Make a Difference in a Child's Life

Come play with children in our Crisis Respite Nursery!

Our Crisis Respite Nursery provides a safe place for children ages newborn to 11 years old. Families use the nursery for a crisis such as a medical emergency, death of a family member, a mental health crisis, or if a child is at risk of experiencing abuse, neglect, or trauma. The nursery is most often used for respite reasons (a break). This includes a parent or guardian needing to attend a therapy appointment, support group, court hearing, doctor appointment, or a job certification class or interview--or just feeling stressed and needing a break.

Once the children enter the nursery, we want them to feel safe and simply play and be a kid. As a volunteer, your main responsibility is spending one-on-one time with the children. We expect you to play with them and have fun with them.

WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?

Volunteers choose a shift with our Nursery Coordinator. These shifts can be scheduled any day/time when the nursery is open:

After orientation, you must set up at least one consistent weekly time to come (usually a 1-2 hour shift). That way we can expect you the same day and time every week. 

You must commit to help a minimum of 20 hrs. Depending on your availability, this minimum requirement can be done within 3-4 months, but we would greatly appreciate volunteers who are able to help longer periods of time.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Volunteers attend a 90 minute orientation where a background check will be filled out and mailed to the Dept of Human Services Office of Licensing. You MUST pass a background check in order to volunteer. This can take 3-5 weeks to process. You may volunteer once before the background check clears, but then must wait to schedule additional shifts until you are notified it has cleared. Background checks will cost the volunteer $38.25, but can be reimbursed after 20 hours of volunteering. If you are 16 or 17 you must attend orientation, but don't need a background check.