Volunteers choosing the Ann Arbor VA Hospital will first receive a one hour educational overview of veteran’s issues, veteran support services and the role of the VA Hospital system (topics will include PTSD, homelessness, suicide prevention, substance abuse, family and community support, access to medical care, transition back to civilian life, etc.). Volunteers will then have the option of visiting one or more patients at the VA Hospital, as well as the creation of hand-made greeting cards for veterans for the upcoming holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. A 15-20 minute debriefing will take place around 5:00 p.m. to allow volunteers to share their experiences and get follow-up questions answered concerning veteran’s issues. Do NOT bring a camera. Photos are not allowed in order to protect the privacy of the patients, staff and guests of the hospital. Limit 30 volunteers. Children 12 and older welcome with adult supervision.

Jewish Family Services--Supporting Refugee Resettlement: Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw Countyis the local agency responsible for refugee resettlement, including resettlement of Iraqi refugees. Participants will receive an introduction Jewish Family Services' work with refugees and stories from the people they work with, then clean and repair the classroom space that they use for English as a Second Language classes.

Jewish Family Services--Supporting Refugee Resettlement: Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw Countyis the local agency responsible for refugee resettlement, including resettlement of Iraqi refugees. Participants will receive an introduction Jewish Family Services' work with refugees and stories from the people they work with, then organize and clean their furniture warehouse. (They provide furniture to new immigrants and refugees.).

Jewish Family Services--Supporting Refugee Resettlement: Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw Countyis the local agency responsible for refugee resettlement, including resettlement of Iraqi refugees. Participants will receive an introduction Jewish Family Services' work with refugees and stories from the people they work with. Participants in this program will prepare Jewish New Year cards for their senior adult clients.

Natural Area Preservation can use up to 50 volunteers at the Cedar Bend Nature Area. The volunteers would be removing invasive species and improving the trails as part of their ongoing restoration of the park. Children 5 years of age and older welcome with parent/guardian supervision. All minors must sign a parental release form.

The Farm at St. Joe’s can use 10-12 Volunteers for to work in the gardens. There would be a variety of tasks for the volunteers depending upon the needs that day. There could be harvesting of fall crops (winter squash, peppers, potatoes etc) and/or getting the greenhouse and some fields ready for the winter. Children 5 years of age and older welcome with parent/guardian supervision. All minors must sign a parental release form.