How (and Why) to Volunteer at New Hope for Families

 

Volunteering can be a great way to effect positive change in your community. Becoming a volunteer can also help you add fulfillment to your life, build new relationships, and enhance your resume. We know it can feel difficult to find the time, but volunteering for just a couple hours a week can change your life—and the lives of children and families right here in our community!

If you're passionate about helping families overcome hardship, preparing kids for a bright future, or supporting the well-being of our community, New Hope for Families offers plenty of opportunities to get involved. This is a place where your time truly matters, where your presence is felt, and where your work will have a lasting impact.

At New Hope for Families, volunteers have a tremendous impact on those we serve. As the only shelter in Bloomington and the surrounding area that keeps families together, New Hope provides emergency housing and high-quality early childhood education, addressing the often-overlooked crisis of "hidden homelessness"—families with children living in cars, motels, or overcrowded conditions due to a lack of stable housing.

Volunteering here means more than just giving your time; it's about contributing to a community that ensures no child sleeps outside. With a 79% success rate for moving families into stable housing—which is significantly higher than Indiana’s 33% statewide average—New Hope's impact is profound. 

If you're looking for a meaningful place to volunteer in Bloomington, this is a great place to start. Volunteer roles include assisting in our family shelter, helping with administrative tasks, and working with children in our early learning center. Your efforts help break the cycle of homelessness and give families the stability they need to thrive.

Volunteers regularly work with children in our early learning center

How to Get Started

Getting involved is easier than you may think.

  1. Review volunteer opportunities.
    To start, visit our Volunteer page and learn more about current opportunities.

  2. Create a volunteer profile.
    It only takes a few minutes to complete an application through our online volunteer management system, and it helps us understand what you’re interested in so we can match you with something that fits.

  3. Connect with our team.
    After you sign up, our volunteer specialist will reach out to answer any questions you may have and walk you through the next steps, including scheduling a tour and orientation session.

  4. Show up and help out.
    You might be reading to children, organizing items in our pantry, or supporting our administrative team behind the scenes. We will work with you to find a role and a schedule that are mutually beneficial. No matter what, your time makes a real difference!

  5. Track your hours.
    New Hope staff will help you log your volunteer hours and we can provide whatever documentation you may need.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Experience

  • Be consistent. Even if it’s just a couple hours a week, showing up makes a difference. Most importantly, we encourage open communication. We can adjust your schedule as needed if something comes up that conflicts with your shift.

  • Ask questions. Our staff want to help you be successful as a volunteer, so don’t hesitate to speak up if you feel you need additional information or guidance.

  • Keep learning. Whether it's more about our community, child care, gardening, or how to be there for someone, there are opportunities for growth in every shift.

  • Build relationships. The children and families you help may not always remember your name, but they’ll remember how your support makes them feel. And we hope you will become part of our extended family.

Volunteers like this group help keep New Hope for Families working

FAQs

Q: Do I need experience to help out?
A: No, we’ll provide all the training you need, so no prior experience is necessary. Just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Q: Can my child(ren) volunteer here?
A: Given that we work with children and families in crisis, the majority of our volunteer roles are for those age 18 and up. However, we do have a few opportunities for teens to volunteer with or without a parent, depending on age. Reach out to our volunteer specialist to learn more.

Q: Can my church/club/family group come work together?
A: There are occasional needs for a larger group of volunteers to serve together on a given day, but the vast majority of our volunteer opportunities are for individuals who volunteer in a regular weekly shift. There are organizations who encourage their members to fill some of our ongoing volunteer positions. In addition, groups can help by raising funds or collecting donations of items we need most. Feel free to contact us for more information.

Q: What if I don’t have a car?
A: New Hope is within reach of city bus routes and conveniently located on the B-Line Trail.

Have More Questions?

Reach out to our volunteer specialist, Amber Griffin, via email to amber@newhope4families.org or by phone at (812) 334-9840 ext 119.
We look forward to helping you find the best fit based on your interests and availability.

Join the Hope Movement today: Help us create new hope for families in our community.

 
New Hope for Families