Get Involved

Want to know a quick and easy way to offer your support for Pathways?

Just Like Pathways on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our e-newsletter, or read our weekly blog.

Want to do More?

Pathways offers many opportunities for people of all ages to be involved and make a difference in the lives of the homeless women and children in our community. In fact, because of people like you, we are able to do so much more with our resources when we add your strengths to what we do as a staff.

Q & A session with the Volunteer Coordinator

  • Can I bring my small children out to volunteer?

    Your children may come with you if they are at least 5 years of age and you are volunteering at our family shelter.

  • How can my young children help?

    Volunteers 5 years to 13 years of age can:

    Help our youngest guests decorate cookies.
    Do art projects with our homeless children.
    Play! Outside or inside with the children in our shelter.

  • Can teenagers volunteer at Pathways?

    Yes, Pathways offers volunteer opportunities to teens and young adults. They are required to have a chaperon.

  • Does the chaperon have to be their parent?

    No, the chaperon can be any adult leader. However, the parents and the children are required to sign both privacy and photo release forms.

  • What can my teen do at Pathways?

    Children and teens ages 13 to 17 can:

    Assist with activities
    Serve lunch or dinner
    Sort donations in the clothes closet
    Lead a children’s Bible study
    Help plant flowers
    Work in our garden at Jones Valley
    Host an In-Kind drive to collect toiletries and other needed items.

  • How can I (the adult) help Pathways?

    Prepare, cater, and/or serve the lunch or dinner meal in our Day Center
    Host a Special Events Party such as baby shower, birthday, graduation, etc.
    Teach a group how to knit, sew, paint, journal, etc
    Host a Game/Movie night at our family or Downtown location
    Sort, fold, and organize donations in our Clothes Closet
    Help with basic office work such as filing, sorting, organizing where needed
    Greet and check in/out guests
    Host a Book Club with guests in our Downtown location
    Lead a discussion on faith or host a Bible study
    Take care of our Jones Valley vegetable garden or help with yard work
    Help a guest move in/out of Pathways
    Host an in-kind donation drive to collect toiletries and other needed items
    Offer to mentor one of our guests

  • How can large groups help at Pathways?

    Large groups are welcome! Groups larger than 10 individuals will be divided.

  • Do all members of my group have to attend an orientation session?

    No, groups are not required to attend an orientation session. The volunteer coordinator will arrange a time to meet the group leader and/or group. All groups are expected to arrive no later than 15 minutes before their service time to get acquainted with the managers on duty, guests, and other Pathways staff.

  • Are meal volunteers required to attend an orientation?

    All individual volunteers are required to attend an orientation session. Group leaders can elect to attend an orientation or may contact the volunteer coordinator by phone or email.

  • Are volunteers required to work a set number of hours per month?

    Yes, Pathways volunteer program does ask that the volunteers agree to a minimum of 4 hours per month.

  • Are all the volunteer opportunities available at all times?

    No, all Pathways activities must end by 9pm during the week and 8pm on the weekends.

    In order to learn more contact our Volunteer Coordinator at janis@pathwayshome.org or 205-322-6854.