Needs From: Volunteer Center of Greater Battle Creek and Kalamazoo

Volunteer: Food Justice - Meal Prep

Food Justice team

Help Prepare meals for the children in our Early Learning Classrooms

Hours:  Any day between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm

Location: YWCA Kalamazoo

Qualifications:

1. 18 years of age

2.  Must have basic kitchen skills.

3. Interest in food, cooking, and children’s nutritional health

4. Must be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds

Responsibilities:

1. Assist with food prep

2. Help with dishwashing, sanitizing surfaces, and keeping the kitchen clean

3. Delivering food to the classrooms

4. Stocking shelves and organizing supplies

5. Supporting creative kitchen projects

6. Willingness to assist with other tasks as needed

Physical Requirements:

1.  Standing, lifting, bending, twisting  

2.  Must be able to lift up to 10-15 pounds

Position Training and Requirements:

1. Kitchen Training

2. General understanding of YWCA Mission

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

Food Justice team

Help Prepare meals for the children in our Early Learning Classrooms

Hours:  Any day between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm

Location: YWCA Kalamazoo

Qualifications:

1. 18 years of age

2.  Must have basic kitchen skills.

3. Interest in food, cooking, and children’s nutritional health

4. Must be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds

Responsibilities:

1. Assist with food prep

2. Help with dishwashing, sanitizing surfaces, and keeping the kitchen clean

3. Delivering food to the classrooms

4. Stocking shelves and organizing supplies

5. Supporting creative kitchen projects

6. Willingness to assist with other tasks as needed

Physical Requirements:

1.  Standing, lifting, bending, twisting  

2.  Must be able to lift up to 10-15 pounds

Position Training and Requirements:

1. Kitchen Training

2. General understanding of YWCA Mission

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49007

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Reception Desk

The YWCA is seeking a Reception/Greeter

Qualifications:

1. Warm, welcoming communication skills with the ability to create a safe and inclusive environment for all visitors

2. Professional and courteous phone etiquette

3. Reliability and attention to detail when greeting guests. Accepting deliveries or packages

4. Commitment to maintaining confidentiality

5. Basic office skills, including comfort with phone systems

6. Dependable, punctual, and representing the YWCA in a positive, service-oriented manner

7. Demonstrated ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds

Responsibilities:

1. Answer and direct incoming phone calls

2. Greet and check in visitors in a warm and professional manner

3. Accept and log packages or deliveries

4. Provide basic information about YWCA programs

5. Maintain a tidy and welcoming reception area

6. Assist staff with light administrative tasks as needed

7. Safeguard confidential information gained as a result of the position

Training: YWCA Provides Training

1. General understanding of YWCA’s Mission

2. Front desk training: phones, processes and procedures


Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

The YWCA is seeking a Reception/Greeter

Qualifications:

1. Warm, welcoming communication skills with the ability to create a safe and inclusive environment for all visitors

2. Professional and courteous phone etiquette

3. Reliability and attention to detail when greeting guests. Accepting deliveries or packages

4. Commitment to maintaining confidentiality

5. Basic office skills, including comfort with phone systems

6. Dependable, punctual, and representing the YWCA in a positive, service-oriented manner

7. Demonstrated ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds

Responsibilities:

1. Answer and direct incoming phone calls

2. Greet and check in visitors in a warm and professional manner

3. Accept and log packages or deliveries

4. Provide basic information about YWCA programs

5. Maintain a tidy and welcoming reception area

6. Assist staff with light administrative tasks as needed

7. Safeguard confidential information gained as a result of the position

Training: YWCA Provides Training

1. General understanding of YWCA’s Mission

2. Front desk training: phones, processes and procedures


Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49004

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Kitchen Cleaning Crews

Help us keep our kitchens shining and spotless.

A little time and elbow grease makes a big difference!

We have two Dreamery sites to cover, so don't be shy, sign up now.

OngoingMonth- JuneAny time between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pmTime Commitment: 2 Hours

Deep Clean Tasks Include:

Empty, clean, and restock kitchen cupboardsWipe down major appliances and countertopsSweep and mop floorOther cleaning tasks as needed

By helping keep our kitchens clean, you’re supporting a safe and healthy space where we can serve the children delicious, nutritious meals.

