Volunteers can be found at all levels of the Catherine McAuley Center! Many work directly with clients, some support projects behind the scenes, and others provide leadership through the board or a committee, but they are all offering hope and opportunity with their service.
Explore common volunteer roles below, then sign up for an orientation (required for direct service roles) or contact our Volunteer Manager at volunteer@cmc-cr.org or 319-731-0446 to get started!
*Orientation required for this volunteer role
*Tutor Adult Learners
Help an adult learner improve basic academic skills, learn English, or study for the U.S. citizenship exam. (Minimum commitment of 1 hour per week for 10 weeks)
*Work with Youth (LIFE Program)
Are you an engaging and creative person who enjoys working with youth 13-21 years of age? This program seeks to promote social-emotional learning, exploration of interests, and English acquisition among refugee and immigrant students. Volunteer with our Afterschool LIFE program on Wednesdays from 5-6:30pm or during Summer LIFE Tuesdays-Fridays 1-4pm! (Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age)
*Work with Children
Do you enjoy working with children and creating an engaging environment? CMC Kids creates a safe, fun, and educational space for children to go while their parents access services at the Center. (Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age)
Snacks for Skill-Building
Are you seeking flexible and family friendly opportunities to serve others? Do you enjoy baking, but need somewhere to share the goodies? Extend hospitality to our neighbors by donating snacks and refreshments! You can view and sign up for opportunities here.
Community Garden
Do you enjoy gardening and working outdoors? Do you want to support access to fresh, nutrient-dense foods? In this flexible role, volunteers help tend to our Community Garden, which produces fresh food for our pantry, as well as offers access to clients to grow their own food in personal garden plots! No pre-application or orientation are needed. Sign up for shifts here.
Donations Management
Sort and organize donations and help welcome new refugee families by setting up their homes! (Weekday and weekend opportunities available)
Food Pantry
Help families in our community access nourishing, culturally-appropriate food! Volunteers may help transport food, clean, organize, and re-stock shelves. (Flexible scheduling!)
Host a Food/Supply Drive or Fundraiser
Work with your club, workplace, or place of worship to raise funds or supplies that directly support the mission of the Catherine McAuley Center! Collect items from our wishlist, gather household goods for a new refugee family, or get creative and host an event to benefit CMC! Information for Hosting a Food or Supply Drive
Join a Committee
Help advise various departments or initiatives of the Catherine McAuley Center! Committee advisory areas include but are not limited to endowment, events, facilities, finance, fundraising and public relations, and programs. (Committees meet for one hour on a monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly basis)
Facility Maintenance
Help with basic facility needs such as making a trip to the recycling center, painting, moving furniture, or cleaning and organizing. (Flexible scheduling, projects as needed)
Administrative Support
Are you comfortable with computers and looking for ways to keep your skills sharp while enjoying a more flexible schedule? Help support data entry and maintenance, filing, and other administrative projects. (Flexible scheduling, projects as needed)
Social Media Advocacy
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter and actively share our content to help engage more people in the Catherine McAuley Center mission!
Internships
Gain work experience by working directly with Catherine McAuley Center program or administrative staff!
Other Options
Are you a graphic designer? Do you enjoy event planning? Let us know what special talent or skill you would like to share with us!