Volunteer Needs From: Volunteer West Michigan - Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa Counties

Holland Hospital is seeking volunteers to share their musical talents. Volunteers are needed to play the piano in our main lobby. Volunteers typically perform for one hour between the hours of 11 am and 1 pm. Holland Hospital has a piano that volunteers are able to use but volunteers typically provide their own sheet music. We ask that volunteers commit to at least two volunteer shifts each month

Holland Hospital is in need of more Security Runners. Security Runners aid our Security team down in the Emergency Department. They help with escorting visitors, transporting patients and helping provide customer services to visitors and patients.  Security Runners are scheduled for shifts Monday - Sunday.  Shift times are 8 am - 12 pm, 12 - 4 pm and 4 - 7 pm.  Join our team today!

Greet visitors and assist them by directing them to patients rooms or the location they are going to.  Weekday shifts available from 8 am - 12 pm or from 12 pm - 4 pm.  

The Holland Hospital Gift Shop is looking for day, evening and weekend volunteers. Volunteers in the Gift Shop assist customers with finding the right items and are comfortable using a cash register.  Volunteers will also assist with other tasks such as light housekeeping in the Gift Shop, assist with pricing merchandise and other various tasks.

Profits generated by the Gift Shop are awarded back to hospital departments to fund projects to enhance the patient experience. Weekday shifts are 9 am-12:30 pm, 12:30 - 4 pm and 4 - 7 pm.  Weekend shifts are from 10 am  - 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. For ages 18 and over.

Errand & Escort volunteers provide assistance to patient and their family members, visitors, hospital employees and other customers which results in the enhancement of the quality of care delivered.  Volunteers answer incoming phone calls and in rotation, perform errands as requested which may include the following:

Please Note:  Our fall Volunteer Orientation is scheduled for November 6 and November 13 from 9:00a – 1:00p (you must attend both sessions). 

Note: There will be additional volunteer orientation sessions scheduled for early 2025.  Those dates and times have not yet been solidified.   Complete the application process to receive email announcements of upcoming sessions as they are scheduled and accepting registrations.

We offer a flexible Volunteer Orientation program! 

This training program format will allow candidates to complete some of the required training thru an on-line program at your convenience and provide additional times and locations for the in-person training component. The goal is to shorten the on-boarding process and add more flexibility in the training process making it easier for interested individuals to join our volunteer program.

The training program consists of two components to be completed after the application process:

The first component is a 5.5 hour on-line training consisting of 15 short educational sessions with competency quizzes.  This component is flexible and can be done in 1 sitting or multiple log-ins within a maximum of 30day time limit to complete. 

The second component is an 8 hour in-person orientation.  These sessions are offered as a classroom style learning experience.  They are scheduled multiple times thru out the year in a range of geographic areas in 1 day (8hrs) option or a 2 day (4hr/day) option.  

The program is designed so that all of the requirements (TB IGRA, vaccine compliance, fingerprinting etc.) to become an active volunteer are built into the training class and all costs are covered by Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care West Michigan. 

We will work with you to help you join our volunteer program and start supporting patients!  Contact us to receive more information and application instructions. Call Yvonne at (616)391-4240 or toll free at 1-866-542-7945. Email us at: hospice.volunteers@corewellhealth.org  .

Note: Volunteers are asked to wait one year from the death of a significant personal connection before volunteering.

Please Note:  Our fall Volunteer Orientation is scheduled for November 6 and November 13 from 9:00a – 1:00p (you must attend both sessions). 

Note: There will be additional volunteer orientation sessions scheduled for early 2025.  Those dates and times have not yet been solidified.   Complete the application process to receive email announcements of upcoming sessions as they are scheduled and accepting registrations.

Join our friendly office staff where volunteers are much appreciated and valued.  We view volunteers as members of our team and offer them the same warm welcome and support that we give each other! Assistance with a variety of office tasks help our processes run smoothly including - packet assembly, mailings etc. We offer on-going weekly opportunities as well as special projects. We will work around the hours you are available.  Our office is open for office volunteer support Monday - Friday from 8a - 4p.

 Note: Volunteers are asked to wait one year from the death of a significant personal contact before volunteering.

Volunteers will provide support at our main office located at 750 Fuller Ave NE Grand Rapids 49503.  

We offer a flexible Volunteer Orientation program!

This training program format will allow candidates to complete some of the required training thru an on-line program at your convenience and provide additional times and locations for the in-person training component. The goal is to shorten the on-boarding process and add more flexibility in the training process making it easier for interested individuals to join our volunteer program.

The training program consists of two components to be completed after the application process:

The first component is a 5.5 hour on-line training consisting of 15 short educational sessions with competency quizzes.  This component is flexible and can be done in 1 sitting or multiple log-ins within a maximum of 30day time limit to complete. 

The second component is an 8 hour in-person orientation.  These sessions are offered as a classroom style learning experience.  They are scheduled multiple times thru out the year in a range of geographic areas in 1 day (8hrs) option or a 2 day (4hr/day) option.  

The program is designed so that all of the requirements (IGRA TB test, flu shot, fingerprinting etc.) to become an active volunteer are built into the training class and all costs are covered by Spectrum Health Hospice. 

We will work with you to help you join our volunteer program and start supporting patients!  Contact us to receive more information and application instructions. Call Yvonne at (616)391-4240 or toll free at 1-866-542-7945. Email us at: hospice.volunteers@corewellhealth.org  .

Please Note:  Our fall Volunteer Orientation is scheduled for November 6 and November 13 from 9:00a – 1:00p (you must attend both sessions). 

Note: There will be additional volunteer orientation sessions scheduled for early 2025.  Those dates and times have not yet been solidified.   Complete the application process to receive email announcements of upcoming sessions as they are scheduled and accepting registrations.

If you enjoy listening to others, have strong writing, editing and basic computer skills you can help patients document their memories/life stories. By guiding the patient through an interview process, documenting their stories, along with accompanying pictures you can help us as our program will bind your work into beautifully designed booklets. Materials and training are provided.

Note: Volunteers are asked to wait one year from the death of a significant personal contact before volunteering.

Volunteers especially needed in Ada, Big Rapids, Caledonia, Fremont, Grandville, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Greenville, Holland, Lowell, Newaygo and Wayland areas. Note: Volunteers are asked to wait one year after the death of a family member or friend before volunteering. Hospice volunteer training provided. Once trained, ongoing in-services are provided for support and skill development.

We offer a flexible Volunteer Orientation program!

This training program format will allow candidates to complete some of the required training thru an on-line program at your convenience and provide additional times and locations for the in-person training component. The goal is to shorten the on-boarding process and add more flexibility in the training process making it easier for interested individuals to join our volunteer program.

The training program consists of two components to be completed after the application process:

The first component is a 5.5 hour on-line training consisting of 15 short educational sessions with competency quizzes.  This component is flexible and can be done in 1 sitting or multiple log-ins within a maximum of 30day time limit to complete. 

The second component is an 8 hour in-person orientation.  These sessions are offered as a classroom style learning experience.  They are scheduled multiple times thru out the year in a range of geographic areas in 1 day (8hrs) option or a 2 day (4hr/day) option.  

The program is designed so that all of the requirements (IGRA TB test, flu shot, fingerprinting etc.) to become an active volunteer are built into the training class and all costs are covered by Spectrum Health Hospice. 

We will work with you to help you join our volunteer program and start supporting patients!  Contact us to receive more information and application instructions. Call Yvonne at (616)391-4240 or toll free at 1-866-542-7945. Email us at: hospice.volunteers@corewellhealth.org  .

Please Note:  Our fall Volunteer Orientation is scheduled for November 6 and November 13 from 9:00a – 1:00p (you must attend both sessions). 

Note: There will be additional volunteer orientation sessions scheduled for early 2025.  Those dates and times have not yet been solidified.   Complete the application process to receive email announcements of upcoming sessions as they are scheduled and accepting registrations.

o you love music?  Can you carry a tune, or do you play an instrument?  Our program can work with all levels of musicians - you do not need to be at an advanced performance level to bring the joy and upliftment of music to our patients. 

The gift of music provides an environment for restoration of spirit, calming of anxiety, emotional well-being, memory reflection and just it just plain makes people happy!  Our hospice patients are receiving end of life care and we desire to bring hope and quality of life to each day and you can help.

Volunteers especially needed in Ada, Big Rapids, Caledonia, Fremont, Grandville, Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, Greenville, Lowell, Newaygo and Wayland areas. Note: Volunteers are asked to wait one year after the death of a family member or friend before volunteering. Hospice volunteer training provided. Once trained, ongoing in-services are provided for support and skill development.

We offer a flexible Volunteer Orientation program!

This training program format will allow candidates to complete some of the required training thru an on-line program at your convenience and provide additional times and locations for the in-person training component. The goal is to shorten the on-boarding process and add more flexibility in the training process making it easier for interested individuals to join our volunteer program.

The training program consists of two components to be completed after the application process:

The first component is a 5.5 hour on-line training consisting of 15 short educational sessions with competency quizzes.  This component is flexible and can be done in 1 sitting or multiple log-ins within a maximum of 30day time limit to complete. 

The second component is an 8 hour in-person orientation.  These sessions are offered as a classroom style learning experience.  They are scheduled multiple times thru out the year in a range of geographic areas in 1 day (8hrs) option or a 2 day (4hr/day) option.  

The program is designed so that all of the requirements (IGRA TB test, flu shot, fingerprinting etc.) to become an active volunteer are built into the training class and all costs are covered by Spectrum Health Hospice. 

