United Way of Inner Wisconsin’s Volunteer Center promotes the volunteer needs of local non-profit organizations in both south Wood and Adams Counties on a weekly basis. Here is how you can get involved and volunteer for these great organizations.

Family Center- Safe Spaces for Pets: The Family Center is in need of temporary homes for pets of the families that need to be in our domestic abuse shelter. While we are providing shelter for the families, we need to find safe homes to house their pets. Pets are so very important to the women and children that have to leave their homes. We offer this service so it is one less thing they have to give up. This volunteer opportunity can and does happen with very little notice to the staff at the Family Center. Also, this opportunity for volunteering is not an everyday happening. You will able to choose the type of pet you bring into your home that works and fits with your family and home. A volunteer interview is required. You will supply a home, food, water and exercise. This is a fun volunteer job that you can do in your home.

Front Office Assistant: Front office help with the ability to answer a multi-line phone system and take messages. To assist with data entry and other various office tasks, including filing, the accepting and processing of donations, writing thank-you’s, and some light cleaning. We are in need of Office Assistants Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am and 4pm.  Shifts are a minimum of 3 to 4 hours, but can be up to 8 hours.

Food Pantry & Donation Assistant: The Family Center has a large on-site food pantry and clothing area which needs to be maintained. The pantry and clothing room is available for our in-house clients as well as those who are past clients. Duties include: Sorting and shelving clothing and pantry donations. Some light housekeeping.

Shelter Assistant: This is a direct services position. You will be working with the families who are currently in residence by helping with any of their immediate physical needs. Your job is to keep the shelter and the occupants feeling safe & secure. Other duties will include: listening when clients want to talk, answering phones, responding to crisis calls, logging any information that will help the next person on duty, helping to maintain order, and taking in fresh food donations. You are also welcomed to cook, to bake or to do a craft with the clients during your shift. There is always a staff person on-call should any problems occur while you are on duty. The shifts are 4 hours on weekends – no overnights. Occasionally, we need coverage during weekdays to help cover the shelter for staff meetings and trainings.

Visitation Assistant: Our Visitation Program includes safe exchanges and supervised visitation.  It is designed to offer families a safe and healthy environment to spend quality time together, which encourages positive child-parent relationships. Volunteers are needed to interact with children and parents, while assisting visitation staff to conduct exchanges and visitation.  Position also includes some office duties, as well as some light cleaning. Position is available between the hours of 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday.

United Way of Inner Wisconsin’s Volunteer Center at 715-421-0390 or visit our website at www.volunteerinnerwisc.org.