Current Volunteer Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation is a nonprofit health and human service organization that assists thousands of people each year through direct service programs, research and community development. Established in 1906, the mission of the Wilder Foundation is to promote the social welfare of persons in the Saint Paul and greater east metropolitan area without regard to nationality, sex, color, religion or prejudice.
The Wilder Foundation’s work is focused so that children and families have what they need to achieve their full potential; that older adults have what they need to maximize their quality of life; and that residents and leaders are informed and engaged in creating solutions to address vital community issues. Wilder Volunteers:
Make an Impact by supporting our mission in a variety of ways for both
Individuals and
Groups:
Aging Services
Wilder Foundations Aging Services serve hundreds of older adults each year. These services help seniors in the East Metro remain active and live with independence and dignity. Volunteers make a difference in a variety of ways, from meal delivery to companionship. We are looking for volunteers to help in a number of ways.
Outreach Volunteer Reach out to those caring for a friend or family member by assisting Wilder staff at various East Metro events. Outgoing volunteers work at community booths to engage caregivers, helping them self-identify as caregivers and learn about available resources. Your help is needed, whether you commit to a one-time event, or can provide ongoing assistance. With our training and support, you can help older adults and their family and friend caregivers find solutions.
Meals on Wheels -Volunteers deliver noon meals to home-bound seniors and those with limited mobility in a number of central Saint Paul neighborhoods. Volunteer daily, weekly or as your schedule permits. Volunteers provide their own transportation and must have a current driver’s license. Meals are picked up at 650 Marshall Avenue and delivered between 10:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. All routes take 30 minutes to an hour
Adult Day Health Program Assistant – Adult Day Health programs improve the quality of life for individuals and their family members by providing a daily program of nutritional, health social and recreational services during daytime hours. Help with daily programming including meal time, activities and preparing seniors to leave for the day. Weekdays between 9:00-2:30 pm. Two to four hour shifts available.
Child Care Assistant
We’re looking for volunteers to have fun with children while parents attend a weekly support group. Experience and enthusiasm for working with children required. Your help is needed Wednesday evenings 4:30-7:30m, January through May.
Child Guidance Clinic
Established in 1924 the Wilder Child Guidance Clinic is an outpatient mental health clinic serving children and youth (birth to 17) with social, emotional, behavioral or family problems.
Play Assistant: We are in need of volunteers to spend positive, unconditional time with youth and families in the waiting area either before an appointment or during a sibling/child’s appointment. To role model healthy, appropriate adult-child interactions, to alleviate anxiety, to provide support and assistance and to teach new skills. Volunteers play games, assist with school work and the completion of paperwork, color or draw, read books tidy the area, and provide miscellaneous administrative assistance to the program, as needed. Qualifications Needed: Experience working with children and families with mental health issues, flexibility, patience, some knowledge of child development and effective behavior management strategies, preferred. Time Commitment Required: Minimum 1 day a week.
Child Guidance Clinic Administrator: Established in 1924 the Wilder Child Guidance Clinic is an outpatient mental health clinic serving children and youth (birth to 17) with social, emotional, behavioral or family problems. We are looking for bi-lingual volunteers who speak Hmong to help with scheduling, making reminder calls, arranging rides, and doing intake paperwork. Volunteers must be available for a minimum of two, 3 hour shifts between 10:00-6:00 pm Monday-Friday. Flexible scheduling is available.
Early Childhood Development
We serve students from 16 months to kindergarten who reside in greater Saint Paul. The program is designed to promote the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of participants including age appropriate proficiency in personal and social skills, language and literacy and mathematical thinking. It is accredited by the National Academy of Early childhood Development Programs.
Child Care Program Assistant: Volunteers have a chance to interact with a variety of role models within the program. Volunteers can also learn firsthand about early childhood development and early childhood education. Volunteers accompany children through projects and activities, play with kids indoors and outdoors, assist with arts and crafts and clean and organize classrooms and supplies. Shifts are available from 7:30-12:00 pm and 3:00-6:00 pm.
Southeast Asian Services
Wilder’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Services was established in 1984 to help a growing population of refugees with an array of mental health issues. The program serves Hmong, Cambodian, Karen and Vietnamese immigrants and refugees living in the East Metro area
Volunteer Driver: We are in need of volunteers to transport youth to Southeast Asian summer programs. Programming days include Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, five to six hours a week. Must complete an online driving evaluation w/in 30 days of receiving the online training through email and take refresher training every three years. Must provide proof of (300/100/300) car insurance. A Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) must be run annually. Foundation Drivers who drive clients in any vehicle with 9 or more seats must attend behind the wheel training. All drivers must sign and return a copy of the Vehicle Administrator Acknowledgement and a copy of the Driver policy acknowledgment form.
Community Support Aid: Duties include assisting with social/educational support groups, community contact with clients, and socialization client support. Hmong, Karen, Cambodian Vietnamese groups meet weekly. We are looking for bilingual volunteers to interact with clients by speaking English and/or Hmong, Vietnamese, Karen or Cambodian. Human service/social work experience required.
Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI)
The Youth Leadership Initiative is a multifaceted youth leadership program that requires not only a team of staff but volunteers to deliver effective and meaningful programming. All interested community members must be age 18 or older, have an interest and/or experience working with youth and pass a criminal background check. Flexible hours are required, including weeknights and/or weekends
Arts & Crafts
Established in 1924 the Wilder Child Guidance Clinic is an outpatient mental health clinic serving children and youth (birth to 17) with social, emotional, behavioral or family problems. We are looking for small volunteer groups (5-10 volunteers) to sponsor an art and craft activity during the week in the waiting area either before an appointment or during a sibling/child’s appointment. Activity days are scheduled Monday-Thursday between 1:30-5:30 pm. For more information on volunteering, contact volunteer@wilder.org or call 651-280-2460
Don't See What You're Looking For?
Sometimes volunteers are looking for an opportunity to use their own special skills to serve the Foundation and our community in a unique way that we haven't advertised. If you would like to volunteer with us, but you don't see the type of opportunity you're looking for contact us…
Examples of skills individuals have offered:
- Marketing
- Social Media
- Event Planning
Email volunteers@wilder.org if you are interested in volunteering.