Help Make A Difference, Volunteer!

Benefits
Volunteering can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. Many volunteers in our program interact one-on-one with youths, developing long-term friendships. Others share their talents with a number of children in various program areas.

Each volunteer is assigned according to his or her talents and interests. We provide proper training and continuing education, treating volunteers with the same respect as professional staff.

Screening
We carefully select our volunteers who want to work directly with our children and youth. The application and training process for direct service with children takes approximately 4-6 weeks, and includes:

• All Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age.
• Volunteers must complete an application and background check, have a physical exam, provide three references, and have an interview.
  

Opportunities
Allendale has opportunities for individuals and groups to work directly with our children and youth, in our Thrift Store, or in project-related activities on our various campuses.

Big Pal/Mentor Program
Big Pals offer Allendale children the chance to develop positive one-on-one relationships with adults. A Big Pal spends time with his or her child weekly; they may go to a movie, on a picnic, or for a walk in the park. If you want to make a significant impact on the life of a child in need, this program may be for you. Home visits can take place following the completion of a home study. For more information click here.

Educational Surrogate
Do you have a heart to see kids get the most out of their education? We need adults who will evaluate a child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) to see if it is meeting the child's educational needs. These educational surrogates will attend at least two staffings* per year to discuss the IEP and advocate for the child in terms of his or her educational growth. Training is provided.

* A staffing is a meeting at which a child's therapeutic team meets to discuss the child's progress.

Greenhouse Tutor
If you have a green thumb and want to spread your love of horticulture and gardening to our children, volunteer at our Bernard B. Rinella, Jr. Horticultural Center. Help out with class projects and assist with the care and maintenance of our plants.

Thrift Store Sales Associate
The Allendale Association runs Hidden Treasures, a thrift store located in Round Lake Beach, IL. All proceeds from the store benefit the children of Allendale. Sales associates provide courteous service and assistance to our customers. They also accept and process donations, tag and stock merchandise and maintain customer areas of the store. Various hours are available during the week and on Saturdays. At this time, this opportunity does not involve working directly with Allendale children, but we are open to hours being filled by a Big Pal working with his or her Allendale resident.

Group Opportunities
If you have a group that would like to volunteer, we invite you to come and help us out! A variety of opportunities exist, from beautification projects to game days with the children. We are open to suggestions as well, so if you an idea, please let us know!

Contact: Volunteer Services Coordinator, Laura Craemer
Phone: 847-245-6483
E-Mail: Volunteer@Allendale4kids.org