Volunteer with Alpha Grand Rapids
If you have a heart for making a difference in the community by volunteering, Alpha Grand Rapids is the place for you!
Parents Love Alpha Volunteers
Our Volunteer Requirements
We want to ensure that our volunteers are fully equipped to serve Alpha clients—and that our clients are well taken care of in a safe environment. Each Alpha volunteer is required to do the following:
- Submit a volunteer application. This helps us get to know you and what areas you are interested in.
- Attend an All Access event or a tour. This helps you get to know us a little better!
- Pass a background check. This is required for all Alpha staff members and volunteers.
- Meet with the program leader. You’ll have a chance to talk to the program leader of your area of interest.
- Complete training requirements. Each volunteer is required to complete some level of training depending on where they are serving.
- Start volunteering!
Volunteer Training
Each volunteer is required to undergo some level of training depending on where they are serving. We break our training up into four sessions:
- Session One: All volunteers are required to attend
- Session Two: Client-facing volunteers are required to attend, including childcare volunteers
- Session Three: Mentors, coaches, group leaders, and volunteers are required to attend
- Session Four: Mentors and coaches are required to attend
Sessions one and two are available online anytime after you have completed the application process. Sessions three and four are offered in-person.
Our Volunteer Needs
No matter your skillset, you can find your fit at Alpha! Some volunteers love interacting directly with the moms and dads we serve, while others prefer to do behind-the-scenes work. We need both! Here are a few current volunteer needs at Alpha:
Mentors/Coaches
If you love building relationships and walking alongside people as they navigate life, you could be a great mentor (for women) or coach (for men). Mentors and coaches meet one-on-one with parents at Alpha to listen, encourage, and provide resources. We have a significant need for mentors and coaches that are bilingual in Spanish!
Teachers/Group Leaders
We need teachers of all kinds at Alpha, from teachers who can help with GED or parenting classes to those comfortable facilitating a group (like our Fatherhood Group or Single Moms Support Group). If you have a background in teaching or leading groups, this is a great opportunity for you!
Material Resources
By attending Alpha programs, moms and dads earn “Alpha Bucks” to purchase necessary supplies from our store. Material Resource volunteers are key in keeping the store well-stocked and beautifully organized! If you love supporting moms and dads in a behind-the-scenes way, this could be a great role for you!
Want to view other volunteer opportunities or start the volunteer application process? Visit our volunteer platform by clicking the button below!
Group Volunteer Opportunities
We love it when local churches, businesses, small groups, school groups, or sports teams volunteer at Alpha together! If you’re interested in bringing a group to volunteer, please reach out!
Volunteer FAQs
Why do I have to get a background check?
Background checks are required for the safety of our clients and their children. All Alpha staff members and volunteers are required to complete a background check.
What’s the commitment level?
Commitment level varies depending on what role you are interested in and how much time you are willing to give. Roles like material resources and mentoring or coaching are more flexible around your schedule, whereas roles that involve teaching, group facilitation, or childcare require being available when those programs are provided.
I feel well-equipped to be a volunteer, why do I have to complete these requirements?
We know that all of our volunteers come in with hearts ready to serve, but we want to make sure each volunteer fully understands Alpha’s approach to serving our clients. We believe there is no such thing as being too equipped to help.
Why does Alpha have requirements about my faith stance, lifestyle, and abortion beliefs?
As a faith-based organization, we want to ensure that volunteers are comfortable with the mission and beliefs of Alpha Grand Rapids. While we don’t have any requirements for who can receive our services, we do have requirements for staff members and volunteers. If you would like to talk through this in more detail, a staff member would be happy to connect with you! Please send a message through our Contact Us page and someone will respond shortly.
What are the age requirements for volunteering?
You must be over the age of 18 to volunteer in most roles. Those under 18 can volunteer in roles like childcare or material resources but must do so with a parent, legal guardian, or school representative present.
How long does it take to complete the onboarding process?
It usually takes 1-2 months from the time you submit your application to starting to volunteer. This timing depends on how quickly you provide all the necessary documentation and how soon you are able to complete volunteer training.
Can I volunteer with my spouse/kids/friends/etc.?
Depending on the role, yes! Some spouses come to Alpha on the same day and then serve separately as a mentor and a coach. Some parents bring their children along to serve in childcare or material resources. Some friends volunteer to sort inventory during the same timeframe. Options are available depending on what you are interested in doing!
What if I don’t have similar life experiences to the people Alpha serves? How can I still connect with them?
Everyone learns from each other at Alpha! We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and recognize that everyone has their own unique story. The same is true of every parent that we serve. Most of the women and men who attend our programs are simply looking for a place to belong and someone to listen and care about them. If you have a heart to listen well and build genuine relationships, that’s what matters most!