YWCA Kalamazoo

5 South West Region
ChildrenEquality & Social JusticeHealthLife Skills
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YWCA Kalamazoo

Health and Safety: Domestic Violence Economic Opportunity: Workforce Development Social Justice, Equity: Gender Equality, Racial Equality
353 E Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone (269) 345 - 5595
I'm Interested Visit Website Volunteer Page
Our mission

YWCA Kalamazoo serves as a primary resource for economic, gender and racial justice for all women, children and families in Kalamazoo.
Posted Needs

Support Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault

Volunteer Position: Sexual Assault Supportive

Department: Victim Services

Program: Emergency Response Team

Director: Emergency Response Services

Hours: Monthly Sign-Up for On-Call Shifts - Allows flexibility

______________________________________________________________________________

Mission Statement: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Primary Function: Provide emotional support and resource information to the survivors of sexual assault. Training is provided for this on-call position.

Qualifications:

1. 18 years of age or older (Male and Female.)
2. Ability to respond to the victim/survivor within 30 minutes of a page.
3. Listen with compassion to someone in crisis.
4. Ability to be patient and non-judgmental with survivor’s interests and attitudes.
5. Ability to work under pressure.
6. Due to the nature of this position.
7. Availability to sign up for on-call time slots each month.

Responsibilities:

1. Respect the confidentiality of all client/agency information
2. Be available for calls three times a month, Monday – Friday, between 5:00 pm and 8:00 am and on weekends and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
3. Respond to the local hospital or NE site (YWCA) when a sexual assault is reported.
4. Provide support and advocacy on-site to primary and secondary victims of sexual assault.
5. Complete the required supportive contact forms
6. Adhere to the policies and procedures of YWCA Sexual Assault Program.
7. Complete the 13.5-hour training/screening process

**Training Requirements:**

1. Sexual Assault Nurse Exam (SANE) and Emergency Response Team (ERT) two-day training provided by YWCA in collaboration with other agencies.
2. Complete understanding of YWCA Mission.
3. General understanding of issues related to racial and gender issues and injustice, equality, equity, and Women’s Rights.

**Training Covers:**

1. Basic empathy skills
2. Role Play
3. Sexual assault laws and information on legal processes
4. Information on evidence collection/medical concerns.
5. Rape Trauma Syndrome and common reactions to assault
6. Issues of diversity
7. Information about date rape drugs
8. Self-care for caregivers/support providers

Volunteers are not meant to replace staff, but to work beside them and assist where needed.

Support Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault

Volunteer Position: Sexual Assault Supportive Department: Victim Services Program: Emergency Response Team Director: Emergency Response Services Hours: Monthly Sign-Up for On-Call Shifts - Allows flexibility ______________________________________________________________________________ Mission Statement: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Primary Function: Provide emotional support and resource information to the survivors of sexual assault. Training is provided for this on-call position. Qualifications: 1. 18 years of age or older (Male and Female.) 2. Ability to respond to the victim/survivor within 30 minutes of a page. 3. Listen with compassion to someone in crisis. 4. Ability to be patient and non-judgmental with survivor’s interests and attitudes. 5. Ability to work under pressure. 6. Due to the nature of this position. 7. Availability to sign up for on-call time slots each month. Responsibilities: 1. Respect the confidentiality of all client/agency information 2. Be available for calls three times a month, Monday – Friday, between 5:00 pm and 8:00 am and on weekends and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 3. Respond to the local hospital or NE site (YWCA) when a sexual assault is reported. 4. Provide support and advocacy on-site to primary and secondary victims of sexual assault. 5. Complete the required supportive contact forms 6. Adhere to the policies and procedures of YWCA Sexual Assault Program. 7. Complete the 13.5-hour training/screening process **Training Requirements:** 1. Sexual Assault Nurse Exam (SANE) and Emergency Response Team (ERT) two-day training provided by YWCA in collaboration with other agencies. 2. Complete understanding of YWCA Mission. 3. General understanding of issues related to racial and gender issues and injustice, equality, equity, and Women’s Rights. **Training Covers:** 1. Basic empathy skills 2. Role Play 3. Sexual assault laws and information on legal processes 4. Information on evidence collection/medical concerns. 5. Rape Trauma Syndrome and common reactions to assault 6. Issues of diversity 7. Information about date rape drugs 8. Self-care for caregivers/support providers Volunteers are not meant to replace staff, but to work beside them and assist where needed.