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

Help us keep our kitchens shining and spotless.

A little time and elbow grease makes a big difference!

We have two Dreamery sites to cover, so don't be shy, sign up now.

OngoingMonth- JuneAny time between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pmTime Commitment: 2 Hours

Deep Clean Tasks Include:

Empty, clean, and restock kitchen cupboardsWipe down major appliances and countertopsSweep and mop floorOther cleaning tasks as needed

By helping keep our kitchens clean, you’re supporting a safe and healthy space where we can serve the children delicious, nutritious meals.

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49007

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Shelter Meal Coordinator

Our YWCA Women’s Shelter is seeking a compassionate and reliable volunteer to support our community through the power of a shared meal. This role involves creating a simple weekly meal plan and preparing one large, nourishing meal each day for the women and children staying in the shelter.

Volunteers help ensure families have access to one main meal during a time when stability and care matter most. This is a meaningful opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact by providing not just food, but a sense of warmth, dignity, and community.

Qualifications:

Ability to plan simple, organized weekly grocery listBasic cooking skills and confidence preparing one main meal for larger groupUnderstanding of safe food handling and kitchen cleanliness practicesReliable, consistent, and able to follow a set scheduleRespectful, compassionate, and able to maintain confidentiality in a shelter settingAbility to work independently while following YWCA guidelinesMust be able to work with people of diverse backgroundsWillingness to complete any required background checks and orientationSee physical requirements


Responsibilities: Create a simple, organized weekly grocery list based on planned meals (must enjoy spending time planning meals and creating shopping lists)Prepare one large, nourishing meal each day for shelter residentsMaintain a clean, safe, and welcoming kitchen spaceWork cooperatively with shelter residents, staff and other volunteersOversee the upkeep of the shelter kitchen


Time Commitment:

This position is needed daily to support the ongoing needs of our shelter.

Volunteers are welcome to choose the day(s) that best fit their personal schedule, whether committing to one day per week or multiple days as they are able.

The time of day for each volunteer shift will be coordinated between the volunteer and the program manager to ensure the needs of the kitchen and residents are met.

A minimum commitment of approximately 2 hours per shift is requested to allow time for meal preparation and basic kitchen upkeep.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds Bending Twisting Sitting Standing

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

Our YWCA Women’s Shelter is seeking a compassionate and reliable volunteer to support our community through the power of a shared meal. This role involves creating a simple weekly meal plan and preparing one large, nourishing meal each day for the women and children staying in the shelter.

Volunteers help ensure families have access to one main meal during a time when stability and care matter most. This is a meaningful opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact by providing not just food, but a sense of warmth, dignity, and community.

Qualifications:

Ability to plan simple, organized weekly grocery listBasic cooking skills and confidence preparing one main meal for larger groupUnderstanding of safe food handling and kitchen cleanliness practicesReliable, consistent, and able to follow a set scheduleRespectful, compassionate, and able to maintain confidentiality in a shelter settingAbility to work independently while following YWCA guidelinesMust be able to work with people of diverse backgroundsWillingness to complete any required background checks and orientationSee physical requirements


Responsibilities: Create a simple, organized weekly grocery list based on planned meals (must enjoy spending time planning meals and creating shopping lists)Prepare one large, nourishing meal each day for shelter residentsMaintain a clean, safe, and welcoming kitchen spaceWork cooperatively with shelter residents, staff and other volunteersOversee the upkeep of the shelter kitchen


Time Commitment:

This position is needed daily to support the ongoing needs of our shelter.

Volunteers are welcome to choose the day(s) that best fit their personal schedule, whether committing to one day per week or multiple days as they are able.

The time of day for each volunteer shift will be coordinated between the volunteer and the program manager to ensure the needs of the kitchen and residents are met.

