We offer volunteer opporunities at the Center for Medically Fragile Children (details below), Jean Baton Swindells Resource Center for Children and Families, and Providence Neurodevelopmental Center for Children.
Center for Medically Fragile Children
When a child has profound disabilities and requires complicated medical care, families can feel overwhelmed despite their unwavering love. Volunteers and staff at the Center for Medically Fragile Children provide an extension of that family. We give children opportunities to play, cuddle, laugh and learn through our efforts. It is a profound experience for our volunteers and a labor of love for all of us.
Learn more and read our volunteer newsletter to get a flavor for volunteer life at the center or read one volunteer's experience with children at the center. Here are some of the many fulfilling, fun opportunities for service:
- Independent volunteers are matched with a specific child at the center.
- Field trip volunteers help with outings, which are generally scheduled Fridays and Saturdays between 1 and 4 p.m.
- Group volunteers work with recreational staff, helping children participate and enjoy a full array of recreational programming.
- Bus volunteers help nursing and support staff during school departure and arrival times. Shifts are available school days, between 8 and 9:30 a.m. and between 2:30 and 4 p.m.
- Pool and jacuzzi volunteers help recreational staff, supporting children in the water during their activities.
We also have special, though limited, school year and summer opportunities for high school or college students seeking to complete school service or practicum hours. These opportunities are highly sought after, and students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth volunteers over the age of 16 may participate without adult supervision. Volunteers under the age of 16 are encouraged to apply and participate although they must do so with an accompanying adult.
Is this you?
Volunteering is a major commitment. In order to manage the volunteer program, cooperate with federal guidelines, and create an environment that is rich and safe for the children, we ask you to consider how much time and energy you can honestly devote to the Center for Medically Fragile Children. Can you:
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meet the time commitment agreed upon between you and the department? Your regular time commitment for at least 6 months will allow you to create a special, deep bond with a child that will affect both of you for a lifetime.
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complete a criminal background check if you are over 18 years old?
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maintain a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement?
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participate fully in the orientation, interview, training, placement and evaluation process?
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abide by the clinical dress and OSHA guidelines? (These include, but are not limited to, not wearing open-toed shoes, strong scents or fragrances.)
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open your minds and hearts to the exceptional children and staff you will meet at the center?
How to apply
If you answered yes to these questions, we invite you to download our volunteer application. Once your application is submitted, we will notify you to complete the application process. Due to the high number of applications we receive from people who are interested in working at the center, it may take several weeks for us to contact you.
We know there many opportunities in the community where you may donate your valuable time, and we thank you warmly for your generosity and interest in our children.
Phone: 503-215-2470
Jody Wright, Volunteer Coordinator
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
E-mail:
jody.wright@providence.org
Address:
830 N.E. 47th Ave.
Portland, OR 97213
Map/Directions
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