We are currently blessed to have the help of over 100 volunteers at Children's Home.  Volunteer possibilities include being classroom assistants at Kiefer School, tutors for Foster Care and the after-school prevention programs, maintenance assistants, activity assistants for the residential programs, one-on-one mentors, fundraising assistants, clerical volunteers and numerous other opportunities.  As a volunteer, you can help us make a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. 

CHILDREN’S HOME
Jennifer Hart – Director, Human Resources
2130 N. Knoxville
Peoria, IL 61603
(309) 687-7211
FAX (309) 687-7299
E-Mail: jhart@chail.org
Web Site: www.chail.org

The following volunteer opportunities are currently available.   

Mentor - Teen REACH/Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT)
Position Function:  Provides positive adult mentoring services for at-risk children and youth, ages 6 to 17 in the Teen REACH or LOT program with an emphasis on improving education performance, life skills education, parental involvement, recreation, sports, cultural and artistic activities, and service learning activities.
Basic Activities:  Assist youth with homework, tutoring in basic skills, and provide exposure to enrichment programs that encourage creativity; Expose youth to community training and educational opportunities that promote the development of healthy lifestyles, and encourage abstinence from risk-taking behaviors in the areas of alcohol and/or substance use, criminal activity, violence and sexual activity; Meet with parents and/or guardians to discuss their children’s activities, and to encourage parent participation in events that strengthen parent/child bonds and community involvement; Engage youth in activities and arrange safe outlets for youth to try new skills and develop new interests, to build friendships, find their place in a group, and gain developmentally relevant experiences.
Scheduling:  Days of the week are flexible, but a minimum of weekly face to face contact between the mentor and youth is expected.  Hours are also flexible.  A minimum 3 month commitment is requested, but length of position may be ongoing.
Equipment:  Own vehicle, telephone, computer, miscellaneous office equipment.
Skill/Education:  Minimum age 18 years of age; high school diploma or the equivalent.  Experience with at risk youth preferred.  Ability to pass DCFS background check.

Mentor – Partnership For Our Future
Position Function:  Mentor
Basic Activities:  Provide one-on-one and small group mentoring to youth, ages 9-15 years old, to improve academic performance, expose youth to new experiences and encourage personal growth.  
Scheduling:  Flexible – monthly group outings every 6 weeks, one-on-one sessions scheduled by mentor and youth – meet a minimum of 3 times per month.  Ongoing beginning August 2008.
Equipment:  Own transportation / ability to arrange transportation to volunteer location, ability to pass DFCS background check.
Skill/Education:  Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, effective communication, patience and maturity/sensitivity to cultural and individual differences.

Peer Mentor – Fostering Healthy Connections
Position Function:  Mentor 
Basic activities:  Provide one-on-one and small group mentoring to youth in foster care, ages 10-16 years old, who are in need to social-emotional and academic support as they transition to adulthood.
Scheduling:  Flexible – monthly group outings, one-on-one sessions scheduled by mentor and youth minimum 6 hours per month, 1 year commitment.
Equipment:  Own transportation / city bus, ability to pass DFCS background check.
Skills/Education:  Individuals must have direct experience with foster care system (current or former foster child).  Prefer young adults ages 17-26 years old.  Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, effective communication,     patience and maturity/sensitivity to cultural and individual differences.

Mentor – Residential
Position Function:  Mentor
Basic Activities:  Provide one-on-one mentoring to youth, ages 12-18 old, to improve academic performance, expose youth to new experiences and encourage personal growth.  
Scheduling:  Flexible – monthly outings, one-on-one sessions scheduled by mentor and youth – meet a minimum of one time per month.  Ongoing throughout the year.
Equipment:  Own transportation, ability to pass DFCS background check.
Skill/Education:  Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, effective communication, patience and maturity/sensitivity to cultural and individual differences.

Instructors –  Residential
Position Function: Instructors for signing, art, instrumental  
Basic Activities:  Provide one-on-one or group instructions for youth, ages 12-18 old, to teach and improve their interest of the arts. Expose youth to new experiences and encourage personal growth by using their talents and interest.
Scheduling:  Flexible – Our goal is weekly or at least twice a month starting in the afternoon and going into early evening. Ongoing throughout the year.
Equipment: Ability to pass DFCS background check.
Skill/Education:  Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, effective communication, patience and maturity/sensitivity to cultural and individual differences.

Referees & Coaches – Residential
Position Function: Coaching or refereeing of basketball, softball, track, volleyball.
Basic Activities:  Provide group instructions for youth ages 12-18 old, to teach and improve their interest sports. Expose youth to new experiences and encourage personal growth by using sports.
Scheduling:  Flexible – coaching will need to be done weekly in the evenings and weekends .You do not need to coach every night but we would like it to be done 3 to 4 times a week. Games and practice can be scheduled to fit your schedule. Sports are played year-round.
Equipment: Ability to pass DFCS background check.
Skill/Education:  Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, effective communication, patience and maturity/sensitivity to cultural and individual differences.

For additional volunteer information, please call:   

Jennifer Hart, Human Resources Director (309) 687-7211 or 
Please fill out the contact information below to volunteer at Children's Home