Volunteer as a Group
Tuesday Night Babysitting
In order to ensure that our residents attain self-sufficiency, all the parents living at our Transitional Living and Learning Center (TLLC) and Transitional Housing must attend life skills classes each Tuesday night. Classes include money management, parenting, conflict resolution, job readiness, and more. Volunteer to help in one of three rooms: 0-2 year olds, 3-4 year olds, or the 5-12 year olds while their parents are in class. This volunteer opportunity is ideal for individuals who have babysitting experience or would like to gain this experience while caring for young children. Tuesday evenings from 6:15pm-7:30pm.
Wednesday Evening Childcare
While parents at our TLLC are participating in a grant-funded support group, we need volunteers to help watch the children ages 0-12 years old. The ages can be broken up into 3 separate spaces if enough volunteers are present. Our goal is to give the children a safe and fun place to be while their parents work on healing. Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm-7:30pm.
Thursday Night Babysitting
The fourth Thursday of each month (with the exception of holidays) residents of our Transitional Living and Learning Center attend Resident Council Meetings. At these meetings, they hear from staff about upcoming events and any updates at the TLLC. Help facilitate attendance for our residents by helping with Child Care for 5-12 year olds during the resident meeting. An opportunity for individuals, churches, or groups. Every fourth Thursday each month (with the exception of holidays) from 6:15pm-7:30pm.
Library Monitor
The recently renovated Harvey E. Najim Library at the TLLC is still completing book set up — come help us catalog and label. Daily library monitors greet and warmly welcome attendees at library events; orient library visitors to the library or event site; are available to answer questions and direct patrons as needed; assist with upkeep/order of shelves; and help retrieve items as needed. Monday – Friday, from 4:00 – 8:00pm.
Teen Room Monitor
The teens at SAMMinistries always look forward to a fun escape from their day-to-day responsibilities. Come spend time with them by volunteering to open the Teen Room at our Transitional Living and Learning Center (TLLC). Volunteers can play video games, watch movies, or simply hang out and share laughs during Teen Room. Bringing a snack to share with the teens will ensure smiles all around! During the summer: Fridays from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Suggested days during the school year: Thursdays or Fridays from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Tuesday Meal Teams
Once a week the families of TLLC all share a meal together to build community before parents attend life skills classes for the evening. Each year we seek groups to provide dinner to the families each Tuesday night. Dinner is served at 5:30pm and must be completed in time for class at 6:30pm. Meals cost teams an average of $300. Tuesday evenings. Please note that dates are booked up to a year in advance.
Family Art
On Monday nights, an art instructor provides lessons to our families. The class has grown to almost 30 participants, so our families need you to assist the instructor with handing out supplies and keeping the younger children on task. Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm.
Boy Scouts
Every other Wednesday we have an individual volunteer that runs a Boy Scout troop of close to 15 boys ages 5-10 years old. An extra pair of hands to help him to keep the children on task with the activity for the week would be greatly appreciated. Bi-weekly, Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm
Service Project
Cleaning, organizing, and inventorying are vital to ensuring a safe, beautiful home for our residents. Volunteer teams can deep clean the kitchen and help with other needed maintenance of TLLC. Projects in the past have included: painting; mulching; gardening; and organizing the children’s library. This is an opportunity for churches or groups. Availability varies. Please contact 210-321-5639 for more information.
Host a Party
Our parents are busy going to work and school to support their families. They welcome any opportunity to spend time together as a family. Consider hosting a family enrichment event for the families living at TLLC. Ideas include: movie night; barbeque; family game night; and water fun day. Hosts are asked to provide ALL necessary items. Availability varies. Please contact Volunteer Services at 210-321-5639 for more information.
Special Events
Throughout the year, SAMMinistries hosts various special events. You can assist the SAMM team at events like our Empty Bowls fundraiser in March, Our Back2 School Bash in August, or Christmas Events at the end of the year. Please contact Volunteer Services at 210-321-5639 for more information.
Homework Helper
Nationally, 20% of all children who experience homelessness will fail their grade. Help break this cycle by assisting elementary-aged children to complete their homework at our Transitional Living and Learning Center (TLLC). This opportunity is ideal for high school and college students as well as adults who enjoy tutoring children. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 4pm-6:30pm during the school year.
Spiritual Services
The residents of TLLC are hungry for the Word of God. Can you help feed their spirit? Maybe your group has a calling to host a Bible study with the adults and children of TLLC. Does someone in your group have a passion for music ministry and want to share that with our residents? We are looking for interested church groups to host Spiritual Services at TLLC. We are open to your suggestions as to how best to bring the Word of God into the everyday lives of TLLC residents. This is an opportunity for churches. Availability varies. Please contact Volunteer Services at 210-321-5639 for more information.