VOLUNTEERING

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VOLUNTEERING ⋆

Volunteering your time, money, or resources to help others doesn't just make the world better—it also makes you better.

Volunteering your time, money, or resources to help others doesn't just make the world better—it also makes you better.

Volunteering is an effortless way to spend quality time connecting with people. You can reconnect through your church, with your co-workers, have a couples’ day out, or bring your child(ren) to one of our service project days. So give your couch a break and enjoy some time out of the house in a safe environment.

Benefits of Volunteering

  • 1. Helping others feels good

    There is some evidence to suggest that when you help others, it can promote physiological changes in the brain linked with happiness. This heightened sense of well-being might be the byproduct of being more physically active as a result of volunteering, or because it makes us more socially active.

  • 2. It creates a sense of belonging

    Helping others can help us to make new friends and connect with our community. Face-to-face activities such as volunteering at a food bank can also help reduce loneliness and isolation.

  • 3. It gives you a sense of purpose

    Studies show that volunteering enhances an individual’s overall sense of purpose and identity. This is because helping others can make you feel rewarded, fulfilled and empowered.

  • 4. Giving helps keep things in perspective

    Helping others, especially those who are less fortunate than yourself, can help to put things into perspective and make you feel more positive about your own circumstances.

  • 5. It’s contagious

    Studies show that people are more likely to perform feats of generosity after observing another do the same. This effect can ripple throughout the community, inspiring dozens of individuals to make a difference.

Additional Requirements

  • Time Commitment

    Volunteers may be on their feet for two hours at a time. Some lifting may be required, although volunteers may opt out if they are physically incapable. If a volunteer has a physical limitation that makes a particular task difficult, the staff is happy to accommodate.

  • Age Requirements

    We welcome everyone to volunteer at the Mission. However, individuals under the age of 18 must have adult supervision.

  • Dress Code

    We ask that volunteers wear:

    • Clothing that provides modest coverage. 

    • Close-toed shoes are required, especially in the food preparation area. 

    • Long hair must be pulled back and tied.

    • Gloves are mandatory. 

    • Washing/sanitizing hands is a must.

    • Mask (Opotional)

  • Before Volunteers Start

    Since we are working with a vulnerable population, we must review guidelines and procedures to ensure everyone fully understands them—orientations as needed.

    Volunteers must complete the following:

    • Volunteer Application

    • Background Clearance 

    • Watch the Civil Rights Video

Programs

  • Food Pantry

    MONDAY - THURSDAY

    9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

    Volunteers work with the food pantry caseworker to provide healthy and nutritious food to those in need. Volunteers assist with the day-to-day running of the emergency food pantry, ensuring a well-stocked and clean food pantry. In addition, they organize donated food, monitor food dates, and check refrigeration/freezer temperatures. Volunteers also assist with the collection of food from local donation organizations such as Costco, BJ’s, Palmers Food, Walmart, and Wegmans.

    Volunteer drivers needed, with valid driver’s license)

    Skills & Qualifications:

    • Interest in working with people from a range of cultural backgrounds

    • A friendly, non-judgmental approach

    • Comfortable interacting with people who may have limited English

    • Able to work collaboratively as part of a team

    • Be organized, follow processes, and keep client information confidential

    Time Commitment: Open

    Training: Before volunteers start volunteering, they must attend the Volunteer Orientation Training.

  • Meals2Go

    WEDNESDAY

    4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

    Assist the staff with the behind-the-scenes tasks required to serve up to 150 hot meals on Wednesday to low and no-income individuals and families. Volunteers may assist with several other jobs depending on our Kitchen Coordinator's daily needs.

    • Plan monthly menus

    • Prep and cook meals

    • Portioning and packaging meals

    • Count and organize meals to be passed out

    Skills and Qualifications:

    • The most important characteristics we look for in our volunteers are kindness and patience.

    • Volunteers must also understand the importance of confidentiality and be willing to work respectfully with staff and other volunteers.

    • Prior experience is optional.

    Time Commitment: Open

    Volunteers can schedule on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. However, we ask that volunteers commit to three months when they first begin.

    Training: Before volunteers start volunteering, they must attend the Volunteer Orientation Training.

  • Clothing Room

    MONDAY & TUESDAY

    9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

    Our Clothing Room is a boutique-style room filled with clothing, accessories, and supplies provided by in-kind donations. Join the dedicated volunteers who help organize our clothing room. Volunteers sort clothes, pair outfits, inventory items, and keep the closet organized and neat for individuals and families to shop.

    Skills & Qualifications:

    • Ability to sort, fold and organize clothing

    • Ability to work independently

    Time Commitment:

    At least one hour per week

    Training: Before volunteers start volunteering, they must attend the Volunteer Orientation Training.

  • Counseling

    MONDAY - THURSDAY

    INDIVIDUAL: BY APPOINTMENT GROUP: THURSDAY, 7PM - 8PM

    Many are suffering from depression and anxiety. We need counselors and social workers who can give feedback, advice, and guidance to individuals via phone or zoom.

    Skills & Qualifications:

    • A degree in Counseling or Social Work

    • A friendly, non-judgmental

    • Ability to work independently

    Time Commitment: At least one hour per week

    Training: Before volunteers start volunteering, they must attend the Volunteer Orientation Training.

  • Senior Connection

    MONDAY - THURSDAY

    9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

    We are living in a time when our elderly population is feeling abandoned. Support for older people is essential. During times of isolation and quarantine, older people need safe access to nutritious food, basic supplies, and medicine to support their physical health and social welfare.

    Volunteers are needed to deliver essential goods to the elderly. This program is ideal for individuals who are home during the day. Volunteers must have good communication skills and enjoy talking on the phone. Phone calls of encouragement are needed as well. Knowing someone cares is effective in the lives of those without one.

    Skills & Qualifications:

    • Everyone who delivers food must follow the food program's guidelines.

    Time Commitment: Open

    Training: Before volunteers start volunteering, they must attend the Volunteer Orientation Training.

Volunteer Application