Volunteer Opportunities for Mamas with Babes
Finding time to volunteer as a parent can be tough, but what if you want to do so with kid in tow? Are there any kid-friendly volunteer opportunities out there? Jeannine writes:
As a stay at home mama, I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to be with my son everyday. However, I am currently experiencing the longing to be out more in the community and "be of service". I wish to find some volunteer opportunities here in N/NE Portland where my son and I can go together and volunteer (feeding the homeless, community gardening, etc.). Volunteer jobs aren't always so welcoming to a mama with a toddler in tote. Any inspirational ideas for getting this mama out in the community and volunteering for a humanitarian project? Thanks for your input!
Meals on Wheels is very mama friendly. I was all set to volunteer with my 18 month old, but then I got pregnant again and wasn't feeling well enough to commit to volunteering.
Posted by: Brenna | June 04, 2008 at 08:22 PM
The Northwest Down Syndrome Association is always happy for more volunteers, and we take all sizes! Looking for an immediate fix? We need help with a rummage sale this Saturday at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in NE Portland. The more the merrier. Oh, and come shop. There's lots of great stuff!!
In terms of more long term stuff, we have a family friendly office and need help in several areas. If you are interested in working with a dynamic, creative, positive bunch of folks, we would be glad to have your help. You can check out our website at www.nwdsa.org for more info, or shoot me an email if you are interested. We take short and long term commitments both.
Posted by: abby | June 04, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Tryon Creek often needs office type help and they are very kid-friendly!
Posted by: philomom | June 04, 2008 at 11:02 PM
The Obama campaign has an office on NE 15th and Killingsworth. I haven't volunteered myself, although I have heard they are child-friendly and very flexible in terms of when they need volunteers. The campaign has an office on NE 15th and Killingsworth. Although (I am guessing), this is probably a slow(er) time for the campaign, the need for volunteers will probably increase as we get closer to November.
Posted by: anon | June 05, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Funny this comes up because jsut the other day I have a coversation with the volunteer coordinator at the Hawthorne HI hostel and I told him I would be happy to volunteer if I could wear my baby which he had not problem with at all--that would be a cool environment for kids too since it is such a diverse and lively crowd.
Posted by: Aisha | June 05, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Moms Helping Moms (MHM) Mentors
Pregnancy Support & Open Adoption Services
To act as a mentor and positive role model to pregnant women or newly parenting mothers by providing a listening ear, friendship, insight, practical experience and emotional support; example assistance could include: encouragement, transportation to a doctor’s appointment, help preparing meals and solicited parenting advice.
The search for MHM mentors is on-going. There are periodic meetings between all MHMs, an initial orientation, and resources for the MHM to utilize. Pregnancy Support & Open Adoption will maintain an active role in supporting this relationship for up to six months. Mentoring can then be independent of our office. MHMs may choose to mentor someone new at that time.
For more information, please call 503.238.5196.
Posted by: sherri | June 05, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Moms Helping Moms (MHM) Mentors
Pregnancy Support & Open Adoption Services
To act as a mentor and positive role model to pregnant women or newly parenting mothers by providing a listening ear, friendship, insight, practical experience and emotional support; example assistance could include: encouragement, transportation to a doctor’s appointment, help preparing meals and solicited parenting advice.
The search for MHM mentors is on-going. There are periodic meetings between all MHMs, an initial orientation, and resources for the MHM to utilize. Pregnancy Support & Open Adoption will maintain an active role in supporting this relationship for up to six months. Mentoring can then be independent of our office. MHMs may choose to mentor someone new at that time.
For more information, please call 503.238.5196.
Posted by: CC | June 05, 2008 at 10:18 AM
I found this link online that lists a few local places to volunteer with kids:
http://www.livepdx.com/Articles/Portland-Kids-Activities/?launch_pg=AritclePage&launch_sel=1008043&title=Pay+It+Forward%3A+Volunteering+with+the+Kids
Posted by: andrea | June 05, 2008 at 02:03 PM
The spring before my daughter was born, I took by 2-year-old to the NW Fred Meyer weekly to shop for Door to Door. I'd signed up through Hands on Portland. Through them, we found a ton of things to do together. We also made greeting cards for seniors and participated in the neighborhood spruce-up of Vernon school.
Posted by: Carla | June 05, 2008 at 06:08 PM
I used to work with Hands On Portland or HOP. Look into them. They have access to a lot of charities in the area. You can commit to a group project or look at the calendar and find just one day. You can work with the homeless, children,the environment, etc. It's a great way to meet people and feel good about helping.
Posted by: Cheryl | June 06, 2008 at 07:03 AM
I know exactly where you are coming from.
I started volunteering for Nursing Mothers Counsel in November and it has been so rewarding. I do phone counseling and teach breastfeeding classes, We are starting a sewing circle ( blankets for babies who don't have them) There are so many different ways you can volunteer with NMC. You can work just an hour a month or be really involved. And it is such an awesome group of women! It's www.nursingmotherscounsel.org
Posted by: lea | June 06, 2008 at 11:09 PM
Thanks ladies. This is exactly the type of feedback I was hoping for. Love you!
Posted by: Jeannine | June 07, 2008 at 01:26 PM
I work for the American Cancer Society and we have a wide variety of volunteer opportunites where children are welcome.
We are currently looking for people with an interest in the issue of breast cancer that would like to get a team together and walk in our Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk May 8, 2010 in the Rose Quarter-downtown Pdx. No registration fees, 4 miles and $$ raised should you decide to fundraise will support local programs & services for cancer patients. www.portlandstrides.org
We'll have a kick off breakfast on Thursday, March 4 2010 and I can get an invite to anyone interested in the issue that wants more info on walking!
503-795-3947 or amy.bartlett@cancer.org
Posted by: Amy Bartlett | December 17, 2009 at 07:16 PM