Alliance for Multicultural Community Services:

The association creates opportunities for refugees, immigrants and underserved residents to achieve their goals of self-reliance and improve their quality of life. Current volunteer opportunities include job preparation mentors, administrative duties, foreign language interpretation, advocacy, outreach and awareness. thealliancetx.org

Buffalo Bayou Partnership:
Volunteers ages 9 and up are invited every third Saturday of the month to help take care of Buffalo Bayou’s parks and trails by removing invasive plants, weeding, planting native vegetation, littering and littering. debris and other stains as needed. buffalobayou.org

Catholic Charities:
As the organization welcomes Afghan families, volunteer needs include airport receptionists, apartment planning and administrative support. Email [email protected] or visit catholiccharities.org

Food not bombs:
This non-profit organization feeds the homeless and hungry of downtown Houston; it is aimed at vegetarians and vegans. Bring a healthy meal to 550 McKinney at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday. houstonfoodnotbombs.org

Friends for Life Animal Shelter:
This dedicated organization offers solutions without killing Houston’s animals and includes programs such as rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, humane education, and animal feeding / supply support. Volunteers, ages 18 and older, can help with direct animal care, adoption counselors, foster care, social media, and administrative support. friends4vie.org

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center:
The center is always looking for blood donations, by appointment only. To register or find a list of places to donate, call 713-791-6608; Giveblood.org

Hermann Park Conservatory:
Volunteers are needed to increase the visibility, accessibility and use of the park, as well as to educate the public on the importance of conserving green spaces. Outdoor opportunities include gardening, weeding, garbage collection, removing algae from McGovern Lake, watering the trees, and cleaning the Jones Reflection Pool. Areas include the Japanese Garden, Lake Plaza, Kinder Station, and the Centennial Gardens. hermannpark.org

Houston Food Bank:
The food bank is in need of volunteers at its Portwall and Knobcrest sites. Volunteer projects vary according to need and may include inspecting and sorting food, packing hot meals, and distributing food off-site. Volunteers register in advance at houstonfoodbank.org/ways-to-give/give-time or call 713-547-8604. Donate money online at houstonfoodbank.org

Houston Habitat for Humanity:
Volunteers are needed to help build affordable housing alongside Habitat construction staff, help with community projects, and help ReStore staff and clients. houstonhabitat.org

Houston Humanitarian Society:
The organization operates thanks to generous donations from the community. This includes volunteers who volunteer their time and take care of Houston’s homeless animals. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Some opportunities include helping potential adopters, dog walking, dog groomers, helping out with special events, and taking photos and videos of adoptable animals. houstonhumane.org

Houston Tool Bank:
The association lends tools to schools, faith-based organizations and charities to implement community improvement projects. Volunteers can volunteer their time in the warehouse to fill tool orders, maintain tools, and improve warehouse efficiency. Donations of tools are also accepted. houstontoolbank.org

Houston welcomes refugees:
The non-profit organization is in need of donations and volunteers for the “Welcome Kit” for its moving team program and welcoming team partners. houstonwelcomesrefugees.com

Katy’s Christian Ministries:
The social services association serves the Katy / West Houston, Fulshear and Simonton areas; the group provides emergency financial assistance, pantries, a resale store and a crisis center that houses the Domestic Violence Center and the Sexual Assault Center. Urgent volunteer needs include bilingual case managers, pantry sorters, cashiers and donation reception assistants for the resale store. ktcm.org

Children’s meals:
The organization aims to end hunger among preschoolers by delivering free healthy meals to their doorsteps and providing their families with resources to help end the cycle of poverty. They urgently need help in the kitchen and volunteer delivery drivers. kidsmealsinc.org

Fort Bend County Literacy Council: Nonprofit organization empowers adults through literacy programs including basic literacy, English as a second language, GED preparation, US citizenship preparation, transitions to teaching post-secondary and basic computer skills. Office volunteers and virtual tutors are needed. ftbendliteracy.org

Memorial Assistance Ministries:
The association offers emergency aid for rental assistance and other crisis situations, as well as educational programs such as ESL. Volunteer opportunities include employment services, administrative support, sales support, and donation reception assistants for their resale store. mamhouston.org

Multicultural education and counseling through the arts:

MECA is committed to the healthy development of underserved youth and adults through cultural programs. The group depends on the generosity of volunteers to accomplish its administrative, programmatic and special projects. Volunteers can serve as tutors, mentors, or board members, or can help with special events, marketing or fundraising activities. 713-802-9370; meca-houston.org

Mutts and Meows Rescue: This non-profit organization rescues homeless cats and dogs and places them in loving homes. Volunteers are needed to transport and accommodate pets. adoptapet.com/se-impliquer

