Since its inception in 1919, when it was known as Associated Charities, volunteers have been the people who have delivered the programs of Community Care.

The day-to-day tasks that provide active programming require many hours of human effort. A dedicated volunteer force works together with staff to ensure the successful delivery of our programs.

Volunteers are needed with strong people skills, compassion and patience. The volunteer positions available include front desk receptionist, warehouse staff, clothes and food cupboard monitors as well as sorters of both clothing and food.

Anyone volunteering time to the service of Community Care is required to complete a volunteer application and sign a Declaration of Confidentiality. New volunteers are required to take part in a short orientation program.

Complete your Community Service hours at Community Care. Opportunities are available at both the St. Catharines and Thorold locations.

• Make an amazing impression on potential employers
• Build up your resume with real life business and social skills
• Create valuable contacts and references within the community
• Cultivate personal growth
• Make a difference in the lives of others
• Get involved and give back to your community
• Meet new people and take on new challenges
• Feel really good about yourself

Students volunteer in a number of areas including our warehouse, clothing room and food distribution centre.

Monday to Friday, after school, 2:30PM to 4:30PM

Throughout the summer and during school holidays.

Selected Saturdays and weeknight evenings during special events and food drives.

Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Marcy Heit at 905-685-1349 ext. 225.

Niagara Serve is a faith based project in the Niagara region in which 50 youth and adult leaders from all over Canada and the United States participate in community service projects. These young people come to Niagara to volunteer and serve others. We look forward once again to their arrival in early July 2006. Organized in-groups of 5 to 6 with a team leader, they will offer assistance at both Community Care locations throughout the week.

Our ongoing cooperative education placement program provides a number of opportunities for individuals. We welcome both secondary school students as well as students from both Brock University and Niagara College. The agency benefits from their hands on efforts, but more importantly the students' experience first hand the realities of a real work environment in the social services sector.

Clients with John Howard are able to complete their community service hours, while individuals in retraining programs from both the YMCA and YWCA complete their placements at Community Care. Additional volunteers come to us through "partner" organizations including: The Ontario March of Dimes, R.E.A.L. Work, Anagram & Mainstream organizations. Partnering with these groups creates a tremendous learning atmosphere for all involved and certainly supports the "many hands make light work" concept.