Meals Volunteers for LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-in Center

Lambert House LGBTQ+ Youth Center seeks adult meals volunteers age 23 & older (24 or older for previous program participants) to prepare and serve dinner once per month, or more. Meals are sit-down, family style with LGBTQ+ & ally youth (11-22 years old), volunteers & staff ranging from 15-25 people per meal.

Meals volunteers can be individuals or groups, however at least one volunteer must attend our training and be present at each meal. We have many corporate groups (ERGs, Pride committees, etc.), clubs and social groups, and individuals as part of our Meals team.

LGBTQ+ and ally adult volunteers provide LGBTQ+ youth with hope for their futures and positive, healthy role models to look up to. Our volunteers have a major positive impact on the experience of youth in our programs, and are a core part of the youth experience at Lambert House. With a small staff, we count on volunteers to provide support throughout the agency. Drop-In Center & Meals volunteers help Lambert House create and maintain an environment of inclusion and safety for all youth. They develop meaningful, trusting relationships with youth, provide referral to services inside and outside of the organization, and enforce Lambert House policies.

Responsibilities of the Meals Volunteer

Meals volunteers plan the menu, provide the ingredients, and prepare the meal. We ask Meals Volunteers to provide a vegetarian option as part of their meal and if possible include a gluten-free option when the primary components are gluten-based (such as pasta, pizza, or sandwiches).

We always provide the kitchen, utensils, and hungry mouths!

Application and Training

Our volunteer application process is outlined on our website, which includes mandatory 20-hour training process (2 in-person dates and about 8 hours of online training). We hold training three times per year (winter, spring, and fall). Visit http://www.lamberthouse.org/volunteer/ for more information and the application. 

Meals Volunteers are required to obtain a WA State Food Worker Card (online class, costs $10) prior to their first shift onsite.

Lambert House Programming includes:

• Drop-in center open M-F, 4:00-9:30pm (closed on holidays and posted breaks)
• Dinner With Divas Group (home-cooked meal; M-F, 6:00pm)
• Discord server available M-F, 4:00-9:30pm
• Art Nights in-person and online every other week with the Artist-in-Residence
• Adult-facilitated weekly support groups (Transgender Group; age-specific groups; Boys Who Like Boys Group; Ultra Violet female-aligned group, and more!)
• Weekly Queer Movie Night
• Informal mentoring by 70+ community members each week
• Youth-led social and educational activities such as dances and drag shows, seminars, and workshops on a variety of topics
• Outdoor recreation monthly
• 3000+ volume LGBT lending library

Our calendar showcases all available programs: https://www.lamberthouse.org/events-calendar