Volunteer
Below are our volunteer opportunities. Student and Group volunteer opportunities are marked accordingly. Here are the steps to become a volunteer:
- Look through our opportunities list and see if anything on the list interests you.
- Download and fill out the Volunteer Questionaire- GENERAL
- If applicable, Download any specific questionnaire relating to the opportunity that interests you
- Email your questionnaires to cfinnegan@arborhouse.org.
- Attend an orientation. The general orientations take 45 minutes to 1 hour.
* For some opportunities, additional training may be necessary
* Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times.
* We are not a site to complete court ordered community service.
* Student Volunteers:
All students fulfilling school requirements will be required to provide professor contact information. If you do not complete your hours, your professor will be contacted. Do to opportunity limitations; we only can accommodate a total of 300 school requirement hours. Inquire early in the semester to ensure a volunteer position.
Volunteer Opportunities
Community Relations/Event Planning
Commitment – several hours per week when needed
Annual fund-raising events such Ask Events, benefit concerts, and a holiday banquet are a vital parts of our funding and donor relations. Our community team contacts local businesses for donations and builds relationships within the community through public service announcements and media exposure. These volunteers are committed and able to professionally and independently interact with the community. They have event planning, organization, strong written communications, and people skills. Student opportunity (when available)!
Dinner Preparation
Commitment – provide at least 2 dinners
This opportunity involves providing dinner for our women and children to make that hectic dinner time more peaceful. It entails preparing healthy meals at your home, delivering them hot and ready to be served, in disposable containers to Arbor House between 6-6:30. Only 1-3 female volunteers may accompany the dinner delivery. We plan a meal once a week on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Call to schedule. Group opportunity! Student opportunity!
Church and Corporate Liaisons
Commitment – as needed for at least 1 year
Our liaisons agree to be the contact for their church, business, or small group regarding Arbor House events, news, and needs; placing the information in the bulletin or newsletter and coordinating donations needs and donation delivery collected by their group. Church and Corporate Liaisons commit to collecting certain needed items so we can count on those donations coming in. Student opportunity!
Prayer/ Written Encouragement
Commitment – as needed for at least 1 year
Arbor House believes in the power of prayer and we distribute a prayer list that includes prayer requests from the mothers and staff. While often “behind the scenes”, this team is a vital part of our ministry to the families we serve. We meet once a month for corporate and intercessory prayer. Student opportunity!
Yard Work
Commitment – as needed
This opportunity involves providing your own yard tools and supplies to fulfill our yard needs. We always need pine bark mulch donated and people to spread it! Designate a group leader to meet with the Volunteer Coordinator (weekdays 9-1) to better understand our needs and grounds. The leader will be in charge of organizing and coordinating the group on the day of the project. All group participants under 18 must be in the care of volunteer leaders. Call for our needs and to schedule. Group opportunity! Student opportunity!
Facility Maintenance
Commitment – as needed for at least 3 months
This opportunity involves providing your own tools and supplies to fulfill our facility maintenance needs. Preferably these volunteers are available to work during the day from 9-1 when the volunteer coordinator is available. May include tasks like replacing door knobs, replacing faucets, painting, repairing fences, etc. Student opportunity!
Computer/ network Maintenance
Commitment – as needed for at least 3 months
This opportunity involves helping us with computer, internet, and printer issues. Preferably this volunteer is available to work during the day from 9-1 when the volunteer coordinator is available. May include tasks like troubleshooting internet issues, hooking up new equipment, etc. Student opportunity!
Internship
Commitment – 150 to 300 hours a semester
We are looking for interns who are capable, independent learners, willing to learn, and ready for a challenge. Your internship might include event planning, classroom facilitation, office help, and/ or grant writing.
Student opportunity (when available)!
Transportation
Commitment – as needed for at least 3 months
This opportunity involves transporting a women and perhaps her child to their appointment. . Student opportunity!
Babysitting
Commitment – as needed for at least 3 months
This opportunity involves babysitting a resident’s child. We are always looking for some great babysitters! Student opportunity!
Mentor
Commitment – several hours per week with the resident and twice a month meetings for at least 2 years
When our residents are ready to start a meaningful and long lasting relationship, a mentor is assigned to each resident. The mentor and resident meet one-on-one weekly, going through a written curriculum as well as sharing life. Each mentor has completed a comprehensive mentor training. These mentors are spiritually and emotionally mature, welcome the resident into their family and church, and are able and willing to dedicate time and emotional energy to their resident. Our mentors commit to a relationship that hopefully last for years after the residents moves on from Arbor House. Mentors meet together once a month for a time of prayer and sharing.
Tutors
Commitment – one hour per week for at least 1 year
Tutors work with the resident weekly one-on-one in areas where the Education Coordinator has noticed weakness. Tutors communicate with the Education Coordinator to discuss resident’s progress and plan what material to cover. Since consistency is very important, tutors commit for a long period of time. Tutoring sessions generally take place on Wed or Friday afternoons or in the evenings. We are always looking for tutors with learning disability experience.
Class Facilitators
Commitment – varies
This opportunity is facilitating a class or series of classes with our residents. Classes are held weekday mornings from 9:30-12:00. We prefer our class instructors to have experience with our population, are professionals that have a desire to share specific information, and are flexible to Arbor House’s schedule. Classes include life skills classes like parenting, money management, computer skills, etc. Contact the Education Coordinator to see if you would be a good fit as a guest speaker and for availability.
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