Volunteer

Be that special person who makes a difference in a child’s life.

• Volunteers are a vital component of service at the Respite Center.
• Volunteers help in a variety of ways, committing time and talent at different levels.
• With the support of dedicated community members, we care for more children and families, provide a cleaner and safer environment, and maximize the use of our resources.
• Adults who had difficult childhoods frequently report that the presence of one committed adult who believed in them, gave them the hope and strength to survive.

Qualifications

• Volunteers must enjoy spending time with children with varying needs.
• Volunteers must be able to function in an unpredictable environment.
• Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Screening

• Potential volunteers come to the Respite Center for an initial interview.
• Potential volunteers’ criminal backgrounds and references are checked.

Training

• Child Care Volunteers are required to participate in 4-5 hours of training.
• Training includes the philosophy and operation of the Respite Center, basic child care skills, information about crisis intervention and the multiple issues facing families.

Commitment

• Child Care Volunteers sign up for 4-hour shifts.
• Regular shifts are 9am-1pm, 1pm-5pm, or 5pm-9pm, Monday-Sunday.
• Most volunteers work the same shift every week or every other week.
• Most volunteers commit to a minimum of one year.

Responsibilities

• Work in cooperation with paid Child Care Specialists to meet the needs of children birth through fourteen years old.
• Play with, talk to, and engage children, offering them attention and respect.
• Assist with household chores such as meal prep, laundry and toy clean-up.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of the families who use the Respite Center.
• Serve as a mandated reporter, informing staff of any suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Are present and on time for scheduled shifts.

Download our volunteer brochure.