May 2019

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time;

they just have the heart.” – Elizabeth Andrew

I read recently that “with busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family, and your community. The right match can help you reduce stress, find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health.”

At The Community House, there are scores of volunteer opportunities that await those that are interested. Helping hands are always needed.

Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce:

Mission: To serve our six communities as their leading resource for advancing business interests and building relationships. Contact: Joe Bauman, President, 248.644.1700 x 6135, joeb@bbcc.com

Birmingham Lions Club:

Mission: Service to Others – Lions Clubs are recognized for their service to the blind and visually impaired. This service began when Helen Keller challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness” during the 1925 Lions Clubs International Convention. Contact: Bob McCready, President, bobmclassic@aol.com

Birmingham Optimist Club:

Mission: To develop optimism as a philosophy of life; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; and to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of man, his community and world. Contact: Bill McConnell, President, billmcconnell@hotmail.com

Birmingham Shopping District:

Mission: We actively work to promote a district that is exciting, clean, safe and pedestrian-friendly and ensure that the district continues to serve as a center for business, service, social and community activities. Contact: Ingrid Tighe, Executive Director, 248.530.1200, itighe@bhamgov.org

Rotary Club:

Mission: Is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. Contact: Chris McLogan, President, chrismclogan@maxbroock.com

Birmingham Bloomfield Newcomers Club:

Mission: For women from all over the world, the Birmingham Bloomfield Newcomers Club (BBNC) has made it easy to meet women and participate in countless activities & events throughout the year. Our international members represent over 40 nations. Contact: Fatima Koenig, President, 248.613.5787, bbnc.president@gmail.com

Birmingham Teen Council:

Mission: The mission is to bring together students from local schools and provide an opportunity for community service, as well as establish a source of teen leadership. We hope to institute an environment where students from the area can collaborate and form bonds they otherwise would not have been able to. Contact: Chase Seklar and Sophie Roth, Co-Founders, 248.310.0582, birminghamteencouncil@gmail.com

President’s Advisory Council (PAC):

Mission: The mission is to advise and give counsel to the TCH President on a wide range of issues. Contacts: Dustin Hennigar, Chair, k06dh01@gmail.com or Matt McCormick, Vice Chair, mmccor10@gmail.com

Senior Men’s Club of birmingham:

Mission: An organization of active senior men devoted to the promotion of fellowship, cultural interests and the rendering of community service. Contact: Tim McGee, President, 248.643.0971, tsmcgee1@hotmail.com

StoryTellers Guild:

Mission: To enrich the lives of children through the art and love of storytelling. Contact: Linda Lambert, Council Co-Chair, 248.642.5837, lindaleelam1@hotmail.com; Shirley Oleinick, Council Co-Chair, 248.544.8968, shirleyoleinick3@gmail.com

The Women’s Club:

Mission: The purpose shall be to provide fellowship, programs, and activities for the membership. Contact: Ann Duncan, President, 248.514.5290, billduncan11@comcast.net.

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation in Birmingham.