Agencies

To learn more about where COP interns volunteer, click here

(Be sure to visit the KUMC Community Relations Website for more volunteering ideas:  http://www.kumc.edu/community/ )

KANSAS CITY, KS (Wyandotte County)
Accessible Arts, Inc
www.accessiblearts.org
The mission of Accessible Arts, Inc. is to increase expression, exploration and engagement in the arts for people of all abilities through awareness, community and educational experiences. Interns are needed as clerical assistants for bulk mailings, general filing, copying and folding brochures, staff transportation, photo album maintenance, library management, interior painting, arts programming, unpacking materials and shelving them, carpentry/building shelves, word‑processing and internet training, special event volunteers, after school art class aides, and a pianist once a week from 8AM-noon..
Contact: Rachel (reilts@accessiblearts.org) or Emily 913-281-1133
1100 State Ave
Kansas City, KS 66102 (On the Kansas State School for the Blind campus)

American Red Cross
www.kck.redcross.org
The mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The Red Cross provides 24 hour emergency response to local and national disasters (typically in Kansas City that means home fires); teach first aid, CPR and youth safety programs. Interns/volunteers are needed to teach youth safety programs, promote and recruit blood donations, respond to family needs caused by home fires as part of the disaster action team, install smoke detectors in at risk homes, assist at fundraising and special events, and assist in the office with daily tasks.
Contact: Jason Willaby, jason.williby@redcross.org; 913-321-6314 ext 00(office)
1600 Washington Blvd
Kansas City, KS  66102   

Associated Youth Services
www.aysusa.org/getInvolved.html
Associated Youth Services exists to advance the social, educational, health and overall success of youth and their families. Interns may assist the AYS staff nurses hosts 14 'Hip Hop for Kansas, middle schools and high schools. The Health Fairs take place approximately every other Friday during an entire school day. Youth receive important information from over 30 social service agencies, health assessments that measure blood pressure and BMI, and dental screenings.
Contact: Teri Kriege, tkriege@aysusa.org; 913-831-2820 ext 231
803 Armstrong Ave
Kansas City, KS 66101

Bethel Neighborhood Center
www.bethelcenter.org
Bethel Neighborhood Center offers a renewed sense of hope, through the sharing of material, education, social and spiritual resources. The Center offers intergenerational social, educational and recreational programs for youth ages 11-18 and adults age 60 and older, provides assistance/referral and youth education for home repair, language translation and financial literacy for individuals and families, offer an after school/summer enrichment program for youth ages 5-14 free of charge.
Contact: Rakmi Shaiza rshaiza@bethecenter.org
913-371-8218
14 S. Seventh St.
Kansas City, KS 66101

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City
www.bigbrothersbigsisterskc.org
Big Brothers/Big Sisters mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported, one-on-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. The Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and Big Couples programs provide a long-term mentor role with elementary and high school students in Wyandotte County. An additional volunteer opportunity is offered through the Mentor a Kauffman Scholar Program. This opportunity allows interns to work with a college-bound high school student from Wyandotte County. The kids involved in the Kauffman Scholars are in the process of earning a full-ride scholarship to the college of their choice. They come from low-income backgrounds in the KCK school district and will be first-generation college attendees. BBBS asks that you hang out with your Kauffman Scholar once a month and help them make the transition from high school to college.
***Interns must submit to extensive training, background checks, and must be willing to commit to a long‑term program (more than 6 months), which will continue beyond the COP program.  Interns need to volunteer at least 1 time a week for 2 ‑ 4 hours.
Contact: Scott Cruce , scott@bbbskc.org; 816-777-2892
3908 Washington St
Kansas City, MO 64111

Boys and Girls Club of Wyandotte County
www.helpkckids.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City promotes the development of self-esteem, values, and skills for boys and girls, ages 5-18, with special emphasis on youth from disadvantaged circumstances. In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City offer that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. The Boys and Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow; all while having fun. It is truly the Positive Place for Kids.
Contact: Eutisha McClain info@helpKCkids.org
816-361-3600 ext. 327
volunteer@helpkckids.org
6301 Rockhill Rd. Suite 303
Kansas City, MO 64131