YWCA Board Governance Committee - Volunteer Position

YWCA Kalamazoo is forming its first Board Governance Committee, designed to inform and support the Board of Directors and each of the board committees to provide anti-racist, feminist, and trauma-responsive organizational governance. The Governance Committee will review bylaws and committee charters, support board performance assessment, and provide support and recommendations for improved board and committee effectiveness. All YWCA Kalamazoo board committees are comprised of board members, staff members, and community members who volunteer their time. We are currently seeking applications from volunteer community members to join the Governance Committee. Candidates with any of the below experiences are especially encouraged to apply: - Have expertise and experience implementing anti-racist and feminist equity principles, - Have been a past participant in a YWCA program. - Have lived experience as a person with one or more marginalized identities YWCA Kalamazoo board committee members are unpaid nonprofit governance volunteers. The committee designs the length, frequency, and venue for its meetings. Committee members must reside in the Kalamazoo area and are asked to commit to a three year term. To apply, please respond to this posting, or contact Michaelyn Denny, Volunteer and Internship Manager at: [email protected]. Thank you for your interest! Prompted questions: Why do you wish to join the YWCA Kalamazoo Board Governance Committee? In what ways do you believe your lived experience will inform your leadership on this committee? What experience and/or expertise do you hold in anti-racist, feminist, and/or trauma-responsive principles? While the committee meeting schedule and venue are set by the committee itself, committee meetings will occur at least quarterly and may be as frequent as monthly. Committee members are asked to commit to a 3-year term. Are you able to commit your time to this volunteer leadership role?

Children's Dreamery Kitchen Support Downtown and Edison Sites

Join our children's Dreamery Center food services team in preparing delicious, nutritious, farm-to-table meals. DAY: Any day, Monday-Friday Time: Any shift between 9 am and 3 pm. 2-3 hour shifts are preferred but not required. Location: Kitchens at both the Downtown and Edison Children's Dreamery Center. Qualifications: 1. 18 years of age 2. Must have basic kitchen skills. 3. Interest in food, cooking, and children’s nutritional health 4. Must be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds Responsibilities: Assist with food prep 2. Help with dishwashing, sanitizing surfaces, and keeping the kitchen clean 3. Delivering food to the classrooms (Downtown Only) 4. Stocking shelves and organizing supplies 5. Supporting creative kitchen projects 6. Willingness to assist with other tasks as needed Physical Requirements: 1. Standing, lifting, bending, twisting 2. Must be able to lift to 10-15 pounds Position Training and Requirements: 1. Volunteers must agree to fingerprinting for our Edison Center Kitchen. YWCA covers all expenses for printing. 2. Required Children’s Dreamery Center training 3. General understanding of YWCA Mission

Cradle Community Baby Shower Volunteers

**COMMUNITY BABY SHOWERS** Love helping families and making events memorable? Join us at the YWCA to support our Community Health CRADLE Events! As a volunteer, you’ll help with event set-up, assist with activities, and provide a safe, fun environment for children during the event. Think games, crafts, storytime, and lots of smiles! **This position is "As Needed."** Showers are held several times a year, on a Saturday. What You’ll Do: Help set up and organize event spaces Provide a safe, fun, and welcoming environment Support YWCA staff with event activities as needed Respect and safeguard confidential information What You Bring: Enjoy working with others Ability to sit, stand, bend, twist, and lift up to 5 pounds Multi-tasking skills and a positive, flexible attitude Training Provided: Understanding of the YWCA Mission and Cradle Program Overview of infant mortality and related issues Bring your energy, creativity, and love for children, and help us make every event a safe, fun, and special experience for families!

Sexual Assault Supportive

**Volunteer Position: Sexual Assault Supportive** **Department: Victim Services** **Program: Emergency Response Services-Sexual Assault Supportive** **Director: Sherry Brockway** **Supervisor: Sexual Assault Victims Advocate** **Location:353 E. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007** **Hours: On-Call** _____________________________________________________________________ Mission Statement: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Primary Function: We are looking for a one-year commitment to provide emotional and informational support to sexual assault survivors and their family and/or friend at the exam site. Exceptions to availability must be approved by the Program Director. Qualifications: 1. 18 years of age or older (Male and Female) 2. Ability to respond to a call within 30 minutes, and 3. Be available for calls three times a month, Monday – Friday, between 5:00 pm, 8:00am, weekends, and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00pm 4. Excellent verbal and non-verbal Communication Skills 5. Volunteers contract to serve three (3) shifts a month or a minimum of one (1) year. Any exceptions to this must be approved by the program director *Statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.* Responsibilities: 1. Respect the confidentiality of all client/agency information 2. Be available for calls three times a month, Monday – Friday, between 5:00 pm, 8:00am, weekends, and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00pm. 3. Respond to NE site (YWCA) or local hospital when a sexual assault is reported. 4. Provide support and advocacy on-site to primary and secondary victims of sexual assault. 5. Complete required supportive contact forms 6. Adhere to policies and procedures of YWCA Sexual Assault Program. 7. Complete 13.5 hour training/screening process 8. Patient and non-judgmental in relation to survivor’s interests and attitudes 9. Ability to work under pressure Training Requirements: 1. Sexual Assault Nurse Exam (SANE) and Emergency Response Team (ERT) two-day training provided by YWCA in collaboration with other agencies. 2. Volunteer and Program Orientation Training Covers: 1. Basic empathy skills 2. Role Play 3. Sexual assault laws and information on legal processes 4. Information on evidence collection/medical concerns. 5. Rape Trauma Syndrome and common reactions to assault 6. Issues of diversity. 7. Information about date rape drugs 8. Self-care for caregivers/support providers