A minimum commitment of approximately 2 hours per shift is requested to allow time for meal preparation and basic kitchen upkeep.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds Bending Twisting Sitting Standing

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49007

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Baby Bag Packers

Cradle Mission: The Cradle collaborative encompasses a solid commitment from community partners, several healthcare institutions, key funding agencies, local academic institutions, multi-denominational faith-based organizations, and both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations: all engaged for the reduction of racial disparities of infant mortality rates in Kalamazoo.

YWCA's Cradle team is looking for volunteers to help sort baby items and pack baby bags for community events.

What: Baby Item Sorting & Baby Bag Packers

When: Any day, Monday - Friday Hours: Flexible Hours - Between 9 am and 4 pm. Evenings can be arranged. Time Commitment: at least 2 hours per shift Where: YWCA Downtown Location Age Requirements: 16+ Under 18 must have approval

This position will require sitting, some standing, bending lifting small items, packing small items in baby bags such as diapers, lotion, and more.

 

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

Cradle Mission: The Cradle collaborative encompasses a solid commitment from community partners, several healthcare institutions, key funding agencies, local academic institutions, multi-denominational faith-based organizations, and both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations: all engaged for the reduction of racial disparities of infant mortality rates in Kalamazoo.

YWCA's Cradle team is looking for volunteers to help sort baby items and pack baby bags for community events.

What: Baby Item Sorting & Baby Bag Packers

When: Any day, Monday - Friday Hours: Flexible Hours - Between 9 am and 4 pm. Evenings can be arranged. Time Commitment: at least 2 hours per shift Where: YWCA Downtown Location Age Requirements: 16+ Under 18 must have approval

This position will require sitting, some standing, bending lifting small items, packing small items in baby bags such as diapers, lotion, and more.

 

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49007

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Sexual Assault Supportive

Hours: Monthly Sign-Up for On-Call Shifts - Allows flexibility

______________________________________________________________________________

Mission Statement: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Primary Function: Volunteers will provide emotional support and resource information to sexual assault survivors and their family and/or friends at the exam site. A one-year commitment is preferred but not required to support consistency in services; exceptions to the time commitment may be approved by the program volunteer supervisor.

Qualifications:

18 years of age or older.

2. Ability to quickly respond to a call.                                 

3. Be available for calls three times a month, Monday-Friday between 5:00 pm and 8:00 am, Weekends and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.                                   

4. Excellent verbal and non-verbal Communication Skills.                                                          5. Ability to work under pressure.                                       

6. Willingness to complete fingerprinting and required backgrounds checks as part of the onboarding process.

7. Must have a general understanding of issues related to racial and gender issues, injustice, equality, equity, and women’s rights. Training provided by YWCA.           

8. Must be able to commit to a long-term commitment. Exceptions may be approved by the Sexual Assault Supervisor

Responsibilities:

1. Respect the confidentiality of all client/agency information.      

2. Be available for calls three times a month, Monday – Friday, between 5:00 pm and 8:00 am and on weekends and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

3. Respond to YWCA’s main site (downtown) or local hospital when a sexual assault is reported.                       

4.Provide emotional support and advocacy on-site to primary and secondary victims of sexual assault.     

5. Complete the required paperwork and timesheet after each call.           

6. Adhere to the Policies and Procedures of YWCA Sexual Assault Program.       

7. Be Patient and non-judgmental in relation to survivor’s interests and attitudes.

Training Requirements:

1. 16- hour (2-day) Emergency Response training provided by YWCA.

2. Complete necessary virtual MiVan training as required by the State of Michigan.

3. Other training as assigned

Training Covers:

1. Information about intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assault (SA), and human trafficking (HT).

2. Domestic assault laws and information on legal processes

3. Information on the SANE exam, evidence collection, and /medical concerns.

4. Legal and criminal processes related to IPV, SA, and HT

5. Power and control wheel and common reactions to assault.

6. Issuers of diversity. Racial and social justice

7. Advocacy with children and parents

8. Basic empathy skills

9. Role play

10. Self-care for caregivers/support providers.

11. Crime victim’s compensation 12. Confidentiality requirements of VOCA, VAWA, and FVPSA

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

Hours: Monthly Sign-Up for On-Call Shifts - Allows flexibility

______________________________________________________________________________

Mission Statement: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Primary Function: Volunteers will provide emotional support and resource information to sexual assault survivors and their family and/or friends at the exam site. A one-year commitment is preferred but not required to support consistency in services; exceptions to the time commitment may be approved by the program volunteer supervisor.

