Volunteer

The Yes, I Can! After School Mentors support and encourage second through fifth-grade students by modeling positive behavior, facilitating pre-written lessons in small groups, and assisting with school homework. In collaboration with the Education Specialist and Education Coordinator, mentors ensure students are given the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate pre-written lessons related to math, reading, social-emotional learning, and STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art, and Math) to small groups of students
• Assist students in building healthy communication skills and boundaries
• Participate in enrichment activities with second through fifth-grade students and staff
• Support education staff members with general program operations
• Supervise students during snack, outside play, and independent work time 

Requirements: 

• 16+ years old with signed agreement/release from guardian
  • Must be present with another team member over the age of 18
  • YIC students' families/guardians must be made aware
  • Child abuse and neglect training is required
• A positive role model for youth
• A working knowledge of second to fifth-grade math, reading, and science
• Dependable and punctual 
• Arrival: 3:00 pm for preparation and a brief overview with education staff
• Dismissal: 5:15 pm or until the last student Is picked up
• Comfortable being an authority figure while enforcing rules and regulations of the Yes, I Can! After-School Program
• Motivated to work with children at different developmental stages, academic levels, and diverse backgrounds 
• Eager to work collaboratively with fellow mentors and Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach staff

Training: 

• Attend in-person training or review general Volunteer Orientation Video
• Complete Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Training
• Peer-shadow a Yes, I Can! After-School session  

Time Commitment: 

Varies depending on the mentor’s schedule. It is preferred for mentors to have a consistent weekly shift, but not required. Substitute shifts are available when a scheduled mentor is unavailable.

Shifts are available Monday-Thursday from 3:00-5:15 p.m.

• 2.25-hour shifts

Benefits: 

• Valuable relationships built with students, fellow mentors, and Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach staff 
• Fulfilling and fun activities outside of your day-to-day routine 
• Be an active part of shaping the future generation 

The English as a Second Language volunteers will serve as English instructors and support English language learning adults in a group setting. In collaboration with Education Staff members at Our Lady of Mercy, volunteers will ensure students are given the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate pre-written lessons from the designated curriculum, Ventures 
• Guide and support students in meaningful conversation practice
• Teach English reading, writing, listening, speaking and grammar concepts
• Participate in enrichment activities with the students and staff

Requirements: 

• Must be dependable and punctual 
  • AM Class- Arrival 9:00 a.m., must stay until 11:30 a.m.
  • PM Class- Arrival 5:30 p.m., must stay until 8:00 p.m.
• 16 years-old and up
• Must be self-directed and ready to take initiative
• Must be able to enforce rules and regulations of the English as Second Language Program
• Must be ready to work with people of diverse backgrounds and sensitive to different cultures
• Must be eager to work collaboratively with fellow volunteers and Our Lady of Mercy Outreach staff
• Must have a strong knowledge of English grammar
• Having a background in teaching or tutoring would be helpful, but is not required

Training: 

• Attend in person volunteer orientation or review general volunteer orientation video/slideshow
• Recommended to peer-shadow another English as a Second Language teacher in the program 

Time Commitment: 

Varies depending on the volunteer’s schedule. Volunteers will typically have a consistent weekly shift or will be a substitute when a weekly volunteer is unable to attend their scheduled shift. 

• AM Shifts: Mondays & Wednesdays 9:00 -11:45 a.m.
• PM Shifts: Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30-8:15 p.m.

Benefits: 

• Valuable relationships built with students, fellow volunteers, and Our Lady of Mercy Outreach staff
• Fulfilling and fun work outside of your day-to-day routine 

Child Learning Center volunteers will help support and encourage children 18 months to 4 years old by providing a safe and nurturing learning environment for the children while their parents/guardians attend ESL or GED classes. Volunteers will supervise and engage with the children in free play (indoors and outdoors), reading, snack time and other activities. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate pre-planned development activities to small groups of students
• Participate in enrichment activities with all students and staff
• Support education staff members with program operations
• Supervise students during free play, snack time, and interactive activities

Requirements: 

