VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Methodist Children's Home offers a variety of volunteer opportunities that enable adult role models to build positive, healthy relationships with MCH residents.
These programs include: the Community Volunteer Program, the One-on-One Mentor Program, the Visiting Sponsor/Special Occasion Volunteer Program, the Religious Education Volunteer Program and the Boys Ranch Volunteer Program. These programs are sponsored and supervised by Methodist Children's Home to enhance the growth and development of our school-aged children and youth.
The Community Volunteer Program
This program is open to individuals who have a specific skill or willingness to help in different areas at the Methodist Children's Home. These individuals are not matched with a resident. The Community Volunteer Program is designed to utilize volunteers in areas that they will help enhance our existing programs. Areas that our volunteers could be assigned to are: reading buddies, tutors, gardening, skin/hair care, filing and answering the phone. As our programming needs change and grow, we will expand the opportunities for our community volunteers. Volunteers are asked to commit to weekly or bi-weekly service from one to two (1-2) hours, depending on the need.
The One-on-One Mentor Program
This program is open to students at Baylor University, McLennan Community College and Texas State Technical College. The staff at Methodist Children's Home and at local colleges cooperate to help meet the needs of our residents by involving young college students with positive strengths and attributes. The students are asked to commit to a weekly visit either on- or off-campus. The visit could involve tutorial assistance, attending a sports event, participating in a local social or cultural event, or just spending time with the resident on an activity or project of mutual interest. The visit should be a minimum of 1 1/2 hours per week on a consistent basis for at least an academic year. Any time above this amount is arranged based on interest, availability and occasion.
The Visiting Sponsor/Special Occasion Volunteer Program
This program is open to individuals in the community who have become acquainted with our residents through school and/or community activities or have expressed an interest in sponsoring a youth or volunteering in a specific department at the Methodist Children's Home (i.e. foster care, clerical/office volunteer, etc). The volunteer, the resident, and the caseworker will determine the frequency and/or length of visits for a visiting sponsor. Responsibilities for a special occasion volunteer will be determined by the specific department to which the volunteer is assigned. It is expected that a visiting sponsor would visit with an assigned child at least once a month. The department contact person and the volunteer will determine the time commitment for a special occasion volunteer. It is expected that a special occasion volunteer will commit to volunteering at least once a month.
The Religious Education Volunteer Program
This program consists of the volunteer, who can choose to volunteer on weekends by helping with recreational activities or many of our clubs. Volunteers may also choose to help with REVOLUTION (disciple groups) that meet Monday thru Thursday.
MCH Boys Ranch Volunteer Program
This program consists of visiting sponsors, special occasions volunteers, and one-on-one mentors. Volunteers at the Boys Ranch will be involved in the following ways in the Boys Ranch program: help supervise on-Ranch activities such as fishing, softball, etc.; help supervise off-Ranch activities such as gym, pool, etc.; help supervise special activities such as community service, special events, etc. Volunteers may be assigned an individual boy, a single homeunit, or work with the overall population. Decisions will be made on an individual basis. The time commitment will be at least once a month or more frequent depending on the type of volunteer.
Contact Information
For more information about the volunteer program at Methodist Children's Home, please contact:
Conway Ogle
Volunteer Services Coordinator
Methodist Children's Home
1111 Herring Avenue
Waco, TX 76708
254-755-4694
cogle@mchwaco.org
