Volunteer With Us
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have, just ask the more than 100 volunteers that help Child & Family Center each year that help change lives, heal relationships and help people thrive in our community.
Whether you are volunteering individually or with a group, lending support on a regular basis or occasionally, Child & Family Center volunteers enjoy supporting our programs and services by volunteering at our special events, sorting and organizing donations, support the work in our Domestic Violence Program, administrative tasks, and much more.
Who Can Volunteer?
• We welcome individuals, families, college groups, faith groups, community groups, corporate groups, and others.
• For safety and confidentiality reasons, the minimum age for on-site volunteering at the Child & Family Center is 18 years old. There are other ways which younger volunteers can. To find out more information, please email volunteers@childfamilycenter.org.
When Do You Need Volunteers?
Most volunteer opportunities take place during regular business hours (Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm) Although there are occasional weekend and evening volunteer opportunities, especially during the holiday season and for our special events.
We have three main types of volunteer opportunities:
• Weekly volunteers in assigned positions in areas such as sorting and organizing donations, support with administrative duties.
• Seasonal volunteers our Adopt-a-Family event, Halloween/Día de Muertos, etc.
• Special event volunteers Purple Pooloza 5K Fundraising Walk for our Domestic Violence Shelter, Taste of the Town, Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Events, etc.
What if I Have a Group That Wants To Volunteer?
Child & Family Center hosts group-based volunteer projects every year for our larger events. We’d love to have your corporate, faith-based, or civic organization enjoy some team-building and fun while helping us change lives, heal relationships and help people thrive in our community.
If your group is interested in volunteering, please email volunteers@childfamilycenter.org.
How Do I Get Started?
Seasonal and Events Volunteering ONLY:
If you are interested in volunteering seasonally or for events only, please send an email to volunteers@childfamilycenter.org expressing your interest. Our team will follow up and send you the “Events Only” volunteer application.
Events we need volunteers for:
- Family Fun Nite
- Purple Palooza – 5K Walk to End Domestic Violence
- Taste of the Town
- Adopt-a-Family
Please note, we may have other opportunities come up throughout the year
Please allow 3-5 business days for a response. Please note, Events Only applicants will be required to complete a waiver prior to volunteering at any Child & Family Center events.
If under the age of 18, the waiver must be signed by the parent.
Programs and Office Volunteers ONLY:
If you are interested in volunteering in our office or with one of our programs, please complete our online Volunteer Application. Please note, volunteering in our programs and office requires a completed application, background check through the Department of Justice, orientation, and other requirements. If you are interested, please click on the Volunteer Application below.
Please allow 3-5 business days for a response.
Program and office volunteers are for those 18 years and older. After reviewing your information, if we have an available volunteer opportunity that is a match for you, you will be invited to attend a volunteer orientation. Please note, those volunteering for seasonal or events-only opportunities, do NOT need to attend the volunteer orientation. Volunteer orientations for those we place for office support and program support take place monthly based on new volunteer interest.
VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONFrequently Asked Questions
1. Can I just show up to volunteer?
No. Child & Family Center values the time of all our volunteers and wishes to ensure a positive volunteer experience for every individual. We will work to schedule your volunteer opportunity in advance so we can guarantee work for you and have someone available to orient you to your specific task.
2. What ongoing volunteer opportunities are most available?
Typical volunteer jobs may include:
• Office assistance and support
• Sorting and organizing donations
• Domestic Violence Program support
Child & Family Center also has a great need for volunteers during the holiday season and for special events throughout the year.
3. How often do New Volunteer Orientations occur?
New Volunteer Orientations are scheduled on an as needed basis.
4. When can I volunteer?
Most volunteer opportunities occur on weekdays during our regular busin4ess hours (Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm). Evening and weekend opportunities are available occasionally during the holiday season and for our special events. Child & Family Center will happily accommodate your schedule to the best of our ability.
5. As a volunteer, will I get to work directly with client families?
Because of our confidentiality policies, volunteers will have minimal contact with clients. Interactions may include assisting with the distribution of donations to the families or in other circumstances.
Volunteers interested in helping with our Domestic Violence Program are required by the state of California to complete a 40-hour training on domestic violence. Child & Family Center offers the Domestic Violence Advocate Training several times each year and interested volunteers must be interviewed, pass a complete background check and required TB testing.
6. How do I sign up to volunteer for the holiday Adopt-a-Family program?
Child & Family Center greatly relies on volunteer support during the holiday season. The holidays are the most popular time of year for volunteering. Please email volunteers@childfamilycenter.org to indicate your interest in volunteering for this program.
7. Does Child & Family Center offer an student training or internship programs?
At Child & Family Center, we are committed to the development of passionate and skilled clinicians interested in acquiring the clinical skills needed to thrive in a community mental health setting. Training programs are available for graduate students in Psychology, Social Work, and Marriage and Family Therapy. We accept student applications for Fall start dates. For specific information please contact our Quality, Training & Compliance Department at StudentTraining@childfamilycenter.org or click here learn more about our Student Training Programs.