Welcome, Neighbor!

Volunteers are the heart of Common Ground. Whether you love greeting people, organizing behind the scenes, or helping families access essential resources, there’s a place for you here. Explore our current opportunities below and find the role that fits your gifts and availability.

At the bottom of this page, you’ll find a link to our Volunteer Application.

Front Desk Volunteer

Schedule: Typically one shift per month, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (We can sometimes accommodate additional shifts for volunteers who want to serve more often.) 

Great for: Friendly, welcoming people who enjoy helping neighbors face‑to‑face

What you’ll do:

• Greet walk-in visitors

• Answer the phones and help clients complete assistance request applications

• Answer basic questions about our programs

• Keep the lobby warm, calm, and organized

Why it matters:  

You’re often the first person a neighbor meets and your kindness sets the tone for their entire experience.

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Community Garden Volunteer

Schedule: Seasonal; flexible weekday or weekend opportunities

Great for: Anyone who enjoys being outdoors, working with their hands, or learning about gardening

What you’ll do:

• Help with planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting

• Assist with garden maintenance and special project work days

• Support outreach and education efforts

Why it matters:  

Our garden provides fresh produce, learning opportunities, and a welcoming space for the community. Your time helps the garden thrive and ensures families have access to healthy, locally grown food.

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Families Forward – Family Advocate Volunteer

Schedule: Flexible; typically 1–2 commitments per month depending on family needs and 1 monthly evening meeting

Great for: Volunteers who are compassionate, patient, and passionate about supporting parents working toward stability

What you’ll do:

• Support Families Forward participants with goal‑setting and encouragement

• Assist with follow‑up tasks, resource gathering, or check‑ins

• Help prepare materials for monthly coaching sessions

• Participate in monthly advocate meeting. (Evey second Thursday at 4:00pm)

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold program values of dignity, respect, and empowerment

Why it matters:  

Families Forward helps working parents build long‑term stability through housing support, financial coaching, and consistent encouragement. As a volunteer advocate, you play a meaningful role in helping families stay motivated, connected, and supported throughout their journey.

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Fundraising Committee Volunteer

Schedule: 1–2 hours per month (seasonal increases before major events)

Great for: Volunteers who enjoy connecting with the community, supporting events, and helping secure resources that fuel our mission

What you’ll do:

• Assist with sponsorship outreach to local businesses and community partners

• Help request auction and raffle items 

• Support event logistics, including setup, guest check‑in, hospitality, and teardown

• Distribute flyers or share event information with partner organizations

• Track commitments, follow‑ups, and donor information using provided tools

• Brainstorm creative ideas to strengthen fundraising efforts and donor engagement

Why it matters:  

Our fundraising events make it possible for Common Ground to serve neighbors with dignity and compassion. As part of the Fundraising Committee, you help build the relationships, resources, and community energy that keep our programs thriving.