Volunteering Opportunities

Listen to what one volunteer has to say about joining the volunteer team at WOCRC.

 

WOCRC acknowledges that the time, energy and personal abilities of volunteers allow us to offer and sustain a variety of services.

Please browse the opportunities below and identify your areas when submitting your application.

*Note that compliance with the WOCRC COVID-19 vaccination policy is mandatory*

EarlyON Child and Family Centre (ages 0-6)*

The WOCRC’s EarlyON Child and Family Centre (CFC) provides a variety of free programs and services for parents and caregivers of children from birth to 6 years.

EarlyON CFC services are facilitated by experienced Family Resource Workers who can answer questions and provide information and access to referral services. Programs include:

– Drop-in playgroups where parents, caregivers and their children can play and learn together in a stimulating and safe environment
– Workshops on a variety of parenting and child development topics
– A Resource Library with puzzles, games, books, DVDs and resource kits available for lending
– Opportunities for parents and caregivers to connect with other people in our community

From children’s groups and workshops to presentations, we offer exciting opportunities for children and their parents to connect with their peers, access support, learn new skills, build self-esteem, make friends, have fun and contribute positively to life in their community.

Volunteer opportunities with the following programs available in various locations throughout Western Ottawa:

Drop-in playgroups
Assist with daily activities of the drop-in program. May include set up or clean up, welcoming participants, and interacting with children and their caregivers. Requires daytime, evening or Saturday availability.

Administration
Assist with special events and fundraising initiatives.
Assist with mailings, data entry or other office duties. Requires daytime availability.

“It has been a delight to volunteer for WOCRC. Staff is warm and inclusive. They are happy to assist and guide volunteers when needed. I have learned new things and have been able to share my strengths as I volunteer.” P.H.

“My volunteer experience from the start has been in an environment which has a nice friendly atmosphere. I always look forward to my volunteer days”. Kathy

Children & Youth (ages 12 – 18)

The WOCRC has a dynamic and vibrant range of services to benefit youth ages 12-18 and their families.

From youth groups and workshops to counselling, clinics, and presentations, we offer exciting opportunities for youth to connect with their friends, access support, learn new skills, build confidence, make lasting friendships and contribute positively to life in our community through volunteerism.

Volunteer opportunities with the following programs available in various locations throughout Western Ottawa:

Youth Drop-In (The ZONE)
The ZONE is a unique space just for youth aged 12-18 to meet new people and try new activities. Youth and their families can get connected to community resources and services. Requires evening availability.

Youth Drop-In (Queerios LGBTQ+*)
Queerios is a drop-in program for youth 12-18 who identify as LGBTQ+. Like The Zone, it has a focus on social activities, positive mental health, skill-building, and connecting youth to resources in their community. On-site counselling is available to all youth. Activities include art, sports, and games, as well as a nutrition program. Requires evening availability.

Community Support Services (CSS)

Our Community Support Services are available to seniors aged 55+ and adults with a physical disability living in the communities of Kanata, Stittsville, Nepean and West Carleton.

Community Support Services are for individuals who need support to function independently at home because of a disability, illness or limitation due to aging. Also known as home and community care, these services help individuals live at home and keep connected with their community. CSS is based on WOCRC’s guiding beliefs that value empowerment, equity, partnership and innovation. This is translated into meaningful, caring and personalized service, in order to enhance self-esteem and promote independence at home.

Volunteer opportunities with the following programs available in various locations throughout Western Ottawa:

Adult Day Program
Assist with supervised programming for adults with Alzheimer Disease or other dementia-related illness. Must be 15+. Requires daytime availability.

”Wow, it’s hard to put into a few words how my experience with WOCRC volunteering group has been something that I always looked forward to in the past, and am anxious to renew when possible again.  I guess I can say that at the end of my day’s participation with the Adult Day Program Group – clients, staff and other volunteers – I know that my day was worthwhile because I know I’ve helped others have a better day too.” Blyth

“Coming in to volunteer at the ADP is honestly the day I look forward to every week! The staff and clients are so very welcoming and lovely to work with and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.” Leyla

Diners’ Club
Assist with a social gathering and catered lunch for those who have difficulty getting out on their own. Must be 15+. Requires daytime availability.

“Volunteering for WOCRC is a very fulfilling experience. Helping and serving others leads to new friendships that are so rewarding.” Joan

“My sister Patti & I decided to follow in our parents’ footsteps and became volunteers for the weekly Diner’s Club.  We look forward to our Wednesday mornings, meeting with all of the lovely seniors – serving them coffee and cookies and then their lunches and as an added bonus we also get to enjoy the weekly entertainment.  It is nice chatting and getting to know them and you can tell they really appreciate all of the volunteers’ efforts.  These mornings make our hearts happy.  We look forward to returning once its safe again.” Cindy & Patti

Meals On Wheels
Hot or frozen meal delivery to seniors and adults with disabilities. Requires daytime availability.

“I have really enjoyed delivering for Meals on Wheels.  Our drivers are probably the only person some of our clients see on a regular basis.  I’d like to think that I made their day a little brighter.” Heather

Transportation
Driving seniors and adults with disabilities to medical and non-medical appointments. Requires daytime availability.

“Getting to know the clients on a personal basis, seeing them excited to come into the program, and how happy they are talking about their day when they get picked up.” Jeremy – WOCRC Transportation Driver

“I enjoy helping folks by driving them to and from their appointments.  A great chance to help out someone in need and to meet a fellow community member.  Very fulfilling and often makes my day more complete.” Ron – WOCRC Transportation Driver

“While I have only been a volunteer providing transportation  for WOCRC for approximately a year or two, I have met some amazing people both clients I drive and fellow volunteers. We provide a much-needed, some might even say an essential service to our clients without transportation options for getting to medical appointments or personal and shopping needs. We get great joy out of being able to provide a good service and hopefully make someone’s life easier.” Bill – WOCRC Transportation Driver

Telephone Assurance Program and Friendly Visiting
Volunteers are matched with individuals who are feeling isolated to provide regular social contact as well as the reassurance that help is available if needed. This free service may be provided by a personal face-to-face visit, by telephone or other means for clients who need regular social contact on a one-on-one basis.

“For the past 20 years or so I have volunteered for the WOCRC. Friendly visiting first, driving, and telephone assurance. Really enjoyed the experience and met some wonderful people. Always had excellent support from staff also!” Anonymous

Violence Against Women (Peer Support Program)

**Please note: This program is currently not accepting applications at this time as it is on hold.**

The Violence Against Women (VAW) program at the WOCRC has been providing support to women and children who live in the Kanata, Goulbourn, West Carleton, Rideau, Nepean, Osgoode and Bay wards. Access to support from Chrysalis House is not restricted to these areas.

The peer support program provides support to women who have experienced gender-based violence residing at Chrysalis House Shelter, a 25 bed shelter for women and their dependents who are fleeing violence.

Volunteer opportunities include, yet are not limited to :

• Child minding during shelter programs
• Office support for staff meetings
• Food and house care supports.
• Gardening and yard maintenance.
• Sorting and distributing donations.
• Bingo/game night
• Self care night
• Thursday Tea Time
• Tutoring
• Plant care
• Special events
• Mini workshops
• Virtual and/or phone/text Support

*Available in French and English