Hundreds of organizations partner with MCC

Joseph Starkloff

The MCC Center for Service-Learning (CSL) recently hosted the Community Engagement Expo. Community service organizations set up booths for students to get information about volunteering.Dawn Rhodes, a program specialist for the CSL, stated that the goal was to provide students with opportunities.

“The purpose is to provide an outlet for students, who are needing to do service learning in the class, to find an agency. but also for individuals to find a place to do (community) service,” Rhodes said.

Hundreds of organizations have partnered with the CSL, and students can get more information about them at the CSL headquarters in the Kirk Student Center. They can also get information online at mccservicelearning.org.

One organization that attended the expo was the Medical Rescue Posse (MRP).

James Emge, the MRP representative, stated that the main task of MRP’s volunteers is search and rescue.

Training is required to volunteer.

“There’s basic training that all posse (members) have to go though, (which) is provided by the sheriff’s office,” Emge said.

Mark Edidi, a fellow MRP representative, stated that it is a great opportunity for those planning to enter the medical field.

“We’re one of the only volunteer organizations… where you come in to volunteer and you actually have hands-on patient contact,” Edidi said.

Information about MRP can be found online at www.mcsomrp.com.

The Mesa Police Department Victims Unit attended the event as well.

Steve Kermode, a member of the group, stated the importance of the organization.

“I saw the need out there.

“Everyone’s a victim at some point and time, and we’re trained to help them,” Kermode said.

There are eligibility requirements, such as being 21 years of age or older, having a high school diploma or GED, and a criminal history check for volunteers.

Interested applicants should email Amy Martinez at amy.martines@mesaaz.gov.

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) also attended the event.

Becky Prince, the AYSO representative, stated the significance of the organization to the community.

“It helps (the participants) understand what it’s like to be part of a team. It’s designed for the kids to feel . they’ve been successful no matter if they won or not,” Prince said.

She stated that volunteer work is beneficial to students.

“We have volunteer coaches, (and) volunteer referees. It’s designed for an exchange of service hours and tuition credits,” Prince said.

For information on volunteering contact AYSO at AYSO503@cox.net.

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

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