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Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in volunteering! While each Catholic Charities' program is unique, the typical process consists of an application, a confidentiality agreement, a CORI clearance, two references and a personal interview with a staff member.

Catholic Charities respects the contribution of volunteers at the same level as professional staff. Both are required to have appropriate clearances before interacting with clients. Before placement, your signature will be requested to give us permission to obtain a CORI (criminal records) clearance.

Volunteer opportunities are listed below by region. If you would like further information about these opportunities, please contact the person specified with each listing. That contact person has the most information and knowledge about each respective opportunity. If you are unsure which volunteer opportunity you would like to pursue, please contact Jessica Davidson-Sawyer at (617) 451-7986 to discuss which opportunity might be a good fit for you.

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Search by Region:

Merrimack Valley

Merrimack Valley
Food Pantry Assistants in Lowell

The Merrimack Valley Food Pantry in Lowell is looking for volunteers. The food pantry needs help to stock shelves, bag food, and distribute food Monday through Thursday between 10 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.

Contact: Scott Stolze — 978-454-9946


Merrimack Valley
Grandparents as Parents Resource Network of Greater Lowell

Help provide child care assistance for parenting grandparents attending a monthly support group! Volunteers are needed once a month on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30 8 pm in Lowell and on the last Tuesday of the month from 6:00 7:30 pm in Lawrence. Volunteers will supervise children while the Grandparents as Parents ("GAP") support group meets. The average age of children being cared for is 8-14 years old. Volunteers play games and participate in activities with the youth. Bilingual ability (Spanish-English) is helpful but not required. The Grandparents As Parents (GAP) program exists to identify and respond to the unique concerns of parenting grandparents and kin and the children they are rearing. Linkage for grandparents and kin is provided within the program by support groups and by the broader community.

Contact: Dotty Duval — 978-452-1421


Metro Boston

Metro Boston
Conversational Partners

Help someone learn to read or speak English. Catholic Charities Haitian Multi-Service Center located at the Yawkey Center in Dorchester seeks conversational partner volunteers in its adult education program. Volunteers will receive 1-2 hours of orientation and training on tips for conversing with students. Volunteers will be paired with an individual student with the goal of meeting with the student one hour per week for at least 6 weeks.

Contact: Jim McCarthy — 617-506-6626


Metro Boston
Creative Handwork

Would you like to volunteer, but find you are unable to make a commitment outside your home at this time? Do you like to knit, crochet or sew? Would you like to make handmade items for Catholic Charities' children or elders (e.g. hats, mittens, baby items and warm lap robes), or perhaps knit a warm adult ski hat for a refugee?

Contact: Jessica Davidson-Sawyer — 617-451-7986


Metro Boston
Food Pantry Assistants

El Centro Del Cardenal's Food Pantry, located in the South End, needs Spanish-speaking volunteers who are available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. On Wednesdays, volunteers are needed to help pick up food between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Contact: Chris Abell — 617-350-5026


Metro Boston
Foster Grandparents

An inter-generational program for retired men and women, 60 years of age or older, able to give 15 hours a week to bring a lifetime of experiences to work with, mentor, guide and develop relationships with young children. Stipend and transportation reimbursement.

Contact: Beth Chambers — 617-625-1920


Metro Boston
Friendly Visitors

Friendly visitors are needed to visit elders who have little family support in their own homes or in nursing facilities. Must be caring, concerned persons with some knowledge of/experience with elders. Commitment includes at least one-hour weekly visit and submission of monthly reports. This is a non-sectarian service, which provides our elders with a warm and friendly companionship when they need it most. Service area includes West Roxbury, Roxbury, Dedham, Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Brookline, and Dorchester.

Contact: Emily Dingwell — 617-506-6668


Metro Boston
Fundraising Activities

There are many levels of involvement for volunteers in the fundraising activities of the Labouré Center in South Boston, from one-time events to monthly planning meetings. Volunteers may assist with three annual events: fall golf tournament, Christmas house tour and spring silent auction.