Qualifications:

18 years of age or older.

2. Ability to quickly respond to a call.                                 

3. Be available for calls three times a month, Monday-Friday between 5:00 pm and 8:00 am, Weekends and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.                                   

4. Excellent verbal and non-verbal Communication Skills.                                                          5. Ability to work under pressure.                                       

6. Willingness to complete fingerprinting and required backgrounds checks as part of the onboarding process.

7. Must have a general understanding of issues related to racial and gender issues, injustice, equality, equity, and women’s rights. Training provided by YWCA.           

8. Must be able to commit to a long-term commitment. Exceptions may be approved by the Sexual Assault Supervisor

Responsibilities:

1. Respect the confidentiality of all client/agency information.      

2. Be available for calls three times a month, Monday – Friday, between 5:00 pm and 8:00 am and on weekends and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

3. Respond to YWCA’s main site (downtown) or local hospital when a sexual assault is reported.                       

4.Provide emotional support and advocacy on-site to primary and secondary victims of sexual assault.     

5. Complete the required paperwork and timesheet after each call.           

6. Adhere to the Policies and Procedures of YWCA Sexual Assault Program.       

7. Be Patient and non-judgmental in relation to survivor’s interests and attitudes.

Training Requirements:

1. 16- hour (2-day) Emergency Response training provided by YWCA.

2. Complete necessary virtual MiVan training as required by the State of Michigan.

3. Other training as assigned

Training Covers:

1. Information about intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assault (SA), and human trafficking (HT).

2. Domestic assault laws and information on legal processes

3. Information on the SANE exam, evidence collection, and /medical concerns.

4. Legal and criminal processes related to IPV, SA, and HT

5. Power and control wheel and common reactions to assault.

6. Issuers of diversity. Racial and social justice

7. Advocacy with children and parents

8. Basic empathy skills

9. Role play

10. Self-care for caregivers/support providers.

11. Crime victim’s compensation 12. Confidentiality requirements of VOCA, VAWA, and FVPSA

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49007

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Prepping Fruits & Veggies for Children's Dreamery Centers

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES DO A BODY GOOD.

We provide healthy, delicious, fun, and nutritious food to the children in our Dreamery Centers. We would love to have you spend an hour or two during the week, slicing, dicing, and peeling fruits and vegetables.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Position Hours: Any day, Monday-Friday

Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

______________________________________________________________________________

Mission Statement: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Primary Function:  Provide support and assistance with cleaning, peeling, slicing and dicing, and packaging fresh fruits and vegetables. Kitchen organization and sanitation. This position is ideal if you enjoy working in the kitchen. This is a fun and fantastic volunteer position!

Qualifications:

Must be 18 years of age Must have basic kitchen skills. Must be able to lift up to 10-15 pounds.Must be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities:

Proper use of kitchen tools. Properly wash fruits and vegetables Peel, slice, and dice fruits and vegetables. Proper storage of materials. Maintain a clean working environment. Help to clear and wash dishes. Work cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff, and volunteers. Safeguard confidential information gained by volunteer position.

Training Requirements:

General understanding of YWCA Mission.

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES DO A BODY GOOD.

We provide healthy, delicious, fun, and nutritious food to the children in our Dreamery Centers. We would love to have you spend an hour or two during the week, slicing, dicing, and peeling fruits and vegetables.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Position Hours: Any day, Monday-Friday

Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

______________________________________________________________________________

Mission Statement: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Primary Function:  Provide support and assistance with cleaning, peeling, slicing and dicing, and packaging fresh fruits and vegetables. Kitchen organization and sanitation. This position is ideal if you enjoy working in the kitchen. This is a fun and fantastic volunteer position!

