Volunteer Opportunities
"You think you're helping people, but they're really helping you." --Grace O'Neal, ASHF Volunteer for over 18 years Volunteers are essential to the development and growth of A Safe Haven Foundation. A Safe Haven Foundation provides a thoughtful, holistic, rewarding opportunity for each volunteers who regularly interact with residents, case managers, and professional staff. The following highlights our current volunteer needs: Adult Education and Training The adult education program is designed for residents who are committed to advancing their education and life skills. With a new partnership, we can expand the current education and personal training for residents and feature your corporate employees or civic group leaders as volunteer classroom faculty where they can contribute personal experience and professional knowledge in both life skills and professional development. Organize a Drive or Fundraising Event We welcome and encourage you to host a bake sale, car wash, golf tournament or other fundraising event to benefit ASHF. One hundred percent of your donation will be utilized to benefit our clients in the form of the purchase of books, clothing, toiletries, school supplies, shoes, or other necessary basics that most of us take for granted. The event can be held at your local library, school, university, place of worship or even at a block party! Our residents’ needs change on a daily basis, so please call in advance to find out about our immediate requests. Coordinate Special/Educational Outings Many of our clients’ children have never experienced some of the cultural institutions of our great city. And, most of our children rarely participate in good, old-fashioned fun, such as seeing a movie, going bowling, cheering at a sporting event, visiting a museum, taking a trip to the zoo, or any number of activities that kids enjoy. You can help by scheduling a field trip with your church group, sports group, sorority, etc. While we want our client’s children to have the opportunity to relax and have a good time, we also pride ourselves on introducing young people to educationally enriching experiences. Youth Mentor/Tutor Help enrich the lives of our clients’ children by spending quality time with them and becoming a positive role model in their lives. Volunteers are paired one-on-one with a child from ASHF to help with homework and other school projects on a weekly basis. This opportunity allows you to serve as a consistent influence in the lives of our clients’ children—many of whom have lacked stability for some time. Tutoring times and schedules can be arranged upon request. We encourage a commitment of at least one semester for optimal achievement. Community Food Pantry A Safe Haven Foundation, in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD), provides emergency food in North Lawndale where individuals orgroups can volunteer time in our Community Food Pantry. We are always in need of extra hands to help with stocking, cleaning, sweeping, and processing the food and items received from the GCFD. In addition, volunteers are welcome to join us every Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. to help distribute food “baskets” to the residents of North Lawndale. This is a very rewarding volunteer experience; volunteers of all ages are welcome, so this is a meaningful activity to do as a family). Click her for more information about the Community Food Pantry. Meal Service We are always in need of energetic volunteers to help prepare and serve meals to our residents. Everyday our kitchen accomplishes the incredible task of serving three nutritional meals Monday through Friday and two meals on Saturday and Sunday to over 200 residents. This volunteer opportunity allows you to work alongside residents, staff, and other volunteers in a challenging and satisfying environment. We are in need of help during the following shifts: Monday - Friday:
Utilize Your Special Talents We invite you to share your special skill, talent or resource with ASHF’s residents. We need volunteers who are qualified to hold workshops or to speak on current topics such as, music appreciation, self esteem, political awareness/empowerment, HIV/AIDS education, nutrition, or job development. We enjoy entertainment during the holidays or any other time throughout the year. Your special talents will be utilized to improve the lives of our residents. |
Indicate below that you want to volunteer, or contact Charles Whitsett at 773-435-8381 for more information.
For upcoming events and opportunities to volunteer, please see our Event Calendar.   |
