Volunteer Voice Exchange | St. John Center

Upcoming SJC Events

7/24/2025, Volunteer Voice Exchange

9/18/2025, Bingo and Briefs/Give for Good Lou

11/14/2025, Meat the Need

7/16/2025

“Find gratitude in your life story. Wake up every morning and say to yourself, “I made it from where I started, and I am so proud of that.” When we do this, we bless ourselves and feed ourselves with the love required for us to flourish and keep going no matter where we come from or what we have been through.” -Cleo Wade

SJC UPDATES:

Join us in celebrating former volunteer coordinator Raymond Schafer’s 70th birthday this Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 6 to 8:30 PM at St. John Center, and if you wish, you may make a donation to the shelter instead of bringing gifts.
We invite you to join us for the Volunteer Voice Exchange on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Arthur Street Hotel, located at 1620 Arthur St. Feel free to bring anyone interested in volunteering. Light snacks will be provided.
On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, SJC will be closed for a staff retreat, allowing clients to check their mail from 8 to 10 a.m., while all other volunteer shifts are cancelled, with regular hours resuming on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mark your calendars. Bingo and Briefs returns on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 6 PM, located at 700 E. Muhammad Ali Blvd.

NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT SHEEHAN:

1. Community Support Volunteers (“Floaters”)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 2 hours shifts throughout the day
These volunteers will support general community needs and may:

Sort and distribute donations
Assist clients with quick errands or social needs
Organize and restock the kitchenette
Set up games and activities in the community room and courtyard

2. Morning Meal Volunteers (“Breakfast Runners”)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00–10:00 a.m.
Responsibilities include:

Picking up breakfast items from Dare to Care
Setting up a continental breakfast in the conference room
Supporting coffee service and light food distribution

3. Pantry Supply Volunteers (“Pantry Runners”)
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12-2p.m.
Duties include:

Picking up building-wide food supplies from Dare to Care
Restocking and organizing pantry supplies

4. Pantry Distribution Volunteers (“Pantry Hosts”)
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
These volunteers will assist in:

Organizing the pantry
Distributing food and supplies to residents
Click here to sign up for shifts

AMAZON WISHLIST

Water

Bleach

Sugar

Coffee Creamer

Click here for the full Amazon wish list.

Raffle

Volunteers who sign up for a shift during the month of July will be entered to win a Titan cooler. The lucky winner will be notified by phone.

Coffee Room Tutorial: Serving Coffee

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee

Make sure the coffee pots are full and hot. If it’s empty, brew a fresh pot using the coffee machine.

Step 2: Greet the Client

Greet each guest with a friendly smile, and ask the client how they take their coffee:
- You may add up to 3 spoons of sugar and 3 spoons of creamer maximum per cup, based on the client’s request. Ask the client to keep their cup for the next cup of coffee.
- Offer the client a snack with their coffee.
- Clients may get as much coffee as they want while the coffee room is open.

Step 4: Serve Safely

Hand the cup to the guest carefully.

Step 5: Keep It Clean

Wipe down spills, restock supplies, and keep the area tidy throughout your shift.

OUTREACH REFERRAL SYSTEM:

We’re excited to share that St. John Center has launched a new Outreach Referral System to better connect those we serve with the support they need. This system allows staff to help guide individuals experiencing homelessness to our Outreach Team more efficiently and effectively.

If you encounter someone who may benefit from outreach services, please click (and share) this link: https://www.stjohncenter.org/outreach-referral/

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION:

We’re always looking for great volunteers like you. If you know anyone interested in giving back, please share this online volunteer orientation link with them. https://www.stjohncenter.org/volunteering/

“Are you looking to adjust your current volunteer shift or interested in securing a permanent volunteer spot? If so, please see Keesha for more information and assistance.”

OPEN VOLUNTEER SHIFTS:

Click here to check the available shifts.

Click here to sign up for shifts.

Stay Connected!

If you haven’t already, we’d love for you to join our Volunteer Facebook Group! It’s a great way to stay updated on upcoming opportunities, important announcements, and volunteer spotlights. Click here to join the group

You are essential to our mission, and we deeply appreciate your role as change-makers, helpers, and bringers of hope—thank you today and always!

7/9/2025

“To this day I believe we are here on Earth to live, grow, and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.” -Rosa Parks

SJC UPDATES:

If you haven’t already, please take a moment to register with our new volunteer scheduling platform, SignUp. This step is necessary for me to add you to shifts and keep everything organized. https://signup.com/go/vzvuSKQThank you for your continued support and flexibility as we transition to this new system. If you have any questions or need help registering, feel free to reach out!
Join us in celebrating former volunteer coordinator Raymond Schafer’s 70th birthday on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 6 to 8:30 PM at St. John Center, and if you wish, you may make a donation to the shelter instead of bringing gifts!
We invite you to join us for a Volunteer Voice Exchange on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM (location TBD); feel free to bring anyone interested in volunteering, and light snacks will be provided.
On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, SJC will be closed for a staff retreat, allowing clients to check their mail from 8 to 10 a.m., while all other volunteer shifts are cancelled, with regular hours resuming on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Get ready, everyone! Bingo and Briefs returns on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 6 PM, located at 700 E. Muhammad Ali Blvd.

NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT SHEEHAN:

1. Community Support Volunteers (“Floaters”)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 2 hours shifts throughout the day
These volunteers will support general community needs and may:

Sort and distribute donations
Assist clients with quick errands or social needs
Organize and restock the kitchenette
Set up games and activities in the community room and courtyard

2. Morning Meal Volunteers (“Breakfast Runners”)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00–10:00 a.m.
Responsibilities include:

Picking up breakfast items from Dare to Care
Setting up a continental breakfast in the conference room
Supporting coffee service and light food distribution

3. Pantry Supply Volunteers (“Pantry Runners”)
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12-2p.m.
Duties include:

Picking up building-wide food supplies from Dare to Care
Restocking and organizing pantry supplies

4. Pantry Distribution Volunteers (“Pantry Hosts”)
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
These volunteers will assist in:

Organizing the pantry
Distributing food and supplies to residents
Click here to sign up for shifts

AMAZON WISHLIST

Water

Coffee creamer

Sugar

Ponchos

Click here for the full Amazon wish list.

Raffle

Volunteers who sign up for a shift during the month of July will be entered to win a Titan cooler. The lucky winner will be notified by phone.

Mail Sorting & Filing:

Purpose: To ensure mail is sorted and filed efficiently so it’s easy to locate when needed.

Step 1: Sort Mail Alphabetically by Last Name

Gather all new mail and sort in the file tray.
Look at the name on each envelope – focus on the last name.
Then, within each pile, sort the mail in strict alphabetical order:
- Example:
  - Anderson
  - Brown
  - Carter
  - Davis

️ Step 2: Locate the Correct File Folder

Go to the file cabinet labeled for mail or client files.
Open the drawer that matches the last name’s first letter.
- For example, “Brown” would go in the “B” section.
Look through the hanging foldersalphabetically until you find the correctlast name.
- Some clients may share a last name—verify with first name or middle initial if needed.

Step 3: File the Mail

Once you locate the right folder, place the mail neatly inside in alphabetical order.
Do not bend, fold, or force mail into overstuffed folders—ask for help if it’s too full.
Close the folder and double-check that you didn’t misfile it.

Tips for Success

Always file by last name, even if the envelope only shows a first name (ask a staff member if unsure).
Keep the drawers neat.
Please see Keesha or a staff member with any questions.

OUTREACH REFERRAL SYSTEM:

If you encounter someone who may benefit from outreach services, please click (and share) this link: https://www.stjohncenter.org/outreach-referral/

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION:

We’re always looking for great volunteers like you! If you know anyone interested in giving back, please share this online volunteer orientation link with them. https://www.stjohncenter.org/volunteering/

OPEN VOLUNTEER SHIFTS:

Click here to check the available shifts.

Click here to sign up for shifts.

Stay Connected!
If you haven’t already, we invite you to join our Volunteer Facebook Page! It’s a great way to stay up to date on upcoming opportunities, important announcements, and volunteer highlights. Click here to join the group

You are essential to our mission, and we deeply appreciate your role as change-makers, helpers, and bringers of hope—thank you today and always!

7/3/2025

“We need movements rooted in love right now, movements powered not by difference and exclusion and punishment, but by common ground, compassion, humility, healthy boundaries, patience and healing.” -Adrienne Maree Brown

SJC UPDATES:

We are no longer using Bloomerang for volunteer scheduling. Effective immediately, all volunteer shift sign-ups will now be managed through SignUp.Please register with SignUp, if you’re a new user, as soon as possible and begin using it to sign up for your shifts:
https://signup.com/go/vzvuSKQ
SJC will close early at 2 PM on Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of the 4th of July holiday.
We invite you to join us for a Volunteer Voice Exchange on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM (location TBD); feel free to bring anyone interested in volunteering, and light snacks will be provided.
On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, SJC will be closed for a staff retreat, allowing clients to check their mail from 8 to 10 a.m., while all other volunteer shifts are cancelled, with regular hours resuming on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Get ready, everyone! Bingo and Briefs returns on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 6 PM, located at 700 E. Muhammad Ali Blvd.

NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT SHEEHAN:

1. Community Support Volunteers (“Floaters”)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 2 hours shifts throughout the day
These volunteers will support general community needs and may:

Sort and distribute donations
Assist clients with quick errands or social needs
Organize and restock the kitchenette
Set up games and activities in the community room and courtyard

2. Morning Meal Volunteers (“Breakfast Runners”)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00–10:00 a.m.
Responsibilities include:

Picking up breakfast items from Dare to Care
Setting up a continental breakfast in the conference room
Supporting coffee service and light food distribution

3. Pantry Supply Volunteers (“Pantry Runners”)
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12-2p.m.
Duties include:

Picking up building-wide food supplies from Dare to Care
Restocking and organizing pantry supplies

4. Pantry Distribution Volunteers (“Pantry Hosts”)
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
These volunteers will assist in:

Organizing the pantry
Distributing food and supplies to residents
Click here to sign up for shifts

AMAZON WISHLIST

Water

Coffee creamer

Wash cloths

Ponchos

Click here for the full Amazon wish list.

Congratulations, Jessie B. You’re the lucky winner of the Solar Smart Bird Feeder.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES/ORIENTATION:

If you know anyone interested in volunteer opportunities, please pass along the online volunteer link. https://www.stjohncenter.org/volunteering/

OPEN VOLUNTEER SHIFTS:

Click here to check the available shifts.

Click here to sign up for shifts.

DRESS CODE:

This is a friendly reminder to dress comfortably and appropriately for your volunteer shift. We recommend modest, weather-appropriate clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. Branded volunteer shirts are available. Please see Keesha or Ashley if you need an SJC T-shirt.

To maintain a respectful and welcoming environment for everyone, we kindly ask that you avoid clothing that may be considered offensive, overly graphic, contain foul language, political messages, or is sheer/see-through. While we value individual expression, it’s important that all clients, staff, and volunteers feel comfortable and respected at the shelter.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak with Keesha, Ashley, or any member of our leadership team. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

STAY CONNECTED:
If you haven’t already, we invite you to join our Volunteer Facebook Page! It’s a great way to stay up to date on upcoming opportunities, important announcements, and volunteer highlights. Click here to join the group

Thank you for being an invaluable member of our volunteer team at SJC; your readiness and kindness make a significant difference in our operations and further our cause.

6/26/2025

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we recently transitioned to a new volunteer sign-up system without prior notice. We recognize that this unexpected change may have caused confusion, inconvenience,(and happiness). We truly appreciate your flexibility and continued support throughout the process. Your dedication and willingness to adapt mean a great deal to us, and we’re grateful to have such a committed group of volunteers. Thank you for bearing with me as I continue to work and add volunteers to SignUp through the end of December 2025. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. -Keesha

SJC UPDATES:

I will be unavailable on Friday, June 27th and Monday, June 30th; please reach out to Ashley Murray at Amurray@stjohncenter.org if you need assistance during my absence. Thank you.
On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, SJC will be closed for a staff retreat, allowing clients to check their mail from 8 to 10 a.m., while all other volunteer shifts are cancelled, with regular hours resuming on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Get ready, everyone! Bingo and Briefs returns on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 6 PM, located at 700 E. Muhammad Ali Blvd.

NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT SHEEHAN:

1. Community Support Volunteers (“Floaters”)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 2 hours shifts throughout the day
These volunteers will support general community needs and may:

Sort and distribute donations
Assist clients with quick errands or social needs
Organize and restock the kitchenette
Set up games and activities in the community room and courtyard

2. Morning Meal Volunteers (“Breakfast Runners”)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00–10:00 a.m.
Responsibilities include:

Picking up breakfast items from Dare to Care
Setting up a continental breakfast in the conference room
Supporting coffee service and light food distribution

3. Pantry Supply Volunteers (“Pantry Runners”)
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12-2p.m.
Duties include:

Picking up building-wide food supplies from Dare to Care
Restocking and organizing pantry supplies

4. Pantry Distribution Volunteers (“Pantry Hosts”)
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
These volunteers will assist in:

Organizing the pantry
Distributing food and supplies to residents
Click here to sign up for shifts

AMAZON WISHLIST

Water

3 in 1 body wash

Ponchos

Click here for the full Amazon wish list.

Raffle

This June, volunteer for a chance to win a Solar Smart Bird Feeder. The lucky volunteer will be notified by phone.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES/ORIENTATION:

If you know anyone interested in volunteer opportunities, please pass along the online volunteer link. https://www.stjohncenter.org/volunteering/

OPEN VOLUNTEER SHIFTS:

Click here to check the available shifts.

Click here to sign up for shifts.

Thank you for standing with us through these difficult past few weeks. Your resilience, patience, and unwavering support have meant more than words can express. Even in tough times, your dedication has kept us moving forward. We’re incredibly grateful to have such a strong and compassionate team beside us.