Please email volunteer@synergeo.org if you would like to help or call at 804-648-2287.
Needs/Wishlist
Calling all plumbers, electricians, artists, musicians, computer whizzes, folks who like to visit with the elderly, and those who enjoy working with children. You are needed!
We also need supplies. If you can help with any of the below, give us a call.
-Art smocks
-Refreshments
-Clay for pottery studio
-Art supplies for children
-Ceiling insulation
-Monetary donations
-Basement sealant
-Paper Supplies & Cleaning Supplies
-Musical instruments (guitars, etc.)
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Arts Center
The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Arts Center is a community music and arts center in the Oregon Hill neighborhood. Located at 349 South Laurel St, the building is a 100-year-old storefront that has been renovated to provide space for arts and crafts & music classes. The building houses the main office for SynerGeo, the residents of the Jonah Project, and a pottery workshop in the garage.
Currently we offer arts and crafts classes, music education classes, and instrument lessons for all ages. Please email us at volunteer@synergeo.org for more information about these opportunities. Check out the calendar on our web site for more information on upcoming Arts and Music programs. Feel free to stop by anytime or call 804.648.2287
BreakOut!
BreakOut! projects provide alternative school break opportunities and destinations. Open to all, volunteers seek to address critical human needs around the world by working in struggling communities. A variety of materials are utilized to enhance learning during and after the BreakOut! project in an effort to provide spiritual, cultural, and educational growth. This experience is to foster a deeper understanding & committment to social justice.
A few examples of past BreakOut! project destinations are Havana, Cuba; St. Louis, Missouri, & Andros Island in the Bahamas.
The Jonah Project
The Jonah House project, provides an opportunity for residents to experience compassionate living, creative outreach, and hands-on learning. Each person not only lives in the house but works with one or more of our program initiatives that enriches the lives of children & families through the arts, education, & cultural awareness.
The Jonah Project provides at least a one-year term volunteer assignment for recent graduates in a supportive environment Participants will be expected to be intentional in building relationships with neighbors and involved with neighborhood organizations, activities, & faith groups. Four applicants will be selected to live together in a house owned by SynerGeo in the Oregon Hill community of Richmond, Virginia. Oregon Hill is a historic neighborhood located adjacent to the VCU campus in urban Richmond. Jonah Project residents will live, work, and be intentional in creating relationships in the Oregon Hill & surrounding communities. Each Jonah Project participant will be assigned to work full-time with SynerGeo in one or more of the programs.
SynerGeo also partners with various agencies and organizations in the area which the Jonah Project participant may also be involved with. These sites are the Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council (OHHIC), William Byrd Community House, Oregon Hill Baptist Center, Pine St. Baptist Church, St. Andrews Episcopal Church & School, Open High School, Richmond Organization for Sexual Minority Youth, Tabernacle Baptist Church, Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, and Congregations Around Richmond Involved To Assure Shelter (CARITAS).
Jonah Project participants are volunteers. However each person will be provided with room and board, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend, as part of being an AmeriCorps Member. The term of service is: September 1 – August 30.
Applicants must complete and submit a written application with references. An interview will follow with applicants being notified of results within 10 days of the interview. To receive an application packet or if you have questions, please email us at volunteer@synergeo.org or call 804-648-2287.
Applicant Requirements: College graduate by September 1 Minimum age of 21 by September 1 Active in his/her faith and showing signs of continuing spiritual growth. Flexible with the ability to live in a cooperative manner with others. Previous experience in volunteer service/ministry helpful (such as summer missions). Relatively free of current debt payments or financial obligations.
Jonah Project Potential Placement Opportunities:
BreakOut! Coordinator: BreakOut! projects are “alternative” school break projects for university students that seek to address critical human need around the world by partnering students with struggling communities. Educational materials are utilized to enhance learning during and after BreakOut! experiential education events.The BreakOut! Coordinator will plan various BreakOut! trips during the summer, spring, and winter. He/she will put together educational packets for orientation of the project group, and for debriefing the group upon their return.
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Arts Center Coordinator: Coordinates, teaches, and recruits volunteers for K-5th grade Art Education program, Artsplosion!, and the Adult Craft Class. The coordinator will work to create partnerships between SynerGeo and arts programs in the Richmond area. He/she will also work to find donations of arts supplies and keep the art supplies organized. Anyone experienced with art, pottery, and/or education major, is encouraged to apply. This position oversees our art programs such as: Artsplosion!, Artsplosion! 2, and the pottery studio.
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Arts Center Music Education and Performance Coordinator: Coordinates, teaches, and recruits volunteers for music education programs. Currently SynerGeo partners with Open High School in Oregon Hill to provide music education classes. The coordinator manages these classes and invests in SynerGeo’s partnership with Open High School and other possible music education programs. The coordinator also works to secure donations of musical instruments, supplies for music classes, etc. Anyone with experience in music and/or teaching music is strongly encouraged to apply.
Computer Training/Community Education Coordinator: Coordinates, teaches, and recruits volunteers for tutoring programs and computer training classes. Currently SynerGeo partners with the Oregon Hill Baptist Center to partner volunteers with school aged children in Oregon Hill for tutoring and mentoring. The coordinator will also work with the OHBC to hold computer training classes for all ages.
Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator: The Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator will work with all Program Coordinators to recruit volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to volunteer with the initiatives and programs of SynerGeo, Inc. The coordinator will prepare brochures and promotional information for recruitment. He/she will visit various groups, promoting and educating others about the needs in Oregon Hill and ways to volunteer with SynerGeo. He/she will plan volunteer appreciation events and keep in contact with the volunteers of all of SynerGeo’s programs.
