COTS benefits from over 50,000 hours of volunteer service each year - that is equivalent to 24 full-time staff positions!

Many thanks to our valued volunteers!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Center for Homeless Children and Their Families

Afternoon Childcare – While parents attend classes and workshops, volunteers are needed to play with and entertain the children through art projects, educational and other fun activities.  Volunteers will have staff support and supervision and will receive training. Assistance with homework may also be requested.   Must be 18 years or older and complete fingerprinting screening. 

(Monday through Thursday 3:30 to 6:00 p.m., except Wednesdays 2:30 to 6:00 p.m.)

The Petaluma Kitchen

Food For Families - Every Saturday morning we deliver groceries to low and fixed income families, seniors and others in our community.

• Delivery Drivers - Must have valid driver’s license and insurance.  Involves lifting up to 40 pounds.  (8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Saturdays)
• Driver Assistants – Ride along with Drivers to aide with lifting and carrying food boxes. (8:30 to 10:00 a.m.  Saturdays)
• Food Box Packers and Produce Baggers (8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Fridays, 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. Saturdays)

  • Food Donation Pick-up Drivers - Pick up food donations at local grocery stores and deliver to Kitchen.  Must have valid driver’s license and insurance. (7:30 to 10:00 a.m. daily)

  • Cooks, Prep Cooks, Servers and Soup Stirrers (8:00 to11:30 a.m. daily)

  • Clean Up – Dishwashers and more. (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily)

  • Donation Organizers -Help sort donated food. (8:00 to 10:00 a.m. daily)

  • Food Drive Coordinators – Plan and carry out a food drive to stock our shelves

The Family Connection

Family Support Team Member - As part of a team of 3 to 5 volunteers, you will create a support network for a family in your community that is transitioning out of homelessness.  Volunteers commit to working with their team and family for one year. Volunteer time, throughout the year, averages about 2 hours per week.  There is also a monthly meeting with the family, the entire team and the supervising Family Support Coordinator.


Shared Housing for Families

Adopt a house or room within a house - Make it a cheery place for children to stabilize and families to enjoy.

Mary Isaak Center  - Emergency Shelter For Single Adults

NOTE: Minimum age for volunteers is 21, unless special circumstances apply.

Work Right™ Mentors

• Assist Work Right participants with resume writing, interview preparation, job search support, and job retention/coping skills.  Minimum commitment is one hour a week for three months.

Work Right™ Speakers

• Be a guest speaker, one time, monthly, or quarterly.  We welcome business owners, human resources professionals, and managers to share information about their company, employee expectations, and what skills and experience make a good fit for your environment. We are particularly looking for professionals from the following industries:
• Accounting and Finance
• Health Care
• Administrative/Clerical
• Hospitay
• Animal Care
• Non Profit/Social Services
• Arts/Graphic Design
• Retail/Customer Service
• Biotech/Science
• Sales/Marketing
• Culinary Arts
• Specialty Trades (carpentry, electrical, construction, etc.)
• Education
• Transportation (drivers, couriers, etc.)
• Facilities/Operations Management
• System/Network Administration/Computer Tech
• Wine Industry
• Tourism

Workshop Facilitators
Give small group workshops to residents on a number of useful topics, including:

• Men's Support Group
• Creative Arts (especially crafts for men)
• Women’s Support Group
• Music
• Personal Improvement (i.e. meditation, exercise, nutrition and diet, dance)
• Communication Skills

Adult Literacy - Help another adult with reading and writing skills.  Training provided through Sonoma County Adult Literacy Program.

Adopt a Transitional Housing Room - Paint and decorate a dorm to make it cozy and homey for
single residents.

Rent Right

• Rent Right is a nine week course preparing clients for successful transition to independent housing.
• Childcare volunteers are needed to supervise and entertain children while their parents are attending class.  (Monday evenings, 6:15 to 8:45 p.m.)

Overall

• Drivers  -  Must have valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Client Appointment Drivers - Drive homeless families or singles to various appointments; some weekend or evening hours.
• Donation Pick-up and Delivery – On call drivers to pick up and deliver donated items.  Some heavy lifting involved.
• Truck Drivers - Individuals with trucks to haul pieces of furniture to various sites including the dump.  Minimum age for this position is 26 years old and must have a vehicle.
• Meal Preparation - Prepare meals in your home and deliver to class location for Rent Right and Kids First parents and kids, Monday and/or Thursday evenings, for 30 people.
• Maintenance, Painting, Gardening - Routine or as needed general building maintenance including plumbing, HVAC, electric, painting, landscaping, and pruning.
• Office Workers - Work in the administrative offices, the Center for Homeless Children and their Families, or the Mary Isaak Center.  May involve data base work, phone reception duties, light office or filing work.
• Auto Technicians - Help maintain or repair client vehicles.
• Hair Stylists - Periodically provide hair cutting/styling sessions to clients (children and adults).
• Project Ideas for Groups and Youth
  Donation Drive.  We will provide you with a wish list for the Petaluma Kitchen and our emergency shelters.Fundraising drive.  Some ideas are: The Human RaceWalk-a-thonLap-a-thonBike-a-thonJump Rope-a-thonCar WashRaffleCoin BanksBake SaleSilent Auction Rummage Sale

Click here to volunteer or call 707-765-6530 x111.