We invite you to join our volunteer team!
Family Centre has many different opportunities for volunteer involvement. While vacancies vary, here are a few of the areas we typically need volunteer support:
Join a Board or Committee
- Participate in the strategic direction and governance of Family Centre as a Board Member
- Join our Dads Committee to engage male caregivers and their children by planning/organizing fun activities
- Take part in the planning, organizing and execution of large-scale community and fundraising events through our Special Event Committee
Recruitment for our Board of Directors takes place January to March each year, while applications are accepted for other committees throughout the year.
Provide Administrative and/or Clerical Support
- Assist administrative staff with answering telephones, client registration, clerical tasks
- Help with organizational, cleaning or tidying projects
- Assist with stuffing and addressing envelopes, creating and preparing mail-out packages
Assist with Program Preparation
- Prepare program materials and packages for program participants
- Bake muffins, cookies and other simple snacks to be used for programs using our kitchen
- Help with the preparation of client food packages for our cooking programs
Participate in Learning & Play as an Early Childhood Education Assistant
- Socialize with children, caregivers in programs through games & activities
- Engage in play with children while their caregivers participate in programs
- Assist with program set-up, clean-up and maintaining a safe play space
Provide Support in a Non-Judgmental Environment as a Family Support Assistant
- Engage with children & youth, caregivers in programs through prepared curriculum
- Assist with program set-up, clean-up and maintaining safe space for participants
- Gain volunteer experience as a Psychology, Social Work, Health Care or Child & Youth Care student
Assist with Community Events & Fundraisers as a Special Event Assistant
- Assist with event set-up and/or take-down, crafting and creating decorations
- Engage children and their caregivers in games or activities
- Help collect donations, engage with potential donors and increase community awareness of our organization
- Assisting with event-related administrative or organizational tasks, distributing hand-outs and publication
Family Centre offers volunteer practicum placements in partnership with the Lethbridge College for Early Childhood Education and Child & Youth Care programs. Other practicum placements may be considered depending on program requirements and availability of hours. Please contact us at 403-320-4232 to inquire!
Benefits of Volunteering:
Volunteering is something you can do no matter who you are. As a volunteer you can make a difference. Volunteering presents ideal opportunities to gain information and exposure to a variety of different jobs and can also provide opportunities:
- Opportunity to develop strengths and skills through work experience.
- Opportunity to meet new people, extend your network and make valuable contacts in your fields of interest.
- Valuable training is provided for all volunteer positions.
- Build your self-confidence and feel valued.
- Enjoy the satisfaction of making a difference.
- Volunteer hours are logged and acknowledged.
- Letters of reference will be available for work performed which will add to positive work resumes.
Application Process:
Complete our online application form HERE or contact our Advancement Manager, Melanie Secretan at melanie.secretan[at]famcentre.ca for a printable copy.
Once you have submitted an application, our Advancement & Volunteer Manager, Melanie Secretan will reach out to you to schedule a 30-minute discovery meeting via Zoom or in person at Family Centre Downtown. You can also contact her directly at 403-320-4232 ext. 207 or melanie.secretan[at]famcentre.ca to arrange an appointment.
Police Information Check:
Can be completed online or in person. There is a small fee of $15.45 for volunteer applicants, which includes GST and service charges. You will need a letter issued from Family Centre in order to apply for the check.
Child Intervention Record Check:
Online applications ONLY. There is no cost for volunteer applicants.
You must show proof that each check has been initiated before you can be assigned a volunteer role.
A volunteer orientation will be scheduled with our Advancement & Volunteer Manager prior to your first volunteer shift. It takes about 45 minutes and includes a facility tour as well as a review of policies, procedures and expectations. Orientations provide useful information that helps volunteers feel more comfortable as they begin their new roles.
Once all steps in the application process are complete, volunteers can begin in their respective roles. Volunteers will meet their site supervisor and begin learning the specific tasks and skills of their assignment. Most volunteers feel comfortable in their roles after the first 2-3 shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the volunteer requirements?
All prospective volunteers must:
- Submit a Volunteer Application form
- Complete a Police Information Check
- Complete a Child Intervention Record Check
- Complete a Reference Check
There are some exceptions depending on volunteer role.
What is the time commitment?
Typically, volunteers give between 2.5-10 hours per month, however, this is entirely dependent on individual availability and volunteer role.
Which days and times can I volunteer?
Volunteers assist our staff in various ways during our business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. We do have some programs that run later into the afternoon and evening between 4:00-8:00pm as well as Saturdays 9:00am-12:30pm. Community events and fundraisers vary, but are often held on weekends.
What is the age limit for volunteers?
Youth ages 12-17 are encouraged to apply and welcome to volunteer in our programs, though they may be required to attend with an adult partner if appropriate. Not all volunteer opportunities will be suitable for youth and teens.
Do I need to have previous experience?
While experience working with children ages 0-12 in child minding, daycare or school settings is beneficial, it is not required. Volunteer placement will depend on many factors including areas of interest, educational background and related experience.
Can I start volunteering right away?
Before volunteers can be placed in a program, they will need to have started the process for both their Police Information Check and Child Intervention Record Check. Reference checks must also be completed prior to volunteer assignment.
What will volunteering look like?
Program volunteers always work together with a staff partner and will never be asked to run or supervise a program on their own. Volunteers assisting in other areas like program preparation, administrative tasks or special projects may work more independently with staff available for support and guidance. Special Events volunteers may work independently or in groups with other staff or volunteers.
Our staff are friendly, helpful and will make sure you feel comfortable as you start your volunteer experience.