Volunteer

When Volunteers of America was founded in 1896, volunteerism derived from a military context, and to "volunteer" one's time in service to others was a full-time commitment. Our founders, Maud and Ballington Booth, and other early members of our organization came to call themselves Volunteers of America because they volunteered their whole lives to help people in need. This included - not only volunteering their time - but also their hearts, their spirits, and their professional prosperity.

Today, Volunteers of America helps more than 2 million people in over 400 communities in 46 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico through programs that are staffed by full-time, paid professionals who have adopted this same ideal of service as their full-time mission. However, that does not mean that we do not also depend on an army of modern-day "volunteers" who offer their free time to support our volunteer programs nationwide. In 2012, Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans helped 65,555 people in need throughout 16 parishes in southeast Louisiana. Since July of 2012, we have worked with 760 community volunteers. 

Opportunities for volunteers range from hosting a collection drive to tutoring a student to teaching a class at our Veterans Transitional Facility. Below is a list of recurring needs, but we also welcome any ideas you have to benefit the lives of those we serve. If you would like to join our ministry of service, read through our corporate, group, and individual opportunities listed below and contact the coordinator listed next to the opportunity of interest.

See our complete menu of volunteer opportunities below. 

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Position NameAdditional InfoLocationOpportunity TypeContact Information
Activities Coordinator Coordinate a one-time or reoccuring activity for one of our many programs. In the past, we've had volunteers teach students at one of our Lighthouse schools make origami, host an excercise class at our senior living facility and teach a class on nutrition at our Veterans Transitional Housing Facility. Also a great group opportunity!New Orleans, LARecreational ActivitiesJohnny Stone
(504) 486-8699
Donations CoordinatorDonations of: business attire, general clothing, canned food, kitchen appliances, personal hygiene items, kitchen and bed linenes and toiletries, help individuals and families that Volunteers of America serves to live a more healthy and productive life. Help by coordinating a donations drive of materials with your school, religious group, business or civic organization and we’ll come and pick up the donations when your collection is over. Also a great group opportunity! New Orleans, LAGroup OpportunitiesJohnny Stone
(504) 486-8699
Fresh Food Factor Kitchen AssistantVolunteers will work with FFF cook with food preparation, organize and package meals and with other kitchen-related tasks. Also a great opportunity for groups up to five!New Orleans, LAHunger & Food BankJohnny Stone
504-486-8699
Friends of Volunteers of AmericaDon't have the time to volunteer regularly because of your busy schedule? Would a one-time opportunity work better? Sign up to be a Friend of Volunteers of America. As a Friend, you will receive regular updates of how you and/or your group can: run check-ins, organize gifts, serve food, coordinate parking and help with various other tasks for one of our special, one-time events. New Orleans, LAFundraising & Special EventsJohnny Stone
(504) 486-8699
Lighthouse After-School AssistantVolunteers are needed to assist students who participate in the Lighthouse program with their homework and other enrichment activities, like: drawing, arts & crafts, reading, dance, drawing and music. The program runs during the school year from 3:00pm - 5:30pm. A background check is required for this position. New Orleans, LAEducation & LiteracyJohnny Stone
(504) 486-8699
Mentoring Children of PromiseMentoring Children of Promise matches mentors with children with an incarcerated parent. Without intervention, children with a parent in prison have a 70% chance of ending up being incarcerated themselves. With the New Orleans area having one of the highest incarceration rates in the U.S., this program is especially important for the more than 200 youth we serve. Mentors work one-on-one with children to provide them with extra acceptance, attention, encouragement, guidance and hope. A background check is required for this position. New Orleans, LAMentoringSherlyn Hughes
(504) 836-8701
Program VolunteerAssist program staff at one of our administrative offices around the city. Program Volunteers play a crucial role in streamlining the inner workings of a program and expanding the capacity of regular staff members. LAAdministrativeJohnny Stone
(504) 486-8699
RSVPThe RSVP program in St. Tammany Parish offers service opportunities to volunteers age 55 and older to use their skills and life experiences to help meet critical needs across the Parish. Volunteers are needed for tutoring, helping at the hospital, taking seniors to doctor's appointments, or working at a variety of positions around the community. St. Tammany ParishAllWanda Bonnett
(985) 612-1067
Terraces Housekeeping AssistantThe Terraces is an apartment complex that provides housing for seniors age 62 and older who are living on a limited income. Develop a friendship with one of our elderly consumers, and help them with various household tasks that become more difficult with age. Activities may include: making beds, sweeping, dusting, organizing, and any other simple tasks that may be hard for residents to perform. We are looking for volunteers to commit to a few hours on a weekly or monthly basis for a minimum of three months. A background check is required for this position. New Orleans, LAGeneralJohnny Stone
(504) 486-8699