The Homeless Children's Playtime Project (HCPP), an innovative nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational play activities and advocacy for children living in emergency and transitional housing programs in DC, is on the verge of a program expansion. We are looking for energetic and experienced volunteers to join our new teen initiative!
The ideal candidates will be passionate about working with teenagers and can dedicate at least one evening/ week to working in small groups with teenagers living with their families in DC General Family Shelter. Your ideas will help to form the program, so we are seeking a team of volunteers who are ready to share their skills!
Volunteers will lead evening activities in DC General Family Shelter (Stadium Armory metro stop) on Thursday nights. Activities for teens will include homework assistance, creating a safe space to socialize and play games, plan group projects, coordinate special speakers and activities. The program will also include monthly field trips to give teens a break from the shelter and create positive learning experiences, which volunteers will help to lead as well. We also seek tutors for Tutoring night on Tuesday nights, with the same group of youth.
REQUIREMENTS - Volunteers are expected to make a weekly commitment to HCPP on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and chaperone as many field trips as possible. Consistency and relationship-building is important in the lives of young people in transition and we need to be able to count on you each week.
- Volunteers should come with experience working with adolescents and an interest in learning about the special population that we serve in order to support at-risk teens' goals and growth.
- We are looking for people who are not afraid to take the initiative to lead creative activities with teens and do outreach around the shelter to recruit youth to the program. Volunteers should also be comfortable setting appropriate boundaries to maintain order, safety, structure and respect.
- Volunteers will be expected to undergo a background check and attend a mandatory training.
Our model is volunteer-led, and you will see immediate and tangible results from your contribution to this new program. This is great direct-service experience and a chance to make an impact in the lives of at-risk teenagers living in the largest family homeless shelter in the city.