• 18 years old and up
• Complete child abuse and neglect training.
• Must be dependable and punctual (arrival time 9:30am, must stay until the last student/child leaves)
• Must be self-directed and ready to take initiative
• Must be able to enforce rules and regulations of the Child Learning Center
• Must be ready to work with children at different developmental stages
• Must be eager to work collaboratively with fellow volunteers and Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach education staff
• Must be a positive role model

Training: 

• Attend in person training or review general volunteer orientation video
• Complete Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect training 

Time Commitment: 

Varies depending on the volunteer’s schedule. Volunteers will typically have a consistent weekly shift or substitute when a weekly volunteer is unable to attend their scheduled shift. 

Shifts available:

• Monday: 9:30-12:00
• Tuesday: 9:30-12:30
• Wednesday 9:30-12:00
• Thursday 9:30-12:30

Benefits: 

• Valuable relationships built with students, fellow volunteers, and Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach staff 
• Fulfilling and fun work outside of your day-to-day routine 
• Be an active part of shaping the future generation

Youth Financial Literacy Volunteers will serve as instructors and facilitators for 5th grade students from Angel Oak Elementary School in a group setting. Each volunteer will be emailed a pre-written lesson every week to look over and prepare before the lesson. In collaboration with Our Lady of Mercy education team staff members, volunteers will ensure students are given the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate pre-written lessons from the provided curriculum, (“Money Smart for Young People” by FDIC)
• Support education staff members with program operations
• Participate in enrichment activities with the students and staff

Requirements: 

• 18 years-old and up
• Complete child abuse and neglect training.
• Must be dependable and punctual (arrival time 9:30am, must stay until 11:15am or the end of the lesson)
• Must be self-directed and ready to take initiative
• Must be able to enforce rules and regulations of the Youth Financial Literacy Program
• Must be ready to work with children at different developmental stages and academic levels 
• Must be ready to work with people of diverse backgrounds and sensitive to different cultures
• Must be a positive role model for youth 
• Must be eager to work collaboratively with fellow volunteers and Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach education staff

Training: 

• Attend in-person training or review the general volunteer orientation video

Time Commitment: 

Varies depending on the volunteers' schedule. Volunteers will typically have a consistent weekly shift or will be a substitute when a weekly volunteer is unable to attend their scheduled shift. 

Shifts are available Fridays (9:30-11:15), 1.25 hrs

Benefits: 

• Valuable relationships built with students, fellow volunteers, Angel Oak Staff, and Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach staff 
• Fulfilling and fun work outside of your day-to-day routine 
• Be an active part of shaping the future generation

Dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants will provide free dental services to community members under the supervision of the Dental Director. As a volunteer dentist, your duties will range from performing routine check-ups to surgical operations. Dentists also provide chair-side health information to clients. Dental assistants will support Our Lady of Mercy dentists as well as volunteer dentists during dental procedures. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Provide dental services/ assist with dental procedures
• Increase access to care
• Work with assistants/dentists/ hygienists that may be unfamiliar to them
• Protect patient health information in compliance with HIPAA laws

Requirements: 

• South Carolina Certification and Licensure (may vary depending on position)
• 18 years old and up
  • Offer the option for minors (under 18) to tour the Wellness Center with an adult chaperone
• Must be compassionate, understanding, and respectful to clients, staff, and fellow volunteers 
• Must be available to volunteer during the dental clinic hours of operation

Training: 

• Review the general volunteer orientation video 
• Peer-shadowing to observe dental clinic operations 

Time Commitment: Varies depending on the volunteers' schedule. Volunteers will typically have a consistent weekly shift. or will be a substitute when a weekly volunteer is unable to attend their scheduled shift. Shifts are available Monday through Thursday anytime between 9am-4pm. We are more than happy to work with your schedule and find a shift that works for you! 

