Volunteering
Volunteers play a significant role in fulfilling the mission of Alexander Youth Network. Volunteer Services supervises hundreds of volunteers in positions ranging from child mentors to office workers to fundraisers.
Opportunities are available at many of our locations with our Charlotte programs having the largest variety of needs. Some of the opportunities include:
Mentors
Alexander has a need for mentors to serve children from ages 5 to 18. Mentors visit with their match and provide friendship, a positive example, a listening ear, and trusted companionship for the child. The visits usually occur once a week during evenings or weekends.
Volunteers working with children are screened and must come for a tour and interview as well as participate in a three-hour orientation.
Tutors
Tutors work with a child one-on-one to practice academic skills. This could be as simple as reading to a child or listening to a child read. You can work with one child for about 30 minutes or a few children back-to-back. Tutors may come one day per week or more if available.
Lunch Buddies
Lunch buddies set aside 30 minutes once a week on a weekday for lunch with a child in our day treatment program in Charlotte. Lunch buddies help the child work on social skills, table manners and provide a bright spot in their day.
Recreation Volunteers
Recreation volunteers work with children in residential programs and in Day Treatment to provide therapeutic activities, including arts and crafts, talent shows, musical performances, and more. Performers, drama instructors and musicians are needed.
Other Opportunities
Other volunteer opportunities available may include:
- Administrative/clerical support
- Gifts-in-kind and clothing room coordinators
- Labels and BoxTops for Education
- Church liaisons
- Angel Network -- holiday gifts and activities
- Speaker's Bureau
- Volunteer group visits to residential program
- Campus/office beautification and maintenance
The Relatives
We also have volunteer opportunities at our crisis shelter, The Relatives on East Boulevard in Charlotte. To inquire about opportunities there, visit The Relatives website.