Ronald McDonald House:
The nonprofit organization provides a home for families of children treated at Texas Medical Center member institutions. On-site volunteering is suspended due to COVID-19, but RMH encourages donations and meal sponsorships. rmhhouston.org/covid-19-update

Star of Hope Mission:
The Christ-centered community is dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless men, women and their children. Volunteer opportunities include food service, tutoring, and offsite food distribution. 713-748-0700; sohmission.org

Target hungry:
The organization provides food to vulnerable members of the community, including elderly people confined to their homes. They are currently looking for volunteers for warehouses, community gardens and food distribution. 832-767-1677; targetfaim.org

The Greater Houston Arc:
The non-profit organization serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families by providing social activities, support groups and respite services. The Arc of Greater Houston Designer Purse Bingo fundraiser event takes place on October 9 at Campbell Hall, 7601 Red Bluff, Pasadena. aogh.org

La Forge for Families:

The Christian association serves the second and third quarters. La Forge uses volunteers as tutors, coaches, mentors and youth group leaders. 713-660-1860; forgeforfamilies.org

Trash:
Bayou Preservation Association is looking for volunteers for its Clean It Like You Think! »Trash Bash 2022. Volunteers will collect garbage and debris along the waterways at the following sites: Armand Bayou (Bay Area Park), Bastrop Bayou (Marlin Marina), Baytown Nature Center, Brays Bayou (Mason Park), Buffalo Bayou Upper (Terry Hershey Park), Cypress Creek (Collins Park), Dickinson Bayou (Texas 3 bridge), Galveston Bay (Bay Elementary School and Virginia Point Peninsula Preserve), Kuhlman Gully (clean-up site only; no lunch or lunch activities), Lake Houston (Texas Adaptive Aquatics), Little White Oak Bayou (White Oak Music Hall), Oyster Creek (Lake Jackson Dunbar Park), Sims Bayou (Glenbrook / Reveille / Robert C. Stuart Parks), White Oak Bayou North ( Ermel Elementary School) and White Oak Bayou Supérieur (Jersey Village). Most projects take place from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on March 26, 2022. trashbash.org

Centraide Day of Action:
Individuals and families can volunteer in person with United Way of Greater Houston at the Houston Food Bank or create breakfast bags and snacks at home. October 9, 535 Portwall. Unitedwayhouston.org

Western Houston Aid Departments:
The non-profit organization fights hunger and homelessness by providing families in need with food, clothing, financial assistance and employment services. Current volunteer needs include customer and employment services, food distribution, emergency responders, and resale store helpers. whamministries.org

[email protected]

On September 21, 2021, the Norse Against Sexual Assault (NASA) gathered for their first reunion of the 2021-22 school year. NASA President Gretchen Dwyer (’24) guided the 17 attendees through group board presentations, shared the group’s plans and goals for the year, addressed the exciting possibilities of guest speakers and discussed the structure of future meetings.

Dwyer, who has been chairman of the group since spring 2021, has plenty of new ideas for leading NASA into the new school year and providing resources and education to the Luther community.

“I am very happy that the members of NASA are learning more about the different elements of preventing sexual violence,” said Dwyer. “It’s not just about safer sex and consent. People need to know how to protect themselves, how to report cases of sexual violence, how to erase their preconceived notions of perpetrators and how to challenge stereotypes imposed on them.

Some of NASA’s plans for the new year include lecture-books on Linda Tchirhart Sanford and Ann Fetter “In Defense of Ourselves; A Rape Prevention Handbook for Women, ”which provides an introduction to those who want to learn more about preventing sexual assault. Dwyer plans to discuss new chapter content at each meeting, ranging from topics on physical self-defense, resistance to manipulation and verbal and physical abuse, how to help and serve survivors, how to encourage humane treatment of others. , as well as information on promoting consent and healthy sex.

Jack Kates (’24) was among those present at the first NASA meeting. He was drawn to the organization after meeting and befriending Dwyer at a protest, and because he is passionate about making Luther a safer place for survivors of sexual assault. .

“I look forward to seeing the awareness of sexual violence in this school continue to grow,” Kates said. “Luther deleted the ‘Luther Survivors’ page on Instagram, and because of that, many people here on campus are worried about whether and how their university will be there for them.”

Like most student organizations on campus, NASA has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of opportunities to meet during the 2020-21 school year. NASA Social Media Representative Emily Dyrdahl (’22) hopes to rejuvenate the organization in the new school year.

“My first years and second year [NASA] was really big, ”Dyrdahl said. “Once Covid arrived it hit a wall, and everyone who attended graduated and left. So we’re kind of restarting it and restarting it.

Some of NASA’s goals for Luther are to advocate for tougher and more regular penalties for offenders in academic institutions, a way to report offenders without going publicly through Title IX, and for a change of attitude when talks about sexual assault on campus. Going forward, Dwyer and Dyrdahl hope to expand the group’s reach on campus, as well as educate and empower students on issues of sexual violence.

