There are so many ways for you to get involved at First Light. Our volunteer base includes people from all walks of life and all levels of life experience. From the 11-year-old who donates her birthday money every other year to the churches who serve dinner a week at a time to the rotary club who contributed new lockers and seat cushions to the 4-H Club that renovated the courtyard, adding a new picnic table… there’s a full spectrum of opportunities. It’s up to you.
Examples:
- Serving on the Board of Directors
The board serves in an advisory capacity to the Executive Director and devotes much of its effort throughout the year to the Gala, our annual fundraiser. These individuals can come from any field and may simply wish to serve based on their personal commitment toward ending homelessness. If you are interested in serving on First Light’s Board of Directors, please contact Ruth Crosby at ruth.crosby@firstlightshelter.org.
- Bringing and serving breakfast or dinnerVolunteers bring and serve breakfast or dinner for 60 women on a daily basis. Breakfast is served from 6:30-7:30am Monday-Friday and from 7:30-8:30am on Saturday and Sunday. Dinner is served at 6:30pm every night. First Light has a fully-stocked commercial kitchen available for groups wishing to prepare the meal in-house.
- Staying overnight
Every night, at least one volunteer is scheduled to arrive at 7pm and hand out necessary supplies to the women in the emergency shelter. Overnight volunteers are provided with a private sleeping space and bathroom. This tends to be a rewarding experience because it affords the opportunity to have contact with the guests on a more personal and meaningful level.
If you are interested in volunteering overnight, please click here and read a few more details about this very special volunteer opportunity. Because this necessarily involves a commitment to confidentiality, there are guidelines
- Offering services or activities for our guestsAs a center providing services to homeless women and children, we attempt to provide new and stimulating experiences to our guests. These could include: Bible Studies in our chapel; arts and crafts; free attendance at plays, concerts and other community events; a spa day including manicures, facials and massages; AA and NA meetings; and holiday parties, to name a few. This is where you get to be creative! Contact Shannon Horsley at shannon.horsley@firstlightshelter.org if you are interested in brainstorming this volunteer opportunity.
If you or your company could provide a service that benefits the good work done here, not necessarily with direct contact with the women, please let us know by contacting Deborah Everson at deborah.everson@firstlightshelter.org.
