Most importantly, volunteers must be reliable, emotionally stable, flexible and a good listener.

All applicants are interviewed by Lashman before participating in the training which is held quarterly. The three, two-hour training sessions include information about mental illness diagnoses and treatments and how to be an empathetic listener.

"Our first priority is the care of our clients," Lashman said.

So every effort is made to match the volunteer with the client and or group.

Lashman said, "You'll find that most people with mental illness are fun people."

She added that many live independently, work, have hobbies, go to school and go through life just as others. However, they need the social interaction. The mental health facilities are located within DuPage County in Naperville, Carol Stream, Lisle, Westmont, Winfield and two Wheaton locations. Volunteers are needed weekdays, evening and weekends.

For more information, visit www.dupagehealth.org or call Lashman at (630) 682-7979, ext. 7027.

When you volunteer, your reward is knowing that you have helped to make the world a better place.