Fresh Fruit and Veggie Prep

**Volunteer Position**: Fruit and Veggie Chop Team **Department**: Improving Lives of Children **Program:** Dreamery Center Downtown **Director:** Associate Director of Food Services **Position Hours:** Flexibility for volunteers. Offering any day(s) between Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. _______________________________________________________________________ **Mission Statement:** Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. **Primary Function**: Our food services program focuses on farm-to-table foods. We work with local growers, using locally grown produce as much as possible. This position supports and assists kitchen staff by cleaning, slicing, dicing, and storing fresh fruits and vegetables used for meals. **Qualifications:** 1. Must be 18 years of age 2. Must have basic kitchen skills and knowledge of using kitchen-related utensils. 3. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds. 5. Must be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds. 6. General understanding of YWCA's mission. Statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. **Responsibilities**: 1. Receive training in and follow all guidelines of the Health Department, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the YWCA. 2. Assist with fruit and vegetable cleaning, slicing, dicing, and proper storage. 3. Maintain a clean working environment. 4. Help to clear and wash your dishes and utensils. 5. Work cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff, and volunteers. 6. Safeguard confidential information gained by volunteer position.

It's Our Annual Client Holiday Party!

***YWCA's Annual Client Holiday Party!*** YWCA’s Annual Holiday Party is just around the corner, and we would love to have your help in making this celebration truly special for our clients. This event creates warm feels and reminds families they are supported. Volunteers help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and your involvement helps make this a fun evening for those we serve. If you’re looking for a way to spread holiday cheer, we would be grateful to have you join us. **When:** December 18th **Time:** 5:45 pm to 8 pm **Where:** 353 E. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo 49001 Volunteer Helpers: - Greet guests at the door - Assist with refreshments - Assist with our Santa Station - Help at Resource Tables and much more! - All volunteers 16 years and older

Children's Dreamery Centers- Small Kitchen Cleaning Crews

Help us keep our kitchens shining and spotless. A little time and elbow grease makes a big difference! We have two Dreamery sites to cover, so don't be shy, sign up now. Join us at our Children's Dreamery Center at Edison and the Dreamery Downtown. - Starting December 2025 - Ongoing - Same Description for both Dreamery Centers - Months needed are specific: **September, December, March, June** - Any time between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm - Time Commitment: 2 Hours - 2-3 volunteers **per site** Deep Clean Tasks Include: 1. Empty, clean, and restock kitchen cupboards 2. Wipe down major appliances and countertops 3. Sweep and mop floor 4. Other cleaning tasks as needed By helping keep our kitchens clean, you’re supporting a safe and healthy space where we can serve the children delicious, nutritious meals.

Cradle Community Baby Shower Volunteers

COMMUNITY BABY SHOWERS Love helping families and making events memorable? Join us at the YWCA to support our Community Health CRADLE Events! As a volunteer, you’ll help with event set-up, assist with activities, and provide a safe, fun environment for children during the event. Think games, crafts, storytime, and lots of smiles! **This position is "As Needed."** Showers are held several times a year, on a Saturday. What You’ll Do: Help set up and organize event spaces Provide a safe, fun, and welcoming environment Support YWCA staff with event activities as needed Respect and safeguard confidential information What You Bring: Enjoy working with others Ability to sit, stand, bend, twist, and lift up to 5 pounds Multi-tasking skills and a positive, flexible attitude Training Provided: Understanding of the YWCA Mission and Cradle Program Overview of infant mortality and related issues Bring your energy, creativity, and love for children, and help us make every event a safe, fun, and special experience for families!