We will work with you to help you join our volunteer program and start supporting patients!  Contact us to receive more information and application instructions. Call Yvonne at (616)391-4240 or toll free at 1-866-542-7945. Email us at: hospice.volunteers@corewellhealth.org  .

We ask that you wait one year past the death of a significant personal contact before volunteering.

Please Note:  Our fall Volunteer Orientation is scheduled for November 6 and November 13 from 9:00a – 1:00p (you must attend both sessions). 

Note: There will be additional volunteer orientation sessions scheduled for early 2025.  Those dates and times have not yet been solidified.   Complete the application process to receive email announcements of upcoming sessions as they are scheduled and accepting registrations.

Sometimes the best way to help is practical assistance with routine household tasks.  This is often much needed support to a hospice patient and to overwhelmed family caregivers by helping with home and/or yard chores. 

These needs might be requested for a 1 time only special project or as an ongoing support weekly or bi-monthly.

Duties may include helping with vacuuming, dusting, laundry, or general light cleaning in the home. Yard duties may include mowing a lawn, raking leaves, planting flowers or weeding. Time commitment of 1 - 2 hours per week.

Note: Volunteers are asked to wait one year from the death of a significant personal contact before volunteering.

Volunteers especially needed in Ada, Big Rapids, Caledonia, Fremont, Grandville, Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, Greenville, Holland, Lowell, Newaygo and Wayland areas. Note: Volunteers are asked to wait one year after the death of a family member or friend before volunteering. Hospice volunteer training provided. Once trained, ongoing in-services are provided for support and skill development.

We offer a flexible Volunteer Orientation program!

This training program format will allow candidates to complete some of the required training thru an on-line program at your convenience and provide additional times and locations for the in-person training component. The goal is to shorten the on-boarding process and add more flexibility in the training process making it easier for interested individuals to join our volunteer program.

The training program consists of two components to be completed after the application process:

The first component is a 5.5 hour on-line training consisting of 15 short educational sessions with competency quizzes.  This component is flexible and can be done in 1 sitting or multiple log-ins within a maximum of 30day time limit to complete. 

The second component is an 8 hour in-person orientation.  These sessions are offered as a classroom style learning experience.  They are scheduled multiple times thru out the year in a range of geographic areas in 1 day (8hrs) option or a 2 day (4hr/day) option.  

The program is designed so that all of the requirements (IGRA TB test, flu shot, fingerprinting etc.) to become an active volunteer are built into the training class and all costs are covered by Spectrum Health Hospice. 

We will work with you to help you join our volunteer program and start supporting patients!  Contact us to receive more information and application instructions. Call Yvonne at (616)391-4240 or toll free at 1-866-542-7945. Email us at: hospice.volunteers@corewellhealth.org  .

Please Note:  Our fall Volunteer Orientation is scheduled for November 6 and November 13 from 9:00a – 1:00p (you must attend both sessions). 

Note: There will be additional volunteer orientation sessions scheduled for early 2025.  Those dates and times have not yet been solidified.   Complete the application process to receive email announcements of upcoming sessions as they are scheduled and accepting registrations.

elp provide social connection and relieve loneliness and isolation for patients who may be limited in having contact with others during this critical time in their life.

Hospice friendly visitors provide care through companionship to patients by being present, listening, and engaging in light activities such as reading to the patient, playing games, cheering on the Tigers together as you watch a baseball game or a classic movie, reviewing photo albums, sharing a cup of coffee, taking a walk or sitting and enjoying the outdoors and conversation. 

Volunteers especially needed in Ada, Big Rapids, Caledonia, Fremont, Grandville, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Greenville, Holland, Lowell, Newaygo and Wayland areas. Note: Volunteers are asked to wait one year after the death of a family member or friend before volunteering. Hospice volunteer training provided. Once trained, ongoing in-services are provided for support and skill development.

We offer a flexible Volunteer Orientation program!

This training program format will allow candidates to complete some of the required training thru an on-line program at your convenience and provide additional times and locations for the in-person training component. The goal is to shorten the on-boarding process and add more flexibility in the training process making it easier for interested individuals to join our volunteer program.

The training program consists of two components to be completed after the application process:

The first component is a 5.5 hour on-line training consisting of 15 short educational sessions with competency quizzes.  This component is flexible and can be done in 1 sitting or multiple log-ins within a maximum of 30day time limit to complete. 

The second component is an 8 hour in-person orientation.  These sessions are offered as a classroom style learning experience.  They are scheduled multiple times thru out the year in a range of geographic areas in 1 day (8hrs) option or a 2 day (4hr/day) option.  

The program is designed so that all of the requirements (IGRA TB test, flu shot, fingerprinting etc.) to become an active volunteer are built into the training class and all costs are covered by Spectrum Health Hospice. 

We will work with you to help you join our volunteer program and start supporting patients!  Contact us to receive more information and application instructions. Call Yvonne at (616)391-4240 or toll free at 1-866-542-7945. Email us at: hospice.volunteers@corewellhealth.org  .

Note: Individuals need to wait one year past the death of a significant personal contact before volunteering.

Please Note:  Our fall Volunteer Orientation is scheduled for November 6 and November 13 from 9:00a – 1:00p (you must attend both sessions). 

Note: There will be additional volunteer orientation sessions scheduled for early 2025.  Those dates and times have not yet been solidified.   Complete the application process to receive email announcements of upcoming sessions as they are scheduled and accepting registrations.

Note: There will be additional volunteer orientation sessions scheduled for early 2025.  Those dates and times have not yet been solidified.   Complete the application process to receive email announcements of upcoming sessions as they are scheduled and accepting registrations.

Our Flower Program is currently seeking volunteers that are interested in completing our full volunteer onboarding process, to deliver flowers and engage in short friendly visits with our patients and their caregivers.  At this time, we have do not have a need for additional Floral Arrangers.

Help bring beauty and encouragement to our Hospice patients by sharing your creative floral arranging talents in our floral workroom.  We offer a flexible and fun volunteer opportunity for individuals that find joy in working with flowers and brightening a hospice patient's day thru creating beautiful arrangements from donated flowers.  Program involvement is flexible; however, most Embracing Hope volunteers provide support 1 to 2 times per month for approximately 1 to 2 hours at a time.  Times needed are based on donation of flowers - volunteers participate as they are able.

Duties Include:

Pick up donated flowers from vendors and bring to designated assembly location

Prep and assemble flowers into bouquets

Maintain cleanliness of assembly location

Clean and organize donated vases

Qualifications:

Skilled in floral design and arranging or have a love of flowers and a desire to learn from a program mentor

Must be flexible, dependable, communicate well and desire to work independently or collaboratively as part of a team depending on available schedules of other program volunteers.

Interact with a pleasant demeanor and positive attitude

Have reliable transportation

Interested in learning more?

We will send you a simple application and information packet.  Guidelines for program participation will be reviewed once the completed application packet is returned.

Volunteers will be asked to track their service hours and will be invited to participate in recognition events, in-service and educational opportunities, volunteer events and receive quarterly newsletters with relevant information applicable for all Corewell Health Hospice West Michigan Volunteers.

Please Note:  Our fall Volunteer Orientation is scheduled for November 6 and November 13 from 9:00a – 1:00p (you must attend both sessions). 

Note: There will be additional volunteer orientation sessions scheduled for early 2025.  Those dates and times have not yet been solidified.   Complete the application process to receive email announcements of upcoming sessions as they are scheduled and accepting registrations.

Licensed cosmetologists greatly needed to provide 1 to 2 haircuts per month for hospice patients in all of our 11 county service areas.  You determine the geographic area that you would like to provide support. 

Provide dignity, hope and confidence to persons facing end of life. Share your special skills and training for patients that are no longer able to leave their homes to receive haircuts.

Schedule is flexible and based upon your availability. Most cosmetology volunteers in our program provide approx. 1 -2 haircuts per month. No physical care of the patient is involved.  Hair is freshly washed by caregiver/hospice aide prior to the haircut.

Volunteers especially needed in Ada, Big Rapids, Caledonia, Fremont, Grandville, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Greenville, Holland, Kentwood, Lowell and Newaygo areas.

Hospice volunteer training provided. Once trained, ongoing in-services are provided for support and skill development.

We offer a flexible Volunteer Orientation program!

This training program format will allow candidates to complete some of the required training thru an on-line program at your convenience and provide additional times and locations for the in-person training component. The goal is to shorten the on-boarding process and add more flexibility in the training process making it easier for interested individuals to join our volunteer program.

The training program consists of two components to be completed after the application process:

The first component is a 5.5 hour on-line training consisting of 15 short educational sessions with competency quizzes.  This component is flexible and can be done in 1 sitting or multiple log-ins within a maximum of 30day time limit to complete. 

The second component is an 8 hour in-person orientation.  These sessions are offered as a classroom style learning experience.  They are scheduled multiple times thru out the year in a range of geographic areas.  All requirements (IGRA TB test, flu shot, fingerprinting etc.) to become an active volunteer are built into the training class and all costs are covered by Spectrum Health Hospice. 

We will work with you to help you join our volunteer program and start supporting patients!  Contact us to receive more information and application instructions. Call Yvonne at (616)391-4240 or toll free at 1-866-542-7945. Email us at: hospice.volunteers@corewellhealth.org  .

Note: Volunteers are asked to wait one year from the death of a significant personal contact before volunteering.

Please Note:  Our fall Volunteer Orientation is scheduled for November 6 and November 13 from 9:00a – 1:00p (you must attend both sessions). 

