YouthCare Volunteer Meal Group Application |
Many of the youth we serve at YouthCare have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or rejection for their identities. To protect themselves, they have learned to trust no one. Meal service at YouthCare's Orion Center is often the very first point of entry for youth to get off the streets, come inside, get warm and dry, and begin talking to staff. These conversations are key: "Where are you sleeping tonight?" "Do you need a doctor?" "Are you safe?" Without volunteers helping in the kitchen, YouthCare's staff wouldn't be available to begin these dialogues. Meals provide critical opportunities to stay in touch with youth, build their trust, and connect them with services. Thank you for your help in meeting an important basic need for our young people and for enabling our staff to connect with them.
Before filling out this form, please make sure you have looked at which dates have available volunteer opportunities on the online meal calendar. Additionally, please review the Meal Group Guide. This is an important document that will help you and your group understand meal guidelines and expectations, as well as give you some ideas as you plan your meal shift.
**Please note: we will not be scheduling any new meal groups with volunteers under the age of 18 as of March 1, 2016. All volunteers must be a minimum of 18 years old.
Please fill out the application form below so we can understand your group's goals and availability. After completing and submitting this form, you will be contacted by the Volunteer Coordinator to coordinate further details. Thank you!