On-Call/As-Needed Reception Desk

The YWCA is seeking an on-call or as-needed **Reception Desk Assistant** to provide coverage when our administrative staff is away from the office. Ample notice of possible dates and shifts will be provided. Qualifications: 1. Warm, welcoming communication skills with the ability to create a safe and inclusive environment for all visitors 2. Professional and courteous phone etiquette 3. Reliability and attention to detail when greeting guests. Accepting deliveries or packages 4. Commitment to maintaining confidentiality 5. Basic office skills, including comfort with phone systems 6. Dependable, punctual, and representing the YWCA in a positive, service-oriented manner 7. Demonstrated ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds Responsibilities: 1. Answer and direct incoming phone calls 2. Greet and check in visitors in a warm and professional manner 3. Accept and log packages or deliveries 4. Provide basic information about YWCA programs 5. Maintain a tidy and welcoming reception area 6. Assist staff with light administrative tasks as needed 7. Safeguard confidential information gained as a result of the position Training: YWCA Provides Training 1. General understanding of YWCA’s Mission 2. Front desk training: phones, processes and procedures

It's Time for A Community Cradle Baby Shower!

***It's time for another amazing Cradle Community Baby Shower!*** **Your Hosts:** YWCA Kalamazoo-Cradle **When**: Saturday, December 13th **Location**: Urban Alliance, 1009 E. Stockbridge Ave., Kalamazoo 49001 **Volunteer Helpers Needed from**: 1 pm to 4 pm **Shower Time**: 12 pm to 2 pm **Join us for the following:** - Set-Up - Greeting guests at the door - Assist at Community Resource Tables - Other tasks that arise **This event is perfect for all volunteers, including high school students!**

Group Opportunity - Transitional Housing Repair Work

Volunteer/Group Position: Transitional Housing Repairs Department: Victim Services/ Operations Location: Off-Site Director: Director of Housing Position Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 am to 3:30 pm ______________________________________________________________________________ Mission Statement: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Primary Function: Provide support to the Housing Rehab team. Perfect opportunity for groups and individuals. This includes general housing repairs, flooring, painting, and more. Qualifications: 1. Must be 18 years of age. 2. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds. 3. Must be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds. 4. Some knowledge of housing repairs, painting, and flooring helpful but not required. Training will be provided by housing professionals. Responsibilities: 1. Assist the housing director and staff with housing repair needs, including but not limited to landscaping, painting, flooring, and other minor repairs. Training: 1. Training for projects is provided by the housing director and staff. 2. General understanding of issues related to racial and gender issues and injustice, equality, equity, and Women’s Rights. YWCA will provide training. 3. General understanding of YWCA Mission. Volunteers are not meant to replace staff, but to work beside them and assist where needed.

Baby Bag Packers & Item Sorters for Cradle Program

**Cradle Mission**: The Cradle collaborative encompasses a solid commitment from community partners, several healthcare institutions, key funding agencies, local academic institutions, multi-denominational faith-based organizations, and both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations: all engaged for the reduction of racial disparities of infant mortality rates in Kalamazoo. **YWCA's Cradle team is looking for volunteers to help sort baby items and pack baby bags for community events.** What: Baby Item Sorting & Baby Bag Packers - When: Any day, Monday - Friday - Hours: Flexible Hours - Between 9 am and 4 pm. Evenings can be arranged. - Time Commitment: at least 2 hours per shift - Where: YWCA Downtown Location - Age Requirements: 16+ Under 18 must have approval This position will require sitting, some standing, bending lifting small items, packing small items in baby bags such as diapers, lotion, and more.

Children's Dreamery Center Kitchen Support

**Join our children's Dreamery Center food services team in preparing delicious, nutritious, farm-to-table meals.** DAY: Any day, Monday-Friday Hours: Any shift between 9 am and 3 pm. 2-3 hour shifts are preferred but not required. Location: Kitchens at both the Downtown and Edison Children's Dreamery Center. **Qualifications:** 1. 18 years of age 2. Must have basic kitchen skills. 3. Interest in food, cooking, and children’s nutritional health 4. Must be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds **Responsibilities:** 1. Assist with food prep 2. Help with dishwashing, sanitizing surfaces, and keeping the kitchen clean 3. Delivering food to the classrooms (Downtown Only) 4. Stocking shelves and organizing supplies 5. Supporting creative kitchen projects 6. Willingness to assist with other tasks as needed **Physical Requirements:** 1. Standing, lifting, bending, twisting 2. Must be able to lift up to 10-15 pounds Position Training and Requirements: 1. Volunteers must agree to fingerprinting for our Edison Center Kitchen. YWCA covers all expenses for printing. 2. Required Children’s Dreamery Center training 3. General understanding of YWCA Mission

