The Columbus Dispatch has been running regular ads promoting Connect Columbus since October. Affiliated agencies also can submit success stories to the newspaper for possible reprinting. People can register to Rolling Readers volunteer, Ina Mayer, reads aloud to first and second graders at Franklinton Alternative Elementary, Columbus, Ohio. Once the volunteer profile is entered into the computer, it is then matched with opportunities, which are then sent to the volunteer. Someone who wants an immediate placement at a nonprofit can do so by calling the Bank One hotline and pressing 1.
Power answers such phone requests and says response has been startling.
Volunteers seem most interested in helping children and tutoring. At DFY, new volunteers interested in acting as mentors are much needed. One of DFY's programs, Teen Parent Connection, matches trained volunteers and staffers with pregnant teens and teen parents, offering them counsel and support for a year. It's bringing in some new people and hopefully they'll be interested in doing more. A lot of teen moms have had little support in their lives.