Cancer Action
www.canceractionkc.org
As a caring community of professionals and volunteers, Cancer Action is dedicated to reducing distress and improving the quality of life for those living with, through and beyond cancer; and promote education, prevention and early detection to reduce the impact of cancer in the greater Kansas City area. Cancer Action is a local, non-profit social service agency providing compassionate care to cancer patients and their families. Cancer Action provides direct services, financial assistance, emotional support, and wellness programs to those who have received a cancer diagnosis. The intern position at Cancer Action will help provide support to the Kansas City, KS office, by providing office support, data entry, helping to organize supplies, resource materials, and various office duties.
Contact:
Leslie Berning leslieb@canceractionkc.org
913-642-8885
1600 Washington Blvd. (Inside the American Red Cross Bldg.)
Kansas City, KS 66102

Communities in Schools
www.myctb.org/wst/CISKCK/default.aspx
The mission of CIS is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Communities in Schools works within the public school system, determining student needs and establishing relationships with local businesses, social service agencies, health care providers, and parent and volunteer organizations to provide needed resources. Communities in Schools have 5 basics that we include in our programs. A one-on-one relationship with a caring adult, a safe place to learn and grow, a healthy start and a healthy future, a marketable skill to use upon graduation and a chance to give back to peers and community. Volunteer opportunities include reading, tutoring and helping with after school programs.
Contact: Seth Harris seth@cisnortheastkansas.org
913-627-3158
650 Minnesota Ave., 2nd Floor
Kansas City, KS 66101

Cross-Lines
www.cross-lines.org
Cross-Lines' mission is to provide people affected by poverty with basic services and opportunities that encourage self-confidence and self-sufficiency.  There are many opportunities to volunteer at Cross-lines!  Interns are needed for youth group project leaders, community service projects, thrift store cashier (half day shifts: one time a week or 2 times a month), receptionist, food pantry helpers, commodities sackers and commodities deliverers.
Contact: Amber Glasgow
913-281-3388
736 Shawnee Ave
Kansas City, KS 66105

Duchesne Clinic
www.duchesneclinic.org
The Duchesne Clinic provides outpatient care to the under and uninsured of Wyandotte County.  Student volunteers are needed to provide patient check-in as well as assist with gardening in the clinic's garden on Strawberry Hill. Individuals with computer skills are also needed for data entry, and students with conversational and medical Spanish background may help as interpreters.  
Contact: Gloria Guerra
913-321-2626
636 Tauromee
Kansas City, KS 66101

El Centro
www.elcentroinc.com
El Centro is a not-for-profit social enterprise driven to create and sustain educational, social and economic opportunities for families. We promise to fulfill this mission by offering educational, social and economic services that strengthen families and the entire Kansas City community. We deliver on that promise by providing comprehensive, continuous programs and services for families and individuals of all ages, races and religions. There are opportunities to help the senior program which includes telephone reinsureance by contacting senior citizens in the community which are home bound.
Contact: Lisa Castrow, 913-677-0100 ext 106
650 Minnesota
Kansas City, KS  66106

Friendship Inn
www.friendshipinnkc.org
Friendship Inn was established to create a "home away from home" for out-of-town family members and/or patients who are receiving medical treatment at KU Medical Center. The Friendship Inn is located 1 1/2 blocks from KU Medical Center and Hospital. People come from around the country to receive treatment at KU. Friendship Inn provides a clean, relaxing, and home-like setting for them after they have spent a day at the hospital. Interns are needed for a variety of projects throughout the year.
Contact: Peggy Walls
816-506-6330
4146 State Line
Kansas City, KS  66103

Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri

Girl scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place. Our Girl Scout Council serves girls 5 to 17 years of age in 22 counties in Kansas and 25 counties in Missouri, to help girls discover their own strengths and explore new interests. Girl Scout troop leaders no only make this program possible, but become strong role models who make lasting impressions on the lives of the children. Troop leaders hold meetings either one day a week or one day every other week for 1 1/2 hours in a public environment, such as after school sessions, in community centers, churches, etc. Troop leaders are provided an orientation and training regarding developmentally appropriate activities and instruction. reate a "home away from home" for out-of-town family members and/or patients who are receiving medical treatment at KU Medical Center.
Contact: Pauline Rios, 816-759-3113
8383 Blue Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64133

