You Can Make a Difference: Volunteer!
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 at the 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:
- 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 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 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?
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 email our Development Team at development@theplacecos.org.
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 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 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.
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 PLACE while volunteering?
The Development Team is available by phone or email.
- Phone: (719)653-1647 call or text
- Email: development@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.