Family & Children's Services Guelph Wellington - Volunteer Services

Homework Support Volunteers work one to one to with a child or youth to provide support with homework and motivation with, reading, writing or assignments. This could include educational outings like the library, museum, arboretum, or other topic based locations that engage the child or youth within the community. 

This role can build confidence and a sense of future educational achievements.  This role supports the child as well as provides respite to parents.

Commitment: 8 months, weekly, 1-2+ hours, scheduling at the discretion of the volunteer, taking into consideration the child/youth’s schedule

Responsibilities:

• Assist child/youth with learning challenges including reading, writing, homework and studying
• Provide a non-judgmental listening ear.
• Visit the child on a regular, consistent basis and on agreed upon dates and times
• Build a positive relationship and be a positive role model.
• If appropriate, include physical activity with the visit.
• Maintain confidentiality and boundaries.
• Be reliable, punctual, respectful and understanding of last-minute changes.

Requirements: 

• Ability to listen and be patient.
• Knowledge and interest in one or more subjects and ability to support elementary and/or high school educational curriculum.
• Demonstrated knowledge of literacy skills i.e., listening, speaking, reading and writing
• Can provide instruction and guidance.
• Vulnerable Sector Check (police check) and internal agency record check
• Attend orientation or training sessions.
• Work within the policies, procedures, and practices of FCSGW

Benefits to volunteering:

• The Knowledge that you are making a difference in someone’s life.
• Engage in a life-changing relationship built on friendship, trust, and empowerment.
• Share in a mutual interest or hobby with the mentee.
• Provide new experiences and opportunities to the child/youth.
• Orientation, training, and support from staff
• Gain future references for employment or education.
• Appreciation and recognition for your hard work
• Access to a variety of trainings provided by the program and/or agency

Staff Support:  Volunteers in this role are supported by an agency assigned worker and Coordinator of Volunteer Services.

Family & Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County is committed to the decolonization of the child welfare system while remaining focused on the safety and wellbeing of children with their families and kin. This includes challenging and responding to the structural inequalities experienced by families. Fundamental to the work of Family Services are the foundations of Equity, Anti-Oppression, Indigenous Safety, and Trauma in child welfare using the practice models of Signs of Safety and Family Finding.

Family & Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County is committed to working from an Anti-Oppressive and Equity practice and dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve. The agency encourages applications from members of an Equity deserving group and/or with lived experience. We are committed to creating an accessible environment for all. Please let us know if you have any accommodation needs.

For more information contact:

Coordinator of Volunteer Resources, 519-824-2410x 4438 or volunteer@fscgw.org