Good Samaritan Project
www.gsp-kc.org/index.aspx
The Good Samaritan Project is a bi-state HIV/AIDS intervention and education program. Interns are needed for direct client service including providing transportation for clients and participating in hygiene, school supply, and food drives. The Good Samaritan Project is willing to tailor your internship to your desired experience.  
Contact: Emily Hachman
816-561-8784 x 107
3030 Walnut
Kansas City, MO 64108

Harvesters
www.harvesters.org
The Harvesters Community Food Network helps people in need by:  1. Collecting food and household products from community and industry sources.  2. Distributing these products and providing nutrition services through a network of not-for-profit agencies.   3. Offering leadership and education programs to increase community awareness of hunger, and generating solutions to end hunger. Volunteer opportunity must be within Wyandotte County.
Contact: Volunteer Services, volunteer@harvesters.org; 816-929-3090
3801 Topping Ave
Kansas City, MO 64129

Heartland Habitat for Humanity
www.heartlandhabitat.org
Heartland Habitat for Humanity's mission is to build simple, decent, and affordable homes for people in need, following biblical purposes. ReStore sells new and used donated items for houses and construction to the public at a 20-80% discount. All net proceeds go towards building our homes. Items that are donated are new or gently used. They are a green organization, recycling 99% of what they receive. In one year, they diverted 150 tons from the landfill. Interns can assist in unloading trucks, sorting and pricing items, constructing shelves and displays, and assisting customers. ReStore is open Tuesdays thru Fridays 10am-6pm and Saturdays 9am-4pm.
Contact: Vanessa Little, 913-342-3047
520 S. 55th
Kansas City, KS  66106

Humane Society
www.HSGKC.org
The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City is the metro area's oldest no-kill animal shelter. We have volunteer opportunities available 6 days of the week. To get started you just need to fill out a volunteer profile. Then we just need to get you setup to join us for training. Volunteer training is available the second Saturday of each month from 10-noon or the fourth Thursday from 10:30-noon. FYI we don't ask volunteers to do any cleaning, feeding or medicating...just loving and playing.
Contact: Jo Hickey, 913-596-1000 x122
5445 Parallel Pkwy
Kansas City, KS  66104

Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture
www.meetup.com/Grahovacs-Army-of-Volunteers-Gardening-with-Urban-Farmers
This program assists inner-city residents who are boot-strapping themselves out of poverty by urban farming on vacant lots. It is through the Oak Grove Neighborhood Association Affiliate Farm of the Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture and involves the US Department of Agriculture and Kansas State University Agricultural Extension Office.
Contact: Paul Grahovac, 913-660-4692

Kansas City Kansas Public Schools
www.kckps.org
Kansas City Kansas Public Schools department of Student, Family and Community Services has opportunities for interns with their specialists (Community Outreach, Foundation for Excellence, Truancy & Alternative Services). The work includes community agency screening, presentations, strategic planning, clerical management and more. If you are looking to learn more about how the school district meets the needs of students, families and obtains community support, this intern opportunity is for you.
Contact: Tyrone M. Bates,
4601 State Ave. Suite 38
Kansas City, KS 66102
913-279-2094, Cell: 913-568-2592

Kansas State School for the Blind
www.kssb.net
The mission of the Kansas State School for the Blind is to empower students with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed to assume responsible roles in society and to lead fulfilling lives. With an environment rich in comprehensive services, education specialists, and individualized curriculum, transition planning and statewide outreach, KSSB will lead through partnerships with parents, local schools, and community resources to ensure equal access to high quality education for all Kansas students who are blind or visually impaired. Interns are needed to help tutor and socialize with the students in the dorm as well as help out with special events at the school such as athletic events, parents' weekend, and holiday parties.
Contact: Anne Nielsen, 913-281-3045
1100 State Ave
Kansas City, KS  66102

KVC Behavioral Healthcare
KVC Behavioral Healthcare provides in-patient psychiatric care to severely emotionally disturbed individuals and families, outpatient care to abused, neglected and abandoned children and their families along with transitional living programs for runaway and homeless youth. Interns are needed to help in their Observation and Stabilizatioin Unit to work with nurses in assessing mental and behavioral issues in short-term stay patients. The center also has a need for interns with a background in nutrition.
Contact: Barb Kents, 913-890-7501

Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA)
www.mocsa.org
MOCSA's mission is to lessen the ill effects of sexual assault and abuse through prevention and education programs, intervention and treatment sessions, and advocacy for victims. If you choose to become a MOCSA volunteer, you will be helping others deal with the very difficult issues of sexual abuse and assault. Volunteer positions include opportunities for direct service, such as providing hospital advocacy or community education. If you want to help in a more indirect way, fundraising, special events, and agency assitance may be a good fit for you. All volunteer positions are imperative to MOCSA, and volunteers will receive training and resources. For more information or for an application, check out the MOCSA website. **Please note volunteer training is only offered three times per year.**
Contact: Jessie Funk, 816-285-1376

 
Odyssey Healthcare
www.odsyhealth.com
Odyssey HealthCare is the embodiment of the hospice concept providing compassionate care and comfort to people experiencing the final phase of their life's journey. Interns are needed to provide companionship to one patient and spend 1-4 hours per week spending time with their patient. Other opportunities include administrative positions.
Contact: Gretta Koehler-Jones, 816-333-1980
800 E. 101st Terr.
Kansas City, MO 64131

Reach Out and Read Kansas City
www.reachoutandreadkc.org
Reading is doctor-recommended. Reach Out and Read Kansas City is a medically based, early childhood literacy program that provides free books to at-risk children and literacy information to parents in the Kansas City area. Medical providers share information on the importance of reading and brain development with families during well-child visits. Volunteers read to children in 45 pediatric waiting rooms across Kansas City, including several at KU Med Center and nearby clinics in Wyandotte County. In addition to volunteer readers in area clinics, volunteers are also needed to sort donated books in our book storage area at KU Med Center and assist with special events like Dr. Seuss Week and book drives. If you love books and enjoy being with kids this is a great fit for you! Volunteers need to fill out an application and attend a 60 minute training session prior to volunteering.
Contact: Laura Long
913-588-2793
G011 Miller Building, MS 4004
3901 Rainbow Blvd
Kansas City, KS 66160

Rose Brooks Center
www.rosebrooks.org
Rose Brooks Center is a comprehensive domestic violence agency that provides a full continuum of care including prevention programming, crisis intervention and other supportive services to thousands of women and children each year. Opportunities include: sorting clothes, holiday store, special events, clerical work, kitchen support, deep cleaning projects, yard work, etc.
Contact: Joan Dougherty
816-523-5550 ext 417

Rosedale Developmental Association
 www.rosedaleassociation.org
The Rosedale Development Association is a community development corporation that partners with residents, businesses and institutions to improve the lives of those who live, work, and play in Rosedale.  Volunteers are needed for help with mailings, office assistants, groundskeepers to help with many community gardens (Healthy Kids Initiative), construction volunteers, minor home repairmen (Christmas in October).
Contact: Linda Wright
913-677-5097
1403 SW Blvd
Kansas City, KS 66103

Salvation Army
www.salarmy-mokan.org
The Salvation Army offers a helping hand to people of all ages, races and cultural backgrounds. It helps the elderly, families and young people alike. The Salvation Army translates its faith into action by offering programs and services around the world. Locally, this includes a center for homeless services, an early childhood learning center, emergency assistance, crisis care, supportive housing, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, home and hospital visits, military services, prison work, programs for the elderly, summer camps, Hispanic outreach ministry and a corps community center.
Contact: Major Judy Forney, 913-232-5460
6723 State Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66112

St. Benedict's Child Care Center/Catholic Charities
 www.catholicharitieskc.org
The mission of St. Benedict's Special Children's Center is to provide assistance to low income or in poverty families, "at risk" children and children with special needs. St. Benedict's Center is run by the Catholic Community Services and has particular need for case managers who will work one-on-one with teen mothers and fathers, connecting them to services and resources in the community. Help is also needed in providing Parenting Education classes in English and Spanish.
Contact: Kasie Garlington, 913-621-7403, Cell 913-909-1060
220 S. 9th St.
Kansas City, KS 66101

St. Paul's Emergency Food Pantry And Saturday Breakfast
 www.stpaulskck.org
St. Paul's Episcopal Church offers vital services to homeless, un- and under employed urban neighbors. These services are open to any and all denominations. The emergency food pantry operates on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and on Wednesdays from 12:30-3:00. Volunteers are asked to come thirty minutes to one hour early to help breakdown bulk items, stock shelves, and unload the van bringing donated food. When the pantry opens volunteers will be asigned a job by one of the managers. Jobs include check in, working in our office areas processing current registered neighbors and registering new ones, as well as assisting shoppers. St. Paul's also offers a Saturday breakfast, which provides for over 200 people each week. Volunteers are able to help prepare, seve, and clean up breakfast between 7:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Contact: Kimberly Palmer , 913-321-3535, Cell 816-807-4004
1300 N. 18th St.
Kansas City, KS 66102