Note: There will be additional volunteer orientation sessions scheduled for early 2025.  Those dates and times have not yet been solidified.   Complete the application process to receive email announcements of upcoming sessions as they are scheduled and accepting registrations.

Pets must be accompanied by their handler. All visiting pet teams must be certified thru an approved therapy certification program, such as West Michigan Dog Therapy, Therapy Dogs International or Love on a Leash. If your pet is not already certified; volunteers are encouraged to register their furry friend for certification classes prior to attending volunteer orientation. 

Additional Visiting Pet teams needed in all 13 counties of our service area!  Volunteers determine which geographic area they would like to visit patients with their certified therapy dogs and/or cats. 

Volunteers can complete their training and onboarding into our volunteer program while waiting for their pets to be certified thru a qualifying therapy pet program.  

Note: Volunteers are asked to wait one year from the death of a significant personal contact before volunteering.

Volunteers especially needed in Ada, Big Rapids, Caledonia, Fremont, Grandville, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Greenville, Holland, Lowell, Newaygo and Wayland areas. Note: Volunteers are asked to wait one year after the death of a family member or friend before volunteering. Hospice volunteer training provided. Once trained, ongoing in-services are provided for support and skill development.

We offer a flexible Volunteer Orientation program!

This training program format will allow candidates to complete some of the required training thru an on-line program at your convenience and provide additional times and locations for the in-person training component. The goal is to shorten the on-boarding process and add more flexibility in the training process making it easier for interested individuals to join our volunteer program.

The training program consists of two components to be completed after the application process:

The first component is a 5.5 hour on-line training consisting of 15 short educational sessions with competency quizzes.  This component is flexible and can be done in 1 sitting or multiple log-ins within a maximum of 30day time limit to complete. 

The second component is an 8 hour in-person orientation.  These sessions are offered as a classroom style learning experience.  They are scheduled multiple times thru out the year in a range of geographic areas in 1 day (8hrs) option or a 2 day (4hr/day) option.  

The program is designed so that all of the requirements (IGRA TB test, flu shot, fingerprinting etc.) to become an active volunteer are built into the training class and all costs are covered by Spectrum Health Hospice. 

We will work with you to help you join our volunteer program and start supporting patients!  Contact us to receive more information and application instructions. Call Yvonne at (616)391-4240 or toll free at 1-866-542-7945. Email us at: hospice.volunteers@corewellhealth.org  .

Teddy Bear Creators: We frequently receive requests for Bereavement Bears (teddy bears made out of a patent's clothing) to give to young children and family members after a patient passes.  We are in great need of additional sewers throughout our service area in 13 counties of West Michigan to help create these special memory gifts.  If you are an experienced sewer, please consider using your talents, time, and creativity to create something that will provide significant comfort for loved ones for many years! (Note: we provide the poly-fil, examples, and a pattern to use). 

Caring Crafters: Create a gift of caring for patients receiving end-of-life care using your skills as a Quilter, Seamstress (both machine and hand-stitch), Knitter, Crocheter. These gifts can also provide comfort and caring as a lasting keepsake for their families. Join our Caring Crafters team to make unique gifts of comfort, dignity and beauty for our patients. You will contribute your own designs making each handmade item special.

We provide a list of requested items to our volunteers on needs to help restock our Caring Crafter closet monthly.  Common requests are: knitted/crocheted socks, leg warmers, lap blankets, quilts, catheter covers, clothing protectors, activity mats. 

We also have needs to fulfill specialty requests including our pillow covers that are given to each of our patients.  Michigan college and professional sports teams are common requests - Tigers, Lions, Packers, Red Wings, U of M, MSU etc.

We will send you an information packet with a job description and an application. Guidelines for the projects you are interested in making are included. You provide the creativity and labor to brighten our patient and their family's day, while letting them know that their community cares about them.  Caring Crafters who track the hours spent volunteering are invited to all in-service and recognition events and receive our newsletters.

Contact us to receive more information and to begin our simple application process. Call Yvonne at (616)391-4240 or toll free at 1-866-542-7945. Email us at: hospice.volunteers@corewellhealth.org

Please Note:  Our fall Volunteer Orientation is scheduled for November 6 and November 13 from 9:00a – 1:00p (you must attend both sessions). 

Note: There will be additional volunteer orientation sessions scheduled for early 2025.  Those dates and times have not yet been solidified.   Complete the application process to receive email announcements of upcoming sessions as they are scheduled and accepting registrations.

aregiver Relief is offering the gift of time to family members of patients in hospice who face the ever-present challenge of care giving. Hospice respite volunteers offer short-term (2-4 hours) respite care to patients allowing caregivers to take a break, run errands, nap, etc. Caregiver relief volunteers do not provide direct patient care.

Volunteers especially needed in Ada, Big Rapids, Caledonia, Fremont, Grandville, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Greenville, Holland, Lowell, Newaygo and Wayland areas. Note: Volunteers are asked to wait one year after the death of a family member or friend before volunteering. Hospice volunteer training provided. Once trained, ongoing in-services are provided for support and skill development.

We offer a flexible Volunteer Orientation program!

This training program format will allow candidates to complete some of the required training thru an on-line program at your convenience and provide additional times and locations for the in-person training component. The goal is to shorten the on-boarding process and add more flexibility in the training process making it easier for interested individuals to join our volunteer program.

The training program consists of two components to be completed after the application process:

The first component is a 5.5 hour on-line training consisting of 15 short educational sessions with competency quizzes.  This component is flexible and can be done in 1 sitting or multiple log-ins within a maximum of 30day time limit to complete. 

The second component is an 8 hour in-person orientation.  These sessions are offered as a classroom style learning experience.  They are scheduled multiple times thru out the year in a range of geographic areas in 1 day (8hrs) option or a 2 day (4hr/day) option.  

The program is designed so that all of the requirements (IGRA TB test, flu shot, fingerprinting etc.) to become an active volunteer are built into the training class and all costs are covered by Spectrum Health Hospice. 

We will work with you to help you join our volunteer program and start supporting patients!  Contact us to receive more information and application instructions. Call Yvonne at (616)391-4240 or toll free at 1-866-542-7945. Email us at: hospice.volunteers@corewellhealth.org  .

Note: Volunteers are asked to wait one year from the death of a significant personal contact before volunteering.

Please Note:  Our fall Volunteer Orientation is scheduled for November 6 and November 13 from 9:00a – 1:00p (you must attend both sessions). 

Note: There will be additional volunteer orientation sessions scheduled for early 2025.  Those dates and times have not yet been solidified.   Complete the application process to receive email announcements of upcoming sessions as they are scheduled and accepting registrations.

For harpists and for those who do not yet play harp. Offer the comfort and connection of music to patients receiving end-of-life care. This special form of patient-centered bedside support reaches patients even when communication is severely impaired. We welcome harpists (lever or pedal) who own their own harp and have a repertoire of music that would be conducive to working with hospice patients.

We will also work with interested individuals who do not own or play the harp to play bedside modal therapeutic harp technique. Modal harping provides beautiful soothing music using a sample technique that even non-musicians can master. Training will involve taking weekly lessons using one of our program therapy harps.

Hospice volunteer training provided. Once trained, ongoing in-services are provided for support and skill development. The time commitment involves visiting/playing for the patient weekly or bi-monthly. The visitation time is flexible.

Note: Volunteers are asked to wait one year from the death of a family member or friend before volunteering.

Volunteers especially needed in Ada, Big Rapids, Caledonia, Fremont, Grandville, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Greenville, Holland, Lowell, Newaygo and Wayland areas. Note: Volunteers are asked to wait one year after the death of a family member or friend before volunteering. Hospice volunteer training provided. Once trained, ongoing in-services are provided for support and skill development.

We offer a flexible Volunteer Orientation program!

This training program format will allow candidates to complete some of the required training thru an on-line program at your convenience and provide additional times and locations for the in-person training component. The goal is to shorten the on-boarding process and add more flexibility in the training process making it easier for interested individuals to join our volunteer program.

The training program consists of two components to be completed after the application process:

The first component is a 5.5 hour on-line training consisting of 15 short educational sessions with competency quizzes.  This component is flexible and can be done in 1 sitting or multiple log-ins within a maximum of 30day time limit to complete. 

The second component is an 8 hour in-person orientation.  These sessions are offered as a classroom style learning experience.  They are scheduled multiple times thru out the year in a range of geographic areas in 1 day (8hrs) option or a 2 day (4hr/day) option.  

The program is designed so that all of the requirements (IGRA TB test, flu shot, fingerprinting etc.) to become an active volunteer are built into the training class and all costs are covered by Spectrum Health Hospice. 

We will work with you to help you join our volunteer program and start supporting patients!  Contact us to receive more information and application instructions. Call Yvonne at (616)391-4240 or toll free at 1-866-542-7945. Email us at: hospice.volunteers@corewellhealth.org  .

Designed Future houses and empowers individuals struggling with addiction and homelessness. As Designed Future continues to grow beyond our three locations, more fundraising dollars will be needed to reach our goals. The grant writer will prepare proposals, grant applications, and supporting documentation by researching, identifying, developing, and responding to grant opportunities in order to procure funds for operating expenses and specific projects/campaigns.

Skills and Qualifications

Keeping our Great Lakes beaches clean starts with you! Adopt-a-Beach cleanups are a fun, free, easy way to give back to your community and keep plastic pollution out of our Great Lakes. It’s easy to jump right into the Adopt-a-Beach community. Join a cleanup today!  

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a nonpartisan nonprofit working across the Great Lakes region to protect our most precious resource: the fresh, clean, and natural waters of the Great Lakes. We are active in advocacy, volunteering, education, and research.  

