Genesis Home Volunteer Opportunities

1. Run a Genesis Home Fundraiser – Appropriate for any group of any size! Help us raise awareness in our community while bringing in much-needed funds to support the homeless families we serve. Run a carwash, hold a bake sale, invite friends to a dinner party - the possibilities are endless! Contact our Development Director, Shannon Moriarty (919-683-5878, ext. 22), to learn more.

2. Monthly Birthday Coordinator – Appropriate for a group commitment of 6-12 months. Arrange a monthly event to celebrate with residents and children who have birthdays that month. All residents and children would be welcome. Provide cake and ice cream, decorations, and devise age-appropriate amusement for participants. Games, movies, and special entertainment will make this a favorite for adults and children alike.

3. Adopt a Suite/Family – Appropriate for a short or long-term group commitment. Work with GH staff to prepare a suite for one of our newly arriving families. Help paint the walls, polish the floors, and prepare our resident suites with items that our families will need upon moving in. Suggestions include: shower curtains with rings, bath mats, towels, wastebaskets, plungers, and donated furniture.

4. Adopt a Graduate – Appropriate for groups, businesses or families willing to make a 3-6 month commitment. Help our recent graduates get settled in the community. Work with GH case management staff to provide recent program graduates with furniture and furnishings needed at move-in. Provide assistance during the Holiday season and occasionally throughout the year. Volunteers will work closely with case management staff to ensure that appropriate boundaries are created and respected in working with clients.

5. Lead a Monthly Group – Appropriate for individuals or groups willing to make a 3-6 month commitment. Do you have a special skill that you’d like to share with our families? Create a book club, gardening group, sewing circle or another activity that you can lead with our families. Visit with our parents during our weekly house meeting and recruit participants for your group. Help provide materials and teach a skill that will last a lifetime. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Dena Thomas (919-683-5878, ext. 28), to learn more.

6. Join the Board – Appropriate for individuals willing to make a three year commitment. Help ensure that Genesis Home achieves its mission. Review the agency’s finances, participate in one of our four subcommittees, make a contribution, and attend our monthly Board meetings. Board members are a vital part of the work that goes on at Genesis Home. Talk to our Executive Director, Ryan Fehrman (919-683-5878, ext. 21), to learn more.

7. Join the Communications and Public Relations Committee – Do you enjoy interviewing people or writing human interest stories? Then please assist us with the design and production of all major Genesis Home publications. This group will help create the public face of Genesis Home in the Durham community! Appropriate for individuals willing to make a 3-12 month commitment. Talk to our Development Director, Shannon Moriarty (919-683-5878, ext. 22), to learn more.

8. Join the Genesis Home Special Events Committee – If you enjoy throwing a great party, then this is the volunteer opportunity you are looking for! Members of this committee oversee the coordination of all special events, including Genesis Home’s signature event Durham’s Downtown Dinner Table. Appropriate for individuals willing to make a 3-6 month commitment, Special Events Committee members are responsible for introducing the community to Genesis Home through a series of special events and sponsorship opportunities. Talk to our Development Director, Shannon Moriarty (919-683-5878 ext. 22), to learn more.

9. Landscaping/ Grounds Crew – Appropriate for groups or motivated individuals willing to make a commitment of 3 months or longer. Help our maintenance staff keep the lawn mowed, hedges trimmed, weeds pulled, and grounds litter-free. Genesis Home has a large facility and we need all the help we can get. Large groups might be interested in raising funds for additional landscaping projects that will beautify the property and benefit our residents.

10. Skilled Labor – Appropriate for individuals or companies willing to work as needed. Are you an electrician? Plumber? HVAC specialist? If so, we’d love to talk to you. The agency has frequent maintenance needs that require the use of costly local vendors. If you can pitch in and lend your time, we’d be forever in your debt.

11. Child Care Provider – Appropriate for individuals and small groups willing to make a 3-6 month commitment. If you love kids, and would like to make a difference, our parents have asked that we create a 2-3 hour block, once per month, where parents can have some alone time. The strain of single parenting can take a toll and if you’re interested in working with children, this is the opportunity for you. Staff will be present if needed and the agency has a wealth of books, board games, and other entertainment for you to get started. All volunteers working with children must be willing to complete a background check to ensure the safety of our clients.