United Way of Wyandotte Co, Inc.
www.unitedway-wyco.org/volunteerkc
The mission of the United Way of Wyandotte County is to increase the community's understanding of human needs and to mobilize resources to meet those needs. The Volunteer Center helps match volunteers with volunteer opportunities in the community. Interns are encouraged to fill out a volunteer application to determine areas of interest, skills, and availability. Interested volunteers can receive a weekly e-newsletter listing current volunteer opportunities. Just e-mail with your contact information. Opprotunities can also be found on our website. There is a link to volunteer opportunities by countites in the area.
Contact: Diane Hentges
913-371-1042
434 Minnesota Ave, PO Box 17-1042
Kansas City, KS  66117

Wyandot Center for Community Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.
www.wyandotcenter.org
The Wyandot Center for Community Behavioral healthcare, Inc. is Wyandotte County's designated community mental health center. We provide services through three clinical departments: Comprehensive Outpatient Services (for persons of all ages with mental health concerns); Community Support Services (for adults with severe and persistent mental illness); and PACES, the Center for Parent, Adolescent & Child Empowerment Services. Our services include therapy, case management, medicine clinic, Walk-in Crisis Clinic, 24-hour Crisis Line, psychosocial groups and other programs. The Center was founded in 1953. We are dedicated to serving the residents of Wyandotte County with innovative behavioral health services. Working in partnership with the community and other agencies, we provide quality services that enrich and strengthen the lives of Wyandotte County citizens. We recognize our community leadership role in identifying and meeting mental health needs. .
Contact: information@wmhci.org or 913-233-3305 x757
757 Armstrong Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101

YouthBuild
www.youthbuild.org
YouthBuild KCK promotes a healthy lifestyle and creates an opportunity for youth to develop leadership skills, become productive citizens in the community, utilize construction skills and training, participate in community service activities, and create access to employment skills and job opportunities. YouthBuild is a 10‑month training and education program for unemployed young people ages 16 - 24.  Interns would help the trainees build and rehabilitate affordable housing for homeless and low-income families or help tutor the trainees to prepare for their GED.
Contact: Tammy Clary, 913-371-3770
1821 N 3^rd St
Kansas City, KS 66101

YouthFriends
www.youthfriends.org
The YouthFriends program is designed to connect caring adults in the community to youth in the schools who need positive role models in their lives and have the need to feel valued by the community.  As a YouthFriends volunteer you could share life experiences with a child, helping out with homework, discussing sports or playing games. The application process is easy and fast, but volunteers must make a commitment of at least one hour per week with a child or teenager in the Kansas City, KS School District (USD 500).
Contact: Douglas Walker, 913-627-4377

YMCA (KCK Branch)
www.ymca-kc.org
AIM (Adults In Mentoring) is for anyone over 21 years old who is committed to the positive development of girls and boys, in grades 6 through 8, this one-on-one volunteer opportunity is for you. Your time commitment will be during the day for a minimum of one hour per week.  The YMCA has other volunteer opportunities available in Kansas City, Kansas, too. Just call and ask.
Contact: 8thstreet@ymca-kc.org
913-321-9622
900 N 8th St
Kansas City, KS 66101

YWCA
www.ywca.org/kansascity
The YWCA provides services to enhance the spiritual, physical, intellectual and emotional development of women and youth of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. The YWCA runs programs dealing with diverse issues including: teen pregnancy prevention and teen parent support, substance abuse prevention, HIV/AIDS education and care coordination, juvenile offender reintegration and independent living. The YWCA is particularly interested in an intern to work with its "Girl Power " program, which provides a holistic approach to adolescent health and other services, as well as its "Healthy Bridges" program - an in-school program focused on positive self-image and healthy relationships. Other interns are also needed to head the "Job Club" - a weekly meeting group for women trying to find jobs. This group is focused on job skills and social networking.
Contact: Jamie Kelsey, 913-371-1105
1017 N 6th St
Kansas City, KS 66101