Each year, through the Adopt-a-Beach program, thousands of volunteers work to keep the Great Lakes shorelines healthy by removing litter from our beaches and collecting important data. 

Join the Adopt-a-Beach movement today! You can take part in two ways: 

- Find an Adopt-a-Beach cleanup near you and sign up. A Team Leader will meet you at the beach with all the supplies! 

- You can also become a Team Leader and host your own cleanup with friends, family, or community members. This is a great opportunity to keep your community beautiful and engage those around you. We have lots of resources to help you organize a successful cleanup! 

We have 2 Virtual Team Leader Trainings coming up that you can register for below: 

June 26, 2024 12pm-1pm CDT 

July 17, 2024 6pm-7pm CDT 

We hope to see you on the beach this season! 

Refugee Co-Sponsorship is a partnership with Bethany Christian Services to assist one of their refugee families for 6-8 months from their arrival while acclimating to life in the U.S. These are usually groups of 5-10 people with 1 or 2 individuals as the primary group leader(s). During that time, you may be able to welcome a family at the airport, assist with transportation to medical appointments, collected needed material items, English tutoring, be a community guide, and simply build a friendship with them. Bethany provides training and support before and throughout this rewarding experience.

Testing is a term used to describe the process of checking the housing market to determine the nature and extent of discriminatory treatment practiced against various homeseekers.

As a tester, you play the role of a homeseeker. Testers must be objective, careful observers, accurate reporters and truthful witnesses.

Testers are paid a stipend for each test.

How Do I Become a Tester?

If you are interested in taking on the challenging and rewarding role of a tester, email us to learn about upcoming tester training dates.  To register for a tester training via phone, or for more information about testing, contact Sarah Brandt at (616) 438-5712.

Help provide a brighter future for kids in your community by joining Michigan Education Corps for the 2024-2025 school year!

As an MEC Math Corps Interventionist you’ll help kids develop basic math and problem-solving skills using evidence-based, scripted interventions. As an interventionist, you’ll help struggling students in 4-8 improve their skills and get on track with math. No experience? No problem. With great training and onsite coaching, we’ll prepare you to work with pairs of students to build fundamental math skills and confidence. Join the team that empowers Michigan kids to reach their highest level of academic achievement in reading and math.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours per week. 7.5 service hours per day. Requires 5 days per week. Position starts 8/31/2024and ends 5/31/2025 (part time positions also available).

Compensation/Benefits: living stipend of $1,243.55 biweekly (totaling $2,487.10 per month), education award of up to $5,176.50 that can be used to repay federal student loans or future education expenses; federal student loan forbearance. Health insurance and childcare assistance is available for full-time interventionists. Interventionists may elect to complete their Michigan Youth Development Associate (Mi-YDA) credential. Michigan Education Corps AmeriCorps members also have access to the Member Support Fund (up to $500 for emergency /unexpected expenses), affinity groups and workforce development/career pathway groups.

Minimum qualifications:

Must be 18 years of age or older by your start date.

Must have at least a high school diploma or recognized equivalent by your start date.

Must be either a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

Must pass mandatory pre-service background checks.

Must not have served 4 or more prior terms of service with AmeriCorps State or National.

Additional Information: Hope Network’s Michigan Education Corps will not discriminate for or against any AmeriCorps service member or applicant on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, age, or any other category protected by law. Reasonable accommodations provided upon request. This document is available in alternative formats.

As an Early Learning Corps Interventionist you’ll spend your days helping children ages 3-5 to talk, read, write, sing and play in order to develop early literacy and numeracy skills and get ready for Kindergarten. Serving in one classroom, you’ll work closely with a teacher to enhance daily literacy and numeracy activities and help students build both skills and confidence. With great training and onsite coaching, you’ll be ready to make an impact through enhanced opportunities to develop their early language, literacy and math skills. No experience? No problem. With great training and onsite coaching, you’ll be ready to make an impact.

Schedule: 30 hours per week. 7.5 service hours per day. Requires 4 days per week (M-Thu) and 1 Friday half day per month. Position starts 8/26/2024 and ends 5/31/2025.

Compensation/Benefits:  living stipend of $888.25 biweekly (totaling $1,776.50 per month), education award of up to $3,697.50 that can be used to repay federal student loans or future education expenses; federal student loan forbearance. Health insurance and childcare assistance is available for full-time interventionists. Interventionists who serve the duration of the school year may elect to complete their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Michigan Education Corps AmeriCorps members also have access to the Member Support Fund (up to $500 for emergency /unexpected expenses), affinity groups and workforce development/career pathway groups.

Minimum qualifications:

Must be 18 years of age or older by your start date.

Must have at least a high school diploma or recognized equivalent by your start date.

Must be either a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

Must pass mandatory pre-service background checks.

Must not have served 4 or more prior terms of service with AmeriCorps State or National.

Additional Information: Hope Network’s Michigan Education Corps will not discriminate for or against any AmeriCorps service member or applicant on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, age, or any other category protected by law. Reasonable accommodations provided upon request. This document is available in alternative formats.

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a nonpartisan nonprofit working across the Great Lakes region to protect our most precious resource: the fresh, clean, and natural waters of the Great Lakes. We are active in advocacy, volunteering, education, and research. One of the ways to advance our efforts is by becoming an Alliance Ambassador.  

Alliance Ambassadors 

We give Ambassadors training about the Great Lakes and how best to advocate to protect them. Virtual meetings are held throughout the year where Ambassadors can learn from experts about Great Lakes topics like plastic pollution, invasive species, and water infrastructure. We also help Ambassadors build skills like public speaking and tabling. 

As an Ambassador, you will have many opportunities to take action for the lakes: 

- Give presentations to community, youth, and business groups about the Great Lakes and the threats they face 

- Table at community events to raise awareness about the Great Lakes and the Alliance 

- Share information and spread awareness on social media 

- And more! 

The Alliance is here to support you every step of the way. We provide all needed supplies and event preparation and reimburse for event costs, such as parking. If this program is of interest to you, let us know, and we can set up an introductory call, so that we can tell you a bit more about the program. 

Help provide a brighter future for kids in your community by joining Michigan Education Corps for the 2024-2025 school year!

As an interventionist, you’ll help students in kindergarten through third grade to become better readers using evidence-based, scripted interventions. With great training and onsite coaching, we’ll prepare you to work one-on-one or in small groups to help kids develop their reading skills and confidence! We are looking for people who have a desire to help kids succeed. Join the team that empowers Michigan kids to reach their highest level of academic achievement in reading and math.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours per week. 7.5 service hours per day. Requires 5 days per week. Position starts 8/26/2024and ends 5/31/2025 (part time positions also available).

Compensation/Benefits: living stipend of $1,243.55 biweekly (totaling $2,487.10 per month), education award of up to $5,176.50 that can be used to repay federal student loans or future education expenses; federal student loan forbearance. Health insurance and childcare assistance is available for full-time interventionists. Interventionists may elect to complete their Michigan Youth Development Associate (Mi-YDA) credential. Michigan Education Corps AmeriCorps members also have access to the Member Support Fund (up to $500 for emergency /unexpected expenses), affinity groups and workforce development/career pathway groups.

Minimum required qualifications:

Must be 18 years of age or older by your start date.

Must have at least a high school diploma or recognized equivalent by your start date.

Must be either a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

Must pass mandatory pre-service background checks.

Must not have served 4 or more prior terms of service with AmeriCorps State or National.

Additional Information: Hope Network’s Michigan Education Corps will not discriminate for or against any AmeriCorps service member or applicant on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, age, or any other category protected by law. Reasonable accommodations provided upon request. This document is available in alternative formats.

Volunteer to answer phones and greet guests at The Salvation Army during office hours. 

Make a Difference in a Student’s Life

Join EnCorps’ STEMx Tutors program to virtually tutor math to middle school students who are under-performing in Foundational Math, Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1. 

We're looking for volunteers to make phone calls to our patients once per week (typically on Thursday mornings or afternoons) to check in on our patients and assess their needs before the weekend. This can be done from home and is a flexible opportunity! It only takes about an hour or so.

This helps our staff and patients greatly as it gives staff a heads up on patient needs for the weekend and allows us to preemptively care for those who do not have scheduled weekend visits.

For more questions, please submit a response to this need or reach out to Volunteer Services at EHvolunteer@emmanuelhospice.org or call 616-719-0919.

Thank you!

Assist the staff at The Salvation Army by answering phones, taking messages, greeting guests, transferring calls, and keeping the front lobby comfortable. 

We are building new emergency shelters and the old ones need to have furniture removed before they are torn down.  Volunteers are needed to take beds to a storage pod. 

Please visit our website to complete an application and sign up for your first shift!

Our mission is to provide healthy, home-delivered meals to those facing health crises in greater Grand Rapids while empowering the next generation. We involve young people as volunteer chefs who can experience the transforming power of serving and nurturing those in need while developing cooking and healthy eating skills.

Help families move out of shelter by helping us remodel a manufactured home! This is a great group project for groups of 3-10 volunteers. 

Tasks can include (but are not limited to):

***If you have any special trade skills we would love for you to help with bigger repairs. Please let us know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly. 

Your volunteer slot will be confirmed by a Family Promise staff! Once this inquiry is submitted a staff will be following up with you to confirm your volunteer time and add you to our calendar! 

Read more about Partners in Housing

Testing is a term used to describe the process of checking the housing market to determine the nature and extent of discriminatory treatment practiced against various homeseekers.

