Community Engaged Learning Network
Below is a list of organizations, on campus and off, who belong to Saint Francis University 's Community Engaged Learning Network and have a need for student volunteers.
Students who record 100+ hours of service during their time at Saint Francis University are recognized and receive an adornment cord to be worn at Commencement.
Through generosity of the campus community and several local parishes, the center serves local families in need with support, programs, food, clothing and monetary assistance.
If interested in volunteering contact Br. Gabe Amato at gamato@francis.edu or Mary Adams t madams@francis.edu
The Keirn Family World War II Museum at Saint Francis University houses several special collections of artifacts and oral history projects. The origins of the primary collection lie with Altoona resident Joseph E. Keirn, a retired Command Sergeant Major in the United States Army.
To volunteer contact Dr. Stephen Rombouts at 814-472-0740
SFU Environmental Studies students apply their lessons in homesteading and sustainability in a newly built greenhouse—or its proper term, hoop house.
To volunteer at the SFU Hoop House, please contact Dr. Tim Bintrim at tbintrim@francis.edu
Nonprofit organizations perform vital service in the restoration of watersheds, both at home and abroad. These nonprofits often affect great positive change with very limited personnel and budgets, impacts that could be amplified with technical assistance, focused research or simply additional manpower. The CWRS helps match nonprofit partners in need of assistance with faculty and students from various academic schools and degree programs at Saint Francis University.
The R.O.C.K. program provides local schools and youth organizations with the opportunity to experience chemistry in real life situations. The purpose is to demonstrate to the local K-12 students that science (especially chemistry) is important in everyone's life and can be exciting and interesting.
To volunteer contact Dr. Ed Zovinka at ezovinka@francis.edu
Saint Francis University's F.I.R.E. Starters is a Confirmation retreat team, consisting of college students, lay ministers, and Franciscan friars.
For more information on the program contact Denise Farabaugh at 814.472.3172 or dfarabaugh@francis.edu
The R-Space (Rural Science: Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry and Engineering) Program is a new interdisciplinary collaborative effort among university professionals and students to bring science to rural Central Pennsylvania. The program aims to bring exciting aspects of science to K-12 students in the form of hands-on activities. (Seasonal work)
To volunteer contact scienceoutreach@francis.edu
Special Olympics @ SFU
In every corner of the earth, Special Olympics is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. These stories come from all around the world.
To volunteer contact Nikki Imhoff at nimhoff@francis.edu - or - Kathryn Heacox at kheacox@francis.edu
Saint Michael School is located at 301 Saint Elizabeth Street in Loretto. To volunteer for the many opportunities at the school contact the Principal, Rhonda Seymour at rhonda.seymour@st-michael-school.org
The Loretto Volunteer Company provides services to all of Loretto Boro and parts of Allegheny Township.
The first Sunday of the month the Loretto Fire Department has a breakfast at the St. Michael's School Hall and could use help. Individuals may also to volunteer as a Fireman/woman. For details call 814-472-9160
The Mission of Dreams Go On is to provide therapeutic horseback riding sessions to adults and children of Blair County, PA, who are physically challenged, receive mental, behavioral health or family therapy services.
To volunteer contact Debbie Kelly at 814-312-2614
The medical center exists to serve the Veteran through the delivery of timely quality care by staff who demonstrate outstanding customer service and quality health care services.
Voluntary Services contact in Altoona: John Clay, John.Clay2@va.gov
The Blair Region YMCA, located in Hollidaysburg, is an inclusive non-profit organization of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. At the Y, people from all backgrounds build connections through fitness, sports and shared interests. Volunteer contact is contactus@blairregionalymca.org
There are many St. Vincent de Paul Society locations to volunteer. Check out the website for more information and contact information for each location.
For volunteering in the community garden
Home Nursing Agency’s Healing Patch is a peer support program designed specifically for children and their families who have suffered the loss of a loved one, such as a parent, sibling, grandparent, or close family member.
If interested in volunteering, apply online or contact: Melody Ray, Volunteer Coordinator, at 814-947-7200.
The mission of the ARC is to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy, education, support and socialization .
If interested in volunteering at the ARC in Blair County contact Maria Brandt at mbrandt@thearcblair.org
The Martha & Mary House will provide support, safety, and hope to individuals and families in Cambria County in the form of shelter, planning, and caring case managers. The shelter can accommodate up to 15 people, and residents can stay for up to 30 days--enough time to secure financial stability and a more permanent residence.
Volunteer contact: Danielle Bowers, 899 Bedford Street, Johnstown, 814-254-4413
The mission of the Cambria County Childhood Development Corp. is to strive toward meeting the needs of children and families throughout Cambria and surrounding counties.