“I want Luther’s students to be more educated on the subject and to feel like they can teach it themselves,” Dwyer said. “NASA’s goal is to instill confidence in survivors and support them throughout their healing and justice process.

NASA hosts meetings every second Tuesday night in person, as well as broadcast on Zoom. To learn more about NASA, watch Zoom Meetings, or join the news mailing list, go to the NASA Instagram page where applicable links can be found in the account bio.

The Hidden Opponent is the newest on-campus student organization focused on student athlete mental health. The sand spoke to Isabella Espino (’24), president of the organization and member of the women’s rowing team, to learn more about her mission and plans.

Q: What does “The Hidden Adversary” mean?

A: The hidden opponent is the mental block that athletes face and prevents them from becoming the best athlete they can be. It can range from anxiety about not having a good practice to something more extreme like the depression that athletes face due to the stress of their schedule and not having time to take care of. themselves.

The purpose of The Hidden Opponent is to raise awareness and say that it’s okay to have a day when you don’t feel your best in training and it’s okay for athletes not to be. the strongest they can be at all times.

Q: Can you tell us more about the history of this organization?

A: The Hidden Opponent was founded by USC Division I volleyball player Victoria Garrick, who is now a social media influencer and mental health advocate. She started the organization after her own journey as a student athlete, where she struggled with eating disorders and major depression. She started this to hopefully create an outlet where athletes can find resources on campus.

I’m part of the Campus Captains Program, a group of about 500 student-athletes across the country. It’s a huge support system from leaders trying to raise awareness. Because Rollins is a Division II school, I am part of the Division II cohort. We have different meetings with psychologists where we learn what we can do to help. Obviously we are not trained professionals, so we are not here to give advice, but we are here to provide the resources and help people the best that we can.

Q: How did the hidden adversary find their way to Rollins?

A: I am super passionate about mental health. In our team, our coach has always made it very clear that mental health is important. We can’t use it as an excuse not to go to training or something, but sometimes your schedule gets overwhelming. It’s okay to admit that, and it’s okay not to be your best in training, as long as you give it your all.

It is very important for me and my teammates. I noticed Victoria Garrick on social media and followed the organization last semester to see what she was doing.

I loved their mission and their message, so I took a picture and applied to be Campus Captain with my VP Bess Prim (’24). We both understood that and we are very happy that there is interest in the club. Hopefully, this becomes a place where people feel comfortable talking about things that maybe seem a bit stigmatized, and they become more of a conversation here on campus.

Q: Is there personal significance to this business for you?

A: I have been an athlete since I was six years old. I have always been involved in sports, I have always had so much energy, it was always fun. And then it got to a point where the coaches got a little bit harder, they expected more of you, and they started commenting on your body and it became a lot of pressure.

I felt like I was put in a box where I was an athlete and practice was the most important thing. If I was not doing well in school, I still had to persevere to be able to train because my coach and my teammates needed me there.

Then the final year of high school arrived and COVID-19 struck. It was a weight on my shoulders – that I didn’t have to train, that I didn’t have to compete. But then I realized it shouldn’t be like this. My coaches in high school were great, and it wasn’t their fault for that negative headspace. I wanted to be the best so badly that I started worrying about losing weight and going to the gym for an extra hour and all that.

Then I got to college and kept doing my best, but there is always someone who can be one step ahead of you. It was important for me to realize that I am here because my coach wants me to be here for a reason. I’m an asset to the team, and it changed my mindset to ‘I don’t need to be here, I can be here’. I work hard to earn my place and deserve to be here. I have learned to look at the practices in a different light and it is such a blessing.

Q: What is your goal for The Hidden Opponent?

A: Our student-athlete president Sam Fulton (’22) of the men’s lacrosse team said it best, “All I want is the athletes and other students at Rollins to take an hour. or two for themselves every week.

If anything, I want them to take this. You deserve the space to decompress and take care of yourself, whatever that may sound like to you. Fill your own cup, as you cannot give from an empty cup. Especially for athletes, who have such a crazy schedule, taking time for yourself and realizing that you are doing a great job is so important. If no one has told you that they are proud of you, say so for yourself. My main goal is for people to have the hidden opponent as a space where they don’t suffer on their own. I hope they see it through our community.

Q: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?

A: The Hidden Opponent is not just for student athletes. It is obviously for them, but it is really for all those who are passionate about sports culture. If you are not a student athlete, you can join us. We want people who are passionate about mental health. If you were an athlete in high school or at any point in your life, we want you to be there too. We want to hear your story if you are comfortable telling us your struggles. We want to be a space for you to feel safe and for this topic to become more of a conversation on campus.