It takes multiple moving parts to achieve the service, love, and stability young people need in everyday life.
Volunteers can play a huge role in developing these qualities by various means.
Some of the practical needs and/or opportunities for volunteers include:
If you have additional questions and would like to speak to staff or volunteer coordinator. Please feel free to call Hearts With a Mission 541-944-3350 or e-mail megan.j@hwam.org
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Tutoring, Life Skills and Educational Support
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Meals (Medford Shelter)
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Phone and Shelter Support
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Mentoring
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Cleaning, Organizing, Maintenance
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Fundraising
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Administration
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Special Projects and Activities
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get involved?
Here are some of the ways you can make a difference:
- Donate your time by helping with education support, tutoring or teaching life skills to youth, Answer phones and doors at the shelter, cleaning and organizing in the shelter, Organize or assisting in activities, and special projects.
- Donate your (or your children’s) old clothes.
- Donate food– either uncooked food or a prepared meal; this can be one time or monthly.
- Donate household items such as laundry soap, toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags, tampons, shampoo, conditioner etc.
- Donate gift cards. Most needed are Wal-Mart, Target, grocery stores, and gas cards.
- Donate your money. Mail-in a one-time donation or sign up for “Ten for Teens.”
- Pray for the youth, staff, financial support etc.
What is the process to donate “time” or volunteer in the shelter?
To volunteer in the house with the youth, we require volunteers to be 21 years or older. This doesn’t mean if you are under 21, you can’t volunteer (that process looks a little differently.)
We have a volunteer application on our website (heartswithamission.org). Fill out the application. (If you would rather a hard copy, please give us a call and we can send one to you, or you can stop in and pick one up.)
Once we have your application, we ask you to join us for a volunteer orientation. The orientation takes between a half-hour and an hour and comprises a tour of the facility, going over volunteer policies and volunteer opportunities. Depending on the area of involvement, we may also ask you to complete a background check. (bring a photo ID, license or passport)
Lastly, you decide how you would like to volunteer and then integrate and schedule you into the volunteer program.
What is the time commitment?
This depends on the individual; opportunities range from one time to weekly, monthly or yearly.
Do I need a background check?
Any time a volunteer is in HWAM youth shelter spending time with youth a background check is required. However, in certain activities or when youth aren’t present, a background check is not always required.
Will I ever be alone with the youth?
Not with-out staff or other adult supervision (unless transporting behind staff)
What about driving?
We ask any of our volunteers that assist with transportation to be over age 25 to provide a driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance. (maintain the State of Oregon minimum automobile limits of 25,000/50,000/10,000)
Volunteers also pitch in to help with special events like the Annual Auction Gala Event, and the opportunities don’t end there.
Please call Megan, and she’ll help you find the volunteer options right for you.
You can reach her at 541-944-3350 or megan.j@hwam.org
If you are interested in an internship with Hearts With A Mission, please email your resume and internship requirements to justine.b@hwam.org