We rely on our community to help us to extend our reach and make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people.
Friends of Children offers many ways to support children in and aging out of the child welfare system. From shorter-term opportunities that support basic needs to longer-term involvement in advocacy and mentoring, we welcome volunteers with a range of skills and availability. In all cases, we are immensely grateful for volunteers who bring their heart and expertise to these vital efforts to support our work.
Please complete a volunteer inquiry so we can assess the best fit based on our needs and your capacity.
LOWER-CAPACITY VOLUNTEERING
Lending a Hand
Are you passionate about our cause and have time to give, but can't make a long-term commitment?
That's okay, we have some simple ways for you to make a real impact in the lives of our youth! Some of our programs rely on occasional volunteer support with logistics, and we may find one of them to be a perfect fit for you.
As a volunteer, you can support our Foster Dignity program by helping to prepare, purchase or deliver donations that meet the basic needs of children.
Some Foster Dignity volunteer opportunities will require transportation.
If you're not familiar with Foster Dignity, you can read more about the program here.
Volunteers with The Children's Union work with state officials, policy makers and other advocacy groups to promote policies and support efforts to improve the Commonwealth’s child welfare system.
Our goal is to ensure that all children and youth leave the child welfare system in a better situation than when they entered – never worse. As long-time advocates for children placed in the foster care system, we are uniquely positioned to bring about positive change.
If you are interested in learning more about our current initiative and how you can help, connect with us. You can read more about the program here.
Media & Events
We are also always seeking volunteers for marketing, social media, photography, videography, and events coordination. Share with us your special area of expertise and maybe we have a great fit for you!
We ask that media volunteers provide us with personal references, work history or samples, and information regarding their availability.
If you're not familiar with our program work, you can read more about them here.
HIGHER-CAPACITY VOLUNTEERING
Making a Commitment
Are you looking for ways to make a significant impact by investing your time and skills in the lives of children?
The children we work for need you by their side! Our advocacy programs depend on the efforts of compassionate and skilled communicators to help ensure kids in our foster system get the support they need and deserve, whether that be in court or in the State House. These volunteer positions typically require a firm commitment for a defined period of time and participation in specialized training.
CASA volunteers are trained to advocate for children in the court system. People with the right skills and energy can make a major change in the lives of vulnerable children and youth.
CASA volunteers must be 21 years of age or older, pass a background check and have their own transporation.
If you're not familiar with CASA of Franklin-Hampshire County, you can read more about the program here.
Are you in search of an opportunity to offer your time and expertise to a young person navigating adulthood?
Our FOCUS mentors are integral to the success of young adults aging out of the foster system. Whether you are capable of providing general support or special expertise, FOCUS can provide an effective way for these young people to benefit from your generosity and commitment. You can read more about the program here.
FOCUS volunteers must be 25 years of age or older and pass a background check.
