Volunteer Engagement at Hope House
Hope House engages volunteers on a limited, invitation-based basis to support specific campus needs when they arise. Because we serve women and families navigating complex recovery and stability challenges, we are intentional about when, how, and if volunteers are brought onto campus. Protecting the safety, privacy, and dignity of our participants is our highest priority.
Joining the list does not guarantee a volunteer opportunity. We use this list only to notify the community when a specific, supervised campus project becomes available.
How Volunteer Engagement Works
Volunteer involvement at Hope House is:
- Occasional and project-specific
- Initiated by Hope House, based on identified organizational needs
- Approved and supervised by Hope House leadership and staff
We do not maintain a standing volunteer program or offer ongoing volunteer roles. Volunteer activities never involve direct services, program delivery, childcare, mentoring, supervision, or interaction with participants.
Why Opportunities Are Limited
Our campus environment requires careful oversight. Many of the individuals and families we serve are in vulnerable situations and may not be able to accurately assess risk, boundaries, or intent from others. For this reason, Hope House carefully controls who is allowed on campus and under what circumstances.
Volunteer engagement is only pursued when it can be done safely, responsibly, and without creating additional burden for staff or risk for participants.
How to Stay Informed
Rather than accepting individual volunteer requests, Hope House shares opportunities only when a specific campus project arises and we have the capacity to manage it appropriately.
If you would like to be notified when these limited opportunities become available, please join our Volunteer Interest Mailing List:
Please note: we are not able to respond to individual requests for volunteer placement or create custom volunteer projects.
Important Boundaries
To ensure safety and clarity:
- Volunteers do not have unsupervised contact with participants
- Volunteers do not provide services or assist with care or programming
- Volunteers do not engage in clinical, supervisory, or decision-making roles
- All volunteer activities are supervised by Hope House staff
These boundaries are non-negotiable and exist to protect the people we serve.
Guest Speakers & External Presenters
Hope House may occasionally host guest speakers or external presenters for structured, time-limited educational or informational sessions. Guest speakers are not volunteers or staff and do not provide direct services.
All guest speakers are supervised and escorted by Hope House staff and do not have unsupervised contact with participants.
Particpant Confidentiality & Safety
Hope House is a treatment facility, so any interaction with participants and their families is to be kept completely confidential. To avoid the conflict of interest with potential volunteers and participants served, please notify our staff of any conflicts with individuals (including custody of children, grandchildren, etc.).
Volunteers are subject to background & medical checks if volunteering on site. All volunteers are required to sign a confidentiality agreement. All information provided by volunteers will be kept confidential. Volunteers providing activities or services on campus on a continuous basis must submit a background check prior to beginning at Hope House.