Food Shelf
Food Shelf volunteers greet all who enter our doors. They receive donations, assist visitors through the process of receiving clothing or food, describe our services to a first time visitor, and locate the staff person who can be of the most assistance with a special need. In addition to guiding visitors through the shopping experience, these volunteers keep the Food Shelf area clean, organized and stocked. Food Shelf volunteers must be able to work in a fast paced environment and be on their feet for most of a four hour block of time. As we strive to greet every person who walks through the door with dignity and respect, volunteers must be friendly and compassionate, able to work with all personality types.
Healthy Eating Program
Food Demonstration volunteers use fresh vegetables that are available every day of the week to create a balanced, nutritional meal. They provide basic culinary and nutrition information to the people we serve. They take stock of what we have, come up with a recipe, make copies, put together bags of ingredients, and start cooking. The focus of this program is to demonstrate how to make a healthy meal using Food Shelf ingredients.
Food Pick-Up
Our Food Pick-Up volunteers play a key role in keeping our Food Shelf well stocked. These volunteers make stops at grocery stores and bakeries to pick up meat, produce, bread, and other baked goods, before delivering them to the Haven.
Clothing Room
Clothing Room carefully select clean, lightly used clothes to fill the Clothing Room depending on the needs of the season and demands of our visitors. Their detailed knowledge of what we have in the storage room allows them to create a more personalized shopping experience for our visitors by checking the back room for special sizes or specific items.
The Haven After-School Program
The Haven After-School Program runs Monday through Thursday throughout the school year. It is specifically for children and teens who are current or former shelter guests. We provide a safe environment for children to receive homework help and to engage in enriching activities. Volunteers are an essential part of this program, providing homework help one-on-one or in small groups. Volunteers also supervise and participate in games, activities, and special events. We encourage all volunteers who have special interests (piano, art, science, martial arts, cooking, etc.) to share their talents with the kids.
Childcare
Childcare volunteers supervise children staying at the Shelter while their parents are taking part in educational programs. Our education staff provide the tools and guidance to help childcare volunteers to engage in developmental play, supporting the cognitive skills of the children. Childcare volunteers take some of the load off parents while they are guests of the shelter. Availability on short notice and an open mind is helpful for this position.
Maintenance
Maintenance volunteers provide ongoing support to keep our buildings functioning properly. They help with painting, plumbing, and other issues as they arise. In the spring, summer, and fall they participate in landscaping activities that include mowing, gardening, and raking. The Haven keeps a running list of plumbers, electricians, painters, and other maintenance workers who are willing to help in emergencies.
Transportation
Transportation volunteers provide rides to shelter guests and after-care clients. Whether a trip to the DMV to get a driver’s license, or transportation for those moving from the Shelter to permanent housing, these volunteers help support individuals and families as they work to meet their goals.
Education and Skill Development
Education and Skill Development volunteers bring their skills to the table to support the numerous goals of families and individuals living at, or otherwise utilizing the services of the Haven. This may come in the form of a cooking class, hosting a self-esteem workshop, or GED tutoring.
Board members
Board members represent the Haven in our local community. They accept responsibility for the financial, operational, philosophical and organizational well-being of the Haven.
