Children
-Tutoring & MentoringHe really appreciates being here. I know all the kids do. It’s a place for them to go where there is no pressure from the evils of the outside world. They can be kind and sensitive and not get laughed at. They are in a place where we solve their problems by talking them out. I know this is a great feeling for them, being so secure.
-Carly Patla '00
reflection on working in a children’s program
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Contact/Volunteer Coordinator:
Lynn Pacuska
824-8756
PO Box 1285, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703
33 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Description of Opportunities:
A vital service for at-risk boys and girls searching for positive role models. A volunteer is matched with a school-aged boy or girl to form a mentor relationship. "Bigs" are expected to spend 1 to 3 hours a week with their "Littles" doing various activities such as going to movies, working on homework, or playing basketball.
The First Mentor program is geared toward a college student’s schedule and time restraints. First Mentors places a college student with a "Little" at a local school for 1 hour a week with the hope that an established time and location during which to meet with a "Little" is a more manageable commitment for a student.
Boys & Girls Club
Contact/Volunteer Coordinator:
Tricia DiBiase
655-9312 (main office)
500 Schooley Avenue, Apt. 74, Exeter, PA 18643
Description of Opportunities:
The Boys & Girls Club provides after-school homework help and enrichment for children ages
6-15. Volunteers are primarily needed from 3-
6pm M-F, but other hours may be possible.
The current local Boys & Girls Club sites are all in low-income housing developments. These 5 sites are: Exeter, Plains, Plymouth, Glen Lyon, and Fairview/Mountaintop. A new site may soon open in Wilkes-Barre. Contact Tricia DiBiase to volunteer at any site. She will then work with the on-site manager for the location you choose.
Catholic Youth Center
Contact/Volunteer Coordinator:
Joe Swortz
823-6121
36 S. Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Description of Opportunities:
The CYC provides a variety of youth programming. Volunteers are primarily needed for the after-school program held from 3-5:30pm, which serves grades K+. Volunteers assist counselors with various activities such as arts and crafts, homework, snack time, and gym.
On Saturdays, volunteers can work with the "Pee-Wee Club" or the "Kid’s Club" (although, these programs are not run year round).
Kids Café
Contact/Volunteer Coordinator
Maura Rutt
826-0510 x29
165 Amber Lane, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Description of Opportunities:
Kids Café, sponsored by the Commission of Economic Opportunity (CEO), is an after-school program for kids in grades 1-6. Volunteers work with children to prepare and serve nutritious evening meals, teach nutrition education, help with homework, and lead enrichment activities. Kids Café is held at GAR High School from 3:30-5:45pm.
McGlynn Learning Center
Contact/Volunteer Coordinator:
Sr. Miriam Stadolis or Kim Foster
824-8891
72 Midland Court, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Description of Opportunities:
The Learning Center is located within the Boulevard Town Homes for the children who live in these subsidized housing units. Volunteers work one-on-one as tutors for children who come into the Learning Center after school. This is a great opportunity to tutor and work with children in a mentor role on a regular basis. The Boulevard Town Homes are in close proximity to King’s so transportation is not difficult to arrange.
Mercy Services
Contact/Volunteer Coordinator:
Sr. Lucille Brislin
822-9851
422 S. River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18612
Description of Opportunities:
Mercy Services provides after-school tutoring and enrichment for "at-risk" children in grades 1-6. This program focuses on individual attention and a more regimented schedule than drop-in programs. A volunteer is paired with a child and works with that student on a regular basis.
Mineral Springs Learning Center
Contact/Volunteer Coordinator:
Sr. Elizabeth Brody
819-0317
233 Eastview Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705
Description of Opportunities:
The Learning Center is located within the Mineral Springs Housing Development for the children who live in this subsidized housing community. Volunteers tutor children one-on-one after school and form a mentor relationship. Many of the children are Ukrainian immigrants and need extra help with English skills and cultural awareness.
YMCA Tutoring Program
Contact/Volunteer Coordinator:
Janine Saba
823-2191
40 W. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Description of Opportunities:
YMCA volunteers staff the weekly tutoring program that runs Mon., Tues., and Thurs. from 4:30-7pm and serves elementary through high school students. Tutors are matched with one or more learners needing special assistance based on availability and subject matter. Volunteers are asked to give at least 1 hour a week of their time.