Young Parents Network
 Impacting Families. Empowering Generations.

205 12th Street SE

Cedar_Rapids,_IA_52404

(319) 364-8909

 

 
 

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Where would YOU like to make a difference?

Young Parents Network utilizes many volunteers in providing services to families and children within our community and surrounding communities.  The interests, skills and talents of volunteers are matched with the needs of the agency and families served. Through the volunteer program, families and children are given the opportunity to interact with others who serve as role models. By being exposed to positive values and situations, they learn they can make positive choices in their own lives.

Volunteer Eligibility:

  • Complete a Volunteer Application

  • Able to pass background checks in accordance with the Code of Iowa

  • Agree to uphold the confidentiality of our participants

  • Commit to an established amount of time

  • Have a genuine interest in the mission of Young Parents Network

Click the buttons below to find out more about volunteering at each of these programs....

    

    

GROUP 

There are several ways you can volunteer – individually, as a group or as a family unit. Following are some of the ongoing volunteer opportunities:

  • Facilitate a prenatal or parenting small group at the YPN weekly meetings.  Using YPN curriculum materials and under the supervision of staff, facilitate a group discussion on a specific prenatal or parenting topic with a group of 5-12 young parents.

  • Provide child care during the YPN weekly group meetings.

  • Provide a meal for one or more of the YPN weekly group meetings.

  • Become a food coordinator for the weekly group meetings.

  • Prepare parent/child activities used in the home visitation program.  All materials and a sample activity are provided.  Preparation can occur at the office or in your home.

  • Assist with a large group special activity held at least quarterly.  This may include serving food, clean up, child care, facilitating a parent/child activity or supervision of participants.

  • Donate items to be used in the incentive program through the Wee Care Shop.

  • Perform clerical work to assist staff, which may include making copies, filing or data entry.

CONTACT:

  • Beula Dvorak, Director of Prenatal & Parenting Programs, Linn County at (319) 364-8909

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CORNERSTONE

Volunteer opportunities within Cornerstone vary greatly.  Depending upon volunteer's skills and interests, we are able to utilize volunteers in a variety of ways.  

Here are a few examples of the opportunities currently available for volunteers:  

  • Helping to plan or staff groups or special events

  • Helping with the newsletter developed for families

  • Mentoring families by sharing skills in a variety of  areas (i.e. computers, budgeting, interviewing)

  • Providing a healthy, social connection with families and their children. 

Please don't let these ideas limit you!  Again, depending on YOUR interests, we have families who would love to benefit from your generosity!

CONTACT:

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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT 

YPN’s Youth Development program serves youth aged 6-18 in schools, after-school and summer programming, residential facilities, and off site programs including faith based organizations.  Volunteers are needed to help at every age level of service.

If you are interested in volunteering, here are some ongoing opportunities:

  • Peer Volunteers, also known as Parent Panelists are individuals who have experienced a pregnancy as a teenager or a young adult.  Panelists would be used in classroom settings to share their story with youth in an effort to prevent teen pregnancies. 

  • Volunteers are needed for support and mentoring at the Bridge Achievement Academy for after school and summer programs.

  • Youth volunteers are needed to sit on county Youth Advisory Boards to provide feedback to our staff regarding programming and other needs.

  • Facilitate a prenatal or parenting small group at the YPN weekly meetings.  Using YPN curriculum materials and under the supervision of staff, facilitate a group discussion on a specific prenatal or parenting topic with a group of 5-12 young parents.

CONTACT:

  • Crystal Hall, Director of Outreach, Iowa County at (319) 642-3113

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OUTREACH SERVICES 

There are several ways you can volunteer – individually, as a group or a family unit.  The following are some of the ongoing volunteer opportunities:

  • Facilitate a prenatal or parenting small group at the YPN weekly meetings. Using YPN curriculum materials and under the supervision of staff, facilitate a group discussion on a specific prenatal or parenting topic with a group of 5-12 young parents.

  • Provide child care during the YPN weekly group meetings.

  • Provide a meal for one or more of the YPN weekly group meetings.

  • Prepare parent/child activities used in the home visitation program. All materials and a sample activity are provided.  Preparation can occur at the office or in your home.

  • Assist with a large group special activity held at least quarterly.  This may include serving food, clean up, child care, facilitating a parent/child activity or supervision of participants.

  • Donate items to be used in the incentive program through the Wee Care Shop.

CONTACTS:

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