As a tester, you play the role of a homeseeker. Testers must be objective, careful observers, accurate reporters and truthful witnesses.

Testers are paid a stipend for each test.

How Do I Become a Tester?

If you are interested in taking on the challenging and rewarding role of a tester, email us to learn about upcoming tester training dates.  To register for a tester training via phone, or for more information about testing, contact Sarah Brandt at (616) 438-5712.

Each child that arrives to Wedgwood’s residential homes has experienced abuse, neglect, or severe trauma. To welcome the youth, we encourage volunteers to donate and organize Welcome Baskets that are filled with daily essentials as well as simple treats to make their adjustment that much easier!

Drop-off location:

Wedgwood Christian Services
3300 36th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512

Please visit www.reviveandthriveproject.org/volunteer to get started! You can apply to volunteer directly on our website.

Revive & Thrive has opportunities for teens ages 14-19 in 9th-12th grades to volunteer in our kitchen preparing delicious, healthy meals! Volunteer shifts are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30-6:30pm.

Support families affected by life-altering illnesses while learning culinary skills! Volunteering with Revive & Thrive as a teen chef is a great way to serve your community while developing cooking and healthy eating skills.

You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy cooking with other teens while preparing nutritious meals. We prepare 400 meals every week, so it's truly a team effort! With the guidance of a professional chef and mentors, you’ll learn to follow a recipe, use commercial culinary equipment, and create beautiful, healthy meals for those facing health crises in our community.

No experience or long-term commitment is necessary to join our Teen Chef program. We are glad to provide opportunities to complete service hours required for school, National Honor Society, Scouts, etc.

Please visit our website www.reviveandthriveproject.org/volunteer to complete an application and sign up for your first shift!

Deliver nutritious, delicious and beautiful meals to families and individuals affected by life-altering illnesses such as cancer, organ transplant, and complications of chronic disease. Meal Delivery Volunteers pick up the meal bags at our kitchen on Wednesdays at 6:00pm and deliver them to 2-4 homes in one area of greater Grand Rapids. Currently, we have delivery routes available in Northwest and Southeast Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming.

Must be at least 18 and have an unrestricted license to drive, but family members including children of any age are welcome to participate with an eligible driver!

With 212 acres of land and over 30 buildings, there is an opportunity to serve for just about every skill set. We are always seeking volunteers who enjoy working with their hands and have a passion for fixing, maintaining, and improving things. While technical skills and experience are a bonus, they are certainly not required.

To learn more, contact volunteer@camphenry.org | 616.717.5556. 

Our indirect volunteers help us write birthday/holiday cards, can sew or knit blankets requested by patients, help make admission packets, and other administrative tasks around the office. This is primarily clerical work, so not interacting with patients, but we need lots of help with this type of paperwork, and even doing our holiday events, which are so much fun because our patients love the little gifts we bring them! This year we decorated pumpkins, made Thanksgiving cards, made Veteran’s Day certificates, and made Christmas cookies and delivered them to our patients. Being an indirect volunteer means you do not go out to see patients but still have the same opportunity for volunteer hours, they are even able to bring some stuff to their own home and volunteer without having to leave the house:)

Our direct volunteers go out and see patients in West Michigan (wherever is local to the volunteer), and they provide companionship for our hospice patients. This can be in the form of listening or playing music for them, singing with them, doing crafts, reading to them, sharing conversation, bringing your pet in, or doing anything you have an interest in and want to share with them! The Volunteer Coordinator would go with you on your first visit, or however long it takes for you to be comfortable, and after that you can see your patients whenever you have free time. These companionship visits helps us provide a better quality of life for our patients, and getting to connect with them during such a sensitive time is so rewarding and special.

What is a Tester?

As a tester, you play the role of a home seeker - a person who is looking for a housing unit in which to live. Testers must be at least 18 years old, objective, careful observers, accurate reporters, and truthful and credible witnesses.  View the Qualifications for Testers for more information on what characteristics are important in a tester.

Testers are paid a stipend for both remote and in-person tests.

Become a Tester

Our housing tester program is an interesting way to learn about the community and get first hand experience with fair housing.  Testers play the role of a home seeker and participate in apartment showings, open houses, and other experiences to help us monitor fair housing practices.  Testers are of vital importance to the advocacy and research programs of the Fair Housing Center.  Without a vast and diverse pool of volunteer testers, the Fair Housing Center would be drastically limited in our ability to conduct research and investigate claims of illegal discrimination.

What is Testing?

Testing is a term used to describe the process of checking the housing market to determine the nature and extent of discriminatory treatment practiced against various home seekers. For example, in matched pair testing two or more individuals, similar in every respect other than the variable being tested, are sent to the same sales or rental office. Testers keep careful notes as to what transpires, and then record their experience on a standard report form. Differences in the treatment of testers often form the bases for successful resolution of a housing discrimination complaint.

Why Testing?

The testing process has been consistently supported by federal courts as a legitimate and necessary method to identify practices of unlawful housing discrimination. In West Michigan, successful complaints filed by claimants have been based upon evidence obtained by Fair Housing Center testers.

How Do I Become a Tester?

If you are interested in taking on the challenging and rewarding role of a tester, email us to learn about upcoming tester training dates.  To register for a tester training via phone, or for more information about testing, contact Sarah Brandt at (616) 438-5712.

Looking to help somewhere with nice dogs and a caring team?  Paws With A Cause is looking for help for our Canine Care Team and our groomer during the spring and summer!  We have Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles, and Papillons that all love to play outside… and they always seem to find the mud.  We love giving our dogs special spa treatments to help them relax and have a great day, and dogs going out to clients get that finishing touch to make them extra beautiful as they embark on their next stage of life.  We would love help getting our dogs trimmed and polished as they play, train, and prepare for their working career!

We’re looking for help with the following:

Days we need help:

Typical days are Mon, Weds, Fri, but weekends are available

Typical hours from 10am – 3pm*

*Hours may vary with number of dogs on campus, number of placements, or other needs

PAWS equipment:

Conditions Statement:

PAWS’ dogs are young and energetic.  They may engage in behaviors such as jumping, pulling on the lead, and mouthing.  Dogs may be between 30-80lbs.  Some lifting may be required.  PAWS’ floors are tile and concrete and may become slippery when wet.  Grooming rooms may become hot and humid with use.  Exposure to allergens such as dirt, hair, and dander is unavoidable.

If you’re interested, please apply through our scheduling software, Better Impact:

https://www.pawswithacause.org/campus-volunteering/

Support families in our nighttime emergency shelter spaces! Help set up beds, serve meals, spend time
with families, or even sleep overnight! These opportunities are available evenings and overnights. Best
for regular volunteers, training provided.

Once this inquiry through United Way is submitted, a Family Promise staff member will be reaching out to you directly to confirm your interest!

Family Promise of West Michigan provides emergency shelter, basic needs and rehousing services to families with children who are facing homelessness. We are in need of basic need items such as pillows, blankets and twin bedding. 

Once this inquiry through United Way is submitted, a Family Promise staff member will be reaching out to you directly to confirm your drive!

Family Promise of West Michigan provides emergency shelter, basic needs and rehousing services to families with children who are facing homelessness. We are in need of basic need items such a toilet paper, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste and body wash!

Once this inquiry through United Way is submitted, a Family Promise staff member will be reaching out to you directly to confirm your product drive!

Family Promise of West Michigan provides emergency shelter, basic needs and rehousing services to families with children who are facing homelessness. We are in need of black hair products such as shampoo, conditioner, combs and hair accessories. 

Once this inquiry through United Way is submitted, a Family Promise staff member will be reaching out to you directly to confirm your product drive!

Help our members with their homework and or reading in our Club Learning Centers!

We are looking for volunteers to assist staff during gym time playing sports with the kids and more! Basketball is especially popular!

Help our art room staff inspire creativity with our members! Join us for art projects, coloring, and more!

Volunteers are an integral part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids. Our volunteer’s skills and
talents help us provide an engaging environment—allowing our kids to learn skills, grow relationships,
and build hobbies that become lasting experiences. This is a volunteer opportunity with the potential to
change lives.

As an individual or group, we have plenty of ways you can get involved—from simply assisting with
homework, to high-energy, exciting ten-on-ten dodgeball. We are always open to new activities and
ideas.

https://bgcgrandrapids.org/volunteers/

Volunteer Drivers within our Concentric program make it possible for New Americans to attend
gatherings and workshops on important topics like education, personal health, American systems,
community leadership, financial management and much more. Volunteer Drivers will pick up teen girls
from school or women from their home and bring them to the designated location and/or bring them
safely home afterward. It's as simple as that!

Volunteers may also sign-up to lead on-site activities for children so that parents may participate in workshops. The 906, our newly-renovated cross-cultural community center, features a wonderful kids' play room! 

Ongoing opportunity, please contact us or sign-up for a volunteer shift online: treetopscollective.galaxydigital.com

Cross-Cultural Partners within our Concentric program walk alongside New American women and teen
girls as friends and allies. Partners meet one-on-one with program members 4hrs/month for 9-12
months after an initial kick-off match meeting. Partners experience life together, attending Treetops’
events, sharing meals, practicing English and exploring the Grand Rapids area. Training and on-going
support is provided throughout the experience by Treetops staff!

Create a profile and register for an upcoming info session/orientation to get started! https://treetopscollective.galaxydigital.com

The World Social Justice Day is Tuesday, February 20th and you can help support us by prepping packets for our legislatures, writing letters, or calling our policy makers. Your support would help the kids in our Residential Care, Wedgwood staff members, and the Agency as whole. 

