Volunteer
Share your time & talents
Help Build a More Equitable Future!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with CAN!
Our volunteer opportunities align with the unique needs of each neighborhood we partner with. Learn more about our locations through the "Locations" tab above.
Working with Children & Youth in CAN's Educational Programs
After School Program Volunteer (individual)
Looking to be a positive role model for children in K-12 grades? This is a great opportunity!
Volunteers build meaningful, supportive relationships, help implement CAN’s educational curriculum, encourage social-emotional growth, provide academic/homework support, and help create an inclusive, collaborative environment. Pre-volunteering training and ongoing support from team members are provided.
Commitment:
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Minimum of 2-3 hours a week on a consistent schedule for a semester (Fall: Sept-Dec, Winter/Spring: Jan-May) or more.
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Programs run Monday through Thursday, and the schedule varies by site between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm from September to May.
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There is some flexibility, so please reach out to make sure we find the best fit.
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All adults (18+) working with our children & youth will complete a background check.
"I volunteered with the CAN summer program at Brick Elementary...and that work basically saved me...everyone in those classrooms brightened my day and summer! ...I am forever grateful for the experience of working with CAN."
-Rachel L.
After School Program enrichment support (Group 5+)
Want to share your talents or skills with students? This opportunity allows groups to provide enrichment activities during After School Programs, such as:
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Reading literacy
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Nature activities
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Art projects
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Other unique skills or talents
Commitment: Depends on volunteer availability and CAN community needs.
All adults (18+) working with our children & youth will complete a background check.
"One of my favorite aspects of the program is the (After School) program is the enthusiasm of the staff...and the energy the students bring every day." - Susan M.
Working with Family Stabilization through CAN's Food Distributions and Pantries
Food Distribution Volunteer
Perfect for individuals or small groups (2-5 people) interested in supporting food security and family stabilization. Volunteers help unload food trucks, inspect and organize food, prepare food bags, and distribute food to community members.
Volunteer Times by Location:
Arrowwood Hills- 2nd Friday of the month from 8:30 am-Noon
Brick- Thursdays from 9 am-11 am
Bryant- Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays from 9 am-Noon and/or 11 am-2 pm
Creekside Court- 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 1 pm-3 pm
Green Baxter Court- Every other Wednesday from 12:30 pm-2:30 pm (from 7/12/23)
Hikone- Every other Wednesday from 12:30 pm-3 pm (from 7/19/23)
Commitment:
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Minimum of 1x per week or as often as distributions occur for a
site-consistent schedule for a semester or more.
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Working with CAN's General Community Projects
and donating to CAN's annual drives
General Community projects and drives for agency needs
People who volunteer at CAN have a large range of interests and abilities. Our team is excited to explore where your interests and abilities intersect with the needs of each community center and its residents. Examples of ways volunteers have partnered with CAN include:
Community Projects:
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Community clean-up/trash pick-up events
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Working with CAN families to prepare community gardens for winter or spring and/or general landscaping around the community centers
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Deep cleaning CAN community centers
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Painting community center walls (touch-ups or repainting entire rooms)
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Donating nutritious meals/snacks for kids to enjoy during our After School Programs
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Collecting food, personal care items, and cleaning items for families to receive through CAN's emergency food pantries
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Volunteering during and donating items for community center events and parties. This could include donating meals/snacks, party supplies, serving food, or leading fun activities at parties.
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Assisting with renovation or center updates (including furniture assembling or dissembling, which requires some mechanical/tool know-how)
Annual Agency Drives:
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Providing food for summer camp
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Providing school supplies
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Providing Thanksgiving meal baskets and gift cards
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Providing holiday gifts to children based on their unique wishlists
Please contact volunteers@canwashtenaw.org
if you have any questions
Want to support the great work of CAN but not able to volunteer at this time?
Don't worry--there are other ways you can help!
You can support CAN by providing a financial contribution, signing up to give while you shop,
donating items/goods, becoming a corporate sponsor, and advocating for CAN's work
within your communities
Find out more information by clicking the buttons below.
