Volunteer Program

Volunteer positions are available in the following areas:

Shelter
Direct Care volunteers assist the child care specialists with the day-to-day care of the children. Beginning at 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. volunteers work an average shift of two hours, four times a month. They assist with feeding, changing diapers, preparing the children for bed, and engaging in play activities such as art, reading, sports, and games. They give the extra, undivided attention that is so essential for children if they are to grow in their confidence and self-esteem.

Group Home
The expansion of the Center in 1995 enabled a Group Home to be established, which requires experienced volunteers to work with the children, all of who have special needs. These boys reside with us for a minimum of 6 months in preparation for foster/adoptive situations or to return to their families, if appropriate. Volunteers receive specialized training as well as regular in-service trainings to keep them abreast of the various kinds of needs that these children experience.

Fundraising
Volunteers come together to assist with fundraising activities organized through various groups. The Community Relations Volunteers provide support to the Center's Community Relations Program by working at the many fundraising events scheduled throughout the year. Their availability and flexibility make their contribution invaluable. Fundraising Friends are volunteers who, in addition to their regular volunteer work, have said they would help out as needed on special fundraising events like our annual Fiesta Mall Gift Wrap fundraiser during December.

Tutoring
To encourage the children in their learning and schoolwork, the Center has a year-round tutoring program. During the school year, volunteers serve as tutors Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 5:30. Summer hours are noon to 2:30. A tutoring teacher runs the program and gives volunteers the materials to use with the children.

Bedtime Reading
Children love to have stories read to them at bedtime. The bedtime reading program is a favorite at the center. Volunteers serve as readers on the Big Kids Unit and Group Home. Volunteers are grouped together so there can be one person reading in each bedroom.

Thrift Store
These volunteers assist with stocking, cashiering and customer service at our thrift store, located at 1130 W. University, Mesa AZ.
East Valley Family Resource Center
Volunteers may assist with classes or child care at the FRC. See the home page for more information about the Resource Center.