If you could take a moment during your day, to support us in this way, we would appreciate it. 

For more information, contact mbowser@wedgwood.org

Wyoming Park Family Shelter provides a safe and warm landing space to families with kids until they find their way home. Providing dinner is essential to supporting these families and we need your help! There are several ways for you to donate a hot meal:

1. Pre-made Freezer Meals: Grab some bulk frozen meals from your favorite wholesale store or make your favorite recipe and drop them off on your designated date!

2. Cook it yourself: Make a homemade meal in your own kitchen and bring it hot to Wyoming Park Family Shelter on your designated date!

3. Cater: Want to support, but don’t have time to go to the store or make it yourself? Catering a meal is a great option! You provide the donation, we place the catering order! Donate via our website at www.familypromisewm.org/donate and note it for Wyoming Park Family Shelter Catering

Meal Expectations:

Where: 2244 Porter Ave SW, Wyoming MI 49519

When: 5pm to 7pm (Drop off, set up, dinner served by 6pm, and clean up) If your meal needs to be reheated, please plan to drop off
towards the beginning of the drop-off window!

Picking a date: Dinner is needed 7 days a week in this facility

How Many: Please prepare food for approximately 25 people

*Go to www.bit.ly/WPFSDinners to sign up for an available date on SignupGenius!*

Volunteers have the opportunity to encourage teens at Wedgwood Christian Services. We ask that they decorate and inscribe blank cards with verses, prayer, or uplifting messages to let them know that there are people in the community that believe and care for them!

Cards can be sent to:

Wedgwood Christian Services
c/o Marah Bowser
3300 36th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512

Looking for a great way to impact your community elders? Join the Meals on Wheels Western Michigan Volunteer Delivery Meal Driver team. Deliver nutritious meals and company to seniors in Kent County! 

As a volunteer sub meal delivery driver, we will only get in touch with you when you are available.

Please consider preparing, donating, or sponsoring a meal for youth who are staying at The Bridge youth shelter.

Meals must be prepared in a licensed kitchen so this could come in the form of a catered meal, gift cards to a local restaurant, or packaged bulk meals from a grocery store that can be prepared on-site. 

Small volunteer groups may also have the ability to come on-site to prepare a meal. This needs to be coordinated with staff due considerations such as background check process, scheduling, kitchen capacity, and dietary needs. 

Learn more here:

https://arborcircle.org/give-get-involved/around-the-table/

Arbor Circle's Events & Community Engagement Committee supports our outreach and awareness opportunities, and participates in program level support. This may include representing Arbor Circle at a community event or resource fair, assisting with holiday giving donation pickups and deliveries, event planning support, cheering on our youth at our seasonal 5K events, or helping at a craft station at our foster care holiday party. There are so many ways to connect and support.

This committee is a flexible opportunity that meets virtually quarterly, holds one quarterly in person project, and utilizes a slack channel to share a variety of volunteer needs as they arise which members can opt into. 

Joining this committee will give you the opportunity to work alongside like-minded individuals, contribute your expertise, and support our organization’s continued growth.

Become a coach with Total Trek Quest for 3rd–5th grade boys at neighborhood schools across West
Michigan. An afterschool program, Total Trek Quest (TTQ) combines the physical activity of training for
a 5k run with a curriculum that focuses on learning to set goals, building strong relationships, and
making healthy choices. This fun, interactive 9-week program uses running and educational activities to
encourage positive mental health and wellness while also preventing high-risk behaviors. You don’t
have to be a runner to be a coach!

Spring Season runs March-May, Fall Season runs September-November

https://arborcircle.org/services/total-trek-quest/

Heartside Gleaning Volunteer

Please click on the above link to read about volunteer opportunities at Heartside Gleaning.

Provide Mentoring or ESL to a Refugee Family (Individual or Partner Opportunity)

Many refugee families arriving in the United States request mentors to help guide them through cultural adjustments, provide friendship in a new country, and teach English as well as help them practice English with a native speaker. Exact needs may vary case-by-case.

Activities will most likely happen in the home of the refugee family in Kent county. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to provide direct care to - and build a friendship with - a refugee family creating a new home in our Michigan community. 

*Background checks and training are required to volunteer directly with New American families.

As one of the largest refugee resettlement agencies in the state, Samaritas has resettled thousands of people from dozens of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central and South America. Samaritas has been the Michigan affiliate of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service since the 1950s. To support New Americans with a monetary donation, visit https://www.samaritas.org/About-Samaritas/Donate. 

Childcare volunteers (1-2) will provide childcare for 1-5 children ages 6 months to 12 years while the Parent /Guardian is onsite at Women's Resource to attend a pre-planned program session (1-3 hours). 

The Parent/Guardian is required to remain on site at WRC for the duration of the service time and will be asked to assist if the child needs assistance to go to the bathroom, a diaper change is needed or if the child becomes upset and cannot be calmed.   

Childcare service is provided for specific WRC program session dates and times with Check-in upon arrival and Check-out when leaving.

Childcare volunteers must be skilled in interacting with and providing basic care to children of various ages and needs with the ability to watch over a child or group of children, maintaining safety, good order and keeping them entertained. Depending on the time of day and length of service, volunteers may distribute snacks. 

Child Care Volunteer scheduling will be determined based on volunteer availability and WRC programming requests. 

The Community Food Club is seeking volunteers. The Food Club is open Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Volunteer shifts typically last 1-2 hours. Volunteers can sign up for various roles:

Check-In: Welcome our members to the Food Club! Check their ID, and confirm their membership status and points at greeter station. Computer training provided.

Check-Out: Assist our members at check-out by ringing up their products and bagging their groceries. Computer training provided.

Stocking & Repacking/General Assistance: Organize product by category. Stock shelves and displays out on the store floor. Wipe down shelves, carts, displays, and coolers.

Reach out! Volunteers are essential to what we do and we'd love to work alongside you! Email our volunteer coordinator at Leah.baker@communityfoodclubgr.org

Volunteers must complete a registration form, waiver, and submit to a Michigan state background check. Minors (under 18 years of age) must be authorized to volunteer by a parent or guardian. Once paperwork has been received and processed, a Food Club staff member will reach out regarding a volunteer orientation.

At Camp Henry, our vehicles are essential for emergency response, transporting heavy loads, and maintaining our grounds and facilities. Use your automotive skills to assist our facilities team in maintaining and repairing our vehicles (golf carts, utility vehicles, trucks, tractor, etc.).

Visit https://camphenry.org/get-involved/volunteer or contact volunteer@camphenry.org | 616.717.5556 to learn more. 

Are you looking for a way to use your skills and experience to impact your community? 

Join our team of dedicated volunteers who lend a hand when a specialized need comes up like welding, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or vehicle repair. 

Visit https://camphenry.org/get-involved/volunteer or contact volunteer@camphenry.org | 616.717.5556 to learn more. 

With over 9,000 campers and guests being served each year, there is always a space that could use a fresh coat of paint! Help paint walls, ceilings, and repair work to help keep Camp Henry looking like new always. 

Visit https://camphenry.org/get-involved/volunteer or contact volunteer@camphenry.org | 616.717.5556 to learn more.

Our horse program provides opportunities for campers, guests, and community members of all ages to try something new, gain greater confidence, and find comfort and connection as they spend time with our herd! 

Horse Helpers assist with a variety of tasks including: 

Whether you are an experienced rider or simply love animals and are excited to learn-we look forward to hearing from you! 

Visit https://camphenry.org/get-involved/volunteer or contact volunteer@camphenry.org | 616.717.5556 to learn more. 

Volunteer at Camp Henry as a business, organization, church, or school group to make a difference in your community! Volunteer opportunities vary by group size and season. Contact volunteer@camphenry.org | 616.717.5556 to learn more about how your group can make an impact! 

Do you enjoy restoring spaces to make them look like new? Are you handy around the house-patching and painting walls, repairing small fixtures? Do you have an eye for detail when it comes to cleaning? 

If so, our Cabin Repair and Cleaning crew might be the perfect fit for you! Join us in keeping our 30+ buildings looking like new all year long so campers and guests can engage in our intentional programming without any distractions. 

Visit https://camphenry.org/get-involved/volunteer or contact volunteer@camphenry.org | 616.717.5556 to learn more. 

Our Activity Assistants come alongside our staff and provide campers and guests with an extra layer of support in a variety of program areas. If you are energetic, compassionate, fun-loving and have a heart for serving others-we would love to hear from you! 

Activity Assistants help in areas they have interest or experience in, including:  

Visit https://camphenry.org/get-involved/volunteer or contact volunteer@camphenry.org | 616.717.5556 to learn more. 

Please note: Due to the nature of our programming and the guests we serve, this volunteer role requires a minimum commitment of two months (with three shifts per month), and background checks to be completed and cleared.

Each year, thousands of campers and guests warm-up by a fireplace, gather to tell stories around a campfire, and play games in our Recreation Pavilion that is heated by wood. Help fuel the fun by splitting and stacking firewood! 

Volunteers must be 18 or older, unless accompanied by an adult. 

Visit https://camphenry.org/get-involved/volunteer or contact volunteer@camphenry.org | 616.717.5556 to learn more. 

We have been thrilled with the expansion and success of our Resurgence after-school program. We have over 75 kids registered from two different schools, and more interest happening every day. One of the foundations of our program is providing safe spaces for kids after school, and one of the ways that we do this is by providing transportation home after our program. As you can imagine, as the program grows this piece becomes a logistical challenge. However, we think this is an important way we can serve kids and families and this is where you can help. We are currently in great need of volunteer drivers and transportation assistants. We are currently looking to recruit up to 20 volunteers at each site that could give 1 1/2 - 2 hours once a week, from 4:00-6:00p. This simple service would greatly support our work and increase our capacity to equip and empower these kids to become future leaders. Would you consider joining our transportation team? If you are interested and available, please register now.

