Hephzibah Heartmates: Long-Term
A Heartmates mentor makes a long-term commitment to spend time with a child. As a mentor, you share in a child's life by spending time with him/her during outings in the community such as trips to the zoo, ball games, parks, shopping, etc. A child is matched with a volunteer to spend quality time with them two or three times a month.
Hephzibah's mentors are:
- Individual mentors-matched with one specific child.
- Team mentor-floats working with all the children.
At first, all mentors volunteer are on-site with the children and staff of Hephzibah. You learn the children's routine and staff expectations. You spend time with a child and engage her/him in activities such as; reading, helping with homework, playing games, art projects and computer activities. Staff will advise when it is appropriate for volunteers to take children on off-site activities. This will include such activities as: going to the library, having lunch, walking to get an ice cream cone or a cup of hot cocoa, biking, museums, ball games and other ideas that you want to bring to us!
Have questions or need information about mentoring a Hephzibah child? Please contact Molly Philosophos, Director of Development at volunteers@hephzibahhome.org
Corporate Citizenship
This program offers corporations a valuable opportunity to raise their visibility in the community as good corporate citizens, while building employee morale and fostering a team spirit among their employees. Corporations can choose from a variety of activities or bring their own ideas or projects to the table. This program provides opportunities for groups of corporate employees to contribute their skills and knowledge to support our mission - and for corporations to develop lasting partnerships with Hephzibah.
Please contact Molly Philosophos, Director of Development at: volunteers@hephzibahhome.org at for questions & information on Corporate Citizenship activities and events.
Homework Helpers: After School
Helpers assist in the After-School Academy for Hephzibah students. Volunteers commit to one or two days a week from September to June. These volunteer tutors read to children, help with homework and engage the children in creative play. The main goal is to help the children complete their homework, but an underlying aim is to provide a place where learning and reading are shared and enjoyed. underlying aim is to provide a place where learning and reading are shared and enjoyed. Contact Molly Philosophos, Director of Development at: volunteers@hephzibahhome.org for questions and information about volunteering as a Homework Helper!
Hephzibah Big Siblings: 12-18 years old
Our Big Brothers / Big Sisters are middles school and high school students ages 12-18. The students commit to once a week for one hundred days. Big Brothers / Big Sisters are on-site volunteers whether at Hephzibah or at one of the elementary schools in Oak Park through our After School Program. As a Big Sib your role is to be a friend to a child and provide a positive role model. You will help with homework, play games, read or teach the child a new game. When volunteering at the Group Homes most of the Big Sibs are matched with a specific child. Please contact Molly Philosophos, Director of Development at volunteers@hephzibahhome.org for information on Hephzibah Big Siblings volunteer opportunities.
Hephzibah Helpmates: Flexible Helpers
These general volunteers do not have regular assigned duties. Help Mates are ready and willing to help out where we need it most; volunteering with one-time projects, annual events or special events. These volunteers can work as individuals or within a group. This includes: planting spring flowers, art activities for children, church and school groups activities or help during the holidays. In addition, these volunteers can assist with FUNraising and FRIENDraising projects.
Do you have a specific skill or project you would like to do? Let us know in Volunteer Services! For questions or information about Hephzibah Helpmates volunteer positions, contact Molly Philosophos, Director of Development at volunteers@hephzibahhome.org.
Economy Shop Volunteers
The Economy Shop is a resale shop that has been a part of the Oak Park landscape almost as long as Hephzibah. We are one of six charities that receive proceeds from the sale of items at the Economy Shop. Volunteers donate their time to sort merchandise and work as sales clerks on sale days.
