Welcome to FIVE18 Family Services Volunteer and Intern Page!
We're glad you're here!
Looking to fulfill CSER hours?
Looking for a way to serve families and children?
Looking to build your skills or knowledge in serving families and children?
Looking to build a meaningful relationship that can change your life?
You have come to the right place!
Here's all you need to do:
1. Browse the opportunities below to find what connects with you.
2. Click the activity to learn more.
3. Complete the volunteer application on the right-hand side of the page.
I would like to volunteer
Get Social
Step Into a Faithful Community and Find Where You Can Serve
Childcare (on-site with staff and parents present)
Our childcare volunteers provide a safe, engaging space for children while parents attend support groups and training events. Volunteers will collaborate with staff beforehand to review the lesson plan and ask any questions.
What to Expect:
Before the Event - Arrive 30 minutes early to enjoy dinner, get familiar with the space, and review the lesson plan.
During the Event - Help lead activities, facilitate discussions, and supervise children in a structured, positive environment. A staff member will always be available for support
After the Event - Stay for about 30 minutes to assist with cleanup and sanitizing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead children through a prepared lesson plan
- Use TV or media devices to play relevant videos (Disney+ or YouTube)
- Encourage participation and discussion related to the lesson
- Provide supervision and foster a positive, inclusive space
- Assist with activity setup, participation, and cleanup
- Sanitize surfaces, toys, and shared spaces using disinfectant wipes/spray
- Sweep, vacuum, and take out the trash as needed
Training and guidance are provided.
Schedule: First Thursday of Every Month from 5-8 pm. Additional help may be needed through out the month as well.
Meal Support
Help create a welcoming experience for families by assisting with meal preparation for events and training sessions. All ingredients, drinks, snacks, and supplies will be provided. No need to worry about purchasing anything! Meals are typically served buffet style and pre-planned by a staff member.
What to Expect:
Before the Event - Assist with meal prep, food pickup, and setup.
During the Event - Help arrange and serve food while ensuring the meal area stays organized.
After the Event - Support cleanup by wiping down surfaces, handling dishes, and ensuring the space is left tidy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Cook or heat up pre-planned ingredients
- Cut and prepare food as needed
- Pick up food from stores or restaurants (if requested)
- Assemble dishes and arrange food on serving tables
- Set up dinnerware and serving utensils (napkins, plates, cutlery, etc.)
- Keep the meal area organized and welcoming
- Clean up by wiping counters, putting dishes in the sink/dishwasher, and sweeping as needed
This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy hospitality, meal prep, and creating a warm, family-friendly environment. Training and guidance are provided.
Host a Caregiver Education Class
Help strengthen families by providing a space for caregiver education classes that promote healthy attachment and trauma-informed caregiving. Our trained facilitators will lead the sessions. You simply provide the location!
What to Expect:
- Offer a gathering space in your home, church, or community location
- Choose to host a class for our clients or arrange a session for your own group (e.g., women’s groups, family-serving agencies, or community organizations)
- Our trained facilitators will lead the training. Your role is simply to provide the space and a welcoming environment
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide a comfortable meeting space with seating and minimal distractions
- Coordinate scheduling with our team to determine class timing and setup needs
- Invite participants (if hosting for your own group) and help spread awareness about the training opportunity
- Ensure basic logistics such as access to restrooms, parking, and an appropriate environment for learning
- Communicate with facilitators regarding any special accommodations or group needs
This is a great way to support families in your community by increasing access to valuable parenting tools and trauma-informed strategies.
Mentoring youth aged 14-21
Are you passionate about empowering young people to reach their full potential? As a mentor, you’ll build a meaningful relationship with a transitional-aged youth, providing guidance, support, and encouragement as they work toward self-directed goals.
What to Expect:
- Commit to a minimum of one year to provide consistency and stability
- Meet in person twice a month with your mentee
- Maintain regular check-ins throughout the week
- Build a flexible, natural mentoring relationship (activities are determined between mentor and mentee)
- Engage in everyday life skills, whether it’s grocery shopping together, playing basketball, or simply sharing conversation
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide consistent encouragement and a listening ear
- Support your mentee’s personal growth by helping them build life skills and confidence
- Engage in meaningful, age-appropriate activities that foster trust and development
- Commit to building a lasting connection that helps shape their future
Mentor Requirements:
- Must be 20+ years old
- Complete an interview, background check, and required documentation
- Finish online training before being matched with a mentee
- One Year Commitment
Transporting Client Families
Support families by providing as-needed transportation to events using a FIVE18 vehicle. This opportunity is not regularly scheduled and is offered on a case-by-case basis when transportation support is needed.
What to Expect:
- Transport clients safely to and from designated events.
- Follow all FIVE18 transportation policies and safety protocols.
- Communicate with staff to coordinate trip details.
Requirements:
- Must have a valid driver’s license and an approved driving record.
- Must complete any necessary orientation or safety training before transport.
This role is ideal for volunteers who are flexible, responsible, and eager to support families in meaningful ways.
Short-term hostings for children
Looking for a meaningful way to support children and families in your community? Become a host family and provide a safe, stable environment for a child in need of temporary care.
