Volunteer Opportunities
General Volunteer Opportunities
Thank you so very much for your interest in sharing your time with Youth In Need! Youth In Need is not currently accepting volunteers as part of our COVID re-entry policies. However, you can email Emily Birgenheier for more information.
Practicum Opportunities
Masters-level students in the fields of social work and counseling can learn about available practicum opportunities at Youth In Need by e-mailing practicum@youthinneed.org. Practicum students gain experience with individual, family and group counseling, as well as case management, advocacy, networking and play therapy. Youth In Need requires a two-semester commitment.
If you are an MSW student seeking a non-clinical practicum opportunity in Youth In Need’s Head Start and Early Head Start program, please email Michelle Burkhardt.
If you are a masters-level student seeking a management-focused practicum, please email Demetria Lightfoot.
Internship Opportunities
Undergraduate-level students should contact Youth In Need to learn about available internship opportunities. Interns can gain experience in a variety of fields, both administrative and client-based. Youth In Need does not include undergraduate-level students in its counseling programs.
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Love to be in the kitchen? Put your cooking skills to use preparing a meal for our kids.
Get your hands dirty! We have spacious grounds at various Youth In Need locations that are always in need of care and upkeep. Youth In Need has locations in six counties, so there is likely a location near you. Creative improvements to existing landscaping are welcome!
Be a friendly face at local events and community fairs.
Have a knack for helping kids learn? Enhance the learning experience of children, ages birth to 5, as a Classroom Assistant in our Early Learning Programs. Multiple locations and shifts are available to fit your schedule any day of the week.
Help us get organized! Help organize our wonderful community donations! We need helping hands on the second Tuesday and fourth Thursday of each month.
Hold a donation drive with your office, school, church or community group! Youth In Need will provide flyers and will come pick up the donations for you! Have fun by giving it a theme such as a “Tot Toothbrush Drive” or “Cozy Coats” winter coat drive.
Join us in the office! Your time is a huge gift to us! Help with everything from answering phones to filing. Available Monday through Friday.
Want to volunteer with other 20-, 30- and 40-somethings? Join our Young Professionals Group. Through networking, volunteering with our youth and organizing creative fundraising events, the Young Professionals Group is committed to making a positive change in our community.
Have a busy schedule? Help with Youth In Need’s Safe Place program that provides a refuge for youth throughout St. Louis and St. Charles Counties. Safe Place locations help youth in crisis, and you can help Youth In Need ensure that Safe Place sites are ready for new youth when they arrive. The schedule is flexible, and there is most likely a site near you.
Support the youth at our Emergency Shelter by providing assistance to staff in the office, in the kitchen, or just spending quality time with the kids and teens.
Handy around the house? Helping hands are needed to assist with building maintenance and general repairs.
Share your knowledge. We are always learning at Youth In Need. Professionals and agencies dealing with topics such as physical/occupational therapy, mental health, medicine, health, nutrition, pedestrian safety and financial literacy are needed to provide services and trainings to children, teens, families and staff.
Have one day to give? Volunteer for a special event or fundraiser. Call to inquire about our next event; they are going on all year long.
Thank you so much for your interest! Whatever your schedule and comfort level, there is a place for you at Youth In Need. We would love to have you join us when we resume volunteers.