Qualifications:

Must be 18 years of age Must have basic kitchen skills. Must be able to lift up to 10-15 pounds.Must be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities:

Proper use of kitchen tools. Properly wash fruits and vegetables Peel, slice, and dice fruits and vegetables. Proper storage of materials. Maintain a clean working environment. Help to clear and wash dishes. Work cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff, and volunteers. Safeguard confidential information gained by volunteer position.

Training Requirements:

General understanding of YWCA Mission.

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49001

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Home Repairs

Position Hours:

Any-day, Monday - Friday Between 9:00 am to 3:30 pm (Volunteer Day and hours are flexible.)
______________________________________________________________________________
Mission Statement: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity
for all.
Primary Function: Provide support to the Housing Rehab team. Perfect opportunity for groups and individuals. This includes general housing repairs, flooring, painting, and more.


Qualifications:
1. Must be 18 years of age.
2. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds
3. Must be able to bend, lift, twist, kneel, sit for periods of time.                                             4. Must be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds.                                              


Responsibilities:
1. Assist with housing repair needs, including but not limited to landscaping, painting, flooring, and other minor repairs.


Training:

1. Training for projects is provided by staff.

2. General understanding of issues related to racial and gender issues and injustice, equality, equity, and Women’s Rights. YWCA will provide training.

3. General understanding of YWCA Mission.

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

Position Hours:

Any-day, Monday - Friday Between 9:00 am to 3:30 pm (Volunteer Day and hours are flexible.)
______________________________________________________________________________
Mission Statement: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity
for all.
Primary Function: Provide support to the Housing Rehab team. Perfect opportunity for groups and individuals. This includes general housing repairs, flooring, painting, and more.


Qualifications:
1. Must be 18 years of age.
2. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds
3. Must be able to bend, lift, twist, kneel, sit for periods of time.                                             4. Must be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds.                                              


Responsibilities:
1. Assist with housing repair needs, including but not limited to landscaping, painting, flooring, and other minor repairs.


Training:

1. Training for projects is provided by staff.

2. General understanding of issues related to racial and gender issues and injustice, equality, equity, and Women’s Rights. YWCA will provide training.

3. General understanding of YWCA Mission.

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49007

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Cradle Community Baby Shower - As Needed - Special Events

COMMUNITY BABY SHOWERS Love helping families and making events memorable?

Join us at the YWCA to support our Community Health CRADLE Events!

As a volunteer, you’ll help with event set-up, assist with activities, and provide a safe, fun environment for children during the event. Think games, crafts, storytime, and lots of smiles!

THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR TEENS! 16 YEARS +

This position is "As Needed."

Showers are held several times a year, on a Saturday.

What You’ll Do:

Help set up and organize event spaces

Provide a safe, fun, and welcoming environment

Support YWCA staff with event activities as needed

Respect and safeguard confidential information

What You Bring:

Enjoy working with others

Ability to sit, stand, bend, twist, and lift up to 5 pounds

Multi-tasking skills and a positive, flexible attitude

Training Provided:

Understanding of the YWCA Mission and Cradle Program

Overview of infant mortality and related issues

Bring your energy, creativity, and love for children, and help us make every event a safe, fun, and special experience for families!

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

COMMUNITY BABY SHOWERS Love helping families and making events memorable?

Join us at the YWCA to support our Community Health CRADLE Events!

As a volunteer, you’ll help with event set-up, assist with activities, and provide a safe, fun environment for children during the event. Think games, crafts, storytime, and lots of smiles!

THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR TEENS! 16 YEARS +

This position is "As Needed."

Showers are held several times a year, on a Saturday.

What You’ll Do:

Help set up and organize event spaces

Provide a safe, fun, and welcoming environment

Support YWCA staff with event activities as needed

Respect and safeguard confidential information

What You Bring:

Enjoy working with others

Ability to sit, stand, bend, twist, and lift up to 5 pounds

Multi-tasking skills and a positive, flexible attitude

Training Provided:

Understanding of the YWCA Mission and Cradle Program

Overview of infant mortality and related issues

Bring your energy, creativity, and love for children, and help us make every event a safe, fun, and special experience for families!

Agency: YWCA Kalamazoo

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49007

Allow Groups: No