Volunteer Program

Volunteers are an integral part of Centerpoint. Without the efforts of volunteers we could not provide the level of service we aspire to give.

Working as a volunteer can be an invaluable experience and a most appreciated way of 'giving back' to Centerpoint. We have a positive, stimulating environment and work with people who are seeking to create important changes in their careers and lives. If you are personally considering or in the process of a career transition, volunteering with us can be an opportunity for learning and focus - with access to many resources and special benefits.

Volunteer Benefits

  • Access to the LifeWork Resource Center during the period of working as a volunteer.
  • Valuable experience and diverse skill development (a plus for your resume too.)
  • Potential source for positive job reference.
  • 12 "credits" toward workshop attendance for the initial volunteer commitment of 48 hours and 1 additional unit for each 4 hours beyond the first 48 (All the details are outlined on our Volunteer Program handout. Contact us for a copy.).
  • Occasional opportunities for additional workshops and learning experiences.
  • Regular interaction with career professionals and immersion in an environment and a community focused on life/career renewal.


The Process

If you are interested in becoming a Centerpoint volunteer the first step is to take the LifeWork Renewal workshop. This workshop is a typical starting place for most Centerpoint clients. It will help you determine your needs and evaluate your fit with Centerpoint. In addition, completing this workshop gives you an understanding of our philosophy.

If after taking LifeWork Renewal you feel a volunteer position with Centerpoint may fit your needs, contact us for a Volunteer Application or download one below. After reviewing your application, we will call to schedule interviews with those whose skills seem to best meet our needs. After the selection process, each new volunteer will participate in an individual or group training program.

Volunteer Application

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If you would like an application mailed to you, we'd be happy to send one! Contact Us.


Volunteer Needs

Front Desk Volunteers

A Front Desk volunteer's primary responsibility is to answer phone calls and welcome clients. Being there to listen, answer questions (or passing them on to someone who can) and sharing the vision of Centerpoint are essential pieces of what you would do. In addition, you assist our office manager and are occasionally asked to do other miscellaneous office projects. Each volunteer commits to a weekly shift on a regular day and time. Shifts are generally four hours in length and can start at noon, Monday-Friday. Minimum time commitment required: 48 hours. Usually this equates to three months, but occasionally volunteers choose to do more than one shift per week.

Public Relations and Distribution Volunteers

These volunteers carry out the important task of making information about Centerpoint available to the community. You distribute Centerpoint catalogs and posters to libraries, bookstores, career centers, and other community gathering places in the neighborhoods of your choice. Minimum time commitment required: 2 trimesters.

Project Volunteers

These volunteers are scheduled as needed for Centerpoint projects and office work, sometimes during evenings and weekends. Minimum time commitment required: 48 hours, timing flexible.


For More Information

To find out more information, including the specifics on benefits, contact us and ask for a Centerpoint Volunteer Program handout/application.

 

 
Quotes from Former Front Desk Volunteers
"Volunteering at Centerpoint allows me to share in the energy that makes the unique Centerpoint renewal process possible for myself and others. I feel like I have a deeper investment in my own process by working alongside the staff and other volunteers. The relationships that I am forming will last long after my volunteer days are over."

"[Volunteering gives me] structure on Monday mornings: A place to go when everyone else is going to work... an opportunity to give/help out those who are in transition...interaction with [Centerpoint's registrar] and the sense that I'm taking some of the load off her. Volunteering takes away some of the isolation."

"The benefits I get from volunteering are:
1) Being in a supportive work environment during this fragile transition time.
2) Being surrounded by books, and being in an environment that motivates me in this hard time.
3) Getting to talk with people about life transition[s and] being with people who are in a similar place..."

 
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