WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — The Upper Valley Haven is looking for new volunteers for a variety of roles to help support the organization during the summer months.
“In the summer, many volunteers go on vacations and there is a need to fill those gaps. We are flexible and creative so volunteering any time is welcome,” said Kerri Weeks, volunteer coordinator at the Haven.
The Haven provides services to people struggling with poverty. There are many different opportunities for volunteers to help further the organization’s mission of providing food, shelter, education, service coordination and other supports to people in need.
“The volunteers are dedicated to the community and people in need, and many of our programs could not run without them,” Weeks said. “Each day volunteers work together to unload produce, stock shelves and welcome community members to the food shelf. Our gardens are managed and designed by the garden team, adding beauty, fresh vegetables and fruits to our campus. Dedicated after-school program volunteers play games and create art with children and support the summer day camp program. Cafe volunteers cook delicious, nourishing meals for Haven visitors and dinner teams cook for the 21 guests who live in the Hixon House shelter seven nights a week.”
Right now, the Haven is in particular need of volunteers for the following roles: in the Food Shelf, volunteers are needed to help stock shelves, unload donations and guide customers. Shifts in the food shelf are available weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 12-4:30 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Weekday volunteers are also needed at the Haven’s reception desk and in the Caruso Cafe, which serves free meals and snacks to people who drop in. Dinner teams are needed to cook and drop off dinner for the 21 residents of the Haven’s shelter seven nights a week. Child care volunteers are needed to help watch children who live in the family shelter during the evenings so parents can attend classes.
In addition to these roles, the Haven can also help match volunteers with positions that align with their interests.
“I like to talk to people about the programs and give a tour of the Haven,” Weeks said. “Each program is different so talking about interests, hobbies, skills help to guide people to one or multiple volunteer opportunities.”
People can volunteer on a one-time or ongoing basis, although if a position requires training the Haven generally asks for a longer-term commitment.
People who are interested in volunteering can contact Weeks at kweeks@uppervalleyhaven.org or complete a volunteer application at www.uppervalleyhaven.org.