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.
Merrimack Valley
Merrimack ValleyFood Pantry Assistants in LowellThe 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:
Delis Rivera — 978-454-9946
Merrimack ValleyGrandparents as Parents Resource Network of Greater LowellCatholic Charities seeks adult volunteers of any age to assist this network, which is sponsored by Catholic Charities in partnership with the greater Lowell community. Volunteers are needed for the following positions:
- Drivers - Transport grandparents to support group meetings and to other essential appointments.
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Handy men/women - To occasionally repair household items that may be broken for grandparents rearing grandchildren.
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Interpreter - Spanish and/or Khmer speaking interpreters are needed to assist with initial intake and case management.
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Legal Advocate - Assist parenting grandparents who apply for legal guardianship. Supervision is provided. Social work, counseling or legal experiences a plus.
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Library Aide - Prepare a small lending library on pertinent topics.
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Respite Caregivers - Provide child care for special needs children in the home of grandparents for a few hours or a weekend at a time. Must love children and be skilled in special needs.
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Support Group Interpreter - Spanish speaking individuals are needed to assist with interpretation at a Spanish speaking support group. Meetings are held the first Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m.-12 noon in Lawrence.
Contact:
— 978-459-3242
Metro Boston
Metro BostonBasic Needs Emergency Services Assistants (South End)El Centro del Cardenal, located in the South End of Boston, needs Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with its Basic Needs Emergency Services program. This program provides emergency financial assistance, referrals and a food pantry to Latino families.
Contact:
Shelley Rieman — 617-542-9292
Metro BostonChild Care Assistants - NewtonCaring adults are needed weekdays, Monday through Friday, (anytime between 3 and 9 p.m.) at a residence for homeless families in Newton. Tasks would include child care, assisting children with homework, reading with or to the children. This same residence can use volunteers who are skilled at home repairs, painting or donation organization.
Contact:
Geri Gregoire — 617-332-9905
Metro BostonCommunity Education NurseFree blood pressure screenings are provided by the Labouré Center at regularly scheduled times and sites in South Boston and Dorchester. Volunteer would assist with blood pressure recording and community education regarding blood pressure. Qualifications: LPN or RN or Nursing or Public Health student; enjoyment of working in elder setting and willingness to travel to blood pressure sites. Time commitment: minimum of one session (one-and-one-half-hour clinic) per month.
Contact:
Judy Swanson — 617-268-9670
Metro BostonConversational PartnersHelp someone learn to read or speak English. Catholic Charities El Centro del Cardenal located in Boston's South End 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:
Robert Hibbard — 617-542-9292
Metro BostonConversational PartnersHelp 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:
Sara Jourgensen — 617-506-6639
Metro BostonCreative HandworkWould 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 men's ski hat for a refugee?
Contact:
Carol Reilly — 617-451-7934
Metro BostonFood Pantry AssistantsEl 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:
Shelley Rieman — 617-542-9292
Metro BostonFoster GrandparentsAn 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:
Maria Henley — 617-625-1920
Metro BostonFriendly VisitorsFriendly visitors are needed to visit lonely 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, attendance at training classes 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, Dedham, Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park and Brookline.
Contact:
Emily Dingwell — 617-522-4200
Metro BostonFundraising ActivitiesThere are many levels of involvement for volunteers in the fund-raising 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 BostonHaitian Multi-Service Center at the Yawkey CenterCatholic 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:
Marie Verdieu — 617-506-6600
Metro BostonMaintenanceVolunteers needed for basic home repairs, painting and organization of donations. Flexible hours, Monday through Friday in Newton.
Contact:
Geri Gregoire — 617-332-9905
Metro BostonMentoring Program - South BostonSouth 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 BostonMentors for Youth (South End)El Centro del Cardenal, located in the South End, needs adult volunteers willing to provide once-a-week contact (approximately two hours per week) with an adolescent student for the period of one year.
Contact: El Centro del Cardenal — 617-542-9292
Metro BostonPregnancy Help CounselorVolunteer counselor to work with Pregnancy Help clients and supporting alternatives to abortion. Training provided, days and hours flexible. Brighton location.
Contact:
Maria Ferreira — 617-782-5151
Metro BostonPregnancy Help VolunteerVolunteers needed at Pregnancy Help to be available for large mailings or projects on an "on call basis." Brighton location.
Contact:
Maria Ferreira — 617-782-5151
Metro BostonRefugee and Immigration ServicesVolunteer 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:
Maureen Wagner — 617-350-4828
Metro BostonResidence for Mothers and Children - RoxburyReceptionists 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.
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Maintenance assistant - A volunteer is needed to help with minor repairs, installations or cleaning on an "as-needed" basis.
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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: Carmel Tunis — 617-541-0100
Metro BostonSpanish-Speaking VolunteersEl Centro del Cardenal is a multi-service community agency providing educational and social support to youth and adults in the Greater Boston area. El Centro del Cardenal seeks volunteers to help with the alternative high school and the adult education program. The center also has a need for bilingual social workers willing to offer some volunteer time. The parenting program can use the help of understanding, caring adults as well. El Centro del Cardenal is located in the South End of Boston.
