VOLUNTEERING AT GERMAINE LAWRENCE

Volunteers provide encouragement and support to Germaine Lawrence residents that not only enrich their experience at Germaine Lawrence, but also create a healthy relationship that may last beyond their stay here. Within a few hours, a volunteer can create a bond of friendship and provide a positive role model for the girls of Germaine Lawrence; such a connection reduces the girls’ sense of loneliness and isolation.

Volunteers bring special skills and opportunities to our programs that further support our foundation of nurturance, structure and consistency. They serve as a connection between the student and the community. A volunteer, in some cases, is the only community resource a Germaine Lawrence student may have.

Volunteers provide a supplemental outlet of support to staff members and become an integral part of our daily operations. When volunteers build a healthy mentoring relationship based upon teamwork, safety, and respect, they offer a priceless gift to Germaine Lawrence and all of the students.

How to Volunteer

To volunteer at Germaine Lawrence, the following criteria must be met:

Be at least 18 years old
Be at least 21 to become an Amiga
Must complete a Volunteer Application
Must complete a CORI form
Must meet with the Manager of Volunteer Services for an information session and initial screening.
Must have at least 1 reference check on file.
Must attend the Volunteer Orientation Sessions.

Please fill out an application form online, email the Manager of Volunteer Services, or call at 781-648-6200x120.

An information package will be sent to you to review. Once you have completed the application forms you will be contacted by the Manager of Volunteer Services who will answer any initial questions and gather preliminary information such as hobbies, interests and availability.

An interview will be scheduled along with a campus tour and dorm visit.
All Volunteers must attend two orientation sessions where they will learn more about the history and population served at Germaine Lawrence.

At the orientation volunteers will have an opportunity to learn how to build therapeutic relationships with our students and who to contact when difficult questions and circumstances occur.

Please contact the Manager of Volunteer Services if you have any additional questions about volunteering at Germaine Lawrence at 781 - 648 - 6200 ext. 120.

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AMIGA PROGRAM: The Amiga Program matches individuals in the community with a Germaine Lawrence student to provide responsible friendship and positive role modeling. These volunteers are Big Sisters to a Germaine Lawrence student.

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FAMILIA PROGRAM: The Familia Program matches community, religious or business organizations that want to provide a community outlet to a resident(s) at Germaine Lawrence and engage in group projects.

Goal: To provide a positive mentoring relationship to a resident at Germaine Lawrence. Amigas and Familias provide encouragement, nurturance and support to a student during her stay in our programs.
Qualifications: Interest in serving as a mentor for a young woman resident at Germaine Lawrence. Volunteers should be enthusiastic, good listeners, effective communicators, and able to remain calm when confronted with a stressed/upset adolescent.
Commitment: The Amiga & Familia programs require a commitment of 1-2 hours per week for six months.

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ACTIVITIES LEADER: Volunteers share their skills with a particular dorm by organizing activities such as arts and crafts, aerobics, cooking, sewing, dance, sports, and woodcrafts.

Goal: To teach our residents a new skill or craft.
Qualifications: Interest in demonstrating and teaching helpful and useful skills or crafts to Germaine Lawrence residents.
Commitment: Minimum of 2 hours during the week, weekends or every other week. It can also be set-up on a monthly basis or a one-time activity.

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ACADEMIC TUTOR: Tutors help students overcome difficulties in subjects like reading, basic math, algebra, geometry, and science.

Goal: To provide academic support to a Germaine Lawrence student.
Qualifications: Interest in helping a Germaine Lawrence student learn. Volunteers should be good listeners, effective communicators, and knowledgeable in an academic subject or particular topic.
Commitment: Minimum of 2 hours per week or every other week, until the student has improved on academic subject.

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DORM VOLUNTEER: Dorm Volunteers assist the dorm with daily needs such grocery shopping, housework, or helping to prepare meals.

Goal: To support staff in a dorm setting.
Qualifications: Interest in helping Germaine Lawrence residents.
Commitment: Minimum of 1-2 hours during the week, every other week or on monthly basis.

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CLASSROOM PRESENTER: Volunteers visit a classroom to share a once-in-a-lifetime experience, exotic trip/excursion, or information about a career or vocational opportunity.

Goal: Encourage students to explore career opportunities and provide positive role modeling. Presenters will help provide a first-hand source of information to students in regard to travel, culture, and history and will reinforce academic subjects.
Qualifications: Interest in helping Germaine Lawrence residents. Volunteers should be good listeners, effective communicators, and subject knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and organized.
Commitment: This opportunity is available during school hours - 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The average length of a presentation is 1-2 hours. This one-time activity may include a follow-up visit.

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GERMAINE LAWRENCE CAMPUS CLEAN-UP VOLUNTEER: Volunteers help beautify the Germaine Lawrence campus by doing light landscaping such as weeding and planting, painting, and campus clean-up. This activity may include putting up holiday decorations and other seasonal activities.

Goal: To improve the Germaine Lawrence campus by beautifying its surroundings and providing a safe and welcoming living atmosphere for our residents.
Qualifications: Interest in assisting staff in improving the Germaine Lawrence campus. Volunteers must like to work independently and in a team environment and able to communicate effectively.
Commitment: 3-5 hours during weekdays or weekend. This activity can be a one-time only or on a monthly basis.

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