Volunteer Directory

Children's opportunities

FRANKLIN SCHOOLS – Franklin County Schools offers many ways that volunteers can provide safe assistance and support to the students of our area. Background checks and Covid protections required. Time Required: typically one hour, certain weekdays during school year. Certain special events, such as proctoring tests, may require half days.
Contact Morgan Thompson, HR Specialist, 850-670-2810, ext 4128. [email protected].

One-on-One Student Assistance:

Tutors during school hours and after school for all grades, for homework help, especially math
Mentors to assist with college applications, interviewing, grooming, etc.
Photographers (modest experience required) to video student performance demonstrating reading, speechmaking, other skills
Videographer of “field trips” to local sites or events that students might not have seen

Classroom Assistance:

Assistants to help in the general classroom
Readers for small groups in library (possible sponsor for
Literacy Council)
Assistants for science labs and experiments

Administrative Support:

Organize and deliver mail
Prepare, copy and deliver instructional materials
Organize clothing in clothes closet
Assist in library, purging, organizing, stocking inventory
Proctor Spring state-required assessments (training provided to volunteers)
Organize donated school/teacher supplies
Organize treasure chest toys for young kids

Grounds Beautification:

Provide hand work and maintenance of landscape beds on school grounds
Donate supplies/maintain flower and plants to beautify athletic fields

Athletic Event Support: (often after school hours)

Work in concession stands during events
Manage equipment with direction from athletic director

ED CORPS PRIVATE SCHOOL and CONSERVATION CORPS – Franklin’s Promise Coalition. Volunteers are sought to serve as mentors for youth 14-17 years in Ed Corps, a private school that provides academic training toward diploma or GED, and works in tandem with the Conservation Corps, which provides hands-on experience and service to the community. The areas of training and

certification include 1. Natural Resource Management (prescribed burn preparation, living shoreline installation, etc.) 2. Construction (rebuilding boardwalks, etc.), and 3. Disaster Assistance (service after hurricanes, etc.) Background checks required. Time required:

Dependent upon role served. Contact: Joe Taylor, [email protected]. More info at Franklin’s Promise Coalition - Conservation Corps of the Forgotten and Emerald Coasts (wildapricot.org)

GUARDIAN AD LITEM FOR SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT – This statewide program, funded by the state, is managed locally through the Tallahassee office. Volunteers need a passion for kids, who may have been abused or neglected in the home, coupled with a fascination with real courtroom drama. The Volunteer, guided by professional staff, advocates for the best interests of the child before the judge after having made regular visits and inquiries regarding the child’s life. Background checks and ongoing training are necessary but no other experience required. All volunteer service here is for Franklin County families. Time required: long term commitment for at least two years with regular monthly site visits, written reports, and periodic appearances in court. These events are conducted via electronic means at this time due to Covid. For more information, Prospective Volunteers - Second Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program (gal2.org)

FAITH-BASED PROGRAMS:

The churches and groups listed here support activities to promote positive youth development and offer a safe space for youth to explore their potential. All activities are based in health and safety guidelines that include temperature checks, social distancing,

and mask requirements. Many programs require background checks for volunteers. This list of programs is not comprehensive but includes those that have ties to individual SGI Civic Club members. Other organizations are welcome to provide information for potential volunteers also.

Eastpoint First United Methodist Youth Center
The ENGULF Program focuses on Community Outreach to youth generally ages 8-18. The Friday night program is 6:30-8:30 at Youth Center on 317 Patton Drive. Contact: Pastor Dee Allen [email protected], 850-445-4934. The NEST is a major after-school program for the area and provides supervision and fun along with mentoring and coaching for all grades Pre-K through 12. Contact Tammy Boone, 550-670-1030.

Boy Scouts Troop 22 meets at Eastpoint First United Methodist, 317 Patton Drive. Parents and Volunteers can fill a variety of scouting roles. Contact Dan McClellan, [email protected], 850-566-8975.
Hope Park Community Center in Eastpoint
This lovely gathering place in Eastpoint is located at 159 Bearcreek Road, bordered by Wilderness and Ridge roads which experienced the devastating “Limerock” Wildfire several years ago. The Center is a project of island volunteers, donors and others who share a vision to create a permanent, safe place for youth and families of the area. The Center provides internet and computer access, recreational facilities, meeting space, and a sheriff’s sub-station. Opportunities for female volunteers to participate in ongoing programming include the Girls’ Teens & Pre-Teens Outreach Program, which offers fun-filled and faith-based programming. The Thursday Family Night Out, which includes movies, games, food, and faith-based lessons. Contact Brie Rotelle at [email protected]. 267-490-0769. Website www.sgiumc.org.

4-H Youth Development Organization – University of Florida/

Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) The 4-H is part of the UF/IFAS local Extension Program mission. Volunteers can help 4-H youth grow and explore their potential in a wide array of subject areas. While Covid concerns continue to limit in-person opportunities, virtual programming opportunities abound.

Contact: Erik Lovestrand [email protected]. See the full website:
Franklin County - UF/IFAS Extension (ufl.edu)

Bring Me A Book Franklin is a non-profit organization focused on igniting the passion to read in the children of Franklin County and adjoining counties in the State of Florida. Bring Me A Book Franklin is an affiliate of the Bring Me A Book Foundation based in Mountain View, California and founded by Judy Koch of Palo Alto, California.

Directed toward dramatically improving literacy and success in school, Bring Me A Book Franklin supplies quality books and open-faced bookcases to settings that serve children and teaches parents, siblings, teens and community members the critical importance of READING ALOUD TO CHILDREN FROM BIRTH.

More information is found on our website - bringmeabookfranklin.org.

Volunteer opportunities are:

Reading Aloud - Volunteers are needed to read aloud to little learners at local PK-K classes, Head Start, Early Head Start, and day care centers for about 20-30 minutes each week. A wide variety of books are available to choose from at the BMABF’s Bloom Room in the old high school on Coach Wagoner Blvd.
Book labels - Labeling books is an easy way to become involved and only requires a commitment of a few times over the year. Labels are placed inside books that are distributed through community bookcases and community events. Community bookcases are provided to many venues within Franklin and Gulf County, including doctors’ offices, classrooms, day care centers, and hospitals. Books are given to children at local community events to build home libraries, too.
Special Events - happen year-round and volunteers are needed to help in a variety of ways. For example, an event might require additional people for multiple activities built around literacy. Think Dr. Seuss’s birthday or a Polar Express school wide family involvement evening. Other ways to help with special events is providing refreshments, materials, and behind the scenes needs. Time commitment varies and your specific talents are needed!
Grant writing or Fundraising - BMABF gives 100’s of books away each year! As a non-profit grants are utilized to provide funding. If you have experience receiving grants, this is an area your expertise is needed. Fundraising is another need. You can decide how you can best serve this necessity in order to provide books for the children of Franklin County.