Volunteer

STEPS TO BECOMING A VOLUNTEER AT TRANSITIONS:

1. Fill out the Volunteer Sign Up Form.
2. The Outreach Coordinator will email you to schedule an in-person orientation session, consisting of a tour of the facility and an overview of the different volunteer opportunities available for both individuals and groups.
3. Attend the one-hour orientation, where you will learn where to go and what to do as a volunteer. You will also learn how to sign up for the various volunteer opportunities listed below.
4. Congratulations! You are now able to volunteer with Transitions!

SUPPORTING OUR SERVICES: DAILY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

SERVE A MEAL

Transitions depends on volunteers to help us serve meals to our clients every day of the year. Multiple volunteers are needed for every breakfast, lunch, and dinner shift to help serve anywhere from 150 to 250 meals to our grateful clients. Meal shifts are 1.5 hours, and most volunteers typically serve a meal shift once a week or once a month, but one-time opportunities are sometimes available as well. Volunteers interested in this position are expected to wear long pants, no exposed underarms, closed-toe shoes, and a smile! 

Breakfast shift: 6:30 am – 8:00 am
Lunch shift: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Dinner shift: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Minimum age: 14
Working Directly with Clients: Yes
Standing/Walking: Yes
Squatting/Kneeling: On occasion
Requirements: Knowledge of safe food handling preferred

LIBRARY VOLUNTEER

Library volunteers assist clients in the library with checking out books and magazines. These volunteers may also provide help with web searches for job postings and completing online job applications. The Library is located in our Day Center, and may be open from 8:30 am – 11:30 am, 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm, and 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. 

Minimum age: 16
Working Directly with Clients: Yes
Standing/Walking: Minimal
Squatting/Kneeling: Minimal
Requirements: Experience with job/housing searching and resume writing preferred

COMPUTER LAB MONITOR/ASSISTANT

Computer Lab Monitors assist clients in the computer lab with job applications, housing applications and resume preparation. The Computer Lab is in our Day Center and may be open from 8:30 am – 11:30 am, 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm, and 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.

Minimum age: 16
Working Directly with Clients: Yes
Standing/Walking: Minimal
Squatting/Kneeling: Minimal
Requirements: Knowledge of computers (Windows); experience with job/housing searching and resume writing preferred

DAY CENTER ACTIVITIES

Activities Volunteers assist the Day Center managers with daytime activities such as: indoor or outdoor games, talent shows, dance contests and more. Interested volunteers are encouraged to design activities and source necessary materials. Shifts are contingent on Day Center schedule and must fall outside of scheduled mealtimes. Interested volunteers should be prepared to have fun!

Minimum age: 16
Working Directly with Clients: Yes
Standing/Walking: Yes
Squatting/Kneeling: Likely
Requirements: None

CLOTHING CLOSET

Transitions accepts donations of adult clothing for our Clothing Closet. We are looking for volunteers to come regularly to process in new donations and help run the shop. The Clothing Closet is open to clients on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:00 am – 11:30 am, though volunteers may come anytime to assist with processing in new donations and organizing the space. Preference is given to volunteers who can commit to coming on a regular basis, as this allows for increased efficiency and organization.

Minimum age: 16
Working Directly with Clients: Yes, as clients assist with processing donations, as well as when the shop is open.
Standing/Walking: Yes, to varying degrees
Squatting/Kneeling: Yes, to varying degrees
Requirements: None

GENERAL ASSISTANCE

In a facility that helps hundreds of clients daily, Transitions is always getting a variety of donations. There are a variety of opportunities to assist the facility in processing and organizing donated goods and supplies, and/or assisting around the facility to clean, maintain, and/or organize spaces . Tasks will vary month-to-month based on the current needs of the agency. 

Minimum age: 16
Working Directly with Clients: On occasion
Standing/Walking: Yes, to varying degrees
Squatting/Kneeling: Yes, to varying degrees
Requirements: None

LEAD A CLASS

Transitions has over 55 partner organizations who work with our case managers and clients to support our clients on their journey out of homelessness, but there is more work to be done! Volunteer-led classes can be more practical  (resume writing, mock interviews, budgeting, and peer support groups) or more recreational (fitness, art, music, writing, current events, hobbies). Work alongside our Volunteer Coordinator to create a class that will keep our clients active and working on making personal progress. Choose a time that meets your scheduling needs!

Minimum age: 16
Working Directly with Clients: Yes
Standing/Walking: Varies depending on the class
Squatting/Kneeling: Varies depending on the class
Requirements: Varies depending on the class, but a passion for what you are teaching is a must!

GROUP PROJECTS

Want to take part in a larger project with your church, school, or civic group? We are always interested in talking about how we can work together to improve our facility. Whether making benches or painting rooms, pressure washing walkways or pulling weeds, there are lots of ways in which organizations can use a day of service to learn more about the issues of homelessness while building comradery within their group. 

Minimum age: 16
Working Directly with Clients: Yes
Standing/Walking: Varies depending on the class
Squatting/Kneeling: Varies depending on the class
Requirements: Varies depending on the class, but a passion for what you are teaching is a must!

FUNDRAISING & DONATION DRIVES

Engage members of your network by sharing information about Transitions and helping to bring awareness to the issues facing homeless men and women in our community. Let our Volunteer Coordinator work with you to create a donation drive or fundraiser to benefit Transitions. Email us to get started today!

SEASONAL WAYS TO HELP

INCLEMENT WEATHER CENTER

Transitions, in partnership with United Way of the Midlands, Salvation Army, and the City of Columbia, operates an Inclement Weather Center (IWC) at 191 Calhoun on nights where the temperature is expected to drop below 40 degrees. Volunteers are needed to help with check-in and linen distribution. The Inclement Weather Center is open November 1 through March 31, and shifts run from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. People interested in the IWC can learn more on our Facebook or EventBrite page. Click HERE to volunteer.

GARDENING

Transitions is fortunate to have a large raised-bed garden in the courtyard of the Day Center, where we grow a variety of plants throughout the year. Come join members of our community to help beautify our campus. While there are limited supplies on hand, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gardening gloves, trowels and other tools. Donations of soil, fertilizer, and seeds are always appreciated!

Minimum age: 16
Working Directly with Clients: Yes
Standing/Walking: Yes
Squatting/Kneeling: Yes
Requirements: The desire to get dirty; knowledge of plants/gardening is helpful

VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTERS

Click HERE to check out the latest Transitions Volunteer Newsletter.