Volunteers are needed to assist with childcare during our monthly foster parent support groups. This is a great opportunity for groups looking for a regular volunteer schedule, whether monthly or through the year. You can make a direct impact in the lives of foster parents and children by providing families the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow in their journeys with other foster parents, as well as giving children in care the opportunity to play with other foster children. 

Volunteers need to be prepared to work with children exhibiting trauma behaviors.  

Support Groups are held on the following days: 

Monday, June 19th; 5:15pm-7:45pm

Tuesday, July 11th; 5:15pm-7:45pm  

Monday, August 21st; 5:15-7:45pm

Tuesday, September 12th; 5:15pm-7:45pm

Monday, October 16th; 5:15pm-745pm

Tuesday, November 14th; 5:15pm-7:45pm

Location: The Local Church, 1601 Galbraith Ave SE #304, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Volunteers need to be at least 18 and complete a criminal background check (ICHAT) and CRC with Samaritas.

Please contact Trina Kent at tkent@samaritas.org to volunteer. 

We are looking for a consistent volunteer Monday afternoons from 1:00-5:00pm or Thursday mornings from 9:00-12:20 to help with the front desk reception area in our pantry. This may include answering phones, using our computer database to help make appointments for neighbors, greeting neighbors as they walk in, answering questions, etc.

We are looking for a few consistent volunteers to help manage the turnover of food through the warehouse and pantry. We are in need of someone who can help out during a consistent shift each week, learning the system and becoming part of the team at UCOM. Help is needed in sorting and stocking food donations. This may include unloading donations, sorting produce for quality, stocking pantry coolers & shelves, helping with organization, etc. 

Do you like helping people? Do you like to problem solve? Then the family liaison position at Hope for Single Moms might just be the position you're looking for. 

Hope for Single Moms takes single mom families out of high-risk poverty situations. The women we work with spend about three years in our program getting a career education and transitioning back into the workforce. Each woman has a mentor, who touches base with her family weekly.

As you know, life happens. When it does, the mentor goes to the family liaison with her family's need. The liaison has the authority to make decisions to help the family with their challenge up to a certain dollar amount. Above that amount or with more complex situations, the liaison goes to the ED of Hope for Single Moms for solutions. Sometimes it's going to the Volunteer coordinator for help with a meal or babysitting. 

No matter what, the goal is to help the family be successful in achieving their goal of financial self-sufficiency.

Are you organized? Do you like scheduling things? Do you like bringing a smile to people's faces. Hope for Single Moms clients are parenting, going to school and often working part-time jobs. It's crazy busy and often chaotic! 

As the Volunteer Coordinator you can give a mom the gift of more time and less chaos in her day! A mentor or our Family Liaison may come to you with a family need. Oftentimes, it's the need for a meal or a babysitter. You will have a list of Volunteers that have had background checks done on them, or you will do them as new volunteers come onboard. Then, it's simply a matter of contacting people to see if they're available.

Hope for Single Moms also holds events that are staffed by volunteers. Again, you contact people making them aware of the opportunity and see if they're available.

It's not hard or too time-consuming, but an extremely valuable part of creating success stories at Hope for Single Moms!

Give a single mom the gift of a moment...or two! Single moms in the Hope for Single Moms have crazy schedules--their school and homework, kids, kids' homework and parenting!

Whether it's to give them the time to run errands or study for an exam or write a paper, babysitting is a greatly appreciated service we can offer our student parents when you volunteer to babysit through Hope for Single Moms!

You must pass an iChat background check through the Michigan State Police. Client address will be released at the time of need.

Give a mom the gift of more time in her day by providing a family meal. Single mom life is crazy between school, working and children. There never seems to be enough time.

Imagine coming home from school or work and dinner is ready! Ahhh! Be the reason she can take a moment to sit down, relax and have family time with her children. 

Meal dates and delivery info are given by our Volunteer coordinator. Address on this volunteer opp is HSM.

If you’ve ever thought you want to leave a legacy of caring, then Hope for Single Moms has a great opportunity for you! Hope for Single Moms removes single mom families from high-risk poverty situations and gives them the tools they need to become economically independent. We doo that by helping single moms to get the career education they need to provide well for their families and find a path to a better, more fulfilling life; thus breaking the cycle of poverty.

There are over 29,000 single mom families in Kent County alone; nearly half live in poverty. Giving these families an opportunity for a better life takes a village; and board members are  part of that village. As a board member you will have a front row seat to these family transformations, as well as cast the vision for future growth and opportunities for HSM.

HOPE FOR SINGLE MOMS has grown from a start-up in 2016 to a respected changemaker in West Michigan, raising over $176,000 in 2022. More information regarding our program is available on our website at https://hsmgr.org/

Our goal is for every child to thrive and every single mom to become financially self-sufficient — first in West Michigan, and then, throughout the state. In order to achieve these objectives, we need to develop our programmatic impact and our organizational capacity. We are seeking volunteer leaders, who have a passion to help single mom families thrive, to join our dynamic board of directors.

Board members are actively involved in organizational governance, have the fiduciary responsibility of the organization and are expected to attend six-one hour bi-monthly board meetings, as well as personally donate. You will also receive training as a leader. You are the agency's biggest cheerleaders, and should invite your circle of influence to join you in changing the lives of two generations.  

If you’re interested in using your expertise, perspective, experience and leadership to help give these families a better life, let’s continue the conversation.

Email info@hsmgr.org for our potential board member information packet. Please submit your resume at that time.

Do you want to advocate for women and children? Are you an organized person looking to use your skills to help build stronger, more stable families? Then Hope for Single Moms just might be the place for you!

Hope for Single Moms is on the forefront in Michigan of moving single mom families from poverty to prosperity by helping single moms get a career education. Our organization is growing! And that's a great thing! It means more children will have a chance for a brighter future!

You can work from home, responding to emails from single moms and volunteers, as well as follow-up with volunteers regarding opportunities to serve. The position includes making occasional phone calls. There will be some on-site work involving mailings and printing resources; but again, the hours are flexible to work with your schedule. 

This is currently a volunteer position, specifically for year-end administrative needs. Another opportunity goes August through October for our Fashion for a Future fundraiser. 

This volunteer position can lead to part-time paid employment, depending on your interest and availability.

● Identify other community leaders and assist them in reaching their neighbors,
in order to create and sustain positive change within their communities
● Establish positive relationships with all neighbors on their block
● Attend scheduled Host Neighbor meetings
● Participate in ongoing trainings to aid in program growth, and selfdevelopment
● Contact neighbors by phone, mail or email, and send all informational
materials in a timely manner
● Assist the Public Safety Outreach Coordinator in conducting surveys/outreach
events in order to better understand the needs and wants of the residents
living in Seeds of Promises target areas
● Host meetings for your block to build relationships and understand resident
concerns
● Help community residents set goals & objectives for their block
● Provide updated information on safety programing and assist in the planning
and/or hosting of Public Safety Program community events
● Encourage neighbors to beautify their yards, and to adhere to Code
Compliance regulations through the City of Grand Rapids to avoid potential
citations
● Keep residents informed of changes occurring within their community

If you are a mom, you are qualified!! Children don't come with a "how-to" manual but rather, you create the manual as raise your children. Now that you have all this expertise, share it with a new mom. You've been there! And you can encourage a young mom on her student parent journey with Hope for Single Moms.

Hope for Single Moms removes single mom families from high-risk poverty situations and gives them the tools they need to become economically independent. One of the ways we do that is to provide our families with a team of support while the mom is on her student parent journey. Part of that support is having an experienced mom, or team of experienced moms, paired up with a single mom family. Gather your three best friends to laugh, cry, hug and encourage single mom.

A team of four means each woman takes one week a month to check in with her "mom" and make a difference. There is a mentor training for some of the details about conveying a need to Hope for Single Moms. 

This is great for a women's bible study to be a mom team. Or the women in a church group can be part of a mom team, while the men and single ladies can be the rest of her life assistance team. Because we all know life can throw anyone curves.

Volunteers need to consent to and pass a background check.

Volunteer Advocates are needed for our Sexual Assault -Nurse Examiner Program. 

As part of our community's response to sexual assault and domestic violence the YWCA provides comprehensive, timely and sensitive medical forensic examinations. With patient consent, evidence is collected and documented by specifically trained, professional nurse examiners in a supportive environment. Also part of this,  is volunteer advocates who can offer crisis counseling, support and resources.

Sojourner House is a domestic violence shelter that houses victims fleeing intimate partner domestic violence.  Volunteers are needed for various projects such as organization projects, cleaning, food prep, yard work, seasonal activities, etc.  Our address is unpublished and will be provided when application is received and interview is set up.  Address listed is our mailing address. 

The City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department offers many youth sports ranging from basketball, soccer, t-ball, tennis, and much more! Volunteers must be 16 or older.

Youth sports volunteers will assist the coach in leading various drills for various sports and practices for kids ages 3-8. No prior sport knowledge is necessary.

Sign up for Slots Here!

Have questions? Contact Shelby Henshaw at henshaws@kentwood.us or at 616.656.5270

he City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department offers a robust adaptive recreation program which empowers hundreds of children and adults throughout Michigan with a variety of physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. Programs include archery, cycling, bowling, downhill skiing, golf, kayaking, rock climbing, water skiing, as well as dances and social events. This fall and winter, we are looking for volunteers for adaptive bowling and our leisure club! Volunteers must be 18 or older.

