VOLUNTEERING AT THE YWCA

Whether you’re looking to mentor kids at a childcare facility, help someone overcome the trauma of a sexual assault or help with special events, the YWCA can use your assistance. By volunteering your time to help women and children, you may discover that you are also helping yourself. 

Here is information about some of the volunteer opportunities available:

Childcare volunteers help in classrooms, working with children from infants through school age. Individuals are needed to read and support children’s learning, share a hobby, help with classroom maintenance and clerical duties. Individuals working with children must provide a statement of good health signed by a physician, provide proof of negative result on a recent tuberculin test, and pass a police background check. Excellent opportunity for graduate and undergraduate students in the education field.

Mentoring volunteers are needed to work with middle school girls. Most helpful are individuals interested in tutoring, sharing a career or hobby, or available to listen when the girls want to talk. Volunteers would be assigned to the agency’s STRIVE program and must provide a statement of good health signed by a physician, provide proof of negative result on a recent tuberculin test, and pass a police background check. Excellent opportunity for graduate or undergraduate interns.

Sexual Assault Crisis Service volunteers help others overcome the trauma of sexual assault. Our sexual assault crisis service is available to victims of assault 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our service area includes all of Hartford County, parts of Tolland County and Plymouth (Litchfield County). Individuals throughout the region are needed to help. Interested volunteers must participate in an interview prior to acceptance in the program. Volunteers participate in 40 hours of specialized training before being certified to do the work. Certified volunteers help staff by being on call during evening and weekend hours. Outgoing calls from volunteers' homes and cell phones are blocked, and calls from the program’s emergency hotline are routed to the certified volunteer “on duty.” Volunteers may be required to provide support to victims in local hospitals or police stations. Volunteers completing the certification course are requested to be “on call” a minimum of 1 shift each month. All volunteers must pass a police background check. Excellent internship opportunity for graduate and undergraduate students in social work.

Clerical assistance is needed for filing, word processing and other basic clerical duties. Hours and assignments vary.

Maintenance assistance and special projects are available both inside and outside the YWCA building. Opportunities include landscaping, painting, cleaning, lifting, light building or repair projects. 

Fundraising/Special Events also need volunteer support. Individuals work on special projects designed to raise support for, or awareness of, YWCA programs. Work with other leaders in the local community to carry out projects that support the agency's mission. Length of volunteer assignments varies. Date and time of year for events vary.

For more information about volunteering, please call the YWCA at (860) 225-4681.