Contact: Judy Swanson — 617-268-9670


Metro Boston
Haitian Multi-Service Center at the Yawkey Center

Catholic Charities' Haitian Multi-Service Center at the Yawkey Center in Dorchester strives to help recent immigrants reach social and economic self-sufficiency through education, health services, emergency services and child care. Volunteers are needed in the following programs: child care, food pantry, adult education and elderly services. A volunteer might be "mixed and matched" with one or more of the above programs.

Contact: Emily Dingwell — 617-506-6668


Metro Boston
Mentoring Program - South Boston

South Boston T.E.A.M. (Together Engaging Adolescents through Mentoring) seeks caring adults to mentor youth from South Boston between the ages of 10 and 16. Mentors and mentees meet at least once a week for a few hours at a time for a minimum of one year. Mentors receive training and ongoing support from T.E.A.M. staff throughout the duration of the match. In fostering solid friendships between young people and their mentors, T.E.A.M. seeks to enhance the resiliency of the youth through increased self-esteem, school attachedment, and the ability to make positive life choices.

Contact: Catherine Kirwan-Avila — 617-464-8578


Metro Boston
Mentors, Tutors, and Coaches for Youth (South End)

El Centro del Cardenals Youth Education program is seeking mentors, tutors, and coaches to assist their students. Students range from 16-21 years old and are either in the GED program or the BPS Alternative High School program. Bilingual candidates (Spanish - English) are encouraged to apply.Mentors must be able to provide support and guidance to students as they transition into college and/or the workplace. They must also be willing to introduce students to new activities and accompany them on college visits. Mentoring hours are generally available after school, beginning at 2 pm, Monday through Friday. Tutors must be able to assist students in subject areas they are struggling with in order for them to succeed. Students are enrolled in classes that cover the five core subjects (English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Spanish) present in secondary school curriculums. Tutoring can take place during school (10 AM to 2 PM) or after school (startging at 2 PM). Finally, coaches will be asked to organize and run after school extracurricular activities for students that may include athletics, creative arts, and student organizations.

Contact: Eddie Castro — 617-542-9292


Metro Boston
Pregnancy Help Counselor

Volunteer counselor to work with Pregnancy Help clients experiencing a crisis pregnancy. Registered nurse, social worker, mental health counselor, pastoral care provider or students in related fields, to do supportive counseling with clients and answer help-line calls. Flexible and weekend hours in both Natick and Brighton locations.

Contact: Mary Girard — 617-782-5151


Metro Boston
Pregnancy Help Volunteer

Volunteers are needed at Pregnancy Help to provide office assistance in Natick and also for off-site projects including our parish outreach program, serving as good will ambassadors explaining work of Pregnancy Help to parishes and agencies, and assistance with pick up and delivery of Parish Baby Shower items.

Contact: Mary Girard — 617-782-5151


Metro Boston
Refugee and Immigration Services

Volunteer opportunities include ESOL tutoring, orientation, welcome baskets (which include personal hygiene and non-perishable food items), apartment decorating and family mentoring. Hours are flexible.

Contact: Jason Reynolds — 617-464-8120


Metro Boston
Residence for Mothers and Children - Roxbury

Receptionists are needed for 3-6 hours, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Receptionists are also needed to fill in during staff meetings and training sessions, which are held several evenings during the month (no later than 8:30 p.m.).

  • Mentors/Play buddies - Caring volunteers are needed to work with the children living in the residence, ages 1 month to 16 years. Energetic, responsible adults to take children on outings to the park or simply play a board game, color or help with homework within the residence.
  • Maintenance assistant - A volunteer is needed to help with minor repairs, installations or cleaning on an "as-needed" basis.
  • Computer literacy tutors - Knowledgeable, patient people with computer experience are needed to help train the staff and residents on basic Windows and other useful computer skills.

Contact: Eva Cross-Baston — 617-541-0100


Metro Boston
Teacher's Aide

Volunteer will work with children in a classroom setting located in Jamaica Plain. Ages of children range from 3 to 5 years. Responsibilities will range from one-on-one activities to group projects and will change weekly. Qualifications include an enjoyment of children and a willingness to work as part of a team. Time commitment: two hours weekly with a commitment of 3 months.