Contact: El Centro del Cardenal — 617-542-9292
Metro BostonTeacher's AideVolunteer 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:
Pam Penton — 617-522-4040
Metro BostonTutor, 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 — 617-506-6600
Metro BostonTutors/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:
Marie Verdieu — 617-506-6600
Metro BostonTutors, 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 BostonVisiting Nurse Services VolunteerCatholic Charities' Visiting Nurse Services (VNS) at the Labouré Center provides a complete healthcare delivery team of skilled nursing, home health care, medical social workers, registered dieticians, and rehabilitative therapies. Whether a patient's family member needs to learn how to operate medical equipment at home or wants to ask questions about a treatment plan, the visiting team can make a critical difference in enabling patients to remain in their homes and to remain as healthy as possible. A volunteer is needed to supervise the design, production, and distribution of a newsletter for the VNS. Computer knowledge and design layout skills are necessary.
Contact:
Priscilla Greene — 617-268-9670
Metro BostonWoman'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 BostonYoung Professionals' CommitteeThis group of Boston-area Young Professionals meets every other month to plan social and service events for a large group of members. Anyone is welcome to join and participate in the committee. If you are interested in learning more about the Young Professionals or simply being added to the e-mail list, please contact us.
Contact:
Jill Ettori — 617-451-7958
North of Boston
North of BostonAfter-School Program - SalemVolunteers are needed one or two evenings (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) a week to shop and prepare meals for the after-school program in Salem.
Contact:
Jean Goguen — 781-593-2312
North of BostonCompanions to the AgingCatholic Charities North is seeking volunteers in their Companions to the Aging program. Volunteers provide companionship and a listening ear to elders in the Lynn, Salem and Swampscott area on a weekly basis.
Contact:
Jean Goguen — 781-593-2312
North of BostonEducation and Parenting Skills Center AidesAn alternative education program designed to meet the needs of pregnant and parenting adolescents who have dropped out of school needs volunteers to tutor students in Lynn. Training and supervision provided.
Contact:
Jean Goguen — 781-593-2312
North of BostonESL Tutors in LynnCatholic Charities North is seeking volunteers to tutor in an English as a Second Language Program at St. Patrick's Asian Center in Lynn. Volunteers will meet with students once a week for two hours, classes are held in the evening. Prior teaching experience is helpful.
Contact:
Jean Goguen — 781-593-2312
North of BostonMentor Program for Young FamiliesVolunteers needed to provide support and guidance for teen parents, both moms and dads, ages 12 to 18. North Shore area. Training and supervision provided.
Contact:
Jean Goguen — 781-593-2312
North of BostonParent AidesParent aides needed to offer support and understanding to parents in time of stress. Programs are located in Lynn, Salem and Malden areas. Families are at high risk. Volunteers visit on a weekly basis to provide nonjudgmental support, reduce isolation and increase parenting skills. Volunteers should have availability to listen and to encourage and help with parenting and household management problems. Training and supervision provided. North Shore area.
Contact:
Jean Goguen — 781-593-2312
North of BostonReceptionistsPersons needed to cover front desk at a Lynn community service center. Answer phones, greet guests, direct people to appropriate persons/offices, etc. Volunteers are needed during the day, Monday through Friday and on Wednesday evenings. Two hours per week or more, according to volunteer's availability. Qualifications: pleasant telephone manner, patience, cordial/welcoming personality and a desire to be of service to others.
Contact:
Jean Goguen — 781-593-2312
North of BostonTutors (Catholic Charities North, Lynn)Catholic Charities North is seeking volunteer tutors for its English for Speakers of Other Languages program. Knowledge of another language is helpful but not required.
Contact:
Jean Goguen — 781-593-2312
North of BostonVITA Program Volunteers (Volunteers in Teaching Adults)VITA is a tutoring program for new immigrants in English for Speakers of Other Languages program as well as literacy. Immigration and citizenship assistance and citizenship classes are offered. Volunteers tutor and assist adults as they learn about a new country and culture. Training and supervision provided. Located in the North Shore Area.
Contact:
Jean Goguen — 781-593-2312
South of Boston
South of BostonBasic Needs Emergency Services AssistantsThe Basic Needs Emergency Services program in Brockton needs help with clerical work, including data entry, answering phones and returning messages. The office is open Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Volunteers can make their own schedule. Should have some computer skills and be good with people.
Contact:
Robert Loxley — 508-581-0185
South of BostonEnglish Transcultural CenterHelp 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:
Lara Herosy — 508-587-0815
South of BostonFood Pantry AssistantsCatholic 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 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and Monday evenings from 5-7 p.m. Bi-lingual helpful.
Contact:
Robert Loxley — 508-587-0815
South of BostonMaintenanceA volunteer is 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 or on the weekend weather permitting.
Contact:
Lisa Lodge — 508-587-0815
South of BostonVisitation ProgramTrained volunteers visit the homebound, hospitalized or otherwise disabled persons in cities and towns south of Boston. Typical tasks include sharing interests and conversation, occasional shopping, occasional escort, providing information, reading and/or letter writing, shared prayer/spirituality. The programs are non-sectarian, but volunteers gladly try to carry out spiritual requests. The service area includes Stoughton, Quincy, Easton, Randolph, Hanson, Halifax, Pembroke, Avon, Plymouth, Kingston, Carver, Duxbury, Middleboro, Lakeville, the Bridgewaters, Braintree, Whitman, Scituate, Brockton and Weymouth.
Contact:
Brother Charles Moran — 888-818-8955
South of BostonVolunteer Leaders for Parish Outreach ProgramsParish volunteers with leadership skills are needed to help establish lay ministry outreach programs in areas south of Boston (i.e., Quincy to Bridgewater and east). Outreach programs might focus on visits to the homebound, bereavement support, family life issues, parenting support, etc. Be creative and make your own suggestions! 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:
Brother Charles Moran — 888-818-8955
South of BostonYoung Parents ProgramHelp 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:
Janice Anderson — 508-587-0815