Benefits: 

• Connect with other dental professionals 
• Valuable relationships built with clients, fellow volunteers, and OLM staff
• Additional training opportunities
• Quarterly volunteer gatherings 
• Fun and fulfillment outside of your day-to-day routine 

Food Pantry and Clothing room assistants will guide community members through the selection of items that align with their needs. Volunteers will keep clothing and food organized, put away new donations, and keep the area organized to support a pleasant experience for clients. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Work alongside OLM’s Social Workers to meet client needs 
• Guide clients as they shop for themselves 
• Organization of clothing room and food pantry 
• Sort through new donations (clothing room)
• Monitor food product ‘used by dates’, ‘best before dates’, and refrigeration temperatures (food pantry) 
• Provide a warm smile, listening ear, and open heart 

Requirements: 

• 16 years old and up
  • Supervising adult chaperone required if under the age of 18
• Must be compassionate, understanding, and respectful to clients, staff, and fellow volunteers
• Be self-directed and willing to take initiative
• Must be dependable and punctual 
• Facilitate a welcoming environment
• Ability to be organized, follow processes, and keep client information private 
• Must be able to assist and guide clients who have limited English 

Training: 

• Review the general volunteer orientation video 
• Peer-shadowing to observe food pantry and clothing room activities 
• Diversity Equity and Inclusion training 

Time Commitment:  Varies depending on the volunteers' schedule. Volunteers will typically have a consistent weekly shift. or will be a substitute when a weekly volunteer is unable to attend their scheduled shift. Shifts are available Monday through Thursday from 10am-2pm. 

• 4 hour shifts 

Benefits:

• Valuable relationships built with clients, fellow volunteers, and OLM staff
• Additional training opportunities
• Quarterly volunteer gatherings 
• Fun and fulfillment outside of your day-to-day routine 

The Front Desk Receptionist will perform a variety of tasks dependent on the day-to-day needs of the organization. This will include answering phones,  assisting “walk-in” clients,  and answering general questions about services offered by Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach.  Additionally, Front Desk Receptionists may be asked to complete other clerical tasks to assist the Senior Social Services Manager. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Be the welcoming face and voice of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach 
• Answer phone calls 
• Take messages for the appropriate staff person
• Transfer calls to OLM staff 
• Gather appropriate information from clients 
• Answer questions regarding services offered 

Requirements: 

• 16 years old and up
  • Supervising adult chaperone required if under the age of 18
• Must be compassionate, understanding, and respectful to clients, staff, and fellow volunteers
• Be self-directed and willing to take initiative
• Must be dependable and punctual 
• Ability to be organized, follow processes and keep client information private 
• Must be able to assist and guide clients who have limited English 
• Able to multitask, and remain calm during busy periods

Training: 

• Review the general volunteer orientation video 
• Attend Front Desk Training (offered on a monthly basis) 
• Peer-shadowing of a Front Desk Receptionist Volunteer 

Time Commitment: Varies depending on the volunteers' schedule. Volunteers will typically have a consistent weekly shift. or will be a substitute when a weekly volunteer is unable to attend their scheduled shift. Shifts are available Monday through Friday from 9am-1pm and 1pm-4:30pm (Downtown) and 2pm-4:30pm (Johns Island)

Benefits:

• Valuable relationships built with clients, fellow volunteers, and OLM staff
• Additional training opportunities
• Quarterly volunteer gatherings 
• Fun and fulfillment outside of your day-to-day routine

The Van Driver will pick up food bank orders from North Charleston using the organization’s van located on John’s Island. The volunteer may also assist with additional drop off and pick-ups as needed by the organization. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Safely pick up food orders from North Charleston and deliver them to the organization 
• Pick up and drop off other items as needed by the organization 
• Serve as a liaison between Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach and organizations in the community

Requirements: 

• 18 years or older
• Must have a clean driving record 
• Must be professional and friendly 
• Be courteous and personable when working with the public
• Must be dependable and punctual 

Training: 

• Review general volunteer orientation video 
• Peer-shadowing–opportunity to learn route, ask questions, and see the role in action 

Time Commitment: 

• Minimum of 3 hours/week 

Benefits:

• Valuable relationships built with community organizations, fellow volunteers, and OLM staff
• Additional training opportunities
• Quarterly volunteer gatherings 
• Fun and fulfillment outside of your day-to-day routine

