Volunteer Resources
Want to love on foster kids, but not ready to open your home?
Isaiah 117 House provides a comforting home where these children instead can be brought to wait – a place that is safe with friendly and loving volunteers who provide clean clothes, smiles, toys, and snuggly blankets. This space allows children to receive the comfort and care they need while child welfare staff can do the necessary paperwork and identify a good placement.
Some volunteers love on children in our open homes, while others help to organize donations, and take care of the yard. Some volunteers serve on committees to help organize and execute events or plan monthly treats and love for their local child welfare service office and caseworkers. There are all kinds of ways to get involved in the Isaiah 117 House and we need you! Contact Kenya Williams for more information.
Want to spend time with kids awaiting adoption while they film their video?
The I Belong Project through Tennessee Kids Belong uplifts the stories, faces and voices of kids in foster care who are eligible for adoption to help connect them with forever families. They host video shoots across the state, usually 3 each year in Memphis, and take great care to ensure we are providing a safe, fun and therapeutic environment for the kids we have the privilege of serving. They strive to ensure every child’s story is treated with dignity and respect. If you are interested in volunteering for a video shoot, contact Katie Dunlap for more information.
Also, another great way to help is by sharing the “I Belong” videos through Tennessee Kids Belong, highlighting the kids in Memphis who have had their parental rights terminated and are awaiting adoption.
Are you good at vehicle repair or cleaning?
Midsouth Hope Garage accepts donated vehicles, makes all necessary repairs and gifts them to those in our local community. They partner with organizations like Life Choices and One by One so that there is follow up with the individuals receiving the vehicles. The desire is share the love of Jesus to those that are moving out of crisis to begin a better life.
They host regular volunteer days where they do maintenance, wash, and get cars ready for their new owners. Contact Joanna Murray for more information
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Want to go upstream and help kids not enter the foster care system?
The CarePortal platform instantly connects you to the urgent, real-time needs of vulnerable children and families living in Memphis. Needs such as a bed, a car seat, rent assistance, and more can provide critical, immediate relief and restore a family back to a strong and healthy state. Mobilize your faith community to be the hands and feet of Jesus for vulnerable children. Contact Lesley Monet for more information.
Want to be a mentor for kids in the foster care system?
Youth Villages is in need of mentors for young people in their Foster Care and Residential Services. Mentors can come onto the campus to visit, they can be authorized for off-campus passes, and they are placed on the child’s call list. Mentoring offers an opportunity for them to experience a healthy adult figure who chooses to show up for them. Contact Gavin Maness for more information.
Want to be a mentor for new, pregnant moms?
Many moms are scared, alone, experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, and unsure what to do next. Many moms just need a friend or someone outside of family to talk to. Whatever her reason, the goal of One by One is to provide a lifeline to each mom - to love and support her, providing hope, encouragement, and parent education - from the moment she learns she’s pregnant until her baby turns one.
They train volunteers from the faith community to serve as mentors to women who are pregnant or who are brand new moms. They provide each mentor with everything she needs to serve her mom, including lesson plans for every meeting and activities to share with her mom to help her support her baby’s social, language, emotional, and motor skill development. Contact Marion Weaver for more information.
Want to provide snacks for the kids who are at the DCS office?
The DCS office is the first place that many children arrive when they are removed from their homes. The case workers do their best to provide them with their basic necessities and food. If you are intersterested in helping, contact Latara Meadows.
Current needs for children coming into care include:
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Hygiene Bags: towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, lotion, encouraging note
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Fast food gift cards, snacks, drinks
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Laundry detergent
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