Volunteer

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Volunteer

There are several ways for volunteers to support our organization. Whether it is for a few hours, a few days, or for the long-term, we appreciate your interest and involvement.

Please note many of the YWCA ENS volunteer programs are on hold during this time due to COVID-19.

YWCA Evanston/North Shore requires all volunteers to submit their Covid-19 vaccination cards to Dena Stamatelos, Volunteer Coordinator, at dstamatelos@ywca-ens.org.

Here's how you can help:

We need volunteers year-round to help plan and staff events, including:

RAH 22 Volunteer Form

Complete this form if you are interested in volunteering for 2022 Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate.
Name(Required)
Are you under the age of 18?(Required)
Use this space to provide details if you are volunteering with a larger group. Also, list any questions or details you would like our team to note!

Please fill out what volunteer options you would be interested in below

Choose as many as you are able to do. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with your set shift and directions.
Volunteer Options before Race Day
Race Day (June 19th) Volunteer Options
Volunteer opportunities on Race Day- Arrival time(s) for volunteers on Race Day are 6:15 AM, 6:30 AM, and/or 7:00 AM depending on the option. Location: Floyd Long Field (corner of Lincoln Street and Sheridan Road), Evanston, IL. You will receive a confirmation e-mail confirming your shift and arrival time. Let us know what your preferred task is on Race Day and we will try our best to accommodate your request.
Liability Waiver(Required)
Four volunteers at the Race Against Hate wearing orange YWCA teeshirts.
We love our volunteers! The largest demand is in the spring and early summer as we get ready for the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate in June.

During the spring and summer months, we have volunteers assist in maintaining our garden beds! These beds provide fresh produce for our shelter residents. Please e-mail dstamatelos@ywca-ens.org if you are interested in signing up for a gardening shift.

Our first shift is Friday, May 20th at 10 AM for planting day! Thank you!

Our newly renovated shelter  offers a meal prep volunteer program. The goal of the program is to provide the residents of the shelter with regular dinner service, with a menu created and crafted by our Culinary Instructor, Paige Dyer.

Meal Prep Volunteer Expectations

  • Volunteers are expected to be on-site one day per week (more if willing and able!) during a specific shift in order to assist with food prep, cooking, serving, and cleaning tasks.
  • This program will occur Monday through Friday between the hours of 1:00pm-4:00pm; dinner service will be available to residents between 5:00 pm-6:30 pm.

We are looking for volunteers for the week of June 6th-June 10th, please e-mail dstamatelos@ywca-ens.org if you are interested

VolunteersYWCA owns and manages two social enterprises:

100% of proceeds from both shops support YWCA’s domestic violence and economic empowerment programs for women.

We welcome you as a volunteer!

Volunteers help the paid staff, working on displays, unpacking donations, selling, or doing whatever is needed.  Volunteers are needed both for special sales events or on a regular basis.  If you have a sense of fashion and skills in retail customer service, please consider interviewing to join our volunteer team!

Contact us for more information:

YWCA Shop for Good
Marko Djurovic, Shop Manager
847-853-8888
ywshop@ywca-ens.org

YWCA Crowded Closet
JoAnn Sylvano, Shop Manager
847-475-1135
crowdedcloset@ywca-ens.org

Coach with a participant in the Advancement ProjectFinancial coaches work one-on-one with someone to help them reach their financial goals. The program, called The Advancement Project, combines financial education, financial coaching, and peer-learning to empower adults to accomplish a specific financial goal of their choosing. Our goal is assist participants in creating a positive financial habit that will lead to improved confidence about managing their money and the ability to plan for their financial future. Learn more here.

Interested?

To become a volunteer financial coach, register here for Volunteer Financial Coach Training or contact Women’s Leadership and Economic Empowerment Director Shannon Callahan at scallahan@ywca-ens.org or (847) 864-8445 for more information.

Participants in Evanston Swims!Evanston Swims! is a community partnership program that provides second grade children in Evanston public schools with free swim lessons and classroom water safety instruction. Volunteers are needed to help in the water during swim lessons, as swim instructors, as classroom water safety instructors, or as adult chaperones – preferably families from District 65 schools.

Time commitment

Program volunteer shifts are usually once a month on Wednesday afternoons between 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm throughout the school year. Volunteers must complete a training session and clear District 65 background checks.

For more information about volunteering, please contact Evanston Swims! at evanstonswims@ywca-ens.org.

Direct service volunteers have the opportunity to work first-hand with our domestic violence clients and their children in a number of vital roles. Volunteers are required to complete a 40-hour DV training, available at YWCA Evanston/North Shore several times each year.

Children’s Program Volunteer (Program Paused)

Children’s Program Volunteers typically work in teams and help facilitate children’s activities. Volunteers must follow the shelter guidelines regarding non-violence and facilitate non-competitive play that fosters effective problem solving and communication skills. Volunteers are needed to assist with homework, arts and crafts, recreation, music, discussion groups, and more.

Court Advocate Program (Program Paused)

Volunteers assist clients in obtaining Orders of Protection, help with paperwork and filings, and accompany clients to court.

Time commitment: Shifts consist of a half day or full day, Monday – Friday. Volunteers must commit to at least one 3 hour shift per week for a period of one year.

Are you interested?

Volunteers are required to complete a 40-hour DV training, which is available at YWCA Evanston/North Shore several times each year.

If you have completed training, please email Hillary Douin, Domestic Violence Director, or call 847-864-8445 for volunteer opportunities in our Domestic Violence Services programs.

If you or your group have special skills, please consider donating your time and services to YWCA. We are in need of support in the following areas:

  • Child care
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Beauty Services
  • Yoga, Meditation or similar
  • Administrative support
  • Legal Services for our Domestic Violence Services clients
  • Gardening and landscaping

For more information about volunteering your services, contact Dena Stamatelos.

You can impact individuals across our communities by giving to YWCA.
Your gift provides domestic violence services, financial education, job training, and racial equity workshops. Your gift means women, children, and families will get the support they need to move forward. Your gift means hope for the future.
Ready to do more? Turn your compassion into action by making a gift today.
We’ve received a challenge grant from an anonymous funder that will match your gift dollar-for-dollar, and double your impact!

Donate Today!