Check out United Way Caring Connection to search for Women's Leadership Council volunteer opportunities within the programs we support. The Council provides multiple volunteer opportunities throughout the year that typically involve a social/networking opportunity as well (lunch/dinner). Check out our Upcoming Events for more details.

Examples of previous volunteer opportunities include:

Joyce Preschool

Joyce Preschool has been providing quality early education for children from diverse economic backgrounds through a dual Spanish-English immersion program. Some needs include:

Early Literacy Support

• Read and discuss books in a small group setting with children ages 3-5.
• Time committment is 30-60 minutes, preferably once a week.

Guest Reader

• Read a book to the class during "circle time" at either 9:30 a.m. or 1:45 p.m.
• Time committment is approximately 30 minutes.
• This can be a one-time event or more.

Art Enrichment

• Lead a craft project.
• Time committment is approximately 1-2 hours.

Event Planning

• Assist staff and/or board members in planning annual fundraiser(s).
• Time committment varies.

YWCA Children's Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital

The YWCA provides traditional daycare and provides the setting and training for home-based daycare. The facility houses "bungalows" which mimic a home daycare setting and are decorated to represent the various cultures at the site. This unique program has served low-income families in providing daycare/business skills and childcare. Some needs include:

Literacy Support/Reader

• Read books to one or more children.
• Time committment is one hour, once a week for three months.

Music/Dance/Art Enrichment

• Prepare a music, dance or art activity for a small group of children.
• Time committment is flexible and varies per activity.

Field Trip Chaperones

• Assist staff with chaperoning children on field trips and special events.
• Time committment is approximately four hours per field trip/event.

Literacy Tutoring

• Provide literacy tutoring through the MN Reading Corps program to one to two children, ages 3-5.
• Time committment is approximately one hour a week throughout the school year.

Painting

• Provide painting supplies (paint provided by the center) and labor to freshen up some of the classrooms.
• Time committment is one day.

Aquarium and Aquarium Maintenance

• Donate a large aquarium and supplies and assist in taking care of the aquarium on a regular basis.
• Time committment is initial set-up and regular maintenance based on fish and equipment needs.

Small Building Projects

• Install shelves and other small building projects around the center.
• Time committment is half- or all-day projects for one or a few volunteers, depending on the project.

If you have any questions and/or are interested in these volunteers activities, please e-mail Terri Ferrise.