Get Involved in Community Service
by Lonna R. Kirkjune

In honor of Community Service month, we have spotlighted and listed contact information for several of the wonderful non-profit organizations in Madison County. Fortunately for the community, there is simply no way to comprehensively cover it all. This is because Madison County is served by an extremely active volunteer community. These people and organizations enhance the quality of life for the entire community.

A concerted effort was made to pool together as many resources as possible in recognition of Community Service Awareness Month. This compilation lists purposes and contact information for these civic clubs, organizations, and non-profits that need help in some form. If you are not currently involved in community service, it's time to start. There is always something to do, someone to help, and someone to give. One person can make a difference and change a life.

Though there are many different goals for each listing, one thing is similar, they are all groups of individuals who work together to accomplish good change in our community. Many sincere thanks for those who make this commitment to help others.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives from cancer and diminishing suffering through research, education, advocacy and service.

The ACS is located at 2935 Hwy 45 Bypass. For more information, call 664-1084 or 1-800-ACS-2345, and visit www.cancer.org

Boys and Girls Club of Jackson-Madison County - Each year hundreds of youth are served by the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson-Madison County in the areas of character and leadership development, education, fitness and health, technology, and the arts. Volunteer opportunities exist for homework help, tutoring, fundraising, computer classes, sports and recreational activities, and operational assistance. We have five service sites, four in Jackson, TN and one in Brownsville, TN. For more information about volunteering, membership, and sites near you call (731) 422-2008.
 

Youth Town of Tennessee is a home for abused and neglected teens removed from their homes by the State of Tennessee that has been in operation since 1962. Director Nick Pappas acknowledged the Jackson Rotary Club and the Jackson Service League for their contributions and dedication to their agency. Youth Town is located at 3700 Hwy 45 South in Pinson. Contact them at 988-5251 or fax 427-5605 or youth@aeneas.net.

The Jackson Rotary Club's principal motto is "Service Above Self." This diverse group works to help those in need. With their group effort, they contribute their abilities to fundraising such as the upcoming annual Jackson Rotary Classic, December 7-8. All proceeds benefit Youth Town of America.

The Kiwanis Center for Child Development is a comprehensive early intervention program for children from birth to age three who have developmental delays. They provide education, therapy, and social services to children and families in Jackson and surrounding communities. The Center is located at 32 Garland Drive, with satellite offices in Selmer, Lexington, Brownsville, and Dyersburg.

Though the Kiwanis Center is an affiliate of West Tennessee Healthcare, the Kiwanis Club also helps. The Club's mission is to serve, build, and plan for the future, which also meets with the Center's mission to provide help and resources for special children and families. Center Director Ron Kwasigroh says of the club's involvement, "The impact is tremendous when these two forces meet. The result is success...and, for us, that means a child makes a step forward and a parent's heart is encouraged." For center information, call 668-9070.

The West Tennessee Cerebral Palsy Association (CPC) is a unique non-profit organization dedicated to providing the best possible services to individuals with disabilities to maximize their social and learning potential, while also extending support to their families.

The CPC is located at 34 Garland Drive; the Executive Director is John Borden (LJ grad of 2001). Contact him at 668-3322; fax 664-2941 or www.wtcpa.us to inquire of their assistance or how you can help others.

Since the CPC's establishment in 1950, they have reached many who might not otherwise have the opportunity because of the funding from United Way, City of Jackson, corporate and private donations, and fundraising. They are also blessed to have several organizations that support them such as the Old Hickory Rotary Club, Cotillion Club of Jackson, and the Jackson Service League.

Jackson Madison County General Hospital is always in need of dedicated volunteers. Individuals who wish to dedicate their time can do so in many different areas of the hospital. Assisting with patient needs, delivery of flowers, staffing of Emergency and Critical Care waiting areas and greeting visitors at the Information desk are just a few of the duties our volunteers perform. Jackson Madison County General Hospital is located at 708 West Forest Avenue. For more information on volunteering, please contact the Volunteer Services Office at (731) 425-6189.

The Old Hickory Rotary Club provides financial support with fundraisers such as radio auctions and pancake breakfasts. Members also volunteer and aid with public relations for the CPC. For club information, call Bill Smith at 427-9616.

