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Volunteering

We are committed to providing a quality program and experience for both our volunteers and youth.  We want our volunteers to find a “good match”- whether that means managing the clothing closet, keeping inventories of donations, doing office tasks, or working directly with the young people.  Please note that a background check will be required of all volunteers working directly with the youth.  For some volunteer roles, you must be 21 or older.

 

All volunteers will receive training appropriate for the role in which you volunteer.  For all volunteer positions, a period of “shadowing” is provided until you are comfortable.  Ongoing training and education are being provided as the need or opportunity arises.

 

All volunteers receive a Policy and Procedures Manual and are asked to sign the Confidentiality Agreement.

 

Here’s how to start the process:

  1. Read the volunteer positions described below.  Decide what position is of interest to you. Or, call the center with questions about options for getting involved or to get more information.

  2. Click the Volunteer Application Form button below.  Print and complete the form.

  3. Mail completed application form to Open Doors for Youth, 554 3rd Street #201, Elk River, MN 55330, or email to Cindy Ley at cindyl.opendoors@gmail.com.

  4. After we receive your application, we’ll call to schedule a meeting for a tour, and to talk about next steps, orientation, and when you can begin volunteering.

 

 

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VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

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Youth Assistant position

In this role, you will spend your time working directly with youth that visits the center.  At times when no youth are in the center, you could be asked to help with other work around the center.

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Typical tasks include:

  • welcome youth to the center

  • assist youth by preparing/ordering food

  • assist youth with food shelf items, weighing and recording

  • assist youth with hygiene items, weighing and recording

  • accompany youth to clothing closet, recording clothing

  • visit with youth, playing games, art projects

  • assist youth with basic case management, such as budgeting, applying for a job, or tutoring

 

Time Shift:

  • 1:00pm-3:00pm or 3:00pm-5:00pm, Mondaym Tuesday, and Wednesday 

  • 1:00pm-3:00pm or 3:00pm-5:00pm or 5:00pm-7:00pm Thursdays

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Clothing Closet

In this role,  most of your time will be spent working in the downstairs clothing closet.  Your time spent directly with youth is very limited.

 

Typical tasks include:

  • sorting and hanging donated clothing

  • tagging clothes with sizing tags

  • “weeding out” clothes at the turn of the seasons

  • the general organization of clothing

 

Time Shift:

  • 1:00pm-3:00pm or 3:00pm-5:00pm, Mondaym Tuesday, and Wednesday 

  • 1:00pm-3:00pm or 3:00pm-5:00pm or 5:00pm-7:00pm Thursdays

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Driver

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Typical tasks include:

  • meal pick-up & drop-off at the center

  • possibly other opportunities as needed

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Time Shift:

  • 1:00pm-3:00pm or 3:00pm-5:00pm, Mondaym Tuesday, and Wednesday 

  • 1:00pm-3:00pm or 3:00pm-5:00pm or 5:00pm-7:00pm Thursdays

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Special Projects

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Typical tasks include: 

  • assisting as needed with mailings or special events at the drop-in center

 

Time Shift:

  • 1:00pm-3:00pm or 3:00pm-5:00pm, Mondaym Tuesday, and Wednesday 

  • 1:00pm-3:00pm or 3:00pm-5:00pm or 5:00pm-7:00pm Thursdays

 

 

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