Contact: Brenda Powers — 617-522-4040


Metro Boston
Tutors, After School (Dorchester)

The Teen Center at St. Peter's is seeking volunteers to tutor middle school and high school students in basic reading and math, as well as provide homework help. The Teen Center is especially seeking Capeverdean Creole and/or Portuguese speakers. Many of our teens are recent arrivals to this country and are in great need of academic support. Our tutoring program runs Monday through Friday, 5-7 p.m. We ask only a one day a week commitment from our tutors. If you are interested in volunteering or would like to learn more about our program, please contact us.

Contact: Paulo De Barros — 617-282-3614


Metro Boston
Job Shadowing Program

The Teen Center at St. Peter's is seeking mentors to participate in our job shadowing program on Thursday, February 18, 2010. Selected high school students from the Teen Center at St. Peters will be assigned to shadow a mentor from participating businesses and organizations in the greater Boston area. Students and their mentors will be carefully paired based on the students academic and career interests. The student will spend a full workday with his or her mentor, learning about that persons job, duties and skills. The principal objective of Job Shadowing is to allow students to forge the essential connection between success in the classroom and success in the working world. To learn more about the program please contact us.

Contact: Paulo De Barros — 617-282-3614


Metro Boston
Tutors, After School (South Boston)

After-school volunteer tutors are needed for a vibrant, well-established Youth Tutoring Youth program that employs and trains adolescents to be tutors for elementary school students. Meeting after school during the school year and mornings in the summer, this program includes math and reading skill building, basic computer skills training, drug and alcohol awareness and educational and recreational field trips. Adult volunteers are needed to compliment and assist with the tutoring aspect of the program. Times of service are 4:30-5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. A minimum commitment of one time per week for 6 months is asked. Training is provided.

Contact: Judy Swanson — 617-268-9670


Metro Boston
Tutors/Teachers/Teacher Aides (Dorchester)

Teachers/tutors needed for an adult education program for adult newcomers to this country. Subject areas include English as a Second Language, English conversation, writing, literacy, basic and/or advanced mathematics, computer skills, GED and citizenship. Classes are held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5:30-8 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Agency will adjust to the volunteer's availability, for example, one evening per week. Knowledge of French or Creole would be helpful, but not required.

Contact: Jim McCarthy — 617-506-6626


Metro Boston
Tutors/Teaching Assistants

Help an adult learn to read and speak English and use a computer. Catholic Charities El Centro del Cardenal located in Jamaica Plain seeks volunteer computer lab assistants, teaching assistants, and tutors for its daytime adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. The ESOL classes are Monday-Thursday 9 AM to 1 PM. Volunteers will receive a program tour, an orientation, a volunteer manual, and supervision. There is a minimum commitment required of 2 hours a week for a cycle of classes, which last 12 weeks on average. Internships are possible. Bilingual candidates (Spanish - English) are encouraged to apply.

Contact: Robert Hibbard — 617-522-4040


Metro Boston
Volunteer Registered Nurse

The Volunteer Registered Nurse is a qualified individual appointed to work as a volunteer under the direction of the Public Health and Wellness Coordinator to provide wellness visits to homebound elders with chronic diseases. These patients are not eligible for skilled nursing care that is reimbursable by insurance. Volunteer nurses are responsible for such tasks as: assessing patients' vital signs and weight at home visits; assessing patients' knowledge and compliance with prescribed medications; instructing patients about their disease processes and how to navigate the health care system; referring patients to appropriate community resources; developing an individualized nursing care plan for each patient; and completing paperwork after every visit. Qualifications: 1. A current license in good standing in the State of Massachusetts with education/ experience as outlined in the Massachusetts State Law. 2. The ability to lift, push, pull 50 pounds. 3. The ability to communicate, write, read in English. 4. The ability to complete documentation as required. 5. Must be able to commute between the Labour Center and patients' homes.

