Volunteer with MSP

My Sister Place is made possible through the dedication of more than 200 active volunteers every year. There are a number of different ways you can support MSP as a volunteer, including:

Volunteer reading
Closed – Please check back soon!

MSP is not currently seeking new Reading Volunteers at this time. Please check back periodically; this page will be updated when opportunities to volunteer with the Reading Program become available.

Spending one hour on Tuesdays and/or on Thursdays helping children gain lifelong literacy skills that will empower their learning. Reading books and assisting with homework if needed. Volunteers can bring age-friendly books or use what we have in the library to read to the children.

Moving Volunteer image
Move volunteer

MSP is currently seeking volunteers for its Move-in Program. To volunteer contact Angela Cavanaugh.

We ask that each volunteer dedicate about 2-4 hours of their time once monthly during the weekend. This volunteer role assists our staff with our client(s) moving items from the shelter and into their new apartment homes or moving items from storage to their apartments such as tables, chairs, small sofas, TVs, etc. We do moves twice monthly and start around 9 am until about 12 noon. We also schedule furniture pick-ups in DC if there are no clients moving that day. (Heavy lifting is sometimes required.)

Children’s playtime
Children’s playtime

Closed – Please check back soon!

MSP is not currently seeking new Children’s Playtime Volunteers at this time. Please check back periodically; this page will be updated when opportunities to volunteer with the Children’s Program become available.

Dedicating two hours a week on Monday – Thursday with our children in the playroom during the afternoon and evening engaging in intentional free play activities while our adult clients spend time in group sessions meeting with case managers, etc. Sessions can be pre-planned group activities including art activities, games, puzzles, outdoor play, etc.

Seasonal Volunteer
Event volunteer

MSP holds outreach events during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, in October, and occasional fundraising events throughout the year. Volunteers support MSP events with tasks such as event check-in, set-up and break-down, handing out collateral, etc. The approximate time commitment for Event Volunteers is 2-4 hours per event.

Here are a few things to know before you sign up as a volunteer:

• There is a virtual orientation we recommend you attend first
• Commit as little as one or two hours a week
• No prior experience is required
• Communicate if you need to cancel your shift

Steps to Volunteer

Volunteer Calendar

1

Meet the
requirements

You must meet the age requirement of 18+ (otherwise chaperoned by an adult who will create an account for you both) and commit to at least one session per week. Two no-shows without contacting anyone and/or multiple cancellations/reschedules will result in suspension from the volunteer program.

2

Sign up Online

Follow a few simple steps to create your profile in Volunteer Matrix with the link provided or click on the Volunteer Calendar button anywhere on this page: Volunteer Calendar – My Sister’s Place (volunteermatrix.com).

3

Complete Volunteer
Orientation

Get to learn more about the organization and domestic violence, our mission, our program model, and how to be a successful volunteer.

4

Select your first shift

Volunteer Calendar

Select your first shift!

Volunteers are approved to volunteer once they have submitted signed Confidentiality and Photo Release forms. Children’s Program Volunteers must be cleared through CFSA before they are eligible to volunteer for the program. Applicants will be notified via email once they are approved, and will be able to select a shift that works with their schedule at that time.

If you must cancel, please notify volunteer@mysistersplacedc.org and cancel through the volunteer matrix. Please also be sure to reschedule for another shift to meet your weekly commitment. Suspension of a volunteer’s account will occur if there is a lapse over time, multiple rescheduled shifts, two no-shows/no cancellations. We really need your commitment!

Make a difference

ASK A QUESTION BEFORE SIGNING UP

 

If you have additional questions regarding group volunteer events, please contact our Volunteer & Move-In Manager, Angela Cavanaugh.