Adaptive Bowling Volunteers will assist participants one-on-one to bowl using a ramp, provide prompting for turn taking, cheer on bowlers, and help develop friendships between athletes. Located at AMF Eastbrook Lanes, our adaptive recreation instructors will supervise you. Volunteers should have the knowledge or willingness to learn about physical and cognitive disabilities.

Leisure Club Volunteers will assist young adults with developmental disabilities in evening activities including arts and crafts, community events, dinners at restaurants, games, tours, and other fun outings. Volunteers will help participants feel welcomed, engage with peers, and be successful with each activity. Locations will vary by week and our adaptive recreation instructors will supervise you. Volunteers should have the knowledge or willingness to learn about developmental disabilities.

Sign up for slots here!

Have questions? Contact Shelby Henshaw at henshaws@kentwood.us or at 616.656.5270

This is a position with lots of social interaction. This opportunity consists of a 2-4-hour weekly shift with a focus on patient and visitor satisfaction. Volunteers warmly greet, direct and often escort visitors to various locations throughout the hospital. This position requires standing and walking for most of the shift.

Cross-Cultural Partnerships are friendships. They're authentic relationships built on mutuality. From practicing English to neighborhood walks, Cross-Cultural partners simply do life together. Create a profile and match with a New American woman or teen girl.

What to expect:

-Partner with a New American woman or teen girl for 9 months

-Meet 4 hours a month

-Build a meaningful relationship with a New American neighbor

-Receive support and training from Treetops

Create a profile and register for an upcoming info session/orientation here! https://treetopscollective.galaxydigital.com

We are looking for willing seamstresses to sew memory bears for our families who have lost a loved one on Faith Hospice's care. Memory bears can be made out of a favorite military or work uniform, jeans, sports jersey, or shirt.  These bears can ease a grieving heart by having a part of their loved one close to them.  Please reach out to Cheryl at (616) 356-4859 or email volunteers@faithhospicecare.org

Thank you.

Think of how good it makes you feel to have a clean house!

As our hospice patients health declines, it becomes more difficult for them to take care of the little things that they could once do. Help ease someone's burden by doing light housekeeping for them.

Faith Hospice is looking for volunteers who are available to assist patients in the community with simple chores around their homes. This could include basic cleaning, washing dishes, doing laundry, or even fixing lunch. Volunteers would be scheduled to visit one person on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, helping them to keep their homes clean and organized.

(616) 356-4835 or visit www.faithhospicecare.org

Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods is looking for weekend greeter volunteers to sit at our reception desk and greet our visitors at our 20 bed hospice home. You pick your shift: 9:00am-12:00pm, 12:00pm-3:00pm, 3:00pm-6:00pm. Very flexible with times & availability. Email volunteers@faithhospicecare.org or call Cheryl 616-356-4859 if you would like to know more about this much needed volunteer opportunity. Thank you!

We are looking for friendly faces to greet our visitors at our 20 bed hospice home, Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods. It is a quiet, atmosphere with 24/7 nursing staff.

We are in need of daytime, evening and weekend volunteers! The average is 2 - 3 hour shifts at a time & scheduling is very flexible. Come once a week, every other week or once a month.

All training is done online and at your own pace.

I would be happy to meet with you, answer any questions you may have and give you a personal tour of our beautiful 20 bed facility, located across from the Tanger Outlet Mall in Byron Center. Call Cheryl @ 616.356.4859 or visit our website at www.faithhospicecare.org 

Animals are a great source of companionship for a person experiencing a terminal illness. They seem to know a persons needs better than they do themselves. Faith Hospice is seeking certified pet therapy volunteers who can provide visits to our patients in the Grand Rapids area. Scheduling is flexible and can be set to the volunteer’s personal calendar. You may contact us at (616) 356-4859.  www.faithhospicecare.org

Some agencies to get your dog certified are:

Alliance for Therapy Dogs

Therapy Dogs International

West Michigan Therapy Dogs 

Please consider volunteering your talents with our patients who are unable to get out of their home to get their hair done. Faith Hospice is seeking licensed individuals who can provide haircuts to our homebound patients. Scheduling is VERY flexible and can be set to fit volunteer’s personal calendar. Please help brighten our patients day to help them feel beautiful. (616) 356-4859 or www.faithhospicecare.org

Faith Hospice is seeking Licensed Massage Therapist Volunteers to come to our hospice home, Trillium Woods in Byron Center, and provide light massages for our patients. These massages will not be fully body.  They will be light massages to arms/hands and lower legs/feet to relax our patients right in their beds. Towels, oils & lotions provided. Scheduling is VERY flexible (day, evening or weekends) and can be set to fit the volunteer’s personal calendar. Email or call Cheryl at 616-356-4859 to find out more information. I'd love to give you a tour and talk to you about this opportunity.

Volunteering with Faith Hospice could be the most meaningful thing you ever do. By helping us provide compassion, comfort, and care to those at the end of life, you will be enriching your own life as well. One does not need a special talent or expertise to make a difference in the lives of hospice patients. All that is needed is a kind servant's heart.  We have a need for volunteer visitor companions in our Grand Rapids community and at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods, our 20 bed hospice home in Byron Center. 

Here are a few ways hospice volunteers can make an impact:

**We are also recruiting Veterans who would like to visit other Veterans on hospice care.

Please call 616-356-4859 for more information or visit our website at www.faithhospicecare.org

Faith Hospice's Vet-to-Vet Volunteer Program will pair our Veteran patients with a volunteer who may have a better understanding of what the Veteran has experienced. Our Veteran patients enjoy talking about their time they served in the military and they seem to relate well with other Veterans. Please help us serve our Veterans and give them respect they deserve in their final months and days.
Schedules are flexible and we will work around your busy schedules!
Please call Cheryl at 616.356.4859 or email volunteers@faithhospicecare.org
You may find our volunteer application by going to www.faithhospicecare.org and following the Volunteer link.
Thank you! 

Make regular visits and provide companionship to hospice patients living in your community. The impact you make with your time and attention to patients at the end of their life is priceless.

Here are a few ways hospice volunteers can make an impact:

If you work with older adults, you know that the fear of falling is a significant issues for this group of people.  60% of older adults are fearful of falling and 1/3 of those 60 and older fall each year.   Falls are the leading cause of emergency room admission among older adults.   The fear of falling actually leads to decreased activity and an increased risk of falling. 

A Matter of Balance is a program that has proven to be effective in helping older adults manage their fears of falling.  Nationally collected data on the outcomes of this program show the following outcomes.

There is a need in our community to help older adults stay active, independent, and manage their fears of falling.  We need your help to get this program spread in our area.   

Outdoors

We love for our dogs to enjoy the fresh air and sunlight as much as possible, and that means using our beautiful yards to get dogs outside where they can move and groove.  They love leaping, bouncing, and playing with each other… and they also like causing mischief if no one is there to stop them!  Assist our Care Team in escorting our silly hounds into their yards, and then help keep an eye on them so they can enjoy their outside time to stretch their legs, play, and relax.  After they’ve had their fun, facilitate shepherding them back into their kennels for their other daily activities to commence!  This opportunity can be interactive, allowing time for playing with dogs, or you can keep an idle eye on them and let them play while you do a quiet activity of your choosing.  

The dog breeds in our kennels are Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, and Papillons.  Their average size is somewhere between 40lbs to 90lbs (excluding the papillons).  They can be very high energy, particularly when they first go outside.  Volunteers should be comfortable with dogs making contact with them.   We are asking that our volunteers give us a 3 month commitment.

Tasks:

Available time slots:

Mon-Fri- 7:30a – 10a

Mon-Fri 3p - 5p

Minimum Age Required:

16+

Conditions Statement: Outdoors

Outdoor volunteers should feel comfortable traveling through doors and gates to reach our dogs. Outdoor activities take place year round; as such, weather and temperature conditions will vary greatly.   Accompanying dogs outside may require traveling across uneven terrain that could be slippery. Dogs enjoying time outside frequently play off lead (though still within fences), so participants should feel comfortable coming into contact with free dogs. To access some outdoor activities, it may be necessary to walk dogs on lead or line.

Conditions Statement:  Indoors

Volunteers should feel comfortable traveling through doors and gates. Also, participants engaging in activities inside the kennel area will be exposed to noisy conditions, and should plan on wearing hearing protection. Our cement and tiled floors sometimes become wet and slippery when dogs come in after playing outdoors in inclement weather, or as a result of our daily cleaning procedures.  Additionally, participants working in a grooming room, or the kennels during cleaning, should be aware of occasional high humidity and elevated temperatures. Dogs are sometimes given peanut butter treats while they relax indoors, so If you are allergic to dog dander or peanut butter, some activities may not be for you. Our dogs travel about inside both with and without a leash, so participants should feel comfortable handling dogs on leads as well as coming into contact with free dogs.

Volunteer Accessibility:

We are blessed at the CEC to have a group of wonderful dogs, and we’d love to share them with as many people as we can.  If you don’t feel like you meet all of the qualifications, but still want to participate in some activities with or for our dogs, we will do our best to make arrangements so you can enjoy them.  However, due to the great variation in our dogs and the fact that they “come and go” from our kennels, we cannot guarantee that we will always have a dog or situation suitable for all volunteers.

Training Needed:

Please reach out to Julie at Jthorington@pawswithacause.org for a volunteer application.