If you are a UMM group wanting information about how to volunteer for the rebuilding of Leigh Cottage, please visit the North Georgia Conference UMM website.

Are you looking for a way to make a difference in someone else’s life? Maybe someone has invested in you, and you want to extend that kindness to someone else?

One of the greatest values of working with volunteers is the opportunity for our children and youth to experience a different kind of treatment and meaningful relationships with adults at their own pace. They have the opportunity to see themselves in the eyes of someone who is there simply because they care.

Who can volunteer?

Volunteering requires no previous job experience — you contribute the skills that you already have!

Volunteers for most jobs must be at least 23 years of age (25 for Visiting Families). Tutors and most Activity Leaders may be 21 years or older.

What can I do to help?

Well, just about anything! We’re flexible to work with your schedule and the interests and skills you can share with our young people. Keep in mind that almost all of our students on campus are 12 to 17 years old (although our Foster Care program serves younger children). Listed below are several of our ongoing volunteer opportunities, but our needs are always changing. Tell us what you’d like to do, and we may have a place for you!

For individual volunteers

Big Brother/Big Sister
An individual willing to make a commitment to visitation and other contacts with a resident who needs a mentor and role model can apply to be a Big Brother/Big Sister. A Big Brother/Big Sister maintains a consistent, positive relationship with a child as the child’s mentor and friend, committing to a long-term relationship of (at least ) monthly visits. A Big Brother/Big Sister participates in the student’s life through visits, phone calls, notes, etc., and in special events in the child’s life. Visits can take place on or off campus (with DFCS and UMCH approval).

Visiting Family
A Visiting Family is an individual or family willing to make a commitment of visitation and other contacts with a UMCH resident. The Visiting Family must commit to a long-term relationship with the child, through campus or home visitations (with DFCS and UMCH approval) at least once a month. The Visiting Family participates in the student’s life through holidays, vacations, phone calls, notes, etc., and in other special events.

Cottage Friend
This is an opportunity for an individual or a stable, cohesive group of adults to offer an ongoing relationship to all the residents of a cottage. This is achieved by developing a personal relationship with each child, and participating in the everyday activities and schedule of the cottage. Cottage Friends are asked to commit to two to four hours weekly for at least six months.

Tutor
Offer your time and talent to help a child or young person with reading, math, social studies or science. Most of our students need guidance and encouragement mastering basic study and academic skills, as well as intensive help with specific middle and high school subjects. This usually involves a commitment of one weekly tutoring session for the length of a school year.

Activity Leader
Do you enjoy teaching? Share your area of expertise with a group of our young people. Art? Music? Sport? Dance? Style, fashion, makeup? Dog training and grooming? Creative writing or journalism? Anything else? This can be one time or a series of classes or activities.

Professional Service
We are always in need of professional personnel who are willing to volunteer their specific skills. There is a need for professional volunteers including doctors, dentists, psychologists, psychiatrists, lawyers, teachers, plumbers, electricians, etc. If you have a skill you think could benefit the Home, let us know!

For volunteer work groups*

• grounds/landscaping maintenance
• painting in cottages and around campus
• and more… just ask!

Occasional volunteer needs

• seasonal mailings helper
• special events volunteers
• administrative/office work
• and more… just ask!

Becoming a volunteer

To begin the process of applying for a volunteer position, applicants must submit a completed volunteer application and accompanying forms, and have a satisfactory criminal records check. If you have any questions, call 404.327.5832, or email the Volunteer Coordinator.

*For work groups, the age requirement is 12 years old and no paperwork is necessary.

If you are interested in applying to be a volunteer at UMCH, please read the following information and mail the completed application, confidentiality agreement, ethical standards code and background check consent forms to: Attn: Volunteer Coordinator, UMCH, 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur GA 30030.

About volunteering
About Visiting Resources
The mission, history and services of UMCH
Volunteer application and accompanying forms

If you have trouble downloading the forms, or if you have any questions about volunteering, contact the Volunteer Coordinator.