Opportunities From: United Way of Kaw Valley

At Family Promise of Lawrence (FPL), we believe that every family deserves a safe, welcoming space to land while working toward housing stability. That’s why we’re inviting volunteers to join our Repair and Renew team—a hands-on opportunity to make a lasting impact on the spaces where families heal, grow, and rebuild.

Goal: To help staff provide a safe, organized, and welcoming environment to all who visit our offices.

Outcome: By supporting the upkeep and organization of shared spaces—both indoors and outdoors—volunteers will directly reduce the time staff spend on logistical tasks, allowing them to focus more fully on serving families in crisis. This support is especially impactful for the case management team, whose work is often emotionally and administratively demanding. A well-maintained environment not only improves efficiency but also communicates dignity and care to every family who walks through our doors.

Responsibilities/Duties:

Cleaning and preparing homes between family transitions.Painting and minor repairs.Outdoor maintenance such as trash pickup, weeding, and leaf raking.Snow removal on walkways.

Qualifications/Education/Skills:

Required:

Willingness to support families in crisis through hands-on service and care for shared spaces.Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting (up to 75 lbs.), bending, walking, climbing stairs, and working outdoors in varied weather.Reliability and punctuality—shows up ready to contribute and communicates clearly if plans change.Respect for privacy, safety, and the dignity of families and staff.Ability to work independently or as part of a team, following guidance from staff and supervisors.

Preferred but not required:

Experience with basic home maintenance, painting, or landscaping.Familiarity with tools and safety practices (training provided).Comfort navigating transitional spaces with sensitivity and care.Interest in community service, housing justice, or volunteerism

Physical and Emotional Demands:

This role may require lifting and carrying up to 75 lbs., walking, stair climbing, bending, stretching, and working outdoors in varied weather. Tasks may include painting, minor repairs, and snow removal. Emotional demands include working in transitional spaces and observing signs of family crisis. Volunteers are expected to approach each space with respect and care

Purpose:
Help ensure donated items reach the families who need them most. Volunteers in this role assist with picking up donations from community members and delivering them to Family Promise of Lawrence families, creating safe, welcoming spaces for those in transition.

Responsibilities:

Coordinate with staff to schedule pick-ups from donors and drop-offs to families Safely lift, carry, and transport items such as furniture, household goods, and supplies Use personal vehicle (truck, van, SUV preferred) or assist another volunteer with loading/unloading Treat all items with care and respect, preserving dignity for recipient families Communicate clearly and kindly with donors, families, and staff

Role Flexibility:

This role can be split into two parts—Mover or Driver—or combined depending on the volunteer’s availability and vehicle access. Volunteers may work solo, in pairs, or as part of a team.

Time Commitment:

Flexible and on-call based on donation schedules Most opportunities occur weekdays, with occasional weekend needs

Location:

Pick-ups from donors across Douglas County Deliveries to Family Promise families or program sites

Care in Action: Volunteer to Help Maintain Landscaping

At Family Promise of Lawrence (FPL), we believe that every family deserves a safe, welcoming space to land while working toward housing stability. That’s why we’re inviting volunteers to join our Maintenance Team—a hands-on opportunity to make a lasting impact on the spaces where families heal, grow, and rebuild.

Volunteer role directly supports the mission by enhancing the physical environments where families are served and staff operate. Volunteers will assist with property upkeep, weeding, leaf raking and other outdoor landscaping needs, ensuring that transitional spaces are safe, welcoming, and functional. By maintaining walkways, refreshing garden beds, preparing homes between families, and caring for outdoor areas like Mount Hope, volunteers help create a dignified and supportive atmosphere. Their efforts allow staff to focus more fully on family stabilization, while also fostering a sense of pride and community stewardship throughout the organization.

Qualifications/Education/Skills:

Required:

Willingness to support families in crisis through hands-on service and care for shared spaces.

Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting (up to 75 lbs.), bending, walking, climbing stairs, and working outdoors in varied weather.

Reliability and punctuality—shows up ready to contribute and communicates clearly if plans change.

Respect for privacy, safety, and the dignity of families and staff.

Ability to work independently or as part of a team, following guidance from staff and supervisors.

Preferred but not required:

Experience with landscaping.

Familiarity with tools and safety practices (training provided).

Comfort navigating transitional spaces with sensitivity and care.

Interest in community service, housing justice, or volunteerism.

Physical and Emotional Demands: This role may require lifting and carrying up to 75 lbs., walking, stair climbing, bending, stretching, and working outdoors in varied weather. Tasks may include weeding, raking, planting, tree trimming and snow removal. Emotional demands include working in transitional spaces and observing signs of family crisis. Volunteers are expected to approach each space with respect and care.

Background checks/other screening requirements (this may include things like a Google search, social media search, and reference checks)

Help families feel welcomed—and keep shared spaces shining.
Family Promise of Lawrence (FPL) is looking for Clean and Prep Volunteers to help maintain safe, dignified environments for families in shelter. This hands-on role includes two key areas of impact:

Scheduled cleaning of common areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and shared living spaces to ensure they remain tidy, welcoming, and ready for daily use Episodic support between family transitions, helping clean and reset private rooms, deep cleaning of areas if needed, and prepare homes for new arrivals

Whether you're wiping down surfaces, restocking essentials, or deep cleaning, your care helps families feel seen and supported—and allows staff to focus on stabilization efforts.

Time Commitment:
Flexible! Volunteers can sign up for regular cleaning shifts or be contacted when turnover support is needed. Great for individuals or small groups who enjoy short-term, hands-on service.

Impact:
Your work helps create a sense of dignity and calm for families in crisis. Clean, organized spaces communicate care—and make a real difference in how families experience shelter.

Family Promise of Lawrence (FPL) empowers families in housing crisis to achieve stabilization through community connections. Our Operations Volunteers play a vital behind-the-scenes role in making that mission possible—by keeping our spaces safe, functional, and welcoming.