Volunteer with YWCA

Volunteers invest their hands and hearts in the work and mission of YWCA Cass Clay!

Some roll up their sleeves to sort donations, bake and cook in our kitchen, teach life skills classes, perform grounds clean-up, conduct donation drives, and set up for events. Others bring their leadership and expertise to our board of directors, committees, and event planning teams.

You can join us! Complete the volunteer application to get started.

Ways to Volunteer

With a Group

Gather your coworkers, community organization, church group, or family and friends to:

  • Prepare a meal for families at the shelter.

  • Do yard work, landscaping, painting, etc.

  • Clean, organize, or sort donations.

  • Plan a special activity for women and families! Ideas include:

    • Host a movie night - bring a DVD and snacks for an easy, all-ages activity

    • Host a craft - gather supplies and plan an activity for women, children, or both!

    • Host a spa day - bring face masks, nail polish, etc. for women to treat themselves.

    • Host a backyard BBQ - from outdoor games to s’mores, you can bring joy to YWCA!

Volunteer groups up to 25 are welcome Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.

As an Individual

Donation Sorting/Organizing

Assist with organizing donations dropped off at the Shelter. Donations from our community ensure we provide essential items to the families we serve.

Childcare Assistant

Work with infants, toddlers, and young children on daily activities with YWCA Childcare staff in our Childcare. Center located at YWCA Emergency Shelter.

Study Buddies Mentor

Help children calling YWCA Emergency Shelter home complete homework assignments and assist with leading educational and recreational activities for groups of school-age children.

Supportive Housing Moving

Assist families with the transition from the Shelter into supportive housing by helping ensure that each unit is properly furnished.

Education & Employment Class Instruction

Help women gain confidence by establishing a foundation for job readiness and career growth through a variety of classes. From resume building and interview preparation to stress management, you can help women on their empowerment journeys.

Special Event Volunteer

Help make YWCA’s signature events successful by setting up, greeting attendees, selling tickets, and so much more. Events include, but are not limited to, YWCA Women of the Year in April and YWCA Chocolate for Change in September.

*Orientation and training will be provided for individual volunteer positions. YWCA staff will follow up to set up an orientation time once you complete the volunteer application.

Virtual Volunteering

Want to volunteer, but on your own time and terms? Looking for a volunteer opportunity for youth? Check out these ways (and more) to be a virtual volunteer for YWCA!

Helpful Shopper
Stay on top of our Urgent Needs updated each week. Then just add an item or two to your cart when you shop and drop them off at YWCA Emergency Shelter (3000 S University Drive, 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday).

Equity Ambassador
Gather a group of friends, family, or coworkers to visit the RACE: Are we so different? exhibit and lead a discussion to learn and grow.

Wellness Supporter
Make wellness boxes or baskets containing water bottles, chapstick, coloring books, colored pencils, and/or other self-care items.

Events + Committees

Event and committee volunteers generously bring their knowledge, decision-making, and feedback to grow and support our programming and fundraising at events like YWCA Women of the Year and YWCA Chocolate for Change. To learn more about how you can help plan a YWCA event, join a committee, or be a helping hand at a YWCA event, email info@ywcacassclay.org.

Host a Drive

From new underwear to laundry soap, things we may take for granted are vitally needed by women escaping domestic violence and poverty…YOU can help!

We rely on the community to help us provide basic needs for those seeking safety and support at YWCA. Organizing a donation drive is a fun and interactive way to make a meaningful impact!

How to host a drive:

  1. Contact YWCA at volunteer@ywcacassclay.org or call (701) 232-3449 to let us know about your drive, brainstorm ideas of what to collect, and learn about our current needs.

  2. Download or customize donation drive materials or request the YWCA Cass Clay logo for use on posters and promotions.

  3. Coordinate a drop-off plan with our Volunteer Coordinator. We love to recognize these gifts in person and often highlight them on social media!

    If you’d like, we can provide additional fact sheets about YWCA and talk to your group about our mission.

Ideas for drives include:

Paper Products (paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, etc.)

Cleaning Supplies (laundry pods, dish soap, garbage bags, toilet bowl cleaner, etc.)

Dignity Kits (shampoo & conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes & toothpaste, menstrual products, etc.)

Beyond items we are constantly replenishing, our needs change seasonally - from hats and snow pants in winter to sunscreen and swimsuits in summer.

Want to host a drive around a particular theme? There is room to get creative! Email volunteer@ywcacassclay.org to get started.

In 2023,

3,357

Hours volunteered by community, committee, and board members

1,193

Individuals volunteered with YWCA Cass Clay

$103,026

Donated in volunteer time (using the hourly rate of $30.69 set by Independent Sector)

See our volunteers in action!

You can get started today!

Complete YWCA’s Volunteer Application to begin.

Questions?

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@ywcacassclay.org or call (701) 232-3449 for more questions about volunteering with YWCA!