Needs From: Volunteer Center of Greater Battle Creek and Kalamazoo

Teacher Appreciation Dinner 

Volunteer Opportunities Teachers play a vital role in shaping our communities, guiding and supporting students not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Taking time to recognize their dedication and impact is a meaningful way to show gratitude for the lasting difference they make every day.

We are seeking volunteers to help make this special evening a success

When: May 8, 2026,

Location: YWCA Downtown Kalamazoo

Decorating Team (3–4 volunteers) Time: 9:00 AM Assist with setting up and decorating the event space to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our honored teachers.

Dinner Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM - Serving at 6:30 pm

Help serve dinner, assist guests as needed, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.

Clean-Up Team (3–4 volunteers) Time: 9:00 PM Support post-event clean-up, including clearing tables, packing supplies, and helping restore the space.

Thank you for helping us celebrate and honor the incredible educators in our community!

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

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

The YWCA is seeking an on-call or as-needed Reception Desk Assistant to provide coverage when our administrative staff is away from the office. Ample notice of possible dates and shifts will be provided.

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

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

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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:

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

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.

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Position Hours: Any day, Monday-Friday

Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

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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:

Responsibilities:

Training Requirements:

Position Hours:

Any-day, Monday - Friday Between 9:00 am to 3:30 pm (Volunteer Day and hours are flexible.)
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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.

YWCA Parchment Offices We are seeking a small group of 4–5 volunteers to assist with inventorying, sorting, and moving office furniture at YWCA’s Parchment offices.

Project Details: Inventory, organize, and relocate office furniture.

Move items from the first floor to the lower level (elevator access available). YWCA will provide dollies for transporting furniture.

Estimated time: Approximately 3 hours

Number of Volunteers: group of 4–5 volunteers

Availability Needed: Monday–Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Project Completion Timeline:

We are hoping to have this project completed as soon as possible.

Location: YWCA Parchment. Riverview Drive 49004

Types of Furniture Include:

Wood desks

Metal desks

File cabinets

Chairs

Bookshelves

Physical Requirements: This project may involve pushing, lifting, bending, twisting, and pulling. If you have any physical concerns (such as back, knee, hip, or shoulder issues), you are welcome to assist with inventorying only. We do not want anyone to risk injury by moving furniture.

If you’re interested in helping, we would greatly appreciate your support!

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!

Is This Role for You:

If you’re passionate about helping children thrive, believe in equity and inclusion, and want to be part of a joyful, mission-driven team, this opportunity is for you. The Dreamery Classrooms are where play, learning, and community come together.

We would love for you to be part of the magic!

Qualifications:  

1. Must be 18 years of age

2. Patience and calm demeanor

3. Must be able to sit, bend, twist, and lift up to 30 pounds.

4. Openness to work with people of diverse backgrounds

5. Willingness to complete all required ILC training.

6. Willingness to complete fingerprinting if required. YWCA covers all expenses related.

7. Open to a consistent volunteer schedule to help provide stability and build trust with children.  Preferred but not required.

Responsibilities:  

1. Partner with teachers to create a warm, welcoming, and engaging classroom environment.

2. Provide helpful, encouraging support to the children.

3. Model positive behavior and best classroom practices

4. Observe children to ensure their safety and well-being

5. Maintain confidentiality and respect for families, staff, and children    

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.

Join us at our Children's Dreamery Center at Edison and the Dreamery Downtown.

Deep Clean Tasks Include:

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

Join our children's Dreamery Center Food Justice team in preparing delicious, nutritious, farm-to-table meals.

DAY:  Any day, Monday-Friday

Hours:  Any shift between 9 am and 3 pm. 2-3 hour shifts are preferred but not required.

Location: Downtown Children's Dreamery Centers.

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

Join us for a joyful and energetic evening at our Tiny Toes Family Dance Party!

This special event brings together young children and their families for music, movement, and connection.

Volunteers play a key role in creating a welcoming, fun, and smooth experience for everyone involved.

Party Set-Up: 9:00 am

Dance party; 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Clean-Up 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Location: YWCA Kalamazoo: 353 E. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with the following:

Registration Table (2 people) Greet families, assist with check-in, and help set the tone for a warm welcome.

Photography Booth (1 person): Support our photographer by helping families get organized and ready for fun photo moments.

Food Station (4 people): Help serve snacks, keep the area tidy, and ensure families have what they need.

Event Setup (4 people, 9:00 AM): Assist with decorating, arranging tables, and preparing the space before guests arrive.

Take Down/Clean Up (4 people): Help with packing up materials and restoring the space after the event. This is a wonderful opportunity to support families in our community while being part of a fun, high-energy celebration. Thank you for helping us make this event memorable for our little dancers and their loved ones!