Help Young Adults Move from Homelessness to Employment and Independence

Volunteer Opportunity for Friendship Place's Before Thirty – Resume, Technology, Mock Interview & Financial Literacy Support

Before Thirty is a person-centered program serving youth and young adults ages 17–29 (including single mothers) who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the DC Metro area. The program provides supportive services and housing assistance while working with each participant to design customized plans that help them achieve their personal and professional goals.

To strengthen employment readiness and long-term stability, we are seeking volunteers to assist staff in developing participant skills in four key areas: Resume Writing, Technology Proficiency, Mock Interview Coaching, and Financial Literacy.

Volunteers will receive training from staff and then be paired one-on-one with participants.

Location

Friendship Place Welcome Center 4713 Wisconsin Ave NW

Volunteer Hours

Volunteering takes place only during Welcome Center operating hours:

Open:

• Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Closed:

• Wednesday
• Friday
• Weekends
• All OPM/Federal holidays

Volunteers may serve for one- to two-hour sessions during these open hours on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or as-available basis.

Potential Monthly Workshop Sessions

Before Thirty is exploring the possibility of offering structured monthly Financial Literacy and Mock Interview workshops in extended time blocks to better meet the needs of youth and young adults.

If implemented, these sessions would likely be held in the late afternoon or early evening (for example, 3:00–5:00 PM or 5:00–7:00 PM during spring and summer months) to increase accessibility for participants balancing school, work, or transportation challenges.

Details regarding dates and times would be confirmed in advance and shared directly with interested volunteers.

Who You’ll Be Supporting

Before Thirty participants are DC Metro-based young adults seeking employment while navigating housing instability. Participants pursue jobs across a wide range of industries. We welcome volunteers from diverse professional backgrounds to best match the variety of career goals within the program.

Volunteer Roles

Resume Support

Volunteers work alongside participants to create clear, functional resumes tailored to their employment goals. Staff provide resume-writing training, templates, and guidance. The goal is not only to produce a strong resume but to teach participants how to confidently update and adapt it in the future.

Technology Support

Volunteers help participants build confidence using the tools essential to a modern job search, including:

• Organizing and managing email
• Using cloud storage
• Navigating Zoom and other videoconferencing platforms
• Connecting to Wi-Fi
• Troubleshooting basic technology issues

Technology proficiency is often a critical barrier to employment, and this support can make an immediate difference.

Mock Interview Coaching

Volunteers conduct mock interviews and provide coaching to help participants develop effective interview strategies. This includes thoughtful conversations about work history, employment goals, strengths, and challenges. It is as much about building confidence and self-worth as it is about interview technique.

Financial Literacy Support

Volunteers help participants build foundational financial skills that support long-term stability and independence. This may include:

• Creating and managing a basic budget
• Understanding credit and debt
• Opening and maintaining bank accounts
• Setting savings goals
• Building healthy financial habits

Financial literacy empowers young adults to sustain employment, maintain housing, and confidently plan for their future.

This opportunity offers meaningful, direct engagement with young adults working toward stability and independence. If you want to help someone gain employment, strengthen their confidence, and build skills for long-term success, we encourage you to volunteer.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Comfortable interacting with diverse populations
• Friendly, patient, and compassionate demeanor

All volunteers must complete a few standard health and safety steps.

• • TB Test (Tuberculosis Test):
  • This is a simple medical test that checks whether someone has tuberculosis, an infectious disease that can spread in community settings. The test is quick and commonly required for volunteers working in human services, healthcare, or community programs. It can be completed at most clinics, pharmacies, or doctor’s offices. Volunteers are responsible for obtaining and completing this test prior to beginning service.
  • NSO Database Search (National Sex Offender Registry Check):
  • This is a routine background safety check required for anyone volunteering with vulnerable populations. It confirms that the volunteer is not listed in the national registry. Friendship Place conducts this search as part of the onboarding process.
  • Volunteer Onboarding Form:
  • A basic form with contact information and availability.
  • Volunteer Informed Consent Form:
  • Confirms that volunteers understand their role and responsibilities.
  • Volunteer Confidentiality Statement:
  • Ensures volunteers protect the privacy of the people we serve.
  • Volunteer Acknowledgement Form:
  • Confirms the volunteer has reviewed and agrees to Friendship Place policies.
  • Review of the Friendship Place Volunteer Handbook:
  • Provides important information about expectations, procedures, and how to volunteer successfully.

These steps are standard for community service organizations and help create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for both volunteers and participants.

Supervision & Reporting

Volunteers are supervised by the Director of Community Engagement for overall volunteer coordination and by the Division Director, Welcome Center (or their designee) while onsite at the Welcome Center. Volunteers should direct any questions, concerns, or needs during their shift to Welcome Center staff on duty.

To Sign Up Email: volunteer@friendshipplace.org