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

Create a welcoming evening for families experiencing homelessness

Meal & Hospitality Volunteers help provide a warm, reliable dinner and a sense of community for families staying at our Mt. Hope shelter. Each evening includes up to 24 individuals, with at least half being children and teens, so volunteers play a meaningful role in creating a calm, friendly space at the end of the day.

This is a great opportunity for individuals, pairs, friend groups, families, and small service teams.

What You’ll Do

Prepare or purchase a meal that includes a main dish and a side (dessert optional) Plan for up to 24 people (depending on how many are in the shelter), keeping in mind that many are youth Arrive between 5:30–5:45 p.m. Set up dinner buffet‑style Eat with families and offer light hospitality (conversation, card games, interacting with kids in common areas) Help with basic clean‑up before leaving around 7:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Meals do not need to be fancy — simple, kid‑friendly, and comforting is perfect.

When You’re Needed

Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Sign up for a specific date that works for you ( we will provide potential dates during training and orientation) Up to 4 volunteers per shift — bring a friend or two if you’d like

Who Can Volunteer

Adults 18+ Youth may volunteer with a parent or guardian Great for small groups, families, faith communities, and service clubs No stairs or heavy lifting required

Requirements

Background screening (completed through Family Promise) Approximately 2 hours of online training On‑site orientation at Mt. Hope before your first shift

Why This Role Matters

Sharing a meal is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to build community. Volunteers help families feel welcomed, supported, and seen — and often find that the conversations around the dinner table are the most meaningful part of the experience.

How to Sign Up

Sign up directly through this volunteer platform
or Email operations@lawrencefamilypromise.org to request a date

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.