Volunteer Opportunities

Child Care Volunteer

Child Care volunteers make a tremendous impact on the daily workings of the Woodlawn Emergency Shelter.  Volunteers serve our children, ages 0-14, who have been brought to the Shelter for a temporary stay due to abuse or neglect.  As you can imagine, it can be a scary and confusing time for these children and friendly faces that are willing to sit and read a story, draw a picture, eat lunch, play basketball, or simply listen make a huge difference.  With the opportunity for lots of little ones running around, we can always use extra hands during meal times to assist with feeding the infants and toddlers.  Our school age children are thrilled to have a friend to hang out with and will be begging you to come back!

Child Care Volunteers can choose the age group that they would most like to volunteer with and we will do our best to put you with that group during your volunteer visits.   Child Care Volunteers must commit to volunteer at least 1 time per month at the Woodlawn Emergency Shelter.  While it is not mandatory, volunteers are encouraged to set up a schedule for their volunteer times.  Please see the Volunteer Description below for more information about this opportunity.  If you are interested, please download our Volunteer Application and take one more step towards making a difference in these children’s lives!

Child Care Volunteer Description

Mentor

Volunteer mentors are partnered with a mentee or mentees at KCI Residential Treatment Center.  The Residential Treatment Center is a facility that provides long-term, therapeutic care for children who have been severely abused.  Our kids, ages 5-12, are each receiving an individualized therapeutic plan to target their struggles with the aggression, attention, and behavior issues that have stemmed from their abuse.  Many children at our Residential Treatment Center do not have visitors, and to have an adult willing to invest time to get to know them is HUGE!  Volunteers interested in becoming a mentor for a child or children at KCI become a friend and role model for a child who may not have anyone else.  We encourage you to get to know your Mentee.  Take the opportunity to figure out what they like to do and talk about.  Help by encouraging them in their school work.  Provide them with an ear that is willing to listen.

As the majority of children at KCI tend to be boys, male mentors are especially needed.  Positive male role models are instrumental in the development of these young boys, but we welcome female mentors as well!  Mentors at KCI Residential Treatment Center must commit to volunteer at least 1 time per week.  Volunteer will be expected to set up a consistent schedule for visiting their mentee that will work for both the mentor and mentee.  Please see the Volunteer Description below for more information about this opportunity.  If you are interested, please download our Volunteer Application and take one more step towards making a difference in a child’s life!

Mentor Volunteer Description

Special Project Volunteer

Special Project Volunteers are those that may not be able to commit to a regular schedule, but are interested in giving their time to The Children’s Shelter in another capacity.  Special Project opportunities include field trip outings with the kids, child care assistance during program trainings, occasional administrative group projects, shopping sprees with the kids, assisting Community Relations Department during fundraisers, and occasional group activities with the kids.  Opportunities to sign up for Special Projects are sent out on a weekly basis to all Special Project Volunteers.  We encourage you to sign up for as much or as little as you are interested in taking on.

Special Project Volunteers do not have a set schedule nor are they held to any time requirement.   In order to remain on our update list, volunteers must volunteer 1 time per year.  Volunteers who choose to serve as a Child Care Volunteer or Volunteer Mentor may also choose to sign up for Special Projects.  Please see the Volunteer Description below for more information about this opportunity.  If you are interested, please download our Volunteer Application and take one more step towards making a difference at The Children’s Shelter!

Special Project Volunteer Description

Administrative Volunteer

As with any organization, The Children’s Shelter programs can always use administrative assistance!  If tidiness, organization, filing, and/or paperwork are your thing and you would like to donate your time to assist with occasional administrative needs we’d love to have you!  Each program with The Children’s Shelter has occasional tasks for administrative volunteers during business hours, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.  If you would like to be notified of these opportunities and given the opportunity to sign up to help, please let us know.  Administrative Volunteers are required to complete the Volunteer Application and Orientation.  Volunteers who choose to serve as a Child Care Volunteer, Volunteer Mentor, or Special Project Volunteer may also choose to sign up for Administrative Volunteer Opportunities.  Please see the Volunteer Description below for more information about this opportunity.  If you are interested, please download our Volunteer Application and take one more step towards making a difference at The Children’s Shelter!

Administrative Volunteer Description


How Do I Become A Volunteer?

Step 1: Download a volunteer application from the bottom the page, or pick one up at our administrative building at 2939 W. Woodlawn Ave.

Step 2: Submit your application (including signed policy forms and letters of recommendation) and the $35 application fee. The application fee covers the cost of your TB test, your drug test and your background check.  Application may be submitted in person, by mail or fax. ATTN: Karen Sanchez

Step 3: Submit negative TB test results from within the last 12 months. Submit a negative drug test within 24 hours of your request.

Step 4: Wait for the Volunteer Coordinator to contact you upon receipt of all necessary requirements.  Volunteer Coordinator will then schedule you for a Volunteer Orientation.

download a volunteer application:

Volunteer Application

If you have any additional questions, please contact, Karen Sanchez, Volunteer Manager at 212-2508 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Due to licensing standards, we are NOT allowed to accept court-ordered community service.

For Additional Information Contact:

Karen Sanchez, Volunteer Manager
Office: (210)212-2508
Fax: (210) 785-9268
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

2939 W. Woodlawn Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78228

Locations

Administrative Offices: 2939 W. Woodlawn, 78228
Emergency Shelter: 2939 W. Woodlawn, 78228
Residential Treatment Center: 4040 High Ridge Circle, 78229
Project MAS: 1209 S. St. Mary’s, 78210
Compadre y Compadre: 1209 S. St. Mary’s, 78210
Girls Inc.: 1209 S. St. Mary’s, 78210
Nurse Family Partnership: 1209 S. St. Mary’s, 78210