Help Us: Volunteering

Volunteer
The mission of the volunteer office is to meet the needs of our agency by utilizing the time, talents, and strengths of dedicated volunteers that share in the greater mission of Operation Breakthrough. From rocking babies, organizing a diaper drive, to working in the kitchen, your contribution is always appreciated.

Individual Volunteer Opportunities
General volunteer
Be contacted as a variety of short-term opportunities arise, such as organizing donations, going on a classroom field trip, processing mailings or planting flowers  in our outdoor classroom. Assist with special events or projects. Serve as an office assistant or volunteer in one of our clinics, therapy or maintenance department.
Requirements:
• Attend volunteer orientation
• 14 or older unless accompanied by an adult. If accompanied by an adult, 10 or older.
• Complete General Volunteer application
• For volunteers 18 an older state background check for child abuse and neglect which includes a $15 fee
 
Classroom volunteer
Assist teaching staff and children in daily classroom activities and routines. Work with an entire class or individual children in a one-on-one setting. Serve as a homework helper, tutor, book, or math club leader.
Requirements:
• Attend volunteer orientation
• 14 or older unless accompanied by an adult; if accompanied by an adult, 10 or older
• Homework helpers must be 16 or older, tutors 18 or older
• Initial 8 week commitment, either weekly or every other week
• Complete Classroom Volunteer application
• For volunteers 18 an older state background check for child abuse and neglect which includes a $15 fee
• TB skin test

Group Volunteer Opportunities
Sponsor a collection drive
Sponsor a drive for much needed agency items such as non-perishable food items, diapers, classroom supplies, toothpaste/toothbrushes, or hygiene products. Please check with us for our current wish list needs.

Adopt a classroom or neighborhood
Work with your group in addressing the needs of a specific classroom or neighborhood. Volunteer as lunch buddies, field trip sponsors, and classroom supporters. Sponsor holiday parties, organize item drives, and volunteer for special events. Group members making repeat visits to our center will have to complete the Classroom Volunteer Application including background check consent form and have the results of a current TB test on file.
 
Group Volunteer Service Projects
Group projects in the past have included activities such as planting flower and vegetable gardens, painting, cleaning, adding mulch to our playground, and hosting tricycle repair and safety clinics. Service projects may or may not include classroom time as it is dependent on the project. Groups should utilize the Operation Breakthrough Boost501 website to plug into service projects available at our center.

Orientation and Application
All individual volunteers must attend an orientation and complete an application including background check consent form. Orientations are scheduled twice a month and applications are available online or through the volunteer office. Volunteers should bring their paperwork with them to their orientation. Individuals wishing to attend an orientation should contact Tara in the volunteer office at taral@operationbreakthrough.org.
 
Upcoming orientations are:
School age orientation, Monday, February 6th, 6-7:30p
Early childhood orientation, Thursday, February 23rd, 6-7:30p
Early childhood orientation, Wednesday, April 11th, 6-7:30p
Early childhood orientation, Thursday, April 26th, 6-7:30p
Early childhood orientation, Thursday, May 10th, 6-7:30p

Volunteer Communication
In order to be notified of current and upcoming volunteer needs and opportunities, individuals and groups can be included on the Operation Breakthrough Boost501 website. Please contact Tara to get an email invitation.

Internships with Operation Breakthrough
College students interested in interning at Operation Breakthrough should contact Tara for available positions. Interns serve in almost every department and can spend an entire semester or summer learning and serving in our center.

Volunteer Policies and Procedures
Classroom Volunteer Application
General Volunteer Application
Background Check Release Form