Major Volunteer Areas:

• Food Services

• Family and Children's Services

• Single Women & Single Men Services

• Veteran Services

• Alcohol and Drug Recovery

• Education and Job Training

• Emergency & Rescue Services

• Thrift Stores and Warehouse

• Office and Administrative

 

DOs and DON'Ts of Volunteering

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DOs

• Be friendly and put on a smile when working with our clients

• Be understanding - many of our clients are going through one of the lowest periods in their lives.

• Be patient - our clients may not do things the way you are used to; be patient and give them some time.

• Wash your hands before working in the kitchen; put on gloves and a hairnet.

• Be supportive - offer kind words of encouragement.

• Pray - pray for our clients, get their first name, and pray that their lives will get better.

• Use universal precautions in all activities. Use gloves if possible.

• Wear conservative clothing

• Lock up your purse or coat - we suggest you leave it in your car trunk.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

• Be aware that some of our clients may have criminal histories.

• Be aware that about 1/3 of our clients have mental illnesses (some choose not to take medication).

• Be aware that about 1/2 of our clients have an alcohol or drug dependency.

 

DON’Ts

• Do not loan or give money to clients

• Do not give any personal information (other than the first name), including phone numbers or addresses.

• Never leave minors alone - adult supervision is required at all times.

• Never be alone - have a partner or staff member with you or stay with your group.

• Never touch, hug, or flirt with a client.

• Do not argue with clients; report problems to a staff member.

• Do not transport a client in your personal car.

 

Volunteer requirements

• All volunteers must sign a waiver of liability

• All volunteers 18 or older must have a photo ID on file

• Minors must be with their parents or supervisors at all times.

• Volunteers must go through a volunteer orientation, fill out a volunteer form, allow us to make a copy of their photo ID, and list their mailing address, email address, and cell or home number.

• People with felony records may not volunteer without special review and approval.

 

Regarding court-ordered community service: 

Our community service hours are held at 432 E. Jefferson Street from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., your choice, Monday - Friday. You can work on one of these two shifts per day and need no appointment. All you will have to do is arrive 10 minutes before either shift begins, fill out your paperwork, and our associates will get you started. After you complete these hours, there will be a letter of completion issued within 24 hours. If you are under the age of 18, you will need to be accompanied by an adult. You need not attend a volunteer orientation. 

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Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (812) 251-6907 for more information and to get started!

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