You Can Make a Difference: Volunteer with Us
Discover how you (or your group) can ignite the spark of hope for youth by volunteering at the PLACE.
There Are Many Ways You Can Volunteer:
Individual Volunteers
Individual Volunteer Process
- Submit an Application
- Complete Volunteer Orientation
- Choose Volunteer Type
- Undergo Background Checks
- Complete Required Training
- Schedule a Shift
Individual Volunteer Types
Indirect Care Volunteer
An indirect volunteer works at the administrative office or the Shelter while clients are away, without direct interaction with clients.
While there are many options available to us, some possible opportunities include:
- Maintenance and/or repair of facilities
- Admin assistance
- Yard work
- Preparing/cleaning rooms for youth in housing
- Picking up essential items for youth
If you have an idea of a volunteer opportunity not identified here, please let us know!
Requirements:
Volunteer Application
Volunteer Orientation
Liability Waiver
Confidentiality Statement
Media Release (Optional)
Background Checks:
- CO Sex Offender Registry
- National Sex Offender Registry
Training:
- Policies (20 min)
- Volunteer Portal (20 min)
- More assigned as needed
General Volunteer
A general volunteer interacts with clients in the Shelter or Drop-In Center on a limited basis and is supervised by staff or lead volunteers at all times.
While there are many options available to us, some possible opportunities include:
- Instructor led group activities:
- Craft(s)
- Vocational development
- Education and job skills
- Court ordered community service
If you have an idea of a volunteer opportunity not identified here, please let us know!
Requirements:
Volunteer Application
Volunteer Orientation
Liability Waiver
Confidentiality Statement
Media Release (Optional)
Background Checks:
- CO Sex Offender Registry
- National Sex Offender Registry
Training:
- Policies (20 min)
- Volunteer Portal (20 min)
- Food Safety (25 min)
- Safe Driving (12 min)
- Confidentiality (10 min)
- More assigned as needed
Lead Volunteer
A lead volunteer supervises other volunteers and works directly with clients.
While there are many options available to us, some possible opportunities include:
- Shelter meal cooking (Being a group leader)
- Instructor led group activities:
- Craft(s)
- Vocational development
- Education and job skills
- Mentorship
If you have an idea of a volunteer opportunity not identified here, please let us know!
Requirements:
Volunteer Application
Volunteer Orientation
Liability Waiver
Confidentiality Statement
Media Release (Optional)
Background Checks:
- CO Sex Offender Registry
- National Sex Offender Registry
- TRAILS Background Check ($30)
Training:
- Policies (20 min)
- Volunteer Portal (20 min)
- Safe Driving (12 min)
- Confidentiality (10 min)
- Food Safety (25 min)
- the PLACE Safety (15 min)
- Trauma-Informed Care (22 min)
- More assigned as needed
Full-Time Volunteer/ Intern
A full-time volunteer collaborates with program, administrative, development, or other staff and may work directly with clients.
While there are many options available to us, some possible opportunities include:
- Working with program staff at the Shelter, Outreach, or Housing
- Working with Admin or Development Teams
Due to the irregularity of this opportunity, please get in contact with us directly. For internships, you will need to confirm with your school that you are able to pursue this opportunity with the PLACE.
Requirements:
Volunteer Application
Volunteer Orientation
Liability Waiver
Confidentiality Statement
Media Release (Optional)
Background Checks:
- CO Sex Offender Registry
- National Sex Offender Registry
- TRAILS Background Check ($30)
- Fingerprinting Background Check ($50)
- Tuberculosis Check ($45)
Training
- Full Employee Onboarding (8 hrs)
Group Volunteers
Group Process
- Contact Us
- Recruit Group Members & Create a Group Name
- Schedule Your Group
- Choose an Opportunity
- Submit Application (All Group Members)
- Undergo Background Check (All Group Members)
- Complete Required Training (All Group Members)
Group Opportunities
Group Volunteer Requirements
Group Leader Requirements:
Volunteer Application
Liability Waiver
Confidentiality Statement
Media Release (Optional)
Volunteer Orientation
Background Checks:
- CO Sex Offender Registry
- National Sex Offender Registry
- TRAILS Background Check (Repeat Group Leaders Only)
Training
- Policies (20 min)
- Food Safety (25 min – Meal Cooking Groups Only)
- Volunteer Portal (20 min – Repeat Groups Only)
- Confidentiality (10 min – Repeat Groups Only)
- the PLACE Safety (15 min – Repeat Group Leaders Only)
Group Member Requirements:
Volunteer Application
Liability Waiver
Confidentiality Statement
Media Release (Optional)
Volunteer Orientation
Background Checks:
- CO Sex Offender Registry
- National Sex Offender Registry
Training
- Policies (20 min)
- Food Safety (25 min – Meal Cooking Groups Only)
- Volunteer Portal ( 20 min – Repeat Groups Only)
- Confidentiality (10 min – Repeat Groups Only)
Group Volunteer FAQs
Can my group complete orientation and training on-site the same day we volunteer?
