The Parent Aide Program

Help a parent - help a child, and help prevent child abuse or neglect. Volunteers are needed to reach out to Hampshire County parents living in stressful situations. By giving only three to five hours per week, you can make a difference to a family in need of extra support. The Parent Aide Program provides regular supervision and support to volunteers. The Fall training group is forming now. Commitment to the program is not required until after the training is completed. Caring and responsible women and men, including people from diverse cultural backgrounds, are enthusiastically welcomed as volunteers. Parent Aides offer their friendship, encouragement, support, and help to meet the needs of these parents.

For more information, call the Parent Aide Program at Children’s Aid and Family Service at 584-5690, or email us at admin@cafshc.org. Or, fill out an application online.

The Interfaith Community Homeless Shelter

The shelter in downtown Northampton is located at 43 Center Street and it needs volunteers to assist staff at the Northampton shelter between 9:00 pm and 7:00 am from December 2007 through April 2008. Volunteers usually sign up for one overnight per month and duties include light kitchen work, wakiing guests, and setting up breakfast. The overnight volunteer sleeps in the volunteer office and assists the staff member when needed. If you can help, contact Chrissie Bell, cbell@email.smith.edu, 585-3721.

Treehouse Community

Treehouse is an intergenerational community, bringing seniors and adoptive families together in a caring community designed as a village. Opportunities include Afterschool activities volunteer, Mentor positions with a child, senior, or family, Special events and celebrations volunteer, Childcare and enrichment volunteer while parents and seniors attend trainings and community council meetings, Sports and skill-building mentoring in areas of fitness, sports, music, or games.  Contact Kerry Homstead, 527-7966, kcholmstead@comcast.net for more info.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Hampshire County

Make a positive difference in the lives of children or youth with a one-to-one relationship. There is an on-going list of children who would be thrilled to have your companionship. Training and support are provided. Call Big Brothers/Big Sisters for more information at 253-2591.

More Opportunites Available - check out the Agency Directory for a full listing!

This listing represents some of the current volunteer opportunities that have come into our office recently. If you know of any community service placements you would like us to list, or would just like to share your experiences and ideas, please email sos@email.smith.edu.