VOLUNTEERING

Community service through volunteering is something almost everyone can do. The options are so numerous…whether it’s taking one hour per week to be a “lunch buddy” or by reading to a class of kindergarten students, or by spending an hour visiting with a senior who has very little contact with their outside world…you will brighten someone’s life more than you’ll ever know. And in the process, you’ll receive an indescribable blessing. All it takes is a little effort and some time to make a lasting difference in a fellow citizen’s life. United Way of Wilkes is committed to effecting change and we count on you to help. If you’d like to volunteer, call our office at 336-651-7800. Or, you can select a service below which interests you and be directed to several areas where you can volunteer.

CRISIS INTERVENTION

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLUE RIDGE CHAPTER

Provides emergency and disaster preparedness training, food, clothing and shelter assistance to victims of local disasters, including single-family fires; provides food and beverage support for local fire fighters; provides communications and financial assistance and counseling to families with military members during family emergencies; performs blood collection services for patients in area hospitals; teaches CPR and First Aid classes and water safety instruction.
828-322-4151

BROC

Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission provides assistance for the unmet needs of low-income clients, the dislocated workers and elderly of Wilkes County. Provides financial assistance to clients to prevent eviction notices, disconnection of power and fuel. Also assists with prescription medicines, food and other emergency services.
336-667-7174

CATHERINE H. BARBER MEMORIAL HOMELESS SHELTER

Provides temporary overnight shelter and one hot meal a day for individuals and families who are homeless.
336-838-7120

SAMARITAN KITCHEN OF WILKES

Mission is to “feed the hungry in Wilkes County.” Methods used are the client choice pantry program, the Back Pack Program for school children and the Christmas Box Program called Project Joy. The programs service all people of Wilkes County.
336-838-5331

HEALTH IMPROVEMENT

CARENET COUNSELING OF WILKES, INC.

Provides faith-based psychotherapy, education, and consulting services to the foothills and northwest North Carolina.
336-838-1644

MOUNTAIN VALLEY HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE

Offsets cost of care for patients served, bereavement care, indigent care, volunteer recruitment, veteran’s program support
336-755-2851

SENIOR COMPANIONS PROGRAM

Trained part-time senior citizen volunteers provide extended support services for fragile elderly who are at risk of losing their independence.
336-846-4898

THE RUBY PARDUE BLACKBURN ADULT DAY CARE CENTER

Mission is to provide adult day care services to residents of Wilkes and its surrounding counties, in a safe, peaceful, enriching environment through our dedicated, compassionate, understanding, and professional staff. Provides a safe, caring environment for adults who cannot safely stay at home by themselves.
336-667-2541

WILKES FAMILY YMCA

The YMCA seeks opportunities to prepare youth and teens to succeed, strengthen and support families, develop caring communities, and affect the adoption of healthy lifestyles. Programs include after-school childcare, summer day camp, teen leadership, water safety and swim lessons, health & wellness, active older adults, and youth & adult sports.
336-838-3991

WILKES SENIOR RESOURCES

Provides services to senior citizens such as transportation, health and wellness, client assistance with limited medical and household duties.
336-667-5281

WILKES DEVELOPMENTAL DAY CARE

Wilkes Developmental Day School provides a comprehensive educational program for children with special needs. Early Intervention is available to children under the age of 3 years in their home or in a center based program. Children over the age of 3 years receive special education by certified teachers and therapies are provided for those who qualify. They continue with these services throughout the summer.
336-667-6731
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EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION TEAM

CAPT/Our House provides Love & Logic parenting classes, supervised visitation services, free in-home advice and referral program, Good-Touch/Bad touch body safety program to Wilkes County elementary schools.
336-667-5555

FOSTER GRANDPARENTS PROGRAM

Enrolls seniors age 60 and over to work in schools, day care and Head Start centers and other agencies. Grandparents are assigned to one station where they serve one to three “special kids” 20 hours weekly.
336-846-4898

WILKES ADULT DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM

Wilkes ADAP provides adults with developmental disabilities opportunities to work via mobile work crews and supported employment; opportunities to access community services like banks, stores and health facilities. Opportunities to participate in recreational outings, events and vacations. Also provides Basic skills classes and counseling.
336-667-1800

WILKES CIRCLE OF CARE

Supports an 18 week “Getting Ahead” class to help clients move from a failure cycle to becoming fully independent and self sufficient
Toll Free: 801-810-9262

WILKES LITERACY

The purpose of this organization shall be to teach, through trained volunteers, reading and writing to those in need and works to raise public awareness of the literacy needs in Wilkes County.
336-818-1323

WILKES PRISON MINISTRY

Offers a Re-entry Life Plan program for inmates to be able to function in the outside world and to be an asset to their community. The ministry sponsors a Transition House for released inmates.
336-667-4533