There are so many ways you can help.

Volunteer Opportunities for Teens, Adults and Groups

1. Prepare (off-site), deliver, and serve (optional) dinner for shelter residents. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to serve lunch or dinner. Please contact our Kitchen Manager, Dorothy Howard, at 410-531- 6006 or email dorothyh@grassrootscrisis.org to schedule.
2. Make (off-site) and deliver lunches to the shelter for shelter residents. Volunteers must provide lunch items. Please contact our Kitchen Manager, Dorothy Howard, at 410-531-6006 or email dorothyh@grassrootscrisis.org to schedule.
3. Special Friends Program – provide children with the opportunity to participate in structured play activities. Youth volunteers must be at least 15 years of age, must commit to volunteer for 3 months, and present two letters of reference. Monday through Friday 6:45 – 8:15 pm.*
4. Lobby Greeter – Lend assistance as a greeter at Grassroots. Welcome visitors to the building, accept donations, direct visitors, and answer business phone line (optional). Two-hour shifts are available Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm.*
5. Office Assistant – Type letters and help with various office tasks, Monday or Wednesday afternoons. *
6. Job Coach – Join the volunteer Employment Services team to help clients with resume development and job search assistance. *
7. Storage Room Organizer – help sort and organize donations on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.*
8. Pantry Organizer – help sort and organize non-perishable food and clothing items for non-resident clients assisted by the counseling office on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.*
9. Laundry Attendant – Help with washing and sorting laundry for overnight guests on an as-needed basis.*
10. Fitness Activity Leader – Provide fun fitness education and activities for adult shelter residents to promote healthy, active lifestyles.
11. Donation solicitation. Plan fundraiser at school or other location. Talk with our Grants and Development, Anna Katz, for guidance and support at 410-531- 6006 or anna@grassrootscrisis.org.
12. Collect items needed by Grassroots’ clients such as toiletries, towels, linens, school supplies, snack foods, white socks, etc. Clothing and stuffed animals are NOT accepted.
13. Collect food donations which will be part of the care packages to be assembled for clients in the motel shelter program. See volunteer coordinator or business manager for list of specific food items.
14. Offer evening group activities – provide games and prizes (e.g., Bingo) for adult shelter residents on a weekly or monthly basis.
15. Offer seasonal socials – provide special meals such as ice cream socials or barbecues for shelter residents (approx. 52 people) in our courtyard.
16. Hospitality committee – provide housewarming kits for departing residents moving into a new home on an as-needed basis (approximately one-two per month).
17. Landscaping – buy and plant flowers, general landscaping.
18. Back-to-school sponsorship – help a child with school needs in August and January.
19. Back-to-school haircuts – Local stylists are welcome to provide haircuts to children in August and/or January.
20. Holiday giving – donate and help collect and sort gifts for children and adults in November and December.
21. Pro bono legal services – experienced attorneys are welcome to provide legal assistance for residents/clients with challenging cases. Qualified volunteers will collaborate with the Executive Director.
22. Parenting Classes – parent educators or consultants are welcome to provide a series of evening classes for parents of shelter children on topics such as child development, age appropriate behavior, approaches to behavioral management, ways to facilitate difficult transitions or navigate challenging situations, and understanding services that may be available in school settings. Qualified volunteers will collaborate with the Shelter Director. 

* Interview with Volunteer Coordinator required. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Monteith Mitchell at 410-531-6006 or mont@grassrootscrisis.org.

Click here for a copy of our Volunteer Opportunities.