Volunteer

Volunteer … and change a child’s life

Volunteers play a very important role here at Family and Children’s Services of St. Thomas and Elgin. They are the vital link between the Agency and the community we serve.

The goal of volunteer services is to engage children, youth and families by sharing volunteer skills, time and talents. Together, with the Agency at large, volunteers help to ensure that life outcomes for children, youth and families are improved and connections to their community are strengthened.

Volunteers must be 18 years or older and must be able to make a minimum one year commitment to the volunteer program.

Volunteers must understand their duty to report any suspicion of abuse or neglect.
They are required to maintain the strictest standards of confidentiality and support the Agency’s mission and values.

Volunteers must be committed to engaging in a culturally responsive way. They must be reliable and respectful individuals with an open and non-judgmental attitude. We welcome volunteers from all racial, ethnic, social, economic, linguistic, religious backgrounds and sexual orientations.

All volunteers must complete an application form prior to the screening process. Once completed, please mail or drop off at the Child, Youth and Family Centre, 99 Edward Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1Y8.

Becoming a volunteer includes completing an application, attending an interview and training. We also need to make sure that volunteers are safe people for our children and families to spend time with. For this reason, a police check, personal references and child welfare check are required.

Volunteers must also complete AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with a Disability Act) training and be familiar with the AODA standards.

Application Form

Volunteer Opportunities

Opportunities to volunteer vary but however you choose to get involved, we will do our best to find the right fit for your skills, interest and availability. Learn more about the volunteer positions we offer, from volunteer driving to mentoring children and youth.

No matter how you volunteer with us, you will be a part of a team that includes staff, foster families, children and their families. You will benefit from training, supervision, and recognition for your contribution – but your primary reward will be knowing that you make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

Choose an opportunity that matches your skill and commitments.

Volunteer Drivers

Volunteer Drivers provide safe and reliable transportation for children and youth to programs and appointments. They are responsible for ensuring passenger safety and well-being and for complying with all Highway and Traffic Acts.

Commitment is long term and hours vary based on need.

Volunteer Mentors

Volunteer Mentors act as a positive role model and build healthy relationships with children and youth through outings and activities. The purpose of a mentor is to help build trust and increase childrens’ self-esteem.

Commitment is long term, 1-2 hours a week.

Board Volunteers

Commitment is 3 years, 4 hours a month.

Become a Member

Special Project Volunteers

Special Project Volunteers support other areas of the program including the annual holiday campaign, backpack project, donation support, special events or other important tasks as needed.

Commitment is mostly short-term, varying from 2 – 8 hours per project, as required.

Proud to be a Volunteer

Our volunteers are part of a bigger team that is committed to pursuing innovation and excellence in the service it provides to the community. We are invested in leading the way as we journey together with families and community partners.

How will you make a difference?

For More Information

We would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have about our volunteer program. Here’s how to contact the Volunteer Coordinator:

Call 519-631-1492 (ext 151).

Email at mproulx@caselgin.on.ca.

The Volunteer Program is situated at the Child, Youth and Family Centre of Family & Children’s Services:

99 Edward Street
St. Thomas, ON N5P 1Y8