Women’s Hearth: The Women's Hearth is a safe, welcoming community that promotes growth and well-being in body, mind, and spirit for women of diverse backgrounds. The Hearth fosters nurturing relationships, encourages self-determination, and advocates for change in systems that oppress women. The Hearth provides free services that promote growth and healing including: over 70 groups and classes per month, access to resources and referrals for various social services, a technology center with free access to internet and computers, and access to basic needs such as showers, food, and hygiene products. Must identify as a woman to serve here.
Volunteer Roles: (Commitment of 30 volunteer hours is required; does not have to be completed in one term.)
- Arts & Crafts Group Leader: This volunteer will lead a weekly group and offer instruction on simple art projects. No expertise needed, just enthusiasm for making art and working with people. All materials are provided onsite.
- Hygiene & Health Group Leader: This volunteer will lead a weekly or biweekly group on topics relating to health and hygiene. This may include: instructions on basic hygiene, hygiene-related diseases, sexual health, preventative care, and related wellness topics. This would be a great opportunity for a volunteer with a background or career interest in nursing, physical education, nutritional science, or social work.
- Sewing Circle Group Leader: This volunteer will lead a weekly sewing circle. We encourage the group leader to offer some instruction as needed, or try creative sewing projects, but the circle can also be an opportunity for curious beginners to try sewing for the first time. All materials are provided onsite.
- Knit & Crochet Group Leader: This volunteer will lead our weekly knit and crochet group, which is typically held on Fridays, but can be changed to accommodate a group leader’s schedule. Historically, this group has been a mixture of beginners who need instruction on either knitting or crocheting, and experienced knitters and crocheters who simply enjoy the company. All materials are provided onsite.
- Cooking Class Group Leader: This volunteer will lead a weekly or biweekly cooking class. The curriculum and instructions for the class have already been created and will be easy for a new group leader to follow. A volunteer will simply need to bring recipe ideas and an enthusiasm for cooking. A food handlers permit is encouraged but not required, as staff onsite already have food handlers permits and will assist. All materials are provided onsite, and we encourage volunteers to utilize our food pantry and get creative with ingredients!
- Program Assistant Internship: In this new volunteer position, program assistants will provide support to staff and participants at the front desk of Women’s Hearth. Tasks will include checking in participants, answering phones, communicating with participants, and assisting as needed during daily operations or special events. Volunteers will always be partnered with a staff member on the floor, and the Volunteer & Activities Coordinator will provide training and supervision during this internship. This is a great resume-building opportunity for anyone discerning a career in social work to learn about shelter operations, connect with our unhoused neighbors, and gain valuable direct service experience. The minimum time commitment is 4 hours per week, though students completing the internship for credit will base their hours around course requirements. We are flexible with scheduling but do ask for consistency and follow-through from all interns.
- Winter Clean Up: The Women's Hearth, Transitions, is a drop-in center for women experiencing poverty and homelessness. Join us in keeping the Hearth warm and clean by helping us with deep cleaning. Women and men volunteers welcome!
Contact: Ariel Fitzgerald at afitzgerald@help4women.org
