Lions seek involvement during open house March 27
The Lions invite community members to get involved by attending an open house at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 27 in the American Legion, 101 W. Minnesota St., St. Joseph. Everybody is welcome to find out more about the Lions mission of helping others around the world. The St. Joseph Lions and the Y2K Lions have many fundraisers during the year like the Fourth of July parade, fish fries and brat sales to raise money for charities like the St. Joseph Food Shelf, Can Do Canines, Leader Dogs and many others.
Stearns County Service Center now processes driver’s license renewals
Driver’s licenses and Minnesota ID cards can now be renewed at the Stearns County Service Center, 3301 CR 138, Waite Park. Driver’s license renewals, lost cards, changes of name, class and address can all be processed at License Center West.
Driver’s license renewals and Minnesota ID card renewal services will continue to be processed at the downtown Stearns County License Center as well.
“This is a service we’ve wanted to provide at the Service Center for quite some time,” Schreifels said. “It will be a real benefit and convenience for residents who would like another option other than going downtown to renew a driver’s license.”
The Stearns County Service Center is located at 3301 CR 138 in Waite Park, one block west of Mills Fleet Farm off 28th Avenue South. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Questions can be directed to the Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer’s office at 320-656-3920.
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Older worker opps available in county
Older residents of Stearns County who are having difficulty finding a job have a local resource that might be able to help. The Experience Works Community Service Employment Program, a nonprofit organization operating in Minnesota, provides paid community service assignments at local public and non-profit organizations, training, referral to needed services and job search assistance for eligible individuals. With updated skills, participants use their community service training as a springboard to permanent jobs with local employers. The Experience Works SCSEP is currently accepting applications. Program applicants must be age 55 or older, unemployed, live in Stearns County, and have incomes of $14,588 per year or less for a family of one ($19,663 for family of two).
“In this difficult economy, many older Minnesotans are finding it necessary to find work,” says Teri Stepaniak, Minnesota state manager for Experience Works. “Unfortunately, finding a job can be especially difficult for older workers who have not looked for employment for some time or for those who have been unsuccessful in their job hunt. Our program is a stepping stone for people desperate for work. We can provide immediate assistance and wages, for those who qualify for the SCSEP.”
Sponsored by Experience Works, SCSEP is available at no cost to people who meet eligibility criteria. For more information call toll-free 1-855-270-9660 and/or 320-634-4232 or visit www.experienceworks.org.
United Way volunteer opportunities
Furniture movers needed
The Community Furniture Program is looking for volunteers and community service workers to help move furniture out of the St. Cloud Holiday Inn Express and Suites behind McStop and into the Community Furniture Program warehouse. They will be working from approximately 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Sunday through April 20. They will be moving 11 rooms of furniture each Sunday in that timeline until finished. This is an incredibly generous donation from the Holiday Inn, one that will help sustain the CFP for several months. Volunteers who can do heavy lifting or someone who can pick up a lamp, they need your help. If needed, transportation can be provided within the St. Cloud area. Contact Pat, the Community Furniture Program, at 320-260-0855.
GirlSports
Guide girls in three weekly after-school sessions providing homework help, fun activities and a healthy snack. Using their pre-planned curriculum and supplies, a group of volunteers at each site will help girls participate in age-appropriate sports activities. Volunteers must submit a volunteer application, pass a background check, become an adult Girl Scout member and attend a brief volunteer orientation. Use your enthusiasm for sports and wellness to motivate and mentor the younger generation with the goal of promoting healthy habits among young girls.Contact Leah, Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Lakes and Pines, at 320-247-4565
March is Food Share Month
March is Food Share Month in Minnesota where donations are matched during the month. During this time of significant economic distress, many area families are using local food shelves more than ever before. Consider leveraging the match by running a food drive within your work place, church or service club and donate to your local food shelf. Catholic Charities Emergency Services, 320-229-4560; C.R.O.S.S. Center of Benton County, 320-968-7012; or the Salvation Army, 320-252-4552.
Readers for the blind
Looking for an opportunity to help the blind or print disabled receive local news? Become a volunteer with Central Minnesota Audio Newspapers and read newspapers over a closed radio network which is part of the Radio Talking Book Network. Read one or two evenings a month. Schedule is flexible. A one-year commitment is desired. Volunteers must pass an oral reading test. Contact Rita Woeste, Central Minnesota Audio Newspapers, at 320-293-2273.
For more information, contact Mary Krippner, United Way Community volunteer coordinator, at 320-223-7991 or mkripper@unitedwayhelps.org.