Interested in volunteering? Contact Christina Baughman at cbaughman@cccdc.us
United Ways identify and build on community strengths and assets, help individuals and groups with specific community interests find ways to contribute their time and talents, support direct-service programs and community-change efforts, and advocate public-policy changes.
United Way in Duncansville: Melanie Shildt at mshildt@unitedwayofblaircounty.org
United Way in Johnstown: 814-535-2563
Garvey Manor in Hollidaysburg is a personal care and skilled nursing home for the elderly. They would like students to spend time with residents individually or in a group activity. No clearances are needed for short term volunteers.
If interested in volunteering contact: Kathy LaVelle: 814-695-5571 KLaVelle@garveymanor.org
The Lutheran Home is a senior living community offering independent living cottages and apartments, in-home care and support services, skilled nursing care, and therapy services.
ADOPT A SENIOR and provide letters and cards to brighten their days.
If interested in adopting a senior, contact: Jennifer Helsley, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Jennifer.helsley@alsm.org
John Paul II Manor is a personal care home of the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
If interested in service here contact: Linda Long at 814-886-7961
The 28th Street Church of the Brethren, located at 2800 Union Ave., Altoona, distributes food to around 300 families-every third Saturday of the month from 8:30 am- noon.
If you would like to volunteer, contact Lisa or Larissa Yohn at 814-931-5472 or yohnlarissa@gmail.com to set a time.
Located in Ebensburg, PA, Cambria Care Center is a 301-bed Skilled Nursing Center with a relaxing outside courtyard, dining hall, and activities room. Our caring staff offers the following services: Specialty Care, Rehabilitation Therapies, Ventilator Care, Bariatric Care, On-site Dialysis Care , Center for Memory Impaired.
To volunteer contact Keana Bertocci at kbertocci@mycambriacarecenter.com
Elmcroft of Altoona is a senior care community offering personal care and senior housing to give residents the independence they deserve as well as help when they need it. Senior residents at Elmcroft of Altoona choose their own agenda and activities and enjoy a comfortable, sociable, relaxing lifestyle among the beautiful rolling hills of Duncansville in central Pennsylvania.
To volunteer contact Michele Burk at mburk@elmcroft.com
Laurel View Village provides Residential Living options, Personal Care, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing and Short-term Rehab options. For people looking for a vibrant yet peaceful community, Laurel View Village is the perfect place to call home.
To volunteer contact Devin Plenert at dplenert@lvv1.com
Cresson Senior Center, 715 Front St., Cresson, PA / 814-886-4147
Ebensburg Senior Center, 209 N. Julian St., Ebensburg, PA / 814-472-5226
The Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation (GGMF) is a non-profit organization that reaches children from low-income families. The goal of the GGMF is to encourage school performance and to build self-esteem and moral character. The goals are carried out through an after school program and a summer program .
In interested in volunteering contact: Toni Bilik at 814-949-8838
As a premier health and human services organization, Skills strives to help people living with behavioral health, intellectual or development challenges. Skills work to overcome adversity, promote choice, encourage recovery, and give support when the people we work with need it most.
To volunteer contact Eileen Pierson at epierson@skillsgroup.org
To empower individuals and families with employment barriers to achieve their fullest potential in the community through work services
Our mission is to take in and find the best possible home for the lost, unwanted and not cared for dogs and cats of Central Pennsylvania. Every foster/adoption candidate that enters into Mending Heart’s program is behaviorally tested and the animal is evaluated at the rescue, then placed in an appropriate foster or permanent home depending on the animals’ needs, physical abilities, energy level, and level of training.
To volunteer: 814-418-3078
Volunteers are needed at each location to help with: fundraising, special events, dog walking, cat cuddling, morning dishes and laundry, educational events, yard work, maintenance, supplies and pet food drive, and mailings. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
Cambria County Humane Society: 814-535-6116
Central PA Humane Society: 814-942-6900
To learn more about a community gardening project at the Lodge Run Apartments in Portage, contact
Bonnie Michael at bonniemichael@greenational.com
The First Frontier Kitchen participates in The National School Lunch Program, serving local schools nutritious meals daily. They are also involved with the Summer Food Service Program, serving the city’s children nutritious meals throughout the summer.
If interested in volunteering contact John: 814-232-1730 - or - Juanita: 814-232-1730 info@empoweringlivesfound.org
Providing quality recreation programs to the Citizens of Central Blair County, PA
To volunteer contact Michael Hofer at Hofer@cbrcparks.org
The Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation (ABCD) is a private non-profit certified economic development corporation. We work as a catalyst for business expansion in Blair County, Pennsylvania and through regional partnerships along the I-99 Innovation Corridor. For over 60 years ABCD has been dedicated to business growth and wealth creation throughout Blair County.
To volunteer contact Pat Miller at patm@abcdcorp.org