The Financial Literacy Instructor will guide clients through a fully developed curriculum to support the development of budgeting and financial management skills. In this role, the volunteer will work closely with Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach’s social services team to ensure clients success in their journey. No prior experience is required for this position. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Guide clients through the Financial Literacy Curriculum 
• Lead the course and be willing to work with groups of 5-10 adult learners 
• Work alongside the social services team for long-term client success 

Requirements: 

• Must be patient and excited to guide others
• Must be professional and friendly 
• Be courteous and personable when working with the public
• Must be dependable and punctual 

Training: 

• Review the general volunteer orientation video 
• Financial Literacy Curriculum Training 

Time Commitment: 

• At least one Friday per month from 9:45-11am

Benefits:

• Valuable relationships built with community organizations, fellow volunteers, and OLM staff
• Additional training opportunities
• Quarterly volunteer gatherings 
• Fun and fulfillment outside of your day-to-day routine

The Bilingual (Spanish-English) Front Desk Receptionist will perform a variety of tasks dependent on the day-to-day needs of the organization. This will include answering phones,  assisting “walk-in” clients,  and answering general questions about services offered by Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach.  Additionally, Front Desk Receptionists may be asked to complete other clerical tasks to assist the Senior Social Services Manager or the Wellness Center Office Assistant. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Be the welcoming face and voice of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach 
• Answer phone calls 
• Take messages for the appropriate staff person, and transfer calls to OLM staff 
• Gather appropriate information from clients 
• Answer questions regarding services offered 

Requirements: 

• 16 years old and up
  • Supervising adult chaperone required if under the age of 18
• Must be compassionate, understanding, and respectful to clients, staff, and fellow volunteers
• Be self-directed and willing to take initiative
• Must be dependable and punctual 
• Ability to be organized, follow processes and keep client information private 
• Must be able to assist and guide clients who have limited English 
• Able to multitask, and remain calm during busy periods

Training: 

• Review the general volunteer orientation video 
• Attend Front Desk Training (offered on a monthly basis) 
• Peer-shadowing of a Front Desk Receptionist Volunteer 

Time Commitment: Varies depending on the volunteers' schedule. Volunteers will typically have a consistent weekly shift. or will be a substitute when a weekly volunteer is unable to attend their scheduled shift. Shifts are available Monday through Friday from 9am-1pm and 1pm-4:30pm

Benefits:

• Valuable relationships built with clients, fellow volunteers, and OLM staff
• Additional training opportunities
• Quarterly volunteer gatherings 
• Fun and fulfillment outside of your day-to-day routine

Interested in volunteering as a group? We would be happy to have you! Please reference our group volunteer options below, and contact our Volunteer Services Manager Sydni Auvil, sydni.auvil@olmoutreach.org or 843-559-4109 Ext. 100 to schedule a time and activity that aligns with your group. 

General Group Requirements:

• Students/ individuals must be in 7th grade and up
• One to five supervisors to child ratio
• All groups must complete a liability release waiver (the Volunteer Services Coordinator will send it out prior to volunteer day)

Soup Kitchen: Monday through Friday volunteers assist Our Lady of Mercy Neighborhood House’s Soup Kitchen Manager: providing meals, beverages, and additional supplies to 60-100 community members. For this volunteer opportunity groups are typically scheduled 3-4 months in advance, so reach out soon if you are interested! 

• 16 years old and up
  • Supervising adult chaperone required if under the age of 18

Meal Preparation: Our community members love a hot meal! As a group you can prepare and bring in a ready to cook meal for at least 100 people. Meals should be prepared in large disposable containers. 

Maintenance and Upkeep: A welcoming and safe environment is important to Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach. Your group can help with this by assisting our Operations Manager in the completion of maintenance tasks, organizational projects, and clean-up efforts. 

Supply Drive: As an organization, we are always looking for supplies to support our food pantry, clothing room, wellness center, and education programs. As a group, you can hold a supply drive to support the various services offered to the community.