Sojourner House volunteers are an invaluable part of the Sojourner House team. Their priceless gifts of time, energy, and expertise help our agency better serve the women and children who depend on Sojourner House for help. To join the Sojourner House team or for more information about any of the volunteer opportunities listed below, please contact Portia Chiarella, Volunteer Coordinator, at (585) 436-7100, Ext. 117 or at portia_sojourner@yahoo.com.

Henrietta Hammond Institute for Life Skills (HHILS) Program Instructor:
Volunteers are needed to teach new elective classes. Classes are offered once a week, Monday to Friday, between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., and are typically one hour long. Elective sessions last 4 weeks. Here are a few ideas Sojourner House women have expressed interest in: Crafting (scrap booking, jewelry making), Knitting, Creative Art (painting and drawing) and Creative Writing (poetry). We are always open to suggestions and new ideas!

Study Buddy Program Tutors/Mentors

Throughout the school year, volunteers are needed to provide one-on-one tutoring and mentoring for children in grades K – 12. Volunteers commit to one night per week for at least one full semester, but preferably for the entire school year. Sessions take place from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at Sojourner House, or one of its affiliated complexes, Monica Place or Nancy Watson Dean Place. Volunteers are assigned a location and work with the same child through out the year. Minimum age requirement is 18 years or high school graduate.

In-House Children’s Program:

Occasionally, volunteers are needed weekday afternoons from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or weekday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to help the Activities Coordinator plan and implement activities and to assist with childcare. The need varies depending upon how many children are residing at Sojourner House with their mothers. The minimum age requirement is 16 years unless accompanied by an adult.

Receptionist:

Volunteers are needed on an on-call basis to help answer phones and doors when the receptionist is out of the office for illness or vacation.

Kitchen Assistant:

Volunteer opportunities are available to assist with food preparation, serving meals, organizing stock and supplies, and occasional special event food preparation. Volunteers may be scheduled Monday through Friday between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Some lifting and walking up and down stairs will be necessary.

Through out the year, there are volunteer opportunities available that may be of interest to small groups, including “odd job” opportunities and special events.

Odd Job Opportunities

Volunteers are needed to help with “odd jobs” around Sojourner House, such as outdoor and/or indoor clean up (yard, garden, kitchen, basement, garage), picking up and delivering furniture donations, and more.

Special Events

Special event volunteers may assist with such tasks as set-up, food preparation and service, and clean up. Listed below are the special events for which volunteers are needed and time of year they take place:

• Dreamseeds Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA) Celebration: This event showcases and celebrates the accomplishments and talents of Sojourner House children who participated in the DAPA program. This event takes place in June .

• Honors Ceremony: This event celebrates the achievements of former Sojourner House residents and their children. This event takes place in June

• Back to School Picnic: Sojourner House families enjoy a late summer picnic, and entertainment and celebrate the return to learning. Thanks to tremendous community support each year, every child receives a brand new backpack filled with school supplies. Our annual back to school kick off is held in August .

• Holiday Celebrations: From the Thanksgiving holiday through the New Year, there are many opportunities for giving and volunteering.