Kitchen - Prepping Fruits & Veggies for Children's Dreamery Centers

**FRUITS AND VEGETABLES DO A BODY GOOD.** We provide healthy, delicious, fun, and nutritious food to the children in our Dreamery Centers. We would love to have you spend an hour or two during the week, slicing, dicing, and peeling fruits and vegetables. __________________________________________________________________________ Volunteer Position: Fruit and Veggie Crew Department: Improving Lives of Children Program: Dreamery Centers Location: 353 E. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI Director: Director of Food Services Position Hours: Any day, Monday-Friday Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm ______________________________________________________________________________ Mission Statement: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Primary Function: Provide support and assistance with cleaning, peeling, slicing and dicing, and packaging fresh fruits and vegetables. Kitchen organization and sanitation. This position is ideal if you enjoy working in the kitchen. This is a fun and fantastic volunteer position! Qualifications: 1. Must be 18 years of age 2. Must have basic kitchen skills. 3. Must be able to lift up to 10-15 pounds. 4. Fingerprinting is required for this position. YWCA Covers the expense 5. Must be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds. Responsibilities: 1. Proper use of kitchen tools. 2. Properly wash fruits and vegetables 3. Peel, slice, and dice fruits and vegetables. 4. Proper storage of materials. 5. Maintain a clean working environment. 6. Help to clear and wash dishes. 7. Work cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff, and volunteers. 8. Safeguard confidential information gained by volunteer position. Training Requirements: - General understanding of issues related to racial and gender issues and injustice, equality, equity, and Women’s Rights. YWCA will provide training. - General understanding of YWCA Mission. Volunteers are not meant to replace staff, but to work beside them and assist where needed.

Support Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault

Volunteer Position: Sexual Assault Supportive Department: Victim Services Program: Emergency Response Team Director: Emergency Response Services Hours: Monthly Sign-Up for On-Call Shifts - Allows flexibility ______________________________________________________________________________ Mission Statement: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Primary Function: Provide emotional support and resource information to the survivors of sexual assault. Training is provided for this on-call position. Qualifications: 1. 18 years of age or older (Male and Female.) 2. Ability to respond to the victim/survivor within 30 minutes of a page. 3. Listen with compassion to someone in crisis. 4. Ability to be patient and non-judgmental with survivor’s interests and attitudes. 5. Ability to work under pressure. 6. Due to the nature of this position. 7. Availability to sign up for on-call time slots each month. Responsibilities: 1. Respect the confidentiality of all client/agency information 2. Be available for calls three times a month, Monday – Friday, between 5:00 pm and 8:00 am and on weekends and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 3. Respond to the local hospital or NE site (YWCA) when a sexual assault is reported. 4. Provide support and advocacy on-site to primary and secondary victims of sexual assault. 5. Complete the required supportive contact forms 6. Adhere to the policies and procedures of YWCA Sexual Assault Program. 7. Complete the 13.5-hour training/screening process **Training Requirements:** 1. Sexual Assault Nurse Exam (SANE) and Emergency Response Team (ERT) two-day training provided by YWCA in collaboration with other agencies. 2. Complete understanding of YWCA Mission. 3. General understanding of issues related to racial and gender issues and injustice, equality, equity, and Women’s Rights. **Training Covers:** 1. Basic empathy skills 2. Role Play 3. Sexual assault laws and information on legal processes 4. Information on evidence collection/medical concerns. 5. Rape Trauma Syndrome and common reactions to assault 6. Issues of diversity 7. Information about date rape drugs 8. Self-care for caregivers/support providers Volunteers are not meant to replace staff, but to work beside them and assist where needed.
Stories
YWCA in Kalamazoo creates ‘career pathway’ to staff 24-hour childcare center

YWCA in Kalamazoo creates ‘career pathway’ to staff 24-hour childcare center
How you help

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with YWCA Kalamazoo. We truly appreciate your time, talents, and energy. We hope you can feel the passion and dedication that underlies all our work at YWCA which supports the women, children, and families in our community.
About us

YWCA Kalamazoo is working every day to provide direct services and shaping polices that affect the most vulnerable in our community. This combination of advocacy and programming is reflected in four strategic focus areas that included; 1) advocacy and system change; 2) improving lives of children; 3) caring for victims of abuse; 4) promoting maternal and child health.