What to Expect:
- Open your home to a child in need for a single night up to 90 days
- Offer stability, care, and encouragement while parents work toward a long-term solution
- Identify the age range that best fits your family, from infants to teens
- Receive training, guidance, and ongoing support from our team
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide a safe and nurturing home during the child’s stay
- Partner with staff and families to support the child’s well-being
- Maintain open communication with the Family Services team
- Follow all safety guidelines and expectations for hosting
Requirements to Become a Host Family:
- Complete an interview, background check, and required documentation
- Complete online training before hosting
- Commit to the full screening and onboarding process (may take up to 90 days)
Your willingness to open your home, whether for a weekend stay or a month-long placement, can change a child’s life.
Apply today to become a host family, or email Family Engagement Coordinator Mickey Melunis at mmelunis@FIVE18.org with any questions!
Cleaning, Organizing, Filing
Organizing, tidying up, taking inventory, and handling other light cleaning tasks.
Applied Research and/or Program Evaluation
Are you a passionate about using data to make a difference?
Do you enjoy turning research into real-world solutions to improve people's lives?
Your passion and enthusiasm is needed to promote a strong data culture on our team and community conditions that help families thrive!
Hybrid and remote internship and practicum opportunities available.
Apply today or contact our Program Evaluation and Impact Analyst, Raven Johnson, at rjohnson@five18.org with any questions.
Dare2Dad Program
Dare2Dad is a 12-week program based on the 24/7 Dad Curriculum designed to help cultivate confidence in our fathers, and their ability to care and provide for their families. Our outreach covers topics from defining the role of a dad to effective ways to communicate.
Volunteers are needed to assist with facilitating the class or to earn CSER hours by helping at tabling events.
Donor Engagement
Volunteers will assist with donor mailings, making phone calls, and preparing newsletters and impact reports.
Event and Special Projects
Join our Director of Special Projects and Events and assist with a variety of tasks to help our events run smoothly. Volunteers will:
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Support event logistics, setup, and breakdown
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Assist with coordinating vendors and materials
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Help manage registration or check-in for attendees
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Prepare event materials, signage, or giveaways
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Provide general support to ensure events are organized and enjoyable
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys being behind the scenes, loves helping events come together, and wants to make a meaningful impact!
Counseling
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Marriage & Relationship Counseling
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Clinical Mental Health
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School-Based Counseling
Hat Creek Camp Program
There are multiple ways to get involved with our camp team. We offer summer internships, as well as volunteer opportunities at Hat Creek Camp in Brookneal, VA.
Community Collaboration
Support our CarePortal resource by working alongside community partners and engaging with families to help assess their needs. Volunteers will play a key role in connecting families with the right resources and services, while also assisting our Community Collaboration team with additional projects as needed.
One Day Special Events
Help with one-day events such as Trunk or Treat, the Impact Event, and community tabling events. Volunteers play an important role in making these events welcoming, fun, and successful!
Community Engagement (FIVE 18 Counseling)
Assist in promoting FIVE18 Counseling services and increasing community awareness. Responsibilities may include:
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Distributing flyers and informational materials throughout the community
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Supporting tabling events at schools, community centers, and local events
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Assisting with updates to newsletters and other communication materials
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Helping manage social media or online outreach campaigns (optional)
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Engaging with community members to answer questions and share resources
This role is ideal for individuals interested in marketing, community outreach, or counseling services, and provides hands-on experience in promoting vital services while building connections in the community.
Social Media
Social Media and COMS help- content creation, scheduling and posting social media content, reel recording and editing, photography, story telling, also some help with newsletter and other COMS related items.
Date: Fourth Wednesday from 11 am to 2pm
Administration Team
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Special Projects Volunteer | 0 | |||
| General Volunteer | 1 | |||
Community Collaboration
Support our CarePortal resource by working alongside community partners and engaging with families to help assess their needs. Volunteers will play a key role in connecting families with the right resources and services, while also assisting our Community Collaboration team with additional projects as needed.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Volunteer | 1 | |||
| Intern | 1 | |||
Donor Engagement Team
Volunteers will assist with donor mailings, making phone calls, and preparing newsletters and impact reports.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Migration Intern | 1 | 10/1/2025 | 5/29/2026 | |
| Donor Engagement Intern | 1 | |||
| Volunteer | 1 | |||
Family Care Team
Open your heart to a family
Below are opportunities for you to get connected to children and families in our area.
Let's journey together to help a family move from surviving to thriving!
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dare2Dad | 1 | |||
| Data & Research Volunteer | 1 | |||
| Donation Processing, organization, cleaning | 1 | |||
| Family Care Intern | 0 | 1/1/2026 | 5/31/2026 | |
| General Volunteer | 1 | |||
| Youth Mentoring | 1 | |||
FIVE18 Counseling
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Engagement Volunteer | 1 | |||
| Marriage & Family Relationships Intern | 1 | |||
Hat Creek Camp
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hat Creek Camp Intern | 1 | |||
| Summer Camp Volunteer | 1 | 5/4/2026 | 8/9/2026 | |
Mission Statement
FIVE18 is derived from 2 Corinthians 5:18 which states, “All this is from God, who reconciled himself to us through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” Because God pursues and restores healthy relationships with us, we are empowered to pursue and restore healthy relationships in the world around us.
Our mission is to build communities of faithful relationships that ensure children are safe and families are restored.
