Our valued volunteers supplement the Mary's Shelter staff to meet the varied necessities of the teen mothers and children in our care, and support the agency so it can continue to serve others in need in our community.

Volunteering at the Shelter

Child Care - You have the opportunity to watch precious babies grow and help them flourish if you can commit to four to five hours one morning every week. Or ask to be on-call for child care occasional evenings while teen mothers attend special events.

Drivers - Here is a way to get quality one-on-one time with our girls! Choose a regular weekly schedule or be on-call to drive our girls and babies to their doctor and other appointments.

Receptionists - Do you have a smile in your voice? Choose one afternoon or morning each week to take calls at the dhelter reception desk, greet and sign-in visitors, accept donations, make calls to schedule volunteer drivers and other tasks as needed to assist the staff. 

Mentors - Your presence is a gift you can give. Matched to a particular girl, mentors serve as a teacher, friend, sponsor, listener, guide, role model and advisor, helping the girl clarify and achieve her dreams. Mentors maintain a relationship with the girl during her entire stay at Mary's Shelter.

Enrichment - If you have a special talent, skill or interest that you would like to share with Mary's Shelter for the benefit of our girls and babies, please let us know. Examples are: cooking or baking instruction, sewing or needlework or scrap-booking or crafts. Or you may prefer to volunteer as a handyman to help with the many challenges of keeping two houses in good repair or as a "shelter shopper" to do our weekly grocery shopping.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Board of Directors - Each year individuals supporting the mission of Mary's Shelter and willing to make a three year commitment to provide leadership, vision, governance and resource development will be invited to join the board. Call Executive Director Barbara Nelson at (714) 730-0930, Extension 19.

Special Event Committees - Help produce the annual fall Golf Tournament and spring Emerald Enchantment Gala with auctions that generate both friends and funds for Mary's Shelter. Call Christine at (714) 730-0930, Extension 15 or write Christine@teenshelter.org to learn more.

To Volunteer

Please call Mary's Shelter at (714) 730-0930, Extension 15, and ask for Volunteer Coordinator Christine to find out about the weekly volunteer orientations. Note that those volunteers who work in direct contact with our minors must be at least 21 years old, fingerprinted for a background check, be tested for TB and receive orientation training regarding personal boundaries and confidentiality. In some cases first aid and CPR training is also required.