Adopt-a-meal
This is a way to make a major impact- this helps the kitchen staff and their budget tremendously.
- Groups (no larger than 5-6) purchase food and prepare and serve a meal in the kitchen. The whole process is guided by our kitchen manager, who helps you choose the menu and buy the right stuff.
Adopt-a-meals can be done Monday through Saturday at noon for lunch and/or 5:00 pm for dinner; Sunday at 1 p.m. for lunch and/or 6 p.m. for dinner. It is most helpful on weekends as it allows the kitchen staff to have a day off on the weekend. Major holidays (and days surrounding) also present great opportunity and need for adopt-a-meals.
Advocate
- Look for opportunities to encourage businesses and groups to do food drives, toiletry drives, coat drives, etc. for Home Sweet Home.
- Recruit new volunteers or donors.
- Capitalize on regular opportunities to educate people within your circle of influence about HSHM.
Childcare
Childcare is needed at various times throughout the week to allow for clients to apply for jobs and attend classes.
Client Christmas Dinner - need 8-10 adult waiter/waitresses to serve clients their special dinner; also need 3-4 dishwashers for this meal. Meal takes place at 5 pm.
Client Programming
Want to make a direct positive influence in the life of one or more of our clients? Here is the place to serve:
- Tutor - Weekday afternoons
- Story hour - Weekday afternoons
- Weekly classes on topics such as social skill building, vocation, money management, reading (children and adults), etc.
- Saturday festivals (games, prizes, entertainment, etc.)
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Drives
Engage your co-workers, small group, friends, and family to host a drive to benefit HSHM.
- Types of drives that can benefit us include: Canned food drives, toiletry drives, linens drives, supplies such as cleaning products, air fresheners, etc., school supplies, shoes, coats and Christmas presents.
- Help distribute food boxes to the needy. Greeting families and carrying boxes to their cars is a great ministry. Food boxes are distributed three days per week- M, W, F 1-3 pm.
Errand Drivers
Pick up donated goods
Grocery shop at local stores on Wednesdays
Events
Want to organize or participate in an event that will encourage and entertain our clients? Upcoming events include:
- Annual Art Show
- Carnivals for children and adults
- Recreation- movie night, game night, fun activities for clients and kids.
Facilitate Classes
Integral to life transformation is awareness and education. Classes (broad topics listed below) are offered weekday mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
- Life Skills
- Social Skill Development
- Vocational Development
- Recovery
- Book Club
Fleet Management
We have many vehicles that get donated to HSHM that we use for organizational needs and to gift to clients. These vehicles need lots of time and attention and we don't always have the people and time to devote to them. Here are some ways you can help:
- Clean the inside and outside of the vehicles.
- Take vehicles for regular oil changes.
- Check tires.
- Check for potential problems.
- Take vehicles for necessary repairs.
Holiday
Meal Delivery
HSHM, with the help of many volunteers, delivers and serves hot meals to people who are shut in or hungry in the Bloomington, Normal and surrounding areas. Volunteers work for a couple of hours between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- Assemble meals and utensils in delivery boxes
- Food Preparation
- Deliver meals
- Set up and/or Tear down
- Serve 12:30 meal at Billy Shelper Center to homeless and hungry clients
Kitchen work
We served over 100,000 meals from our kitchen last year and expect the numbers to be higher this year. Kitchen help is needed every day of the week in the mornings and afternoons. Children volunteers must be 12 years of age and volunteer with an adult.
- Basic food preparation
- Cooking meals
- Grocery pick up from local stores
Maintenance
Monthly deep cleaning of shelter.
Monthly maintenance (i.e. light bulb replacement, fire extinguisher checks, etc.)
Light handy work.
Grounds keeping during summer months.
Furniture moving as needed.
Painting as needed.
Light construction as needed.
Renovation point of contact or consultant to help us organize these activities.
Building beautification such as decorating for holidays, etc.
One on One Discipleship
Meet with a client on a regular basis; mentorship but with a spiritual focus. The frequency is determined by the mentor and mentoree.
Volunteer Coordination
Assist with doing orientation for new volunteers.
Data entry.
Warehouse
Availability is Monday through Friday 8:00 to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturdays by appointment. Children must be 12 years of age to volunteer in the Warehouse with an adult.
Sort donated goods (clothes, toys, books, electronics, furniture, etc.)
Clean and prepare items for sale
