Volunteer Opportunities
West End Center relies heavily on help from individuals and organizations in our community. Volunteers are vital to all aspects of our operations, from helping to serve snack to organizing the Corporate Olympics, our largest annual fundraiser. The Volunteer needs of West End Center are constantly changing; however, there are several volunteer driven programs that remain consistent.
Tutoring
Tutoring is by far the largest volunteer program at the WEC. Four nights per week during the school year, West End Center offers one of the best after school tutoring programs in Roanoke. Volunteer tutors work with students for one hour, usually one night per week. Several of our tutors have been with us for over ten years and have developed close relationships with their students.
Tutors range from college students to working professionals to retired individuals looking to share a lifetime of experiences and knowledge. Our tutor to student ratio is low, rarely exceeding one tutor per two students and is often one on one. Tutors receive thorough training from the West End Center’s Director of Educational Services, and staff is always on hand for supervision and assistance if needed.
For many of our kids, tutoring makes the difference between getting the most out of their education and getting lost in the educational system.
Tutoring is offered Monday through Thursday:
3:30-4:15 for grades 4-5
4:15-5:00 for grades K-1
5:00-5:45 for grades 2-3 and middle school
If you can spare just 1 hour per week to help a child succeed in school, please contact Nicki Joynes at 342-9880 or njoynes@westendcenter.org!
Mentoring
Mentors provide support to children to help them develop into healthy, responsible adults. Mentors can work with children on-site at West End Center or take them out to enjoy community experiences together.
Club Leaders
Clubs usually meet on a weekly basis to explore and educate a small group of children in a specific area such as chess, choir, science, or art. West End Center is always looking for new club ideas and people who are excited to share their interests. Club leaders should be willing and able to volunteer at the WEC for at least one semester and preferably for one school year.
Summer Reading Program
During the summer West End Center provides educational services to help our children keep the skills that they have learned during the school year sharp and to help the students who need extra assistance gain some ground before school starts again. With the help of volunteers, the staff at the WEC focuses on assessing and improving the reading skills of our children. The West End Center is dedicated to making sure that no child leaves its program without the necessary reading skills to lead self-determined lives.
Volunteer Application
Interested in volunteering? Please contact us to see what other opportunities are available at the West End Center. You can get started by downloading our volunteer application as well. Click here to download application.