Contact: Mary McColgan — 617-464-8551


Metro Boston
Woman's Shelter (Somerville)

Catholic Charities' shelter for women, located in Somerville, occasionally has the need for a person (or group) to help with special projects, such as repairs, painting, carpentry, waxing floors, cutting grass, etc. This volunteer assignment would require one or two visits rather than an on-going commitment.

Contact: Nancy Kavanagh — 617-625-1920


Metro Boston
Young Professionals Group (YoPros)

YoPros is an ecumenical group committed to cultivating and engaging young professionals who are dedicated and invested in supporting the anti-poverty work of Catholic Charities. The focus of YoPros is twofold: Connecting young adults who share the desire to be active in our mission through service, anti-poverty advocacy, and networking; and participation in group volunteer projects at our program sites in Eastern Massachusetts. If you are interested in learning more about YoPros or want to be added to the mailing list, email YoPros@ccab.org or follow us at http://twitter.com/yoprosccab.

Contact: Annie Schreiber — 617-451-7967


North of Boston

North of Boston
Companions to the Aging (Lynn area)

Volunteers provide companionship, a listening ear, and knowledge of available community services to isolated elders in the Lynn area on a weekly basis. Training and supervision are provided.

Contact: Jean Goguen — 781-593-2312


North of Boston
Grandparents for Literacy (Lynn, Peabody)

Volunteers spend two hours per week in a child care setting in Lynn or Peabody. They may read to a child or children and provide social interaction.

Contact: Jean Goguen — 781-593-2312


North of Boston
Teaching and Tutoring (Lynn)

Volunteers provide instruction to adult English Language Learners (ELL) individually or in small classes. Volunteers generally make a yearly commitment and meet with students once a week for one to two hours. Training is provided.

Contact: Jean Goguen — 781-593-2312


North of Boston
Clerical Support (Lynn, Salem, Danvers)

Clerical support is needed at offices in Lynn, Salem, and Danvers to answer telephones, greet clients, and help with paperwork and occasional mailings. Other special projects are based on skills and experience.

Contact: Jean Goguen — 781-593-2312


North of Boston
Maintenance (Lynn)

Volunteers are needed for seasonal help, including painting and small repairs as needed.

Contact: Jean Goguen — 781-593-2312


South of Boston

South of Boston
English Transcultural Center

Help teach English to new immigrants! The English Transcultural Center at Catholic Charities South is looking for English speakers who like to work with people. Volunteers should be able to dedicate 2-3 hours on two days each week to the program.

Contact: Nicki Meade Draves — 508-587-0815 x264


South of Boston
Food Pantry Volunteers

Catholic Charities' Food Pantry in Brockton needs volunteers to help stock shelves, assist with client intake, help clients with food choices and clean. The food pantry is open Mondays through Fridays, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and Monday evenings from 5-7 p.m. Bilingual helpful.

Contact: Nicki Meade Draves — 508-587-0815 x264


South of Boston
Maintenance

Volunteers are needed to keep the exterior and parking lot of the Brockton office at 686 N. Main Street clean. The work can be done anytime during the week, weather permitting. This could be done by an individual or as a one-time, group project.

Contact: Nicki Meade Draves — 508-587-0815 x264


South of Boston
Volunteer Leaders for Parish Outreach Programs

Parish volunteers with leadership skills are needed to help establish lay ministry outreach programs in areas south of Boston (i.e., cities and towns within the Archdiocese of Boston). Volunteers in these Outreach programs would reach out to frail, homebound and/or hospitalized elders providing spiritual support, sharing interests and conversation, occasional shopping, occasional transportation, providing information, reading and/or letter writing. Use your personal talents and life experience skills to help others! Catholic Charities will provide helpful ideas, training and ongoing support in establishing parish outreach programs.

Contact: Nicki Meade Draves — 508-587-0815 x264


South of Boston
Young Parents Program

Help recruit and organize donated baby items and distribute to clients. The hours are flexible. The Brockton office is open between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers should have good organizational skills.

Contact: Nicki Meade Draves — 508-587-0815 x264




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