No, orientation and any required training needs to be completed prior to volunteering.
My group is only volunteering one time; do they have to complete the orientation and training?
Yes, all volunteers must complete the orientation and any assigned training prior to volunteering. This ensures our volunteers are well-prepared and helps protect our clients.
What are the hours for group volunteering?
Shelter Meal Cooking Times: Breakfast 5am – 8am, Dinner 4pm – 7pm.
Other Opportunities: Anytime 9am – 5pm
NOTE: We have now switched our volunteer portal from Volgistics to Bloomerang Volunteer!
If you registered in our previous system Volgistics, your information has securely been transferred to Bloomerang Volunteer. By following the link below, enter the email that you used when registering previously as a volunteer. From there, you can select your desired opportunity and register for shifts. We stay up to date daily and if you have any questions, please call our Development Team line at (719) 881-7809
Frequently Asked Questions
What volunteer opportunities are available at The PLACE?
You can find all our volunteer opportunities on our volunteer portal.
Is there an age requirement for volunteering?
All Volunteers must be 16 years or older. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present while volunteering and must have a signed consent form from their parent or guardian.
What are the hours for volunteers?
We need volunteers around the clock, every day. While our volunteer portal lists specific times for some opportunities, most are flexible and can be adjusted to fit your schedule.
Are volunteers mandatory reporters?
Volunteers are not automatically mandatory reporters. However, they must report any issues that fall under mandatory reporting guidelines to staff, who will then determine the appropriate steps. Full-time volunteers or interns are required to complete mandatory reporter training.
What do I do when I show up for a volunteer shift?
- For Shelter & Drop-in shifts: Ring the doorbell to let staff know you’re here. For Admin Office, call or walk up to the 3rd floor.
- Sign in using the sign-in sheet or our volunteer app.
- Follow the staff’s instructions for your assigned activities.
- Sign out when you’re finished.
Are there opportunities for people who can't stand very long?
Yes! We have a variety of tasks such as organizing, folding, sorting, shredding, and more — many of which can be done while seated.
Are shelter tours offered on Saturdays?
Not currently, but we hope to offer them in the future.
How does the PLACE track volunteer hours?
Our volunteer portal, Bloomerang Volunteer, has an app where you can easily sign in and out. Additionally, we have physical sign-in sheets available for those who prefer them. These will be entered into the volunteer portal approximately once a month.
What is the best way to contact the Volunteer Coordinator while volunteering?
Sara is always available by phone or email.
- Phone: (719)266-2654 call or text
- Email: sara.vestal@theplacecos.org
How should misconduct be reported?
Misconduct can be reported in-person to a staff member at the shelter, or directly to me in-person, via email, or phone. We also have a grievance form that can be used to report misconduct.
Shelter Meal FAQs
How many clients should we prepare to cook for?
We usually have about 12 clients, but we can have as many as 20. We calculate serving sizes by taking the daily attendance and multiplying that number by two.
What days of the week are the staff most in need of meal help?
Fridays & Saturdays for dinner; Sunday for breakfast
What time are meals served?
Breakfast service starts at 7:30am on weekdays, 8:30am on weekends
Lunch service starts at 12:30pm on weekends
Dinner service starts at 6:00pm
How are meals typically served?
Meals are served cafeteria-style. They are prepared behind the counter, plated, and then served to clients.
What are the parameters for meal planning at the shelter?
Our meal planning usually includes one protein, one vegetable, one starch, and one fruit, along with milk, juice, and water. We calculate serving sizes by taking the daily attendance and multiplying that number by two.
Does all cooking need to be done on site?
Yes, all meals must be prepared on site unless they are pre-cooked and purchased from a restaurant or grocery store.
What time can volunteers gain access to the kitchen?
Volunteers can access the kitchen as early as they need on weekdays. Just call the shelter to ensure someone is available to let you in, or email staff to notify them of your planned arrival time.
What should be done with leftover food, and will it get used?
Leftover food is our favorite base for planning future meals. Simply place any leftovers in the appropriate Tupperware containers, label them with the date, and they will be used as a base for upcoming meal preparations.
Who cleans out expired food?
Out Direct Care Specialist cleans out the fridge daily performs a thorough cleanup every Sunday afternoon. We follow a “first in, first out” system to ensure that food is used before its expiration date.
What do clients do with their dirty dishes?
We provide a designated bucket for dirty dishes, so clients can leave them there instead of bringing them into the kitchen while volunteers are on duty.
