VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

“One hundred years from now it will not matter what kind of house you lived in... what kind of car you drove... what your bank balance was... but what will matter is that you were important in the life of a child.”

-- Adapted from a quote by Forest Witcraft

Whether you are a teen or retiree, have a lot of time or a little time, there is something for everyone.
• Homeless Family Services
• Healthy Meals Needed
• Administration
• Parent Education
• Child Care & Early Learning Support
• Marketing, Public Relations & Fundraising

DOWNLOAD A VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

In November 2009, the Family Support Center opened the largest shelter for homeless families and children in Thurston County, THE FAMILY SUPPORT SHELTER. This shelter depends on volunteer support to keep beds open for families when they need it. VOLUNTEER GREETERS, greet families and kids as they check into shelter from 7pm-9pm each night. VOLUNTEER HOSTS, stay at the shelter with families from 7pm-7am, providing supervision and support to guests staying at the shelter. SHIFT LEADS are experienced volunteers who have hosted at the shelter and are experienced service providers. They provide on-call overnight phone support answering the EMERGENCY SHELTER HOTLINE, providing screening for guests and support to hosts. Once you complete a TRAINING & ORIENTATION session and shadow an experienced host, you can volunteer as often as you like. We prefer that HOSTS & GREETERS commit to a minimum of 1 shift per month. We also have a need for those that are willing to be back up, on-call hosts, in the event a scheduled host is unable to attend his/her shift in case of illness or emergency. All volunteers must successfully pass a background check, be over the age of 18 (teen volunteers welcome with a parent), agree to be a mandated reporter of child/abuse and neglect and complete a training/orientation session. This is a very rewarding volunteer opportunity and is easy to do. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact CindyM@fscss.org

Are you interested in cooking a home style meal for families and children residing in our shelter or attending a parenting class or community café? If you like to cook and want to donate a meal to a great cause, our families would love it! Contact KatieR@fscss.org to schedule meal drop off/service. Thank you!

Are you interested in learning the ins & outs of how a nonprofit works? Do you have a strong desire to make a difference in your community and help families and children in need? We are very busy and always looking for help, especially in the areas of technical support, marketing, and general office support. Contact SchelliS@fscss.org to explore how your interest and skills can be matched with our needs.

Are you an experienced or skilled educator, counselor, or other related professional? Do you have a desire to help strengthen families and nurturing positive parenting in our community? The Family Support Center is always interested in VOLUNTEER SPEAKERS who can offer a workshop or class for our families. Examples of past topics include: Positive communication, self care & stress reduction techniques, infant massage, health & nutrition, child/infant CPR, substance abuse recovery, kindergarten readiness, parenting teens, childbirth education, breastfeeding, dispute resolution, strengthening relationships, single parenting, blended families, budgeting & finance, community resources, legal advocacy, and more. If you are interested in volunteering in this program contact IreneB@fscss.org for more information.

The Family Support Center is seeking volunteer CHILD CARE PROVIDERS to provide child care and early learning opportunities to young children while their parents/caregivers attend parent education classes, support groups, community cafes, and other services. Volunteer Child Care providers must complete a training and pass an in-depth background check. For more information, contact PattyG@fscss.org.

Are you interested in helping us to promote our mission, “working together to strengthen all families?” We need volunteers to help organize, plan, and support fundraising activities such as house parties, car washes, music events, our annual auction, and more. We would love to utilize your time and talent to help us raise money to support families and kids. We also need volunteers to help with tabling and children’s activities at marketing events and help creating and distributing promotional materials about our programs and services throughout the community. Contact SchelliS@fscss.org