Become a volunteer today!
Download the Spring 2012 Volunteer Newsletter.
Volunteers are an important part of our service to the community. Whether it is reading to a child in a classroom or donating time at one of the agency's special events, volunteer service is key to our operation and meaningful to our clients. The Guidance Center volunteer program seeks volunteers who wish to share their time and talent to support the agency's mission and the community. The agency offers diverse volunteer opportunities and invites the community to make a difference in the lives of children and adults locally.
Watch to learn more about the collaborative effort between The Guidance Center, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, and City Year to commemorate MLK Day 2012.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Guidance Center located?
The Guidance Center has 20 locations throughout Southeast Michigan. The main campus (where you can find the Volunteer Services Coordinator) is located in Southgate. Click here to see a list of locations and their volunteer opportunities.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available?
Our agency offers diverse volunteer opportunities for those who wish to share their time and talent to support our mission and the community. To get a list of current volunteer opportunities, please click here.
What is the age requirement?
The age requirement to volunteer on a frequent basis is 16 years old. The age limit for special events, depending on the event, is ages 5 and up. For special events, youth under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. A written parental or guardian permission slip will be needed for participation.
What is the application process?
Every potential volunteer must complete a volunteer application. If you are volunteering more than one time you need to authorize The Guidance Center to conduct a criminal background check. If you are dishonest or refuse, The Guidance Center has the right to disregard the application.
Volunteers serving more than one time participate in a general interview that is conducted on the phone by the Volunteer Services Coordinator. If the initial interview goes well, you are required to come in for a second interview (the position meeting) with the representative of the program you will be volunteering in. The position meeting allows a more in-depth discussion regarding the program and its scheduling requirements. If you are then approved for service, you must obtain a Central Registry Clearance.
Volunteers participating in a one-time only event will fill out an On-Site Volunteer Form and sign in on the day of the event. One-time only volunteers and group volunteers are not required to have a Central Registry Clearance.
What is a DHS Central Registry Clearance and how do I go about getting it?
A Central Registry Clearance from the Department of Human Services (DHS) is required for all volunteers who volunteer more than one time. The clearance is a letter from the state that lets us know that you have never been involved with child abuse or neglect.
A DHS Central Registry Clearance is very simple to do and free of charge. You simply need to print and fill out the form and bring it in to your local DHS office. Let them know you need it as soon as possible (within a week). When asked, have it sent to your home (NOT to The Guidance Center) to ensure it does not get lost.
Do I have to attend an orientation or training?
After you’ve been approved as a volunteer, you will be provided a Volunteer Handbook. An agreement form also will be provided and must be signed before you start your first day of service. The Program Representative will provide training, which helps each volunteer better understand his/her purpose. Guidance Center training workshops may also be a valuable experience to note on your resume.
What should I do if I must be absent from my volunteer assignment due to illness or other personal needs?
If you are unable to arrive at the scheduled day and time for any reason, we ask that you notify the Program Representative before your scheduled time begins. This is a courtesy to the staff and we ask that you please be diligent in fulfilling this responsibility.
The key is communication. We understand that life happens; we just ask that you respect the staff and the clients by letting us know when you are unable to be there. Failure to do so will result in potential change of placement or the discontinuation of your volunteer services with the agency.
What do I do if I want to change my schedule or I am interested in serving in a different volunteer position?
If you need to change your schedule or you are interested in working in a different position, please contact the Volunteer Services Coordinator.
Does The Guidance Center allow court-mandated volunteers?
The Guidance Center will accept volunteers performing court-ordered community service. Volunteers who are performing court-ordered community service must disclose the nature of their conviction to the Volunteer Services Coordinator. The agency reserves the right to decline any volunteer or to limit which days or hours a volunteer may work.
The Guidance Center will not accept volunteers who have been convicted of violent crimes, drug-related crimes, identity theft crimes, crimes of a sexual nature, or crimes involving embezzlement. Each offense is looked at and reviewed by the Volunteer Services Coordinator and the Program Representative before the final decision is made. Depending on the offense, court-ordered volunteers may be given positions that do not involve clients.
Does The Guidance Center accommodate volunteers with disabilities?
Yes. However, to ensure a successful experience, please contact the Volunteer Services Coordinator to discuss accommodations needed.
At the end of my services, may I learn my total volunteer hours?
Yes. We track each volunteer’s hours – both for individual volunteer purposes and for the agency’s purposes. Just ask the Volunteer Services Coordinator for that information.
At the end of my services, may I request a recommendation letter?
Volunteers who serve for more than 10 hours or who serve for a special event are eligible for a recommendation letter. Contact the Volunteer Services Coordinator for more information.
Do I need to get a Tuberculosis (TB) test?
A TB test is required for volunteers serving in our Early Childhood Programs (i.e. Head Start) for four hours or more a week for two consecutive weeks.
If you have had a TB within the past year, please provide us with a copy of the results. If you have not, a form will be provided to you (upon request) and you may take it to any participating Midwest Health Center. This is free service. FYI: Do not list the date until you have received your results. Please bring the results to the Volunteer Services Coordinator.
For more information or to become a Guidance Center volunteer contact Jessica Padgett, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 734-785-7705 x7066 or jpadgett@guidance-center.org.
