Volunteer
Covenant House New Jersey volunteers share their skills, passion, and experience. They send our youth a powerful message, that they are worthy of someone else’s time. They are an invaluable asset to us all!
Individual Opportunities
For our volunteers who will be directly working with our youth, most positions involve a two hour shift, once a week, bi-weekly, or monthly for a three month commitment. This timeframe provides a more stable environment for our young people and optimizes our resources. Volunteers for all on-site positions must be at least 23 years of age.
Take the Next Step – We Need Your Help!
To volunteer or to learn more
Our Most Immediate Volunteer Needs
(Click the arrow to see more about the volunteer opportunity)
Babysitting at Raphael’s Life House (Elizabeth)
Babysit for the babies of Raphael’s Life House as Mom gets some much needed rest & errands done. Babies are 6 weeks and older.
Locations: Elizabeth only
Wellness Instructor
The Wellness Instructor provides service to youth by facilitating exercise, art classes, music lessons or a variety of enrichment experiences that enhance our youth’s overall wellness. Chosen activity must be approved through the volunteer coordinator.
Locations: Newark, Atlantic City, Asbury Park, Elizabeth, and Montclair
Youth Empowerment Instructor
The Youth Empowerment instructor will assist and support our youth with a variety of tasks empowering them to reach their educational and employment goals at our Dove Learning Centers (DLC). The DLC focuses on education, employment, financial literacy, physical and mental wellness, and social navigation (life skills).
Locations: Newark, Atlantic City, Asbury Park, Montclair and Elizabeth
Host a Lunch, Dinner or Dessert for Our Youth and Staff
We love to share a meal and foster community with our youth, volunteers and staff. “Hosting” means that you will fund the cost of the meal, attend and serve (if you wish).
Locations: Newark, Atlantic City, Asbury Park, Elizabeth, and Montclair
Volunteer FAQ’s
IS THERE AN AGE REQUIREMENT FOR VOLUNTEERS?
We require that all onsite volunteers and guests be 23 years of age or older. If you’d like to engage your family, we hope you will consider doing an offsite drive or project to advocate for and benefit the youth of Covenant House NJ.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BECOMING A VOLUNTEER?
To volunteer as an individual at Covenant House NJ, you will need to be at least 23 years old and register using this form. Thereafter, you will be contacted by our Volunteer Coordinator to go through a screening process, including background checks, and on online orientation program.
If you would like to participate in our Prepare and Share a Meal Program, orientation is not required.
IS THERE A FEE FOR THE BACKGROUND CHECK?
We charge a fee of $30 for each background check. The fee can be paid by cash, check made out for Covenant House New Jersey, or by donating online.
CAN I GO TO MY LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT TO ORDER MY OWN BACKGROUND CHECK?
No. All volunteers must submit to a background check that we conduct in-house in accordance with Covenant House policies.
CAN I COMPLETE COURT ORDERED COMMUNITY SERVICE WITH COVENANT HOUSE?
Unfortunately, Covenant House NJ cannot approve court ordered community service.
Group Opportunities
Corporate Service Days
We recognize that successful partnerships don’t generally fit a one size fits all model. We’d love to learn about the needs of your organization and create a partnership that is meaningful, rewarding and sustainable for all involved. We can work with you to engage your employees in multiple ways including (but not limited to): volunteerism, service projects, supply drives, in-kind donations, cause-related marketing, employee giving, job creation, special event participation, sponsorship, and programmatic investments.
Physical Service Projects
Due to COVID, we are not able to have groups onsite for indoor projects. However, we have limited opportunities to assist with outdoor projects such as cleaning and gardening. If interested in available projects, please contact Nabijah Shabbazz or Lennon Moore. Their contact information is at the bottom of this page.
Ready to join or host a fundraising event?
(kcorley@covenanthouse.org)
