Needs From: volunteerEP

JCCM Shelter Hospitality Volunteer: help create a welcoming, engaging, and supportive environment for JCCM shelter residents by sharing skills, interests, activities, and positive social interaction. Volunteers may lead educational, recreational, creative, or life-skills activities that provide residents with opportunities to learn, connect with others, explore interests, and build practical skills. Activities should be inclusive, respectful, and appropriate for a trauma-informed shelter environment.

Schedule Volunteer opportunities are available: Tuesday and Thursday mornings for approximately 1–3 hours.Weekends for approximately 1–3 hours.

Volunteers may serve on a recurring or scheduled basis depending on the activity and shelter needs. Possible Activities Volunteers are encouraged to share an appropriate skill, hobby, interest, or area of knowledge. Activities may include, but are not limited to:

Job interview practice.Résumé or employment-readiness skills.Financial literacy and basic budgeting.Tenant-readiness skills, such as communicating with landlords, understanding lease expectations, and caring for a rental unit.Book clubs or reading groups.Arts and crafts.Games or recreational activities.Cooking or nutrition education when appropriate facilities and supervision are available.Computer or technology basics.Organization and time-management skills.Basic household skills.Gardening.Creative writing or journaling.Music or other creative activities.Health and wellness activities appropriate to the volunteer's qualifications.Other approved educational, recreational, or life-skills activities.

Volunteers do not have to be experts or professional instructors. A willingness to share an appropriate skill or interest in an engaging and respectful way can create a meaningful activity for residents. The goal is not simply to "teach" residents. Volunteers should create opportunities for conversation, connection, enjoyment, and shared learning.

Activity Approval Volunteer-led classes and activities must be approved by JCCM before being offered to residents. Volunteers should provide basic information about the proposed activity, including:

Topic or activity.Approximate length.Materials or supplies needed.Ideal number of participants.Any special space or equipment requirements.Any relevant experience or qualifications when appropriate.

JCCM may work with volunteers to adapt activities to the shelter environment and resident interests.