Volunteer requirements by program
Because we want your volunteer experience to be a rewarding and valuable contribution, each of our volunteer opportunities has its own set of requirements. Please read these guidelines carefully before selecting the opportunity that best suits you. Thank you for supporting MIFA!
Childcare
The Life Skills Institute needs volunteers to assist with childcare Monday through Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. Children up to age 12 may attend classes, and duties may include helping children with schoolwork, changing diapers, sanitizing surfaces/toys, serving snacks, and following schedules. This program promotes healthy development in children who have been homeless.
Life Skills Institute
A partner of the Life Skills Institute offers expertise to the program or our clients. These partners may be mentors who work one-on-one with clients in transitional housing for homeless families, teachers or guest lecturers in Life Skills classes, or coaches for families working to improve their lives. Volunteers should be able to commit to the Life Skills Institute for a prolonged period.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Volunteers must be 21 years of age with no conflicts of interest, provide references, submit to a background check, and complete an interview. Twelve hours of training and certification are required before a volunteer may visit residents. Volunteers must be willing and able to commit to the program for a minimum of one year, visiting residents on a weekly basis and working to resolve conflicts within nursing homes and care facilities.
Meals
Each volunteer must possess a valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance. Volunteers should arrive at MIFA between 9:30 and 10 a.m. Monday through Friday to begin delivering meals. Each car will carry two coolers containing food items, and MIFA staff will provide explicit directions through the meals route (to about ten clients’ homes). Delivering an entire route takes approximately two hours.
The MIFA Store
MIFA Store volunteers should be responsible, honest, and self-motivated. The MIFA Store offers two volunteer opportunities: Organizing a drive for clothing and household items to donate to The MIFA Store (great for all ages - a perfect activity for groups and congregations) or helping sort and organize items in the store (these volunteers should be at least 16 years of age and commit to working regularly - no one-time volunteers, please).
Senior Companion
Volunteers must be at least 60 years of age, in good health, within federal income guidelines, and willing to work a minimum of 15 hours per week. Senior Companions should commit to the program for at least one year and will be paid a stipend of $2.65 for every hour served or spent in training. Additional benefits include a daily meal, transportation allowance, and paid vacations and holidays.
Special Events/Development
Volunteers must be able to give/take oral and written directions and possess computer skills related to word processing and database use. These assistants will stuff envelopes, make phone calls, write holiday cards, maintain spreadsheets, use a word processor, serve refreshments, set up and clean up, assist with events, host/hostess, and provide other general clerical support as needed.