The Cotillion Club of Jackson maintains bulletin boards and general maintenance of facilities. They provide entertainment and recreation for the staff and children, as well as provide financial support to the CPC. Contact Jeanna Thompson at 512-0112 for more club information.

The Jackson Service League (JSL) donates their time and talents by providing entertainment and amusement to the special needs of the children of the CPC. They also provide instrumental needs sponsorships for other programs in need. For JSL information, contact Melinda Pierce at 668-7536.

Stephanie Isaacs, Development Coordinator for the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, says the Exchange Clubs are "tremendous assets to our Centers for their support." Club members are instrumental in the planning and execution of their annual telethon and dinner and auction. In fact, the Jackson Exchange Club recently received the Care Award at the National Exchange Club Convention for their work on the 2002 auction.

For more information, contact Stephanie at 668-4000 or fax 668-4093. Visit their website at: www.carlperkinscenter.org

With over 1,100 clubs in the U.S., the Jackson Exchange Club supports the national club's purpose to help prevent child abuse, but does so much more, too. In addition to the two mentioned fundraisers, they distribute flags to children and provide Citizenship programs for youths and adults to promote Americanism. They also have talent shows, award banquets, and other fundraisers throughout the year. For Exchange Club information, contact past club president Martin Jelinek -- exchange@martinigear.com, online at www.jacksonexchangeclub.com.

The Aspell Recovery Center/TAMB serves the needs of the male indigent population in their desire to recover from addiction to alcohol and/or drugs. They are located at 331 North Highland Avenue. Contact them at 427-7238.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) provides trained volunteer courtroom advocates to the abused and neglected children in Madison County. Their office is located at 110 Irby Street. Contact them at 427-5554 or 888-701-4874, or mccasa@aeneas.net.

The Developmental Disabilities Dental Clinic provides comprehensive dental services to the developmentally disabled and eligible individuals from West Tennessee. Volunteer dentists from several counties provide these services. The clinic is at 34 Garland Drive or call 668-3573.

The Hearing & Speech Center/West Tennessee provides professional diagnostic and therapy services to children and adults with speech, language and hearing disorders. They are located at 756 West Forest Avenue. Call them at 422-4005 or fax 422-4006.

The Jackson Center for Independent Living (JCIL) is a community-based, non-residential program of services designed to assist persons with disabilities to become independent. They are located at 231-D North Parkway. Contact them at 668-2211, 668-0403, or fax at 668-0406. Visit their website: www.j-cil.com or email: jcil2@j-cil.com.

Jackson Adventure Club centers on family-oriented outdoor fun such as camping, scuba diving, and even white water rafting. Contact President Scott Parish at 668-5420, for more information.

Jackson Area Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency, Inc. (JACOA) provides services in alcohol/drug abuse prevention, education, training and treatment for adults dependent on or addicted to these substances. They are located at 900 East Chester Street. Contact them at 423-3653 or fax 422-2820; jacoa.org.

Jackson Neighborhood Association serves our community daily with activities that promote and benefit neighborhoods while providing employment opportunities for at risk youth. Contact James Jones at 422-2720, for more information.

Operation Hope works with juveniles and their families to break the cycle of crime and poverty by doing whatever it takes to overcome and remove obstacles and equips families for lifelong success. They are located at 1981 Hollywood Drive. For more information, call 664-4673 (HOPE) or email at famhope@bellsouth.net.

RIFA/Food Bank is a clearinghouse that channels wholesome, donated food from the food industry and charitable contributions to charitable agencies that provide food to the hungry, ill, needy, infants and elderly.

West Madison Senior Citizens Center provides social, technical, spiritual and educational needs of their members. The also provide recreation, telephone reassurance, education, heath screening, outreach, arts, crafts and information assistance.

The Leadership Jackson Alumni Association (LJAA) is made up of graduates from a 12-week leadership program through the Chamber of Commerce called Leadership Jackson (LJ). It gives individuals an opportunity to better understand our community and the challenges it faces and how to prepare for those challenges. These board members then take this knowledge